Open Travel Guide
Beaches in Washington, D.C.

Best Beaches in Washington, D.C. 2026

Where to swim, surf, and do nothing in Washington, D.C. — and which stretch of coast suits which kind of day.

By Updated

This guide covers 5+ beaches in Washington, D.C. — Hains Point (East Potomac Park Beach), Georgetown Waterfront Park and Gravelly Point Park (Potomac River) top the list. Every recommendation carries its practical details: typical costs, the best time to visit, and what to know before you commit.

Beaches profiled
5
Reading time
~12 min
Last updated
May 2026

Washington, D.C. is the capital of the United States, a planned federal district occupying 68 square miles on the Potomac River between Maryland and Virginia. Home to the three branches of the U.S. federal government, world-class Smithsonian museums, iconic monuments, and a vibrant multicultural dining and arts scene, the city draws more than 24 million visitors annually. Most of the capital's major museums and memorials are free, making it one of the most accessible great cities on earth.

Top beaches

A ranked editor’s shortlist of the coastline worth planning a day around in Washington, D.C..

    • Fishing access
    • Walking paths
    • Picnic areas
    • Golf course adjacent
    • Potomac views

    Hains Point (East Potomac Park Beach)

    East Potomac Park, Southwest DC2 miles from National Mall

    • Riverfront promenade
    • Kayak rentals nearby
    • Outdoor dining adjacent
    • Boat tours
    • Picnic areas

    Georgetown Waterfront Park

    Georgetown3 miles from National Mall

    • Potomac River bank
    • Picnic tables
    • Airplane spotting (runway approach)
    • Biking paths
    • Grassy lounging areas

    Gravelly Point Park (Potomac River)

    Arlington, Virginia (0.5 miles from DCA airport)5 miles from National Mall

    • Sandy beach on Chesapeake Bay
    • Swimming
    • Lifeguards (Memorial Day–Labor Day)
    • Boat launch
    • Picnic pavilions
    • Fishing pier

    Sandy Point State Park (Day Trip — Chesapeake Bay)

    Annapolis, Maryland (33 miles east of DC)33 miles from DC (45–60 min drive)

    • Atlantic Ocean beach
    • Boardwalk (3-mile promenade)
    • Lifeguards
    • Restaurants
    • Water sports rentals
    • Hotels on beach

    Virginia Beach (Extended Day Trip)

    Virginia Beach, Virginia (204 miles southeast of DC)204 miles from DC (3.5–4 hour drive)

What to bring

A short packing list for a comfortable beach day — adjust for season and the specific spot.

  • Sun protectionHigh-SPF sunscreen, hat, polarised sunglasses, light long-sleeve cover-up.
  • HydrationReusable bottle, salty snacks for longer days, electrolyte sachets if it’s hot.
  • FootwearWater shoes for pebble or rocky entry, flip-flops for sand, dry pair for the trip home.
  • Swim & coverQuick-dry towel or sand-resistant mat, change of swimwear, light cover-up for restaurants.
  • Cash & valuablesSmall notes for beach clubs and rentals; waterproof pouch for phone, keys, cards.
  • ExtrasReef-safe sunscreen near protected coastline, a book, a small first-aid kit for jellyfish or scrapes.

Beach safety

Hard-earned guidance — read this before you swim, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the coast.

Critical

Swim where lifeguards are posted and follow flag warnings — green is safe, yellow is caution, red means no swimming. Rip currents are the leading beach hazard worldwide.

Caution

Watch for tide changes and marine life — jellyfish blooms, sea urchins on rocky entries, occasional shark or stingray advisories. Don’t swim alone, especially at dawn or dusk.

Tip

Reapply sunscreen every 90 minutes and after every swim. Take shade between 11 am and 3 pm — the sun is harsher than people expect, even when the air is cool.

Practical

Keep valuables out of sight or back at the accommodation. Beach theft is a small-but-real risk at busy beaches; never leave bags unattended while you’re in the water.

Related topics