Carnival rides opened up Friday alongside live bands, food, sports, art exhibits, a used book sale and other activities. Admission to the festival, which runs through Monday, is free.
D.C. has buzzed this summer about "Hive," the National Building Museum's interactive exhibit. Labor Day weekend will be your last chance to see it. Tickets are $16 for adults and $13 for children, seniors and students with an ID.
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We feel like the islands of Assateague (which has land in both Maryland and Virginia) and Chincoteague, Virginia, end up on a lot of Top 10 lists — but there are wild ponies! On the beach! Set up your tent for beach-front camping. (Just be sure to hide your food from the ponies.) On Assateague's Virginia side, you can join a nature cruise to see the wildlife refuge. One note of warning, though: This is an untamed area, so bring along that mosquito repellent. DISTANCE: 170 miles from downtown D.C.
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Sandy dunes open up to 70 miles of mostly undeveloped beaches at Cape Hatteras National Seashore. The open-ocean waves are great for surfing or boogie boarding, or you can visit historic lighthouses. Drive to the southern end and you’ll find Ocracoke Beach, which Dr. Beach declared one of the best in the nation. Beach driving and bonfires are allowed here with a proper permit. DISTANCE: 330 miles from downtown D.C. to Hatteras Island Visitor Center
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You'll find pretty much everything you need from a seaside town in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. We're talking go-karts, mini-golf, hang-gliding, boardwalk games and rides for kids — plus frozen custard, obviously. Rehoboth is also home to some fantastic farm-to-table restaurants, so if boardwalk cuisine isn't your thing, you will definitely still be quite happy here. Dewey Beach offers a slightly quieter atmosphere from busier, more crowded cousin Rehoboth. DISTANCE: 120 miles from downtown D.C.
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We're putting Cape May and Wildwood, New Jersey, together because it's easy to do both in a single weekend. On the southernmost point of New Jersey's barrier islands, Cape May is famous for its eye-popping Victorian mansions and B&Bs (and the historic tours that go along with them). Its neighbor to the north, Wildwood, offers a more typical shore experience on a larger scale than its Delaware counterparts, with a different kind of retro via its 1950s-era motels. You'll also find the requisite boardwalk, tons of rides and two water parks. Just "watch the tram car, please."DISTANCE: 185 miles from downtown D.C.
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Ocean City, Maryland, is a destination that kids (or your own inner child) will love. Go for water slides, boardwalk rides and haunted houses, or head to the water to parasail, kayak, surf or, you know, just swim. You can also catch free concerts and movies many nights during summer. DISTANCE: 145 miles from downtown D.C.
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Southern Shores, Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills and Nags Head are among the most easily accessible towns in North Carolina’s Outer Banks if you’re coming from the D.C. area. Swim, surf, charter a boat or go fishing off the Avalon Pier. There are also historic sites devoted to the lost colony on Roanoke and the Wright Brothers’ first flight. DISTANCE: 270 miles from downtown D.C.
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Aside from outdoor activities from fishing to kayaking to dolphin watching, Virginia Beach also offers a boardwalk full of rides and restaurants, plenty of festivals, bars, clubs and breweries, plus the Virginia Aquarium and the Military Aviation Museum. DISTANCE: 210 miles from downtown D.C.
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Bethany Beach markets itself as a "quiet resort," offering a more serene option away from the party-hardy bustle of some other spots. There's a limited number of bars, but plenty to do in the way of water sports, a farmers' market, a water park, pirate mini-golf, a boardwalk and movies on the beach. Catch free live music at the Boardwalk Bandstand on weekend nights. You can find something to do in Bethany right up until the end of summer when the town famously bids goodbye to the season with a jazz funeral. DISTANCE: 125 miles from downtown D.C.
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That other Ocean City (the one in New Jersey) offers plenty of family-friendly fun, with a boardwalk that — although often crowded — features a ton of rides and all the old faves when it comes to shore food, including pizza and fried Oreos. What else could you want? DISTANCE: 192 miles from downtown D.C.
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Craving fresh seafood? Tilghman Island, a traditional watermen’s village just off the mainland, has just what you're looking for. Sit down for waterfront dining on the Chesapeake Bay and spend the night at a cozy B&B. One note of warning: If you're looking to swim, you'll be disappointed, because there's no swimming area, but you can still sail, fish, kayak or paddleboard. If you absolutely must swim during your trip, consider an inn with a pool, such as the Black Walnut Point Inn. DISTANCE: 90 miles from downtown D.C.
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Headed to the beach? Tag NBC Washington in your photos on Instagram.
The beaches on this list are open to visitors in 2021, but be mindful of local rules on masking. Be aware that some businesses may have different hours or capacity rules. Here's information from the states of Delaware, Maryland and Virginia.
The best way to protect yourself against COVID-19 is to get vaccinated, health experts say.
Enjoy medieval-style food, drinks and entertainment, including knights jousting in full armor, bards strumming lutes, and daredevils swallowing swords. Adult tickets are $19; kids younger than 7 get in for free. (Note that food sales are cash only, so hit an ATM beforehand.)
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Plunge into a fresh-water quarry via rope swing or spend the afternoon swimming in one of two pools at Beaver Dam Swim Club. If you need a break from the water, hit up one of the club's basketball or volleyball courts, or use the club's grilling facilities to make up your own feast. You can bring your own food and drinks, but alcohol is not allowed. See admission fees here. Where: 10820 Beaver Dam Road, Cockeysville, Maryland Opens: Open starting Sunday, May 26 Hours: Weekends and holidays 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; weekdays 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Distance from D.C.: 57 miles
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You can swim or fish (or both) at the surprisingly close Lake Anