I have just moved to MD/DC (still looking for a permanent residence) but would love to find a quaint summer shore town to escape to on weekends, maybe year-round. Drove to Rehoboth (everyone told me was quaint) and was disappointed to find it was much more commercial in and around the town, the beach pretty tight dominated by boardwalk. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Looking for good shore for walking (with dogs), not so much swimming - just dipping, some sunning/quiet reading, and good water viewing. Shopping is not a priority but restaurants are. Thanks, all. Summer is finally here!

We vacation from DC to Bethany Beach, which is near Rehobeth. It is not as built up, and the beach is nice for sitting quietly and not being bothered. I believe it is a dry beach. Perfect for families and kids.

You won't find much in the way of restaurants in Bethany, however. We usually cook (to save money, mostly) or drive to Rehobeth for restaurants. No shopping in Bethany, either.

You might search for some of the Virginia threads and see if anyone has commented on Virginia beaches.

Anyway, welcome to DC, and I hope you enjoy it.

Try (get ready for bad spelling) Chincoteaque/Astateaque.

Rehoboth is definitely not quaint.

I forgot about the two beaches John mentioned (I can't spell them either). They're quaint, all right. They have wild ponies that roam the parking lots and beaches. You're reclined in your beach chair, and here comes a wild pony. They don't bother anyone, but they do, um, relieve themselves. Be careful where you step, if you know what I mean.

Try Deep Creek Lake