Washington, D.C. Beaches

Heading out to a beach in Washington, D.C., DC can turn into a excellent adventure and has plenty of benefits for you and your loved ones. Regardless of the activity – swimming, building sandcastles, throwing the frisbee, having a picnic, fishing, or just catching some rays, beaches are a home for a wide range of amazing activities.

Locating a beautiful swimming beach in Washington, D.C. with plenty of space for beach activities isn’t too difficult. Below is a list to help you find a beach near Washington, D.C.. Begin, by entering your zip code in the following search box below.

Washington, D.C. Beaches

Weather at beaches in Washington, D.C. can be rather unpredictible, so it is important to schedule your trip accordingly.

The beach could be temporarily shut down due to water quality concerns as a result of temporary occurances like E. Coli outbreaks, excessive rainwater, or chemical spills. Check the beach’s website before you leave for the beach for updates on water quality.

Washington, D.C., DC Beach Guidelines

While different beaches in Washington, D.C. may use conflicting guidelines on how to use their beach, prepare to abide to these common guidelines for any beach in Washington, D.C. that you visit.

  • Don’t swim outside of the specified swimming area.
  • All glass containers cannot be brought to the beach.
  • Fires could be against the law on the majority of public Washington, D.C. beaches.
  • Even if a lifeguard is on duty, know that you are entering the water at your own risk.
  • Do not drop garbage on the beach – Take with you what you bring with you.
  • Do not attempt to go to the beach when it’s not open.

Washington, D.C. Beach Tips

  1. Research the bathroom situation. Restroom locations are probably the last thing on your mind before you plan your beach trip. However you never want to be caught in a situation when you must find a restroom pronto but there isn’t one nearby. If you cannot locate restroom details on the beach’s website, you should plan on the fact that a public bathroom or porta potty is not open. Try to use the restroom prior to leaving for the beach.
  2. Pick Up Garbage. No one enjoys spend the day at a dirty beach. If you bring things to the beach, you should clean up not leave anything behind. Make sure to toss out your litter in a designated waste or recycling can.
  3. Avoid the crowds. Getting to the beach when it opens is the best way to avoid crowds.
  4. Watch out for bugs. If you plan on going to the beach in the morning or late in the day, there’s a decent chance that mosquitos, horse flies, fleas and other annoying insects may ruin your beach experience.
  5. Bring plenty of sunscreen. Put on sunscreen as soon as you get to the beach. Remember that sunscreen will expire over time so look at the side of the bottle for when it expires.
  6. Is there a lifeguard on duty? Many sizeable beaches in Washington, D.C. will have a lifeguard on duty, however you should never count on a lifeguard being present. If you are concerned about yourself, young children or anyone else that you will be swimming with, it’s a smart idea to take along correctly fitted life vests for anoyone who require them, and also understand that you are entering the water at your own risk.
  7. Always stay in the specified swimming area. If there’s a ropped off swimming space it is likely unsafe to venture beyond that space. The area may have sharp objects under the water, be frequented by boaters, or is unmonitored by a lifeguard.
  8. Don’t forget the towels. Beach towels are important for a good beach experience. A good rule of thumb is beach on the ocean or an area that has frequent rip tides. Pay attention to the indicators and know how to survive if you’re caught in one.