Best Beaches For Virginia Travelers To Visit In Summer 2021

VIRGINIA — The weather is hot and your family is ready to hit the beach, perhaps more eager than ever to get out of the house and travel after a year in pandemic lockdown.

Virginia's coast has a variety of beaches, whether you want a boardwalk experience in Virginia Beach or a more laid back experience with wildlife watching on Assateague Island. Out-of-state destinations like the Delaware beaches and Outer Banks in North Carolina are also frequented by DC area residents.

While beaches were open in summer 2020, this summer is slated to have more lax COVID-19 restrictions. In Virginia, fully vaccinated people do not have to wear a mask in most public settings, except when required by a business, in K-12 schools, in public transit, in health care facilities, and in congregate settings. All capacity and social distancing restrictions are set to be lifted on May 28 in Virginia. Before you go on a summer beach trip, check the local and state COVID-19 guidelines and CDC's recommendations for travel.

To help you prepare for Memorial Day beach trips and beyond, we've rounded up a guide to beach destinations ideal for Northern Virginia residents. This includes traditional oceanfront beaches, lakes, and more.

Rehoboth Beach, Delaware

This Delaware Beach is typically less than three hours from Washington, DC, making it a popular pick for the region's residents. It's also a destination frequented by the Bidens, who have a home just north of Rehoboth Beach proper. Rehoboth Beach features a boardwalk with restaurants, shops and amusements, and more businesses can be found along Rehoboth Avenue. Another popular activity is sales tax-free shopping at the Tanger Outlets along the Coastal Highway.

Virginia Beach, Virginia

Virginia's premier beachfront destination has the traditional boardwalk experience as well as the more-low key bay beaches and Sandbridge Beach. Visitors can stay at a hotel along the main stretch near the boardwalk or rent a property on Sandbridge Beach, all while enjoying recreational activities and attractions. There's plenty of family fun, from the Atlantic Fun Park to the Cape Henry Lighthouse, Virginia Aquarium and much more. Be sure to check out the calendar of events too.

Outer Banks, North Carolina

While the Outer Banks of North Carolina are five hours and counting from DC, visitors don't mind making the trek to this popular destination. The Outer Banks features numerous towns on the barrier islands along the ocean. Visitors renting a house can enjoy their own private or semi-private stretch of the beachfront. Aside from relaxing on the beach, visitors enjoy shopping, exploring various lighthouses, viewing the horses in Corolla, using the fishing piers, and walking the East Coast's tallest dunes at Jockey's Ridge State Park.

Ocean City, Maryland

Ocean City, Maryland is a popular family destination with plenty of attractions and beachfront access. Everyone will find something to do here, whether it's exploring the amusement parks, venturing the boardwalk, visiting museums, or checking out various events and festivals. There are plenty of hotels and restaurants to choose from to unwind after a day on the beach.

Colonial Beach, Virginia

This Potomac riverfront beach offers a beach experience with small town charm. It typically takes two hours to get to Colonial Beach from DC, providing a closer option for day trips. Branded as the "Playground of the Potomac," it literally has a playground for kids to enjoy. Visitors can also rent a kayak or paddle board, visit restaurants and shops, and more.

Jamestown Beach, Virginia

Get a side of history with your beach experience at this riverfront destination near the Jamestown Settlement. It's also convenient to families spending time at Colonial Williamsburg or Busch Gardens. Picnic areas and grills are provided, and kayaks can be rented. Swimming is allowed, but there are no lifeguards on duty.

Cape Charles, Virginia

Avoid the crowds of the oceanfront beaches with a getaway at this bayside beach on the Eastern Shore. It is the Eastern Shore's only public beach without an entrance or parking fee. Swimming and sunbathing are popular at the beach, and park benches are also available to admire the Chesapeake Bay views and sunsets. A fishing pier is also available for fishing and crabbing.

Sandy Point State Park, Maryland

Located near Maryland's state capital of Annapolis, this bayside beach is typically less than an hour from DC. It's the last exit before the Chesapeake Bay Bridge, so you'll skip the traffic heading to the oceanfront destinations. Swimming, boating and fishing are popular activities at the state park, and picnic facilities are available. Since this park has capacity limits, you'll want to arrive early to avoid being turned away during peak visiting times.

Lake Arrowhead, Virginia

Lake Arrowhead offers swimming, fishing, hiking, boating and more just a few miles from Luray. A concession stand is available seasonally, and visitors may use charcoal grills and picnic shelters. It's a convenient beach destination if you want to also visit Luray Caverns or Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park.

Assateague Island National Seashore, Virginia and Maryland

These undeveloped beaches offer a serene beachgoing experience and a perfect setting for wildlife watching. The destination is known for its protected beaches, marshes, maritime forests and coastal bays. Visitors also enjoy viewing the wild horses from a distance. Camping, swimming hiking, crabbing, fishing and more can be done here.

Deep Creek Lake, Maryland

If ocean beaches aren't your thing, check out Deep Creek Lake in western Maryland. Visitors will find indoor activities at resorts as well as a plethora of outdoor adventures. Deep Creek Lake offers boating, water sports and tubing on the lake along with hiking, fishing and plenty more family activities.

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