Water recreation may not be the first thing you’d think to associate with the Greater Washington area, but it is a surprisingly rich region for a variety of activities– from beaches and boardwalks to sprawling lakes to nearby walking trails and dining. 

Grab your new swimsuit, a boogie board or floatie, and favorite snacks, then head to these nearby watering holes this summer.

Beaches

1. Dewey Beach, Delaware

Dewey Beach, the city, lies on a strip of land about one mile long and two blocks wide. It is lined with a wide, sandy beach opening to a clean stretch of ocean on one side, and by a broad bay on the other side. During the summer months, it is known for young revelers coming to spend nights at any one of the iconic bars in the area, but it is also a popular spot for families to visit. There are a wide array of accommodations, from hotels to small houses to condos. Plenty of restaurants line the boardwalk, from takeaway fries to casual seafood to fine dining. The beach even stays dog-friendly during peak season before 9:30 a.m. and after 5:30 p.m.

2. Rehoboth Beach, Delaware

Just up the coast from Dewey Beach, this regional destination boasts one of the best boardwalks in the nation.  Among its many magnificent finds along the boardwalk, the Rehoboth Beach Bandstand Summer Concert Series is one of the best reasons to visit. Consider making a second stop at the Dogfish Head brewery nearby.

3. Ocean City, Maryland

Our favorite destination for a typical boardwalk experience, complete with a scenic beach, arcades, ferris wheels, and every variety of fried food, Ocean City is a nearby gem worth visiting year after year.  Take a look for yourself on the OC Boardwalkcam.

4. Chesapeake Beach, Maryland

An hour-long drive outside of D.C., the Town of Chesapeake Beach has a quaint beach town feel without missing a beat on all your favorite things about going to the beach. Spend some time on the boardwalk or take a stroll along the trails. If you’re feeling extra adventurous, Chesapeake Beach is the perfect place to get in some sailing lessons or a chartered fishing trip.

5. Virginia Beach, Virginia

For a getaway perfect for anyone and everyone, Virginia Beach is the place to go. About 3.5 hours away, it’s well worth it to spend a couple of days here. You’ll find miles of shoreline, a 3-mile long boardwalk, multiple state parks, and a plethora of activities to enjoy. Spend an educational afternoon at the Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center or the Norfolk Botanical Garden. Do we even need to mention all the attractions for the history buffs?

6. Sandy Point Beach, Maryland

Another beloved spot along the Chesapeake Bay, Sandy Point State Park is about 45 minutes outside of D.C. and offers plenty to see and do throughout the 768-acres. Take advantage of the trails, cool off with a swim, play some ball, escape land and head out on your boat, or catch some fish or crab for dinner. Make it a full day adventure and do some sightseeing in nearby historic Annapolis. Keep Sandy Point in mind for the Annual Maryland Seafood Festival, which this year will take place on September 7th and 8th.

Rivers and Lakes

7. National Harbor, Washington D.C.

Just beyond the border of Washington, D.C. and across from Alexandria, VA, this capital area favorite is the perfect way to enjoy being waterfront without necessarily getting your feet wet. For the early birds, be sure to stop by the Saturday Farmers Market from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. until December 23rd. Plan a delicious dinner at any of the plethoras of restaurants and stay for the sunset. No matter what time of day, a ride on the Capital Wheel is a great way to take in the gorgeous views along the Potomac. If you are a more experienced swimmer, check out the weekly open water swims offered by Wave One Open Water to hone your distance swimming.

8. Lake Anna, Virginia

About a 2-hour drive southwest from Washington, you’ll find one of the largest lakes in Virginia spreading over a scenic 13,000 acres. Once you’ve exhausted all the recreations that a huge lake offers, check out nearby attractions like James Madison’s Montpelier historic mansion, and a number of wineries (our favorite is Barboursville).

9. Deep Creek Lake, Maryland

While its location amidst a mountainous region is ideal for four seasons of activity, we are charmed by the sheer variety of summertime options at this iconic lake. The largest freshwater lake in Maryland, it was originally created by an electric company dam in the 1920s. Since it became open to the public, the offerings have grown to include boat, jet ski, and tube rentals as well as nearby park attractions like ziplining, and kayaking and rafting at nearby rivers. Many of the business and restaurants lining the lake offer docks for convenience. If you grow tired of the water, explore by land across more than a dozen nearby state parks!

10. Smith Mountain Lake, Virgina

In the Roanoke Region, lying amongst the Blue Ridge Mountains, is another manmade lake that just celebrated its 50th birthday in 2016. It has all the family favorites for a day of fun on the water, and many services and restaurants accessible by water for whatever you may need. Glancing around, you will also see a decent amount of undeveloped waterfront compared to other lakes. A fun piece of trivia: in the 1991 movie What About Bob? starring Bill Murray and Richard Dreyfuss, this lake was actually used in the filming (although in the movie, they say they are at Lake Winnipesaukee in New Hampshire).

11. Harpers Ferry Shenandoah River, West Virginia

Enjoy beautiful scenery while tubing down the river with your friends and family along Harpers Ferry’s shoreline. So pack a cooler and swimsuit, and jump on in! 

12. Cunningham Falls State Park, Maryland

Nestled in the scenic Catoctin Mountains, this beautiful park’s crowning feature is its scenic falls. Take a load off by the lake or go for a hike to get to the falls. The park is divided into two areas; the Hunting Creek Lake, falls, and camping are located in the William Houck Area and in the Manor Area you’ll find the Scales and Tales Aviary, camping, and a bit of history. With an abundance of outdoor recreation and fabulous views wherever you go, Cunningham Falls might be your new favorite place.

13. Cascade Lake, Maryland

A great choice for a nearby lake with entertainment built right in, Cascade Lake offers picturesque wooded scenery on 70 acres, located about an hour and a half north of Washington, D.C. There is a large swimming platform with slides, which is great for the whole family. Included with admission are the options to check out the spray ‘n’ playground, go fishing, enjoy a picnic or relax on the grounds. You can also rent a paddleboat!

14. Greenbriar State Park, Maryland

Make your way about 1.5 hours from D.C. to some of the most beautiful water you can find in the Greater Washington area. Greenbrier State Park provides an enjoyable mix of uses through 42-acres and even includes part of the Appalachian Trail. Whether you’re into water recreation or looking for a leisurely picnic spot outside the city, your expectations will surely be exceeded.

15. Summersville Lake, West Virginia 

With more than 28,000 acres of water and 60 miles of shoreline, Summersville Lake is the largest lake in West Virginia. This lake makes it perfect for swimming, fishing, and boating. If you don’t feel like going home, the lake also offers a campground with hook-ups, a bathhouse, and  playground for the kids to enjoy.

Photos (in order of appearance) courtesy of: [main header] Adobe Stock; [Dewey Beach] Visit Delaware; [Rehoboth Beach] City of Rehoboth Beach; [Ocean City] Bigstock; [Chesapeake Beach] permission of McEnearney McLean; [Virginia Beach] Visit Virginia Beach Instagram; [Sandy Point Beach] Bigstock; [National Harbor] Adobe Stock; [Lake Anna] Bigstock; [Harpers Ferry]: Harpers Ferry Adventure Center; [Cunningham Falls State Park] Fred Schroeder | Flikr; [Cascade Lake] Carroll County Times; [Greenbriar State Park] dpbirds | Flikr. [Summersville Lake]: Visit West Virginia

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It’s time to celebrate one of our favorite days of summer – National Ice Cream Day! Although Sunday, July 21st is the official date this year, we think any time is a good time for ice cream. Here’s a taste of our favorite ice cream, custard, gelato, and novelty treat shops throughout the Washington, DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia area. 

FAMILY FAVORITE AND TRADITIONAL ICE CREAM

Photo courtesy of Jubilee

Ice Cream Jubilee

Navy Yard, DC | Arlington, VA

Started in 2014 by corporate lawyer-turned-entrepreneur Victoria Lai, this popular spot wins local DC favorite awards year after year. The shop specializes in some of the most creative flavors around, including several with a boozy twist, like banana bourbon caramel and gin and tonic sorbet.

Thomas Sweet Ice Cream

Georgetown, DC

A staple destination since 1979, this location offers a huge selection of homemade ice cream and options to “blend in” delicious toppings. Our favorite is the chocolate chip cookie ice cream, but you can’t go wrong with any variety.

Rocky Point Creamery

Tuscarora, MD

Just south of Frederick, this family-owned location serves up some of the freshest ice cream around in a scenic countryside location. If you prefer to shop local, there is another great reason to stop by: you can buy their milk, cheese, eggs, and farm-raised beef at the same location. It even has a playground for the kids! 

Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams

14th Street, DC | Barracks Row, DC | Bethesda, MD | Alexandria, VA | Tysons, VA | Arlington, VA | Richmond, VA

In 2002, Jeni Britton Bauer began making ice creams that The New York Times called “worth the drive to Ohio” and Time magazine called “the best in America.” You won’t regret your visit for tons of awesome flavor choices, and feeling good about your purchase: Jeni’s uses Direct Trade and Fair Trade ingredients, employs a diverse team of people, and works with women- and minority-owned businesses. 

