When you tire of the pool this summer, try a day trip to one of the region’s public beaches where you can swim. These swimming beaches in Maryland and Virginia are all within two hours of Northern Virginia.
MARYLAND
North Beach
Distance from Dulles: 1 hour, 15 minutes
This small beach in Calvert County, Maryland, sits on the Chesapeake Bay and is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. The water has few waves, and there are no lifeguards, so it’s swimming at your own risk. The town has a fishing pier and a seven-block boardwalk. You can bring coolers and umbrellas for a day trip, but leave the dog at home. And yes, you’ll find bathrooms nearby. You need to buy a beach pass for the day. 9023 Bay Ave., North Beach, Maryland, $25 for adults, $10 for children 3–11, $9 for seniors
Sandy Point State Park
Distance from Dulles: 1 hour, 20 minutes
Sandy Point is located just before the Bay Bridge. This 786-acre park with its 1-mile-long, lifeguard-protected sandy beach is a great spot for large and small gatherings. Take your own picnic or buy food there. The park has multiple picnic areas. Swimming is allowed, plus there is a bathhouse nearby with restrooms and showers. Fishing is permitted in certain areas, including the rock jetties, but if you’re 16 or older, you will need a sport fishing license. The park is open from 7 a.m. to sunset. 1100 E. College Pkwy., Annapolis, $5 per person on weekends, $4 on weekdays
Point Lookout State Park
Distance from Dulles: 2 hours
This small beach in St. Mary’s County, Maryland, allows swimming, fishing, and exercise, but is unguarded. Watch for jellyfish. Grills and picnic tables are on a first-come basis. There are restrooms. The park, on a peninsula between Chesapeake Bay and the Potomac River, opens at 7 a.m. and closes at sunset. 11175 Point Lookout Rd., Scotland, Maryland, $7 per person on weekends through September, $5 on weekdays.
VIRGINIA
Colonial Beach
Distance from Dulles: 1 hour, 50 minutes
Colonial Beach on the Potomac River has the second-largest public beach in Virginia, and is day-trip worthy (or even longer). The beach does not have lifeguards, and there is no cost to go on the sand. The town describes its North Beach as quieter than the beach near the boardwalk and pier. You’ll find shops, restaurants, and food trucks in this area. Castlewood Beach, the southern beach, is near the public boat launch and has picnic tables and play areas. There are restrooms. Parking is available on the street or in lots. You can pay at a Paystation meter or with a parking app. Beach Terrace, Colonial Beach, free
Lake Anna State Park
Distance from Dulles: 1 hour, 40 minutes
The state park in Spotsylvania has a large swimming beach on Lake Anna. If you go for a day trip, be forewarned: Parking ($10 on weekends and $7 on weekdays) fills up quickly, and the park closes at 4 p.m. You can change at the bathhouse. The park has walking trails, freshwater fishing, and a visitor center. 6800 Lawyers Rd., Spotsylvania; Swimming fees: $5 for ages 13 and up on weekends and $4 on weekdays, $4 for ages 3–12 on weekends and $3 on weekdays
Pleasants Landing at Lake Anna
Distance from Dulles: 1 hour, 50 minutes
Located in Louisa County, this is the other public beach on Lake Anna. Water shoes are recommended for going into the lake. The park is privately owned. It has grills and pavilions you can rent. A daily cabana or pop-up shelter is $20 a day to rent. You also can rent tandem kayaks, canoes, and pontoon boats. 349 Pleasant Landing Rd., Bumpass, $8 for adults, $5 for children
Feature image of Sandy Point State Park by Anna/stock.adobe.com
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