If you are looking for a relaxing beach vacation without having to travel too far, Washington D.C. may be just the place for you! The district is home to some of the most beautiful and secluded beaches on the east coast. Here are 15 of the best Washington D.C. beaches that you should check out this summer!
Best Beach in Washington
Sandy Point State Park
- Address: 1100 E College Pkwy, Annapolis, MD 21409, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.4 (8379)
- Phone: +1 410-974-2149
- Website: Link
- Opening hours:
Monday: 7:00 AM – 8:00 PMTuesday: 7:00 AM – 8:00 PMWednesday: 7:00 AM – 8:00 PMThursday: 7:00 AM – 8:00 PMFriday: 7:00 AM – 8:00 PMSaturday: 7:00 AM – 8:00 PMSunday: 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM
5 Replies to The 15 Most Beautiful Beaches in Washington
Leave Reply
Top 15 Most Beautiful Beaches in Washington
Rock Creek Park
- Address: 5200 Glover Rd NW, Washington, DC 20008, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.7 (3502)
- Phone: +1 202-895-6000
- Website: Link
- Price Info: Free
- Reviews:
Decided to check this park out and we were not disappointed. How is this vast green space right in our back yard? The website said 30+ miles of trials. We walked one of the roads closed off to vehicle traffic for a bit and took some of the trails as well. There were a lot of people walking, riding bikes and enjoying the outdoors, yet it didn’t seem crowded. Recommend planning your route in advance or having a trail app to help you out. Plenty of spaces to bring a picnic lunch or camp out along the water. Parking was a challenge. The parking lots fill up early. We ended up parking on the street near one of the embassies. If you look on the map, you will be able to see various parking options. Street parking worked for us so keep that option in mind too. If you haven’t been, what are you waiting for?By Patti Dybdahl (a month ago)Absolutely gem of a place! The trails are well defined and the weather is chilly as compared to city. Recommend this place for morning runs or walks and dog-walks or just getting away from city hustle. Extremely quiet and satisfying. Also has a small water body flowing by – nothing too great but good enough during most times of yearBy Durvank Yewle (2 months ago)We came here between mid to the end of Oct, and there were already some early fall foliage showing up. When the weather is good, the traffic might take quite a while to go in / get out of this area. Both walking or biking works in the trail. It’s a pretty nice park in general.By Da-Wang Wu (a month ago)Such an incredible place to destress and get away from the world on a Sunday morning. ?
Hiking at Rock Creek Park isn’t that steep, it’s actually great for beginners like me. ?
I started my journey by taking the Reservation 630 Trail, then I went on to the Western Ridge Trail, and ended on the Valley Trail. I also passed by Boulder Bridge and Rapid’s Bridge on the way.
My full journey lasted around 3 hours (8 – 11 am).
All I took with me on the hike was a large water thermos, a protein bar, and some rice crackers.
If you’re into biking, this park has the perfect biking AND running trails. They’re far away from people who prefer hiking on foot. I believe some areas are also pet-friendly. ?
I highly, highly recommend visiting the park! The scenery is just mesmerizing. ♥️?
By Sahar Bayounis (3 months ago)Great picnic areas. Spacious and clean spaces. Bathrooms were relatively clean for a park. No funky smell, well lit, and ac controlled.Kayaking, pedal boat, and row boat available on the lake.
Playgrounds are really nice. Home/bike trail available too.
By Maame N (6 months ago)
Gunpowder Falls State Park Hammerman Area
- Address: 7200 Graces Quarters Rd, Middle River, MD 21220, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.5 (2855)
- Phone: +1 410-335-3461
- Website: Link
- Opening hours:
Monday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PMTuesday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PMWednesday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PMThursday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PMFriday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PMSaturday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PMSunday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Reviews:
Such an amazing area to have a wedding! The cost can’t be beat ($200 for pavilion rental + $35 for the alcohol license). We were able to pull off the most gorgeous event at such an affordable price! The park rental was so easy by using the website, and all staff we interacted with were amazing. The location is absolutely gorgeous and there are swimming and kayak rentals within a short walk from the pavilion!By Stacey (3 months ago)Love having beaches close by to go to enjoy the water. Just a lazy day, ahhhhh! Everyone just having fun. The park has many, many places for grilling. There are trees so you can be in the shade if you choose. Just a lovely place to have a great time. It’s open year round, so I’m looking forward to extended beach time!By Colleen Humphries (2 months ago)A gem in your own backyard. Its close to the high way tucked in away from the traffic noise. A good choice for a family weekend getaway not too far from home(less gas usage) considering how much everything costs now.
