Washingtonians have many options for weekend getaway destinations. While we don’t have an ocean coast, we are within a few hours of beautiful beaches that are perfect for some fun in the sun. While most people choose to vacation in the busier areas like Rehoboth or Ocean City, there are some great lesser known beaches in the area. One beach in particular, Cape Henlopen State Park has the whitest sand near DC and might be one of the most beautiful beaches near DC.
Cape Henlopen State Park is located on the Delaware Coast, about two and half hours away from DC.
You can swim, sunbath and relax on the gorgeous beach. The swimming area is patrolled by lifeguards and there is a nearby bathhouse with showers and changing areas.
Off of the beach, there are miles of trails for hiking and biking where you can observe the gorgeous scenery. Explore the Seaside or Pinelands Nature Trails to get an up close view of the various coastal environments and wildlife.
If you don’t have a bike, you can borrow one from the Friends of Cape Henlopen State Park’s borrow-a-bike program located at the Nature Center. You can also rent kayaks or take a kayak tour.
If you love history, you can tour the nearby Fort Miles, which was built during World War II or climb to the top of the World War II Observation Tower for incredible views of the entire park.
Cape Henlopen State Park is also a campsite. The site was recently renovated and features a laundry facility, electric hook ups, a play area and much more!
Among the other features at the park, there is a picnic pavilion, a disc golf course, basketball courts and much more. There really is something for everyone at this gorgeous beach.
