Written by Kirstin Hawthorne

Are the dog days of summer getting you down?  Are you dreaming of lazy days spent lounging on a beach with your toes in the sand and water?  While the idea of a tropical vacation is almost always appealing, when you don’t have the time or resources, fortunately, there are plenty of beautiful beaches within a 2-hour driving distance of Fairfax to enjoy.  Here are some options you may not know about:

• Chesapeake Beach, MD – This beach town features a water park, a public boat launch, a fishing pier, and a boardwalk.
• North Beach, MD – Located next to Chesapeake Beach, this quaint town has a small beach and a boardwalk.
• Colonial Beach, VA – Nestled on the Potomac River, this town features a public beach, a fishing pier, and a boardwalk.
• Point Lookout State Park, MD – This park, located on the Chesapeake Bay, features a beach, a fishing pier, and a nature trail.
• Sandy Point State Park, MD – Situated on the Chesapeake Bay in the beautiful town of Annapolis, this park features a beach, fishing, and boating.

Here are some alternatives that are still in driving distance but might be better suited for a quick overnight or a weekend excursion:

• Virginia Beach, VA – offers wide, sandy beaches and a lively boardwalk.
• Ocean City, MD – includes a fun boardwalk with restaurants, shops, and amusement rides.
• Rehoboth Beach, DE – known for its clean beaches and family-friendly atmosphere.
• Cape May, NJ – features Victorian architecture, charming shops, and beautiful beaches.
• Bethany Beach, DE – comprised of quiet beaches and a relaxed atmosphere.