Jun 17, 2019

Best Beaches in Woodbridge, VA

Virginia’s summers can get hot. Fortunately, there are many nearby beaches that offer family-friendly entertainment and refreshing water to cool off with. Check out a few of the best beaches within driving distance of the Woodbridge, Virginia, area.

Leesylvania State Park

Leesylvania State Park sits on the shore of the Potomac River, making it a historically important park in Virginia. In addition to camping, horseback riding trails, fishing, and boating, there are also a few beach areas to check out. Visitors enjoy fishing and wading in the shallow beach water. You can also bring along food to grill and set up for a relaxing beach picnic. There is also a children’s playground located within the park.

Chesapeake Beach

Just a little over an hour drive east from Woodbridge is the expansive Chesapeake Beach. The city of Chesapeake Beach, Maryland, is home to many beaches including Breezy Point Beach and Bayfront Park. The waters are calm, making it a great area for swimming and playing. There are also many useful amenities within the beaches including restroom facilities, parking lots, and refreshments. Children will enjoy the nearby playground. Many visitors also enjoy collecting sharks’ teeth that are scattered along the Chesapeake Beach.

Colonial Beach

Drive an hour southeast of Woodbridge and you can enjoy Colonial Beach, the second largest beach in all of Virginia. You can spend the day building sand castles, soaking up the sun, or taking a stroll along the boardwalk. You will also find a lot of fishermen along the Municipal Pier. If you are looking for a quieter beach, simply travel a little further along the beach to the north or south and you can enjoy a more private beach-going experience. Make sure you stick around until sunset as Colonial Beach has some of the best sunsets in the entire area.

Aquia Landing

Aquia Landing in Stafford might be smaller in size when compared to the other beaches, but it is still a great place to check out. It does not get as packed as the other beaches, making it a great spot to relax overlooking the Potomac River. There are also plenty of park benches and pavilions available so you can sit back and watch the boats go by.

Gray’s Beach

The drive from Woodbridge to Gray’s Beach can be entertaining on its own. The drive takes you north towards D.C. and along the water until you reach Gray’s Beach, Maryland. Gray’s Beach, sometimes referred to as Yarmouth Port, is popular among locals for its breathtaking sunsets. There isn’t much development on the beach itself which allows the city to preserve its natural beauty. There is a small 800-foot boardwalk which allows you to stroll along the wavy waterway. Gray’s beach is also a great place to launch your kayak.

Each of these local area parks is a great option to cool off in the hot Virginia summer. Grab the family, pack a picnic basket, and enjoy an afternoon in the Potomac River.

 

Image by Mr.TinDC is licensed under CC-BY-SA 2.0