At just over an hour from Woodbridge, Chesapeake Beach, Maryland, is a pleasant retreat from the Atlantic beaches that quickly fill up with Beltway denizens when the temperature rises. Hunt for shark teeth along Brownie's Beach or splash and slide at the Chesapeake Beach Water Park. Take a moonlight cruise along the Chesapeake Bay, or spread out a blanket on the sand to gaze at Independence Day fireworks. Stroll along the Chesapeake Beach Railway Trail for a tour of the town's wetlands and wildlife. Dine along the waterfront or charter a fishing boat. Whatever you choose, you can easily be back in Woodbridge after a full day of beach activities.
While driving either direction on Interstate 95 out of Woodbridge, it may seem like you'll never escape your constant companion to the east, the Potomac River. But one beach escape has so much of the charms of a small oceanside town you'd hardly know you were still along the river. Cut east of Fredericksburg through King George County to hit Colonial Beach, a little getaway enjoyed by President James Monroe and Alexander Graham Bell. Visit George Washington's birthplace or take a charter boat out on a river tour from the town marina. Play on the sandy shore, take a dip in the water or stroll the half-mile boardwalk with restaurants and quaint shops. Life moves a little easier here, so get in the local spirit, leave your car in park and take a golf cart around town. And it's just an hour and 15 minutes away from Woodbridge.
You may have lots of company when you hit Virginia Beach -- namely, most of the state of Virginia, given the right kind of sunny day -- but you'll also be indulging in a classic East Coast sandy retreat. A 3-mile boardwalk along Resort Beach is brimming with ocean-view eateries hawking fresh oysters and other delicacies, and souvenir shops to artsy boutiques. Chesapeake Bay Beach takes you away from some of the crowds as you enjoy volleyball or building sandcastles, and Sandbridge Beach is even quieter yet as a more secluded spot to hike and fish. Accommodations near the water can be tough to get during the summer, but you can't beat the deal of getting three distinct beaches in one stay. Time your visit for the sand soccer championships or any number of music and food festivals here. With a three-hour drive to get here from Woodbridge, you can swing a daylong trip that includes several solid hours of beach fun.
Another three-hour drive from Woodbridge, the path to Ocean City, Maryland, takes you around the Beltway and through Annapolis toward Maryland's coastal jewel. Soak up the unobstructed Atlantic on Ocean City's 3-mile boardwalk via stroll or tram ride, nosh on some fresh saltwater taffy or signature crab cakes, and play arcade games or watch street performers. Free concerts and nighttime movies on the beach are regular summer fare here. Other events include family beach contests with sandcastle competitions, sport fishing off the sparkling coast and laser light shows along the beach.
