Best beaches in the Baltimore/Washington DC area?

Question

I'm planning a vacation to Baltimore and Washington DC with my wife and 2.5 yr. old son. The dates would be Aug 20-24, and I'm wondering 1) if this time of year is good weather to be at the beach, 2) is the water on the Chesapeake bay warm, and 3) what other family-oriented tourist sites should we see?

Answer 1

Sandy Point is the closest and it's along the Chesapeake Bay at the bridges. A 2.5 yr. old will not know the difference between the bay & the ocean. Rehoboth Beach, Delaware would be closest Ocean beach for you - very family oriented but no beach is my cup of tea. There is a million things to see and do in the Washington/Baltimore area without riding 3 hrs. to the ocean. Baltimore has a the wonderful National Aquarium, Md Science center, Zoo and Fort McHenry. Washington is full of history, Smithsonians, war memorials, Lincoln Memorial, Jefferson, Capitol, on and on. Have a fun and safe trip!

Answer 2

We live in Washington metro and Ocean City is the closes beach its nothing and hotels are expensive.

If you want to go to the beach go to Virginia Beach, North Carolina, Outer Banks or Delaware

The National Aquarium is nice for children, the Zoo, Natural History museum.

Answer 3

Beaches on the Bay are nothing special, some are muddy, 2. but in late August-early September the water is warm. 1. Usually the weather is ok for beach going until mid-September, muggy but only in the 80s is the norm. The closest beach to DC is near Annapolis at Sandy Point State Park, but there are some other beaches along the Bay .

With a 2.5 year old, you are not going to find too many things aimed at him/her. Lots of great places for older children--7-15--but for the smallest ones perhaps the National Zoo in DC or the National Aquarium in Baltimore would be the best choices. And the Udvar-Hazy Museum at Dulles Airport where there is a huge hanger with lots of big planes one can look at close up.