The long weekend means an extra day for adventures. These summery excursions are within a two-hour drive of DC, and all of them involve getting in or on the water.
Set Sail and Crack Crabs
Annapolis, Maryland
Finish off your summer bucket list with a day of sailing and crabs in nautical Annapolis. Climb aboard a two-hour cruise on the Woodwind or Woodwind II, 74-foot schooners that glide through the bay. Then head to longtime favorite Cantler’s Riverside Inn for steamers on a dock overlooking Mills Creek.
Find Fossils at the Beach
Calvert County, Maryland
Channel your inner paleontologist at two sandy shores: Calvert Cliffs State Park and Flag Ponds Nature Park. Both are a destination for Miocene-era finds, from shark teeth to cool shells. Once you’ve worked up a sweat, take a dip in the water for an easy cooldown.
Go River Tubing
Harpers Ferry, West Virginia
Looking for a lazy river experience on an actual river? Head to Harpers Ferry, where outdoor adventure groups River Riders and River and Trail Outfitter offer opportunities for a leisurely float on the Shenandoah River. You can even get a floating cooler for refreshments.
Take your Dog for a Swim
Stevensville, Maryland
You’ll have to cross the Bay Bridge to get to Matapeake Clubhouse and Beach, but it’s worth it for the stretch of dedicated dog beach. Pets can frolic in and out of the water without a leash, playing fetch and rolling in the sand with new furry friends.
Enjoy a Picnic on the Water
Washington, DC
The Wharf’s waterfront location makes it a natural destination for boat rentals. If you want to drive an electric boat—no special license required—Sea Suite Cruises has two options. For a mod vibe, a fleet of vintage vessels with up-to-date motors accommodate up to four passengers. Meanwhile, the larger Duffy boats fit up to 10 people and have a shady cover.
Kayak Through Spooky Shipwrecks
Nanjemoy, Maryland
Paddle around 200 World War I-era shipwrecks known as the Ghost Fleet in Mallows Bay. There are no paddle rentals by the water, so you’ll either need to bring your own equipment or sign up for a tour with Atlantic Kayak. Guides provide some additional context on the spooky site as well as the birds that are drawn to the rusted wreckage.
Daniella Byck joined Washingtonian in 2022. She was previously with Outside Magazine and lives in Takoma.
