Your DMV End Of Summer Bucket List
The countdown is on: With July almost officially in the rearview mirror, the end of summer is fast approaching. Before pumpkin spice takes over and calendars fill up with fall plans once again, why not carve out time for one last sunshine-inspired adventure? Whether you’re craving time on the water, a memorable meal, or a weekend road trip, these end-of-summer ideas will help you squeeze every last drop out of the sunniest season 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 Take a Dip at a Swimming Hole
Nothing says summer quite like spending the afternoon in refreshing water. One of the region’s best hidden gems is Cunningham Falls State Park, where you can hike to Maryland’s tallest cascading waterfall before cooling off at the park’s sandy swimming beach on Hunting Creek Lake. It’s an easy way to turn an ordinary summer day into a mini adventure.
Craving more places to cool off? Check out our guide to the best swimming holes in the DMV.
#2 Have One More Maryland Crab Feast
If you only do one quintessential Maryland activity before Labor Day, make it a crab feast. Late summer is peak blue crab season, meaning August is one of the best times to crack open steamed crabs dusted with plenty of J.O. Spice or Old Bay. Cantler’s Riverside Inn in Annapolis remains a local favorite thanks to its waterfront setting and no-frills atmosphere. Closer to DC, Ivy City Smokehouse serves excellent seafood, while Nick’s Fish House is worth the drive if you’re spending a day in Baltimore.
#3 Spend a Day at the Beach
Didn’t make it to Ocean City, Bethany, or Rehoboth this summer? Not to fear: You can still enjoy a beach day without committing to a full weekend away. Case in point: Terrapin Nature Park on Kent Island offers a peaceful stretch of Chesapeake Bay shoreline just over the Bay Bridge. Walk the trails, search for sea glass, spread out a blanket, and soak up the last warm weekends of the season. If you’re looking for a traditional swimming beach, Sandy Point State Park is another excellent option nearby.
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
Soak up these precious last days (literally) by trading traffic for a lazy float down the Shenandoah River. Companies like River Riders make the experience seamless, handling transportation & logistics while you spend two to three hours floating through scenic stretches of the river. Upgrade your rental with a cooler tube, bring plenty of water, and let the current do the work. It’s one of the most relaxing day trips within easy reach of Washington.
#5 Treat Yourself During Summer Restaurant Week
One of the most delicious weeks of the year returns August 24th through 30th, when Summer Restaurant Week brings prix fixe brunch, lunch, and dinner menus to hundreds of restaurants across DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia. It’s the perfect excuse to finally book that restaurant you’ve been meaning to try or revisit an old favorite while enjoying multi-course meals at a great price.
#6 Escape to Annapolis
Less than an hour from DC, Annapolis feels like a true vacation without requiring much planning (or stress). Spend the day strolling historic streets, browsing boutiques, touring the US Naval Academy, or grabbing seafood overlooking Ego Alley. If you really want to embrace the summer spirit, book a sailing cruise on the Chesapeake Bay before heading home.
Searching for other cool ways to spend the summer in DC? We’ve got tips for you! Check out these blog posts, hot off the press.
- Best Tiki Cocktail Spots in DC
- Best Restaurants & Bars with Outdoor Patios In DC
- Summer Day Trips a Short Drive From DC
#7 Catch One More Summer Event
August is packed with opportunities to get outside before the season changes. Watch world-class tennis during the Mubadala DC Open, browse a local county fair, catch an outdoor movie, or spend an evening listening to live music at one of the region’s parks or waterfront venues. These events are exactly the kind of spontaneous summer memories you’ll be glad you saved time for.
#8 Stay Out for One Last Summer Sunset
Sometimes, the best way to celebrate the end of summer is the simplest, too. Pack a picnic to spot planes over Gravelly Point, watch sailboats drift across the Chesapeake from Annapolis City Dock, catch golden hour at Great Falls Park, or enjoy rooftop drinks overlooking the monuments. After all, longer evenings won’t be around much longer, so make the most of them while you can!
Thinking about adding a move to your summer bucket list? For all your DC real estate needs, we have you covered! Get in touch with us by filling out the form on this page, giving us a call at 202.280.2060, or emailing us at connect@jennsmira.com.
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