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10 places to swim near DC if you want to avoid Bay Bridge traffic – NBC4 Washington

Posted on by Vaseline

The summer heat in the Washington, DC area means swimming season is in full swing.

Although the beaches along the Atlantic Ocean are beautiful, traffic on the Chesapeake Bay Bridge can be a nightmare. Why spend your beach day fighting gridlock?

Rivers, lakes, and swimming holes in Maryland and Virginia offer plenty of fun on natural waterways (go here if you’re looking for pools and splash parks!).

Favorite swimming spots near Washington, DC

These are our favorite swimming spots that are a short drive from the DC area. They are all open for the season starting Memorial Day weekend.

Mayo Beach in Edgewater, Maryland

Be sure to reserve a free pass before heading to Mayo Beach to enjoy the water in Anne Arundel County on Saturday, Sunday or other busy days (weekend passes are available on Mondays). You can play and wade in the shallow water, or bring your own kayak, canoe or sailboard. There are no lifeguards. Amenities include bathrooms and water bottle filling stations.

Where: 4150 Honeysuckle Drive, Edgewater, Maryland
Distance from DC: 34 miles

Three-year-old Tyonna Oliver-Terry in the city of North Beach.

North Beach, Maryland

Sink your toes in the sand or take a dip in the water at the pristine waterfront of North Beach on Maryland’s west coast, south of Annapolis. Looking for some exercise? Rent a kayak or stand-up paddleboard at the Welcome Center. (Note: There are no lifeguards on duty, so swim at your own risk.)

There isn’t much wave action, so North Beach is a good choice for a trip with kids.

View beach rates and purchase day passes here.

Where: 9023 Bay Ave., North Beach, Maryland
Distance from DC: 34 miles

A man lies on the beach while his family plays in the Chesapeake Bay and tries to escape the heat at Sandy Point State Park in Annapolis, Maryland on June 29, 2021. (Photo by JIM WATSON / AFP) (Photo by JIM WATSON/ AFP via Getty images)

Sandy Point State Park in Annapolis, Maryland

Watch a beautiful sunrise over the Chesapeake Bay or spend a day swimming in the water. You can also go fishing or crabbing (don’t forget to purchase a fishing license from Chesapeake Bay Sport). Grills and picnic tables near the marina make this a perfect spot for an afternoon of cooking.

Lifeguards are on duty at parts of the beach from Memorial Day through Labor Day weekends. Otherwise, swimmers go at their own risk.

Where: Sandy Point State Park, 1100 East College Parkway, Annapolis, Maryland
Distance from DC: 37 miles

Breezy Point Beach in Chesapeake Beach, Maryland

At Breezy Point Beach you can swim, fossil hunt and fish all summer long. You can check the beach’s Facebook page or call 410-535-0259 to make sure the beach isn’t full yet. Here you will find information about costs and facilities. Jet ski rentals are available nearby!

The beach will be restored from June 2024. So expect some beach areas near the campsite to be closed.

Where: Breezy Point Beach, 5300 Breezy Point Road, Chesapeake Beach, Maryland
Distance from DC: 43 miles

Beaver Dam Swimming Club in Cockeysville, Maryland

Take a rope swing into a freshwater quarry or spend the afternoon swimming in one of the Beaver Dam Swim Club’s two pools. When you need a break from the water, head to one of the club’s basketball or volleyball courts, or take advantage of the club’s grilling facilities to prepare your own feast. You can bring your own food and drinks, but alcohol is not allowed. There is also a snack bar. View admission prices here.

Where: 10820 Beaver Dam Road, Cockeysville, Maryland
Distance from DC: 57 miles

Tubing in the Harpers Ferry area

Float along the pristine Shenandoah River for stunning views of downtown Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, after renting an inner tube. Two outfitters can provide tubes and personal flotation equipment (and floating coolers, for an additional fee), and give you a ride to and from the water’s edge. Both allow you to choose your own adventure: floating on flat water or ripping down rapids from beginner class I to III.

The Harpers Ferry Adventure Center (37410 Adventure Center Lane, Purcellville, Virginia) has everything you need for a day on the water, plus ziplining, rafting or a ropes course at the home base. Accommodation is available on site via cabins and camping on the river or on the mountaintop.

River Riders Family Adventure Resort (408 Alstadts Hill Road, Harpers Ferry, West Virginia) is also open this season. In addition to access to tubing, you will also find an adventure park, a campsite and several cabins for rent.

Distance from DC: About 60 to 65 miles

Greenbrier State Park

A white-sand beach on a 42-acre man-made freshwater lake draws crowds from Memorial Day to Labor Day. You can rent rowboats and paddle boats by the hour or go fishing for trout, largemouth bass and bluegill with a Maryland Angler’s License. The park also features 11 miles of hiking trails.

Where: 21843 National Pike, Boonsboro, Maryland
Distance from DC: About 60 miles

Colonial beach in Virginia (Shutterstock)

The northern neck region of Virginia

Virginia’s Northern Neck region, where the Potomac River, Rappahannock River, and Chesapeake Bay meet, offers multiple beaches, quaint inns, and plenty of shopping. If you’re looking for a dip, check out some of these:

Distance from DC Mileage varies depending on your specific destination. Colonial Beach is 62 miles from DC

Hunting Creek Lake at Cunningham Falls State Park in Thurmont, Maryland

Hunting Creek Lake in Cunningham Falls State Park has three designated swimming areas where you can cool off. Lifeguards are on duty between 11am and 6pm, but if there are no lifeguards on duty you may swim at your own risk. Arrive early to ensure the park does not reach capacity.

Would you like to extend your stay? Make a weekend of it by renting a nearby camper cabin.

Where: William Houck Campground, 14039 Catoctin Hollow Road, Thurmont, Maryland
Distance from DC: 70 miles

Lake Anna State Park in Spotsylvania, Virginia

You can swim or fish (or both) at surprisingly close Lake Anna, one of Virginia’s largest freshwater lakes. Unsupervised swimming is available throughout the season.

If you are just making a day trip, make sure you arrive early as the car park closes once it is full. But there are also plenty of accommodations nearby.

Other nearby attractions include vineyards, antique shops, golf, historic sites and Kings Dominion theme park.

Where: 6800 Lawyers Road, Spotsylvania Courthouse, Virginia
Distance from DC 84 miles

James River Park System: Pony Pasture Rapids Park in Richmond, Virginia

The James River Park System (including Pony Pasture Rapids Park) runs along both sides of the James River as it flows through Richmond, a rare opportunity to access real rapids in an American city.

Enjoy kayaking, tubing, hiking, rock climbing, swimming and almost any other outdoor activity you want. Here’s what you need to know about swimming in the James River Park System.

Where: Pony Pasture Rapids, 7200 Riverside Drive, Richmond, Virginia
Distance from DC: 111 miles

Rocky Gap State Park in Flintstone, Maryland

The main attraction of the 3,000-acre Rocky Gap State Park is Lake Habeeb, which offers two public beaches surrounded by scenic Evitts Mountain. Camping, cabins and hot and cold food are also available. Admission fees are $4 for Maryland residents and $6 for out-of-state visitors on weekends and holidays. It is cheaper to visit during the week.

Where: 12500 Pleasant Valley Road NE, Flintstone, Maryland
Distance: 131 miles

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