Even if you’ve never braved a DC summer to date, you’ve probably heard tales of the scorching temperatures and oppressive humidity that blanket the city in sweat all season long. The good news? Thanks to the impressive lineup of waterside vantages at our fingertips, cooling off is as easy as it is refreshing.

From quiet shores to bustling beaches, here are the hottest local day trip destinations at the top of our summertime list today.

#1 Gunpowder Falls State Park: Located 60 miles northeast of DC, Gunpowder Falls State Park features 120 miles of trails for hiking and biking, kayaking, fishing, not to mention a marina. Divided into six areas, the Hammerman Area offers the perfect city escape with a low-key, well-maintained beach.

#2 Colonial Beach: Located within a 90-minute drive south of DC, Colonial Beach boasts Virginia’s second-largest beachfront along Virginia’s Northern Neck peninsula. Visitors can enjoy swimming and fishing at the beaches, or break out the boat and kayak. Don’t miss your opportunity to explore the area’s many historical attractions by golf cart, which can be rented and legally driven around the town.

#3 Rehoboth Beach: Over the summer, Delaware beaches are always in full swing with beloved events like the July 4 fireworks, Rehoboth Beach Bandstand concerts, and days on the rides Funland on the lineup. Dine in Henlopen City Oyster House in Rehoboth, which serves an array of bivalves and fresh fish dishes, or check out the area’s famous brewery restaurant, Dogfish Head Pub. Another fan favorite? Locally sourced seafood restaurant Chesapeake & Maine, which dishes out beers, cocktails, and spirits. For a change of pace, head over to Confucius Chinese Cuisine, where excellent Hunan-style dishes and Bangkok Thai Cuisine are the show-stopping draws.

➤ Discover more ways to stay cool in DC this summer. Read these posts next:

• Summer Day Trips a Short Drive from DC
• Your Guide to Nationals Park in DC
• Best Tiki Cocktail Spots in DC

#4 Assateague Island National Seashore: The National Park Service oversees this 37-mile island in Virginia and Maryland, where wild ponies that roam the beaches and salt marshes are the main attractions. Guests can hike, bike, swim, and kayak along Assateague’s beaches and trails while gazing at the beautiful wildlife — from horses to shorebirds and beyond. The beach has lifeguards on duty through September 5, which is lucky since you’ll want to start your day on the sand early as Assateague State Park will turn away visitors once it’s filled to capacity.

#5 Ocean City: One of the biggest beaches in the area, Ocean City has been a long-time destination for just about everyone — whether it’s families seeking some sun and surf, 20-somethings looking to party all night, or laid-back folks who need nothing more than a dock with a sunset.

#6 Virginia Beach: Virginia Beach may be best known for its 38-block boardwalk, but new hotels, breweries, and a creative arts district are making the beach an even buzzier destination. After snapping a selfie by King Neptune as the sun sets, riding your bike, or enjoying a waterfront dinner on the boardwalk, head to the arts area, known as the ViBe Creative District, where visitors can take a one-mile walking tour past colorful murals and visit the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art. Stop at Vibrant Shore Brewing Company, which offers an indoor tasting room, rooftop, and patio; then, round out your brewery tour by visiting one of the other refreshing stops along the Virginia Beach Craft Beer Trail.

Is buying or selling real estate part of your plan for the summer? Get in touch with us today, book a consultation right here, or call 202.280.2060.