Lay out in the sun, splash in the water — and maybe have fun with your dog — at these five beaches, all about an hour from D.C.

See the top 10 best public beaches near D.C., Maryland and Virginia — with soft sand, waterparks, amusement parks, water sports, ponies, and movies.

The beaches are less packed than any Jersey Shore spot. Don’t miss: At the southern tip of Sandbridge, beyond the final public beach access at Little Island Park , sits False Cape State Park.

10 Great Airbnbs at Beaches Near DC A cottage in the Outer Banks, a seaside home in Bethany, a bungalow in Rehoboth, and other rentals near the ocean. Written by Washingtonian Staff | Published on ...