Day trip to beach from Washington DC?
 

We are going on vacation to Washington DC in June, and we would like to take a day trip to a nearby beach with our girls (14 and 13). We will rent a car and can leave early one morning and arrive back in DC in the evening. Does anyone have a suggestion for a beach? Thanks.

With 13- and 14-year-olds I would recommend Ocean City, MD. Head east on rte. 50 and you'll arrive at the old (south) section of O.C. in about 2- 2 1/2 hours. The boardwalk that starts at the inlet and runs to the north for more blocks than you'll care to walk is entertaining for all and there's plenty of sand, too. Amusement parks at the south end, Dumpsers for frozen custard and EVERYONE lines up for Thrashers fries! Lotsa fun!

I would go for Ocean City at well, with kids that age. It can seem rather garish and crass, however... not to mention BIG. If that's an issue, try Rehoboth Beach, in Delaware. It's a little bit closer than Ocean City (though not enough for that to be a deciding factor) and smaller. There's still a boardwalk, amusements, and a very nice beach.

Thanks for the information. I will look into Ocean City. It sounds like the perfect day trip.

Your life will be easier if you can do it on a Mon., Tues., Wed. or Thurs.

Yes; a weekday for sure! Traffic along Rt 50 can be horrendous on Fridays and weekends. (A piece of cake other times.)

Good point. We will be able to go on a weekday. Thanks.

If you're looking for a shorter trip (1 hour as opposed to 3), try Chesapeake Beach:
http://www.examiner.com/x-12492-DC-W...esapeake-Beach

1 hour would be nice. I'll take a look at Chesapeake Beach. Thanks.

Chesapeake Beach is a pleasant little residential community on the Bay, but it's not a "beach resort" by any measure. It has very little in the way of tourist infrastructure, very limited appeal for teens, and the swimming will be iffy (usually an abundance of stinging jellyfish). It may have a nice beach for the Bay, but that's not saying much. (Take a look at the picture in the link provided above.) It's a pleasant day-trip for locals, but if you want the beach experience it doesn't compare to the places on the Atlantic Ocean.