The countdown is on: With July officially in the rearview mirror, the end of summer is fast approaching. Looking to fill your last balmy days with the sunniest activities around?

Keep reading for the August bucket list inspiration you didn’t even know you needed, and start planning today before the sun sets on summer!

#1 Dive Into A Swimming Hole: Channel summer camp nostalgia at Beaver Dam Swimming Club, a freshwater quarry with a rope swing, diving board, and rolling log. The swimming hole is about 50 feet deep, and there are also two shallower pools for more fun in the water. Once you’ve splashed around, hang in the sand with a cold treat from the snack bar or bring provisions for a cookout on the grill. Admission starts at $20 for adults and is $16 for ages two to 11.

#2 Crack Some Crabs: Don’t bid farewell to summer without enjoying at least one crab feast, first! In fact, this later point in the season is when crustaceans really shine. For a classic crab-house experience worth the drive, Cantler’s Riverside Inn (458 Forest Beach Rd., Annapolis) has picnic tables on its waterfront deck. Steamed blue crabs are rubbed with J.O. Spice, a seasoning similar to Old Bay. Other summer-sendoff options include Nick’s Fish House in Baltimore and, closer to home, DC’s Tavern at Ivy City Smokehouse in North East.

#3 Hit The Beach: Have your lofty vacation plans been put on pause? When a trip to the coast is not in the cards, consider a shorter jaunt to Terrapin Nature Park and Beach, instead. Just across the Bay Bridge, about an hour from DC, the Queen Anne’s County park is home to a long, narrow beach at the end of a walking and biking path. Coolers, shade structures, and swimming are prohibited, but beachgoers can relax on a blanket or stroll the shoreline for sea glass, shells, and other sandy treasures. Leashed dogs are welcome.

Looking for more things to do in DC this summer? Check out these blogs next:

• How to Stay Cool in DC this Summer
• Summer Day Trips a Short Drive from DC
• Coolest Beaches in the DMV Area

#4 Go River Tubing: Rather than languishing inside during sticky summer days, consider a lazy tube ride down a cool waterway. To float along a flat section of the Shenandoah River, drive about an hour and 15 minutes from DC to the adventure company River Riders. The outfitter drops passengers off at the river, then shuttles them back after the two-to-three-hour journey. You can even rent a tube for your cooler to pack snacks and refreshments.

#5 Dig Into Restaurant Week: Don’t forget to reserve your table for Summer Restaurant Week, which runs from August 12th to 18th. Savor every last bite of summer while taking advantage of specially priced meals, including to-go options and cocktail kits, courtesy of the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington and 200+ participating eateries. In addition to specially priced menus, select restaurants are offering up the option to add on cocktail or wine pairings. Level up your dining experience with libations from affordable hot spots such as José Andrés’ China Chilcano, Jaleo and Oyamel, as well as Unconventional Diner and Dauphine’s.

#6 Escape To Annapolis: Located on the Chesapeake Bay, Annapolis is a maritime town that’s home to the US Naval Academy, several marinas replete with sailboats, and lots of cobblestoned sidewalks that make for a charming stroll around town. At less than an hour from Washington, DC, you could visit Annapolis for lunch or spend and entire day there exploring. During your day trip, we recommend a visit to the Maryland Capitol Building, sampling some of Maryland’s most delicious seafood, getting out on the water, or ambling along some of the city’s colorful back alleys.

• Best Restaurants and Bars with an Outdoor Patio in DC
• Best Bike Trails in and Around DC
• Best Public Parks in DC

#7 Get The Ultimate Laugh: Long-form improv comedy comes to the Kennedy Center through August 11th thanks to The Ultimate Improv Show presented by Dan Black. The rotating cast will perform based on a unique process: an audience member suggests a prompt that is then used by a guest monologist as inspiration for a true story.

#8 Sing Along With ABBA: Even though it’s become widely known as a successful film franchise, the stage rendition of MAMMA MIA! remains an absolute musical powerhouse — and it’s coming to DC on August 13th – September 1st. The essential hits of chart-topping Swedish group ABBA serve as the soundtrack to a daughter’s journey to find the father she’s never known, which prompts the arrival of three men from her mother’s past. Set on a sun-strewn Greek island, the joyous production will be a summer highlight at the Kennedy Center.

Thinking about adding a move to your summer bucket list? For all your DC real estate needs, we have you covered! Contact us directly by calling 202.280.2060 or emailing jsmira@jennsmira.com today!