Neighborhood Expert: Beach day trip ideas!

Laura Schwartz is a licensed Realtor in VA, D.C. and MD with McEnearney Associates in Vienna. You can follow Laura on Instagram at @LauraSchwartzRealtor or her Facebook page. Laura can be reached at 703-283-6120 or [email protected].

During Covid, when we needed a change of scenery of our four walls, we explored some day trips to see water — which is my happy place. If you need a change of scenery and are looking for (cheap) ways to get yourself some beach time, here are some suggestions for a day trip:

Colonial Beach, Virginia: 90 minutes away from Tyson’s, easy parking, on the Potomac River so very few waves, shallow water, fishing pier. Beware of jellyfish as the water temps get warmer.

Aquia Landing Park, Stafford, Virginia: About an hour from Tyson’s, this 32-acre park is free and is a popular fishing spot and beach for swimming.

Sandy Point, Annapolis, Maryland: 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. There is a $4-5 per person fee to use the beach. No pets.

Mason Neck State Park, Lorton, Virginia: This small hidden gem is located under an hour from Tyson’s and offers fishing, canoe and kayak rentals (first come, first served), swimming and walking trails.

Smith Mountain Lake, Moneta, Virginia: 32 square miles with 500 miles of shoreline, SML offers everything from fishing, boat rentals, swimming, etc. A huge community has built here so there’s also shopping, dining, entertainment, etc.

Lake Anna State Park, Spotsylvania, Virginia: 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. There are no boat or equipment rentals provided. There are cabins, lodges, and yurts available for rent.

Calvert Cliffs, Lusby, Maryland: 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 — CASH ONLY.

If you have another favorite beach spots, please share in the comments!

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