Day Trip Ideas For Beaches From Northern Virginia

Laura Schwartz is a licensed Realtor in VA, D.C. and MD with McEnearney Associates in McLean. Reach the office at 703-790-9090.

We’ve all been home for 4 months now and last week, we got a little burned out of the monotony of juggling work and kids and now the heat, and we all decided we need a day of fun!

We took a day off and packed up a beach bag, threw the kids in the car, and hit the road. If you’re like me, and need a change of scenery, here’s a list of potential places to visit if you’re looking for sand and water!

Some COVID-19 friendly tips:

• Bring enough food and water for yourselves.
• Try going on a week day if possible. Obviously all of these will be busier on a weekend.
• The Virginia State Parks will require face masks inside any building (i.e. visitor centers).

Colonial Beach, VA: 90 minutes away from Tyson’s, easy parking, on the Potomac River so very few waves, shallow water, fishing pier. Cute snow cone and ice cream spot (try the chocolate éclair ice cream!).

Aquia Landing Park, Stafford, VA: About an hour from Tyson’s, there’s a fee for access, popular fishing spot and beach for swimming.

Sandy Point, Annapolis, MD: An hour drive from Tyson’s, Sandy Point is a popular beach for a day just before the Chesapeake Bay Bridge with lots of space for distancing, sand and water.

Mason Neck State Park, Lorton, VA: This small hidden gem is located under an hour from Tyson’s and offers fishing, canoe and kayak rentals (call ahead for a reservation), swimming and walking trails.

Lake Anna State Park, Spotsylvania, VA: About 2 hours away, sand and water for swimming and playing, camping grounds for overnight stays, no tents allowed on the beach, lots of walking trails.

Calvert Cliffs, Lusby, MD: Located about 90 minutes from Tyson’s, Calvert Cliffs is a Maryland state park featuring fishing, swimming and walking trails. $7 per car day use for Virginia state plates.