Red Fox Creamery

Winchester, VA

Red Fox Creamery specializes in homemade ice cream, featuring 16 flavors daily. They also serve sundaes, milkshakes, baked goods, gourmet truffles, sandwiches, and soups. Stop by for a full meal or a simple treat.

Photo courtesy of Nicecream

NiceCream

Clarendon, Arlington, VA

With a rotating calendar of flavors, this shop is a must. They combine local grass-fed cream with other local ingredients then mix and freeze them right in front of you using liquid nitrogen. What could be cooler than feeling like your ice cream is a science experience just for you? Subscribe to their newsletter for free treats sent straight to your inbox.

Pop’s Old Fashioned Ice Cream

Old Town, Alexandria, VA

Serving more than 32 flavors, this neighborhood favorite offers an “atmosphere that evokes the golden age of America’s main streets.” Ray “Pop” Giovanni had been serving popular ice cream in the DC area since the 1940s, and even used to serve Eleanor Roosevelt’s favorite ice cream at White House parties. Today, the shop still uses his legacy and recipes.

Photo courtesy of Toby’s

Toby’s Ice Cream

Arlington, VA | Vienna, VA | National Landing, VA

Voted Arlington’s Best Ice Cream by Arlington Magazine! Your friendly neighborhood ice cream shop, Toby’s Homemade Ice Cream now has three locations to serve you. They serve the richest, creamiest ice cream and the best ice cream cakes! Guaranteed to have the flavor you crave!

Lil City Creamery

Falls Church, VA

Lil City serves up the best ice cream made fresh from uber-pampered grass-fed Jersey cows at Woodside Farm Creamery in Hockessin, DE and from Bassett’s of Philadelphia, the oldest ice cream company in the U.S. (They also offer Smith Island Cakes ﹘ a true treat!)

Woody’s Ice Cream

City of Fairfax, VA

Located in the heart of the historic district, Woody’s Ice Cream is a perennial favorite in the City of Fairfax. Whether you are in the mood for sundaes, milkshakes, cones, or other classics, Woody’s is the perfect spot with a spacious outside patio and plenty of tables. 

Grutos

Leesburg, VA | Purcellville, VA 

Gruto’s Soft Serve is a fun, family-friendly, locally-owned soft-serve ice cream shop. From its opening, Gruto’s quickly became a favorite among locals and a must-stop for those exploring western Loudoun.

Maryland Dairy

College Park, MD

The Dairy is one of the best spots in the area to stop by for excellent, scientifically tested ice cream. The University of Maryland opened a shop in 1924 to sell dairy products from cows and chickens raised on campus, and shortly afterward, two agricultural professors started to experiment with ice cream recipes.

Photo courtesy of Moorenko’s

Moorenko’s Ice Cream

Silver Spring, MD | Capitol Hill, DC | Chevy Chase, DC | Bethesda, MD

Owner Susan Soorenko studied under renowned ice cream makers in New York and gelato specialists in Italy to learn how to make the purest, highest-quality ice cream. Their ice cream is also custard-based, using egg yolk as emulsifiers. You can’t beat this creamy treat!

Harpers Ferry Ice Cream Shoppe

Harpers Ferry, WV

Harpers Ferry Ice Cream Shoppe is conveniently located just off Rt 340 in front of the River Riders Family Adventure Resort. They feature flavors from Hershey’s Ice Cream. Cones, cups, milk shakes, cookie sandwiches, and sundaes are available in the most popular flavors.

FROZEN CUSTARD, ITALIAN ICE & GELATO

Dairy Godmother

Del Ray, Alexandria, VA

Did You Know: “Genuine frozen custard has at least 1.4% egg yolk (pasteurized) and at least 10% milk fat, and is made in a special machine created for producing frozen custard only.” [Source: Dairy Godmother]

A neighborhood obsession, this no-frills spot specializes in some of the best, Wisconsin-style frozen custard around. It is made fresh, not held at sub-zero temperatures, and comes in vanilla or freshly mixed with the flavor of the day. Click here to see their monthly flavors. You can even share some of their popular banana or pumpkin-flavored Puppy Pops (made from plain yogurt, and wheat-free) with your furry friend!

Carmen’s Italian Ice and Cafe

Rockville, MD | Olney, MD

This popular spot offers a taste of Wisconsin-style frozen custard in addition to delicious Italian ice, shakes, other desserts, and breakfast. They have a mobile truck and can cater for parties and events.

Photo courtesy of Custard Shack

Custard Shack

Alexandria, VA

All of their custard bases are made with cream, milk, sugar, and pasteurized egg yolks which are sent straight from the “unofficial” frozen custard capital of the world, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The basic vanilla and chocolate are always gluten-free. In some cases their featured flavors may contain gluten, and/or nuts. Come and enjoy some delicious custard, and don’t forget to grab a puppy cup on the way out!

