With summer right around the corner, it’s time for Washingtonians to kick back, relax and stay cool! We all know DC summers are sticky and humid but that doesn’t mean we can’t have fun. These are the 9 best swimming spots near DC that you must visit this summer!
1. Scott’s Run Nature Preserve
Scott’s Run Nature Preserve is home to some of the bluest, clearest water and a fantastic waterfall. You can hike this natural oasis and dip your toes in to the cool sparkling water, where you can see right down to the bottom. It’s just outside of DC in Northern Virginia.
Click here for directions and more information.
2. The Omni Homestead Resort
The Omni Homestead Resort is a gorgeous remote resort a few hours south of DC. It’s home to many activities but their pool is particularly amazing! They have a lazy river, a water play zone and dueling waterslides.
Click here for directions and more information.
3. Shenandoah River
The gorgeous Shenandoah River is the number one tubing spot around the DC area. You’ll float by amazing scenery of Harpers Ferry and just relax with a cool drink and some snacks and let your worried melt away.
Click here for directions and more information.
4. Leesylvania State Park
This is one of the quietest and most peaceful beaches in the area. The gorgeous shores are surrounded by hiking spots, picnic locations, fishing piers and miles of gorgeous sand. You can swim, boat, kayak and sail around this awesome beach.
Click here for directions and more information.
5. Beaver Dam Swimming Club
Spend a day at one of the most fun swimming holes in the area. Beaver Dam is a flooded marble quarry that has been used as a swimming hole since the 1930s. It features an epic rope swing, floating platforms, a diving board and much more fun!
Click here for directions and more information.
6. Greenbrier State Park
Greenbrier State Park is a Maryland State Park, a few hours outside of DC. Tucked away in the Appalachian Mountains, Greenbrier is a fantastic swimming hole. It has a 42 acre man made lake, a beautiful beach and plenty of space to swim, canoe and relax in the sun.
Click here for directions and more information.
7. Jefferson Pools
Jefferson Pools are historic and legendary spring fed pools located in Virginia. There are two bathhouses, one for men and one for women where visitors can enjoy a relaxing soak in the rejuvenating warm fresh waters. There are family hours available for children under the age of 17.
Click here for directions and more information.
8. Atlantis Waterpark
Atlantis Waterpark is a fantastic huge water park 45 minutes outside of DC in Northern Virginia. They have two waterslides, a 500-galon dumping bucket, open pools, shady areas, a large sundeck and a snack bar. Everything you need for a great summer day!
Click here for directions and more information.
9. Cape Henlopen
Cape Henlopen is a beautiful little known beach on the Delaware shore that has some of the prettiest, most pristine sand in the area.
Click here for directions and more information.
If you need more summer getaways, head to the best beaches near Washington DC!
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