Three great swimming beaches, all within an hour from Gaithersburg.

When driving three hours to your favorite beach seems like a lengthy endeavor, there are three beaches you can try, all within an hour of our city. Now, these are not ocean beaches; two are at man-made lakes, and one is on the Chesapeake Bay; but they all offer great times, sunbathing, swimming, beach games, picnics and water sports if you are feeling active. Two caveats to keep in mind: driving time is during non-rush hour times, and all three are in Maryland’s state parks, which means that they start turning people away once they are full.

While my family has been to all three many times, we always come back for more- each park is unique and offers different things. If you leave home early, you can have a perfect summer day trip, and be back in time for late lunch.

Greenbrier State Park
This park fills up quickly on summer weekends. Best time to go is during the week, or early on Saturday and Sunday. The lake has a guarded beach, there is a trail that you can hike around the lake, which takes about an hour. Lots of people are fishing or kayaking, and you can camp overnight. This is a small lake, so the water is always calm.

Cunningham Falls State Park
This state park is slightly elevated into the mountains, so it is a little bit cooler in the summer. The lake has two beaches, with the further one being always less crowded. There are also some nice hiking trails in the park, and you can even dip in the nearby Cunningham Falls. Cunningham Falls are the main attraction, and is pretty to visit year round. Plenty of wildlife to watch and take pictures of.

Sandy Point State Park
This park has a large, sandy beach on the Chesapeake Bay, with lifeguards on duty from Memorial Day to Labor Day. The water is generally calm and clear, and there are plenty of opportunities for sunbathing, picnicking, and fishing. On occasion, there are small waves and jelly fish. The park is also home to a boat launch, so you can bring your own boat and explore the bay. This is the only option for those with power boats, as other two parks do not allow them. The beach is huge, but there is not a lot of shade available, so bring a tent or sun shelter. Beautiful view of the Bay Bridge, and you do not have to cross it- zero chance of getting stuck in traffic.

No matter which beach you choose, you're sure to have a fun and refreshing day in the water. So pack your swimsuit, sunscreen, and a picnic, and head out to one of these great swimming spots near Gaithersburg, MD.