Dolcezza

CityCenter, DC | Dupont Circle, DC | Hirsshorn, DC | Mosaic District, VA | Fairfax, VA | Bethesda Row, MD

This popular chain is opening locations at a rapid pace throughout the DMV. Dolcezza specializes in serving “old world” gelato with locally sourced ingredients. You can even check out their farmer partners here. In addition to the more traditional locations, they operate at the Dupont FRESHFarm market on weekends. Their Mom & Pop location in Mosaic District features coffee from Unido, pastries and biscuits, breakfast sandwiches, and toasts loaded with premium toppings including avocado and smoked salmon.

Dolci Gelati

Old Town, Alexandria

This delicious Alexandria spot has been serving up some of the best gelato around for over 12 years. The business was founded by Gianluigi Dellaccio, who was appointed Italy’s “Ambassador of Homemade Gelato” in 2018. 

Pitango Gelato

Penn Quarter, DC | Adams Morgan, DC | The Wharf, DC | Old Town, Alexandria, VA| Reston Town Center, VA | Bethesda, MD | Fells Point & Pintago Bakery & Cafe in Baltimore, MD

Did You Know: “In the U.S., gelato cannot be called ice cream because by legal definition ice cream must contain a minimum of ten percent milk fat; premium ice cream brands can contain twice that amount of fat. In contrast, gelato is made with only five to eight percent milkfat, making it a healthier alternative.” [Source: Pitango Gelato]

Boasting a number of convenient locations, with a focus on the “classics done right,” Pitango Gelato does not disappoint. The sorbet flavors are all vegan and are derived from fresh organic fruit that is in-season and locally sourced whenever possible.

Casa Rosada Artisan Gelato

Old Town Alexandria

A great spot to grab Argentinian-style gelato and other desserts. The owner of Casa Rosada (the pink house) was originally a chemical engineer by trade before turning the gelato business, so he has the craft down to a science.

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Looking for a DMV area summer getaway? You don’t need to travel far to enjoy some incredible culture, shopping, and dining—check out the below destinations and plan a day- or weekend-long trip that is sure to impress. 

Frederick, MD

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Spend a day strolling around and antiquing in the cute town of Frederick, Maryland, located just an hour outside of DC. You won’t want to miss out on the expansive Emporium Antiques, a gigantic warehouse full of incredible vintage treasures ranging from small decorative items to furnishings to books and more. E. Patrick Street is filled with other incredible shops boasting vintage clothing, homewares, and more, so be sure to carve out time to leisurely stroll around. Then, grab a drink and something to eat at JoJo’s Restaurant, Cafe Nola, or the Tasting Room. Finish things off by picking up a sweet treat to go at Candy Kitchen. 

Easton, MD

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This charming Eastern Shore locale is simultaneously full of small town charm and sophistication. Spend some time sitting outside sipping a coffee and munching on a freshly baked pastry at the Weather Gage, then walk over to Flying Cloud Booksellers to pick up your latest read, stopping by Flying Cloud Fine Art Posters to check out their latest offerings for your walls. Those who are drawn to the finer things in life won’t want to miss out on Benjamin, a shop that sells stunning European glass and porcelain. For dinner, Bas Rouge is calling your name; the fine dining restaurant is stylishly decorated with a menu that is sure to impress the fanciest of guests. 

Charlottesville, VA

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Bring on the wine tasting! Charlottesville, home to the University of Virginia, also offers an incredible range of more than 40 wineries that are part of the Monticello Wine Trail. Indulge yourself in some tastings (pick up sandwiches from Take It Away to bring with you!) and then enjoy an afternoon of shopping on the Downtown Mall before your dinner reservation at Keswick Hall’s Marigold, a Jean Georges restaurant that will certainly appeal to your sophisticated palette. Looking to really treat yourself? Be sure to order the hash brown appetizer, which comes adorned with caviar. 

Wilmington, Delaware

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Wilmington is an ideal getaway for the arts and culture enthusiast, given that it’s home to sites including the Delaware Art Museum (home to 200 years of American art!), Longwood Gardens, Nemours Estate (it contains 77 rooms, so you have your exploring cut out for you), and more. After a day spent soaking up these local spots, head over to dinner at Le Cavalier in the historic Dupont Hotel, a restaurant influenced by North Africa and Provençe.

Sarah Lyon is a New York City-based freelance writer, originally from Bethesda, MD. She contributes to a number of national design and lifestyle publications like Architectural Digest, Apartment Therapy, MyDomaine, the Washington Post, and more. Sarah also works with designers to help them style spaces for photo shoots. Find more shelfies on her Instagram page, @sarahlyon9

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