If you are considering going to the beach, you can get all that here, plus picnic benches and tables, grills, trails, bring your own boat for fishing, play games, have a picnic, endless possibilities.By davies m (6 months ago)What a lovely park! We loved swimming at the beach all afternoon. Next time we go we want to use one of the picnic spots too. Bathrooms were clean and easy to find. We had trouble finding a good place to fish however, will need to do more research. Lots of parking!By Travis Rugemer (a month ago)It’s a lovely place. We went on memorial day and got a parking space, arrived a little before 11. The water is very cold but for how hot it was it was perfect. Also got fries from the little concession stand and they were very good.By Jesse Rose (5 months ago)
Meridian Hill Park
- Address: 16th St NW &, W St NW, Washington, DC 20009, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.5 (2782)
- Phone: +1 202-895-6000
- Website: Link
- Reviews:
This park is beautiful ? it has educational information about local plants and you can even purchase them. The park is larger than I expected with garden grounds and a pond.By Shay Wright (4 months ago)Had a great time at the park over the Valentine’s day weekend. I photographed a couple for their engagement pictures. Big day is in September of this. So happy to be working and sharing in this special moment. Great park, lots to see and do.By Debbie Perez (9 months ago)Nice park in the middle of the city it’s on a hill so it has a vibe and different levels to enjoy, it’s got a view of the Washington monument, lots of people chilling in hammocks and people having picnics and reading books , dogs playing sometimes people are slacklining and playing in drum circles. It’s always buzzingBy Dave Zol (2 months ago)this place is great for dog and people watching! could use some freshly planted grass though as it’s a bit dry and dirt like. overall fun times here!By Leslie Williston (8 months ago)Nice park! Great place for an impromptu yoga class!…Wonder why the name changed to Meridian Hill?By Shannon Curvey (2 years ago)
Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool
- Address: 2 Lincoln Memorial Cir NW, Washington, DC 20024, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.7 (1925)
- Phone: +1 202-426-6841
- Website: Link
- Opening hours:
Monday: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PMTuesday: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PMWednesday: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PMThursday: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PMFriday: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PMSaturday: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PMSunday: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Reviews:
Very pretty pool between the National Monument and the Lincoln Memorial. Reflects both. Nice to walk around or sit and people watch. It wasn’t too loud when we were there. Would be good for a place to study or have a picnic.By Jordynn Bryan (a month ago)Perfect for a walk! The reflecting pool is circled by a wide gravel walkway with a paved pathway running in parallel. It has easy walking access to all of the famous memorials. It also provides great views of the Lincoln and Washington Memorials. Their are several bikeshare stations along the way.By Peter Miral (a month ago)I recall the reflecting pool prior to a 34 million dollar renovation back in 2012. It was in rough shape but post renovation, it’s absolutely inviting. You can walk to the edge of the pool and it’s a great place to view both the Lincoln Memorial and WWII memorial. Highly recommend taking in the reflection pool during any visit to DC.By Marc Kline (2 months ago)Amazing spot to take reflective pictures of the monuments. Of course it s one of the way sightseeing in DC.
Also super nice spot to run or walk or enjoy the good weather when it shows up.
It is also nice to see at night.By BRUNET Emelyne (a week ago)Absolutely beautiful. The perfect place to take a walk and to enjoy the day. Not many words can capture the whole feeling and vibe when strolling along.By Yvonne (8 months ago)
US Navy Memorial Plaza
- Address: 701 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.6 (715)
Matapeake Park
- Address: 1112 Romancoke Rd, Stevensville, MD 21666, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.4 (458)
Lincoln Memorial Beach Volleyball Courts
- Address: Rock Crk Trl, Washington, DC 20037, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.6 (91)
Barbie Pond on Avenue Q
- Address: 2, 1454 1/2 Q St NW, Washington, DC 20009, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.6 (84)
Beach-Oswald Immigration Law Associates, P.C.
- Address: 888 17th St NW #310, Washington, DC 20006, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.6 (82)
Picnic Grove #6
- Address: 696 Beach Dr NW, Washington, DC 20012, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.8 (51)
Palm Beach Tan
- Address: 3418 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4 (40)
P Street Beach
- Address: 1414 22nd St NW #7, Washington, DC 20037, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.4 (37)
Picnic Grove #10
- Address: Beach Dr NW, Washington, DC 20015, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.7 (31)
Bathing Beach
- Address: Bathing Beach, Washington, DC 20242, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 3.2 (30)
Beach Drive Walking/Biking Path
- Address: Washington, DC 20011, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.8 (5)
That’s it for our list of the best beaches in Washington! If you have any arguments or additional information, please leave a comment. We love to hear from our readers. And don’t forget to check out some of the other posts on our blog for more travel inspiration. Happy beachcombing!
![One of the best [query] in Delaware, USA](https://www.statenavi.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/one-of-the-best-query-in-delaware-usa-1679818290-760x428.jpeg)
This is a great spot for a day trip. Especially during the week if you want to just enjoy the sun and lay out. During school months, it’s usually moms with kids under 5.. my son loved it, water is still a little cold in May, but great for the hot days we get closer to June. it’s clean, well kept. There’s a playground and a shower house. It definitely gets packed in the summer. But it’s still a nice little spot to get a beach type day in without traveling to OC.
It’s not bad for a day trip, although I probably wouldn’t go back myself. Nothing wrong with it though. It’s a long enough beach that you can find a spot if you walk far enough. Lots of kids. Few places to clean off your feet after. $5 per person to get in.
A good place to spend some quality time with family and friends during a sunny day. Ample parking is available,but you have to check availability. During weekends it will be full before 11 am. The water is not so clean to dive for and you also need to be careful with jelly fish. The view of the bay bridge is just mesmerizing. Visit once and enjoy the beach.
Beautiful clean State Park with views of the Bay Bridge. Trails for walking and many scenic views. Picnic areas to grill and have a family picnic. Playground, basketball court, showers, bathroom. A great place to enjoy your day.
I’ve seen Sandy Point many times while crossing the Bay Bridge and finally had an opportunity to visit. My only disappointment was I had waited so long to go to this excellent site.
The beach was huge and it wasn’t crowded. There is space for fishing, swimming, and just chilling by the water. There is also a wonderful trail system and spaces for camping etc. During the peak season, it appears there is a good & rental option but they weren’t opened when I came.
The views are also gorgeous here. Definitely stop at Sandy Point