Chevy Chase Village MarylandBEACHES & WATERFRONT ESCAPES
Listed below are the best beaches and waterfront escapes near Chevy Chase Village, Maryland.
1. Rock Creek Park
VAST NATURAL WONDERLAND
Rock Creek Park spans more than 1,700 acres near Chevy Chase Village and offers plenty of trails for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy hiking, cycling, and other recreational activities in this highly-rated natural area. The park provides a peaceful escape from urban life with its diverse landscapes and waterways.
2. Chevy Chase Lake Historic Site
FORMER TROLLEY AMUSEMENT PARK
Chevy Chase Lake was once a man-made lake created for a power plant that later became a popular trolley amusement park from 1894 to 1936. The lake area served as a destination for the Connecticut Avenue streetcar and featured picnic areas, a bandstand, dancing pavilions, and a merry-go-round. Though the lake was drained over seventy years ago, the historical significance of this former waterfront attraction remains an important part of Chevy Chase's heritage.
3. Western Grove Park
COMMUNITY GATHERING SPACE
Western Grove Park is an urban park located in the heart of Chevy Chase Village offering various recreational activities for residents and visitors. The park hosts community events featuring musical performances by groups like the Bethesda-Chevy Chase Jazz Band and food from local restaurants. Western Grove Park also engages visitors with seasonal activities such as bulb planting for all ages.
4. Potomac River Waterfront
SCENIC RIVER VIEWS
The Potomac River Waterfront offers beautiful views and water activities just a short drive from Chevy Chase Village. Visitors can enjoy kayaking, paddleboarding, and riverboat cruises along this historic waterway. The waterfront features numerous parks and trails that follow the river's edge, providing excellent opportunities for recreation and relaxation.
5. Georgetown Waterfront Park
URBAN RIVERSIDE RETREAT
Georgetown Waterfront Park is a 10-acre urban park along the banks of the Potomac River, just minutes from Chevy Chase Village. The park features a large fountain, riverside walking paths, and grassy areas perfect for picnics while watching boats navigate the river. Visitors can enjoy spectacular views of the Kennedy Center, Roosevelt Island, and the Key Bridge while cooling off near the water during hot summer days.
6. Great Falls Park
DRAMATIC CASCADING WATERS
Great Falls Park showcases the dramatic Great Falls of the Potomac River where the water drops 76 feet over a series of jagged rocks. Located a short drive from Chevy Chase Village, this 800-acre park offers multiple observation platforms for viewing the powerful cascades and rapids. Visitors can enjoy hiking trails, picnic areas, and historical exhibits about the Patowmack Canal engineered by George Washington.
7. Lake Needwood
SERENE RECREATIONAL LAKE
Lake Needwood is a 75-acre man-made lake in Rock Creek Regional Park offering numerous water activities including boating, fishing, and paddleboating. Visitors can rent boats during the summer months or enjoy picnicking along the shoreline with scenic views of the water. The lake is surrounded by hiking and biking trails that connect to the larger Rock Creek Trail system, making it a perfect outdoor recreation destination near Chevy Chase Village.
8. Tidal Basin
ICONIC CHERRY BLOSSOM WATERS
The Tidal Basin is a partially man-made reservoir between the Potomac River and the Washington Channel that offers a beautiful waterfront experience near several national monuments. Famous for its cherry blossom trees that bloom spectacularly each spring, the Tidal Basin provides a 2-mile walking loop around its perimeter with stunning views of the Jefferson Memorial and Washington Monument. Visitors can also rent paddle boats to explore the calm waters during warmer months for a unique perspective of DC's landmarks.
9. Black Hill Regional Park
EXPANSIVE LAKE PARADISE
Black Hill Regional Park features the expansive 505-acre Little Seneca Lake with multiple access points for water activities including fishing, boating, and kayaking. The park encompasses over 2,000 acres of natural areas with more than 20 miles of trails winding through forests and along the lakeshore. Visitors can enjoy swimming at the designated beach area during summer months, making it a popular waterfront destination for residents of Montgomery County including Chevy Chase Village.
10. Fletcher's Cove
HISTORIC POTOMAC BOATING SITE
Fletcher's Cove is a historic boating and fishing site on the Potomac River located along the C&O Canal just a short drive from Chevy Chase Village. The cove offers boat rentals including canoes, kayaks, and rowboats for exploring the river's calm waters protected from the main channel. Visitors can also enjoy fishing for bass, perch, and seasonal shad runs or relax at picnic areas while watching herons and other wildlife along this natural riverside retreat.