This Easy Road Trip Is Perfect For Exploring The Best Beaches Near Washington, DC

Washington, D.C., is part of a long string of metropolitan areas along the northeastern coast of the United States. As the country's capital, it is filled with stately buildings and historic monuments galore. However, plenty of places within driving distance of D.C. offer a beautiful break from big city life. These places include family-friendly coastal towns and miles of magnificent nature.

One of the smallest U.S. states is Delaware, which, like D.C., shares most of its border with Maryland. It is also the oldest state in the country, officially becoming a state in December of 1787. History aside, its small beachside towns make for relaxing weekend getaways. Start the road trip with a three-hour drive east out of D.C., where the delightful Chesapeake Bay scenery along the way makes it hard to believe that such natural escapes exist so close to one of the world's great political centers. Once you reach Delaware's Atlantic Coast, enjoy everything from beach relaxation to nature trails to carnival fun.

Rehoboth Beach is one of the best budget-friendly beach towns on the East Coast, and its biggest draw is its charming boardwalk that lines the beach. The boardwalk is lined with excellent hotels like the Boardwalk Plaza Hotel (overlooking the ocean) or the more affordable Beach View Hotel. If you're looking for something to devour, you can find highly-rated seafood near the boardwalk at Blackwall at the Beach. Events take place at the boardwalk year-round as well, including live music at the Rehoboth Beach Bandstand. Check the calendar online to see if any happenings catch your eye. 

The boardwalk at Rehoboth Beach also has an amusement park called Funland, which began as a small park for family fun in the 1960s and has gone on to receive national recognition. Through the years, Funland has remained a classic carnival-style park reminiscent of the past, with rides, carnival games, and arcade games for all ages to enjoy. Old and new generations of the original Funland founders still operate the park, and many park visitors are also multi-generational.

For more landscapes than just beaches, drive south from Rehoboth Beach to Delaware Seashore State Park. While there is plenty of space to relax on the beach, this park also includes the Indian River Bay, a fascinating expanse of salt marshes and forests on Burton Island. Access the Burton Island Trailhead from Inlet Road, which connects to Highway 1 along the coast, and camp beside the Atlantic Ocean at this spectacular state park. Campsites on both sides of the Indian River Inlet have electrical and sewage hookups for RVs, but the south side also has tent sites and RV sites without utility hookups.

Keep going south along the Atlantic Coast to reach another coastal destination that might be the most underrated tourist spot in Delaware. The small town of Bethany Beach has a beachside boardwalk of its own that is lined with quaint buildings evoking an easy-going maritime life. If you visit toward the end of May, you can catch the town's Poseidon Festival. Enjoy actors in nautical-themed costumes like mermaids and pirates, live music, and even learn about local wildlife conservation during this unique multi-day event that is fun for the whole family. Be sure to check the town's website for the exact dates.