Glen Echo MarylandBEACHES & WATERFRONT ESCAPES
Listed below are the best beaches and waterfront escapes near Glen Echo, Maryland.
1. Glen Echo Park
HISTORIC ARTS CENTER
Glen Echo Park is an arts and cultural center in Glen Echo, Maryland, located about 9 miles northwest of Washington, D.C. The park is known for its Streamline Moderne architecture, an antique Dentzel carousel, and its historic Spanish Ballroom. More than 350,000 people attend events and participate in instructional activities at the park each year.
2. Glen Echo Park Aquarium
EDUCATIONAL WATER EXPERIENCE
Glen Echo Park Aquarium offers visitors an educational experience about aquatic ecosystems in Maryland. Visitors can explore exhibits featuring local marine life and learn about conservation efforts. The aquarium is among the top attractions in Glen Echo and provides hands-on learning opportunities for children and adults alike.
3. Beverly-Triton Beach Park
CHESAPEAKE BAY PARADISE
Beverly-Triton Beach Park offers visitors a beautiful stretch of waterfront along the Chesapeake Bay. The park features swimming areas, hiking trails, picnic facilities, and opportunities for kayaking and wildlife viewing. Visitors can enjoy spectacular views of the bay while relaxing on the sandy shores.
4. Tolchester Beach
HISTORIC BAY DESTINATION
Tolchester Beach is a historic waterfront destination on the eastern shore of the Chesapeake Bay. Once a popular resort area with an amusement park in the early 20th century, today it offers visitors swimming, boating, and fishing opportunities. The beach provides stunning views of the bay and is ideal for day trips from the D.C. metro area.
5. North Beach
CHARMING BAYFRONT TOWN
North Beach is a charming waterfront town situated along the western shore of the Chesapeake Bay. The town features a public beach with a boardwalk, fishing pier, and various recreational activities for visitors. North Beach hosts numerous events throughout the year, including farmers markets and waterfront festivals.
6. Great Falls Park
DRAMATIC RIVER RAPIDS
Great Falls Park showcases the dramatic cascades of the Potomac River as it flows through Mather Gorge. Visitors can enjoy hiking trails, rock climbing, kayaking, and picnicking while taking in spectacular views of the falls from three different overlooks. The park is located just 15 miles from Washington D.C., making it a popular day trip destination for both locals and tourists.
7. Sandy Point State Park
BAY BRIDGE BEACH
Sandy Point State Park offers a large public beach at the western end of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge. The park features swimming areas with lifeguards during summer months, boat rentals, fishing spots, and picnic facilities with grills. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the bay and the impressive Bay Bridge while relaxing on the sandy shores.
8. Cunningham Falls State Park
MOUNTAIN LAKE RETREAT
Cunningham Falls State Park is home to Maryland's largest cascading waterfall and the 43-acre Hunting Creek Lake. The park offers swimming at the lake beach area, hiking trails to the falls, camping facilities, and opportunities for fishing and canoeing. Visitors can enjoy the natural beauty of the Catoctin Mountains while cooling off in the crystal-clear waters.
9. Greenbrier State Park
MOUNTAIN LAKE OASIS
Greenbrier State Park features a 42-acre freshwater lake nestled in the scenic Appalachian Mountains. The park offers a 1,000-foot sandy beach for swimming, boat rentals, fishing opportunities, and numerous hiking trails including access to the Appalachian Trail. Visitors can enjoy the refreshing mountain waters while surrounded by lush forests and stunning mountain views.
10. Fletcher's Cove
HISTORIC POTOMAC FISHING SPOT
Fletcher's Cove is a historic fishing and boating site along the Potomac River within the C&O Canal National Historical Park. Visitors can rent canoes, kayaks, and rowboats to explore the river, or fish for bass, perch, and seasonal shad in this popular angling spot. The cove offers a peaceful waterfront escape with easy access from the capital city.