District Heights MarylandBEACHES & WATERFRONT ESCAPES
Listed below are the best beaches and waterfront escapes near District Heights, Maryland.
1. Bladensburg Waterfront Park
RIVERSIDE RECREATION AND HISTORY
Bladensburg Waterfront Park offers diverse activities along the Anacostia River, including boat tours, kayaking, and hiking trails. The park provides peaceful views and a relaxing atmosphere, making it an ideal place to unwind and connect with nature. Visitors can enjoy educational exhibits about local history while experiencing the tranquil riverside setting.
2. National Harbor Waterfront District
POTOMAC RIVER DESTINATION
The Waterfront District at National Harbor sits directly on the Potomac River, offering a convenient, walkable area with numerous attractions. Visitors can enjoy shopping, dining, and entertainment options while taking in the scenic river views. The district serves as a hub for waterfront activities and events throughout the year.
3. Sandy Point State Park
CHESAPEAKE BAY BEACH
Sandy Point State Park features a popular beach on the northwestern shore of the Chesapeake Bay with swimming, fishing, and boating opportunities. The park offers stunning views of the Bay Bridge and has picnic areas, a marina, and hiking trails for visitors to enjoy. During summer months, the beach attracts families seeking to cool off in the refreshing bay waters.
4. Yards Park
URBAN WATERFRONT OASIS
Yards Park is a modern waterfront park along the Anacostia River featuring a unique canal basin and waterfall. The park includes a wading pool, grassy lawns, and boardwalk perfect for relaxing and enjoying river views. Visitors can participate in outdoor concerts, festivals, and fitness classes throughout the year.
5. Tidal Basin
ICONIC WATERFRONT LANDMARK
The Tidal Basin is a man-made reservoir between the Potomac River and the Washington Channel, famous for its cherry blossom trees. Visitors can enjoy paddleboat rentals on the water while taking in views of the Jefferson Memorial, FDR Memorial, and MLK Memorial. The 2-mile walking path around the basin provides one of the most scenic waterfront experiences in the capital region.
6. Greenbelt Lake Park
SERENE LAKESIDE RETREAT
Greenbelt Lake Park features a beautiful 23-acre lake surrounded by wooded trails and recreational facilities. Visitors can fish from the shoreline, enjoy picnicking, or take a refreshing walk on the 1.3-mile paved path that circles the lake. The park serves as a natural haven for local wildlife and provides a peaceful escape for nearby residents.
7. Lake Artemesia
URBAN FISHING AND RECREATION
Lake Artemesia is a 38-acre man-made lake with surrounding natural areas and trails perfect for fishing, bird watching, and outdoor exercise. The lake features a 1.35-mile paved hiker-biker trail and connects to the larger Anacostia Tributary Trail System. Visitors appreciate the well-maintained fishing piers, aquatic gardens, and abundant wildlife viewing opportunities.
8. Patuxent River Park
WILDERNESS WATER ADVENTURES
Patuxent River Park encompasses over 7,800 acres of natural areas along the Patuxent River with opportunities for boating, fishing, and wildlife observation. The park offers canoe and kayak rentals, allowing visitors to explore the river's wetlands and observe diverse bird species including bald eagles and great blue herons. Hiking trails and observation blinds provide additional ways to experience the pristine river ecosystem.
9. Jug Bay Natural Area
WETLAND WILDLIFE HAVEN
Jug Bay Natural Area features extensive freshwater tidal wetlands along the Patuxent River, offering excellent opportunities for paddling and nature observation. The area is renowned for its biodiversity, hosting over 250 bird species and serving as an important research and conservation site. Visitors can explore boardwalks extending into marshlands, rent canoes or kayaks, or hike miles of trails through diverse habitats.
10. Pohick Bay Regional Park
FAMILY-FRIENDLY WATERFRONT RECREATION
Pohick Bay Regional Park sits on the Potomac River with a waterfront that includes swimming pools, boat rentals, and camping facilities. The park features a sandy beach area, miniature golf course, and extensive hiking trails through wooded areas along the water. During summer, visitors can cool off at the Olympic-sized pool or enjoy water activities like kayaking and paddleboarding on the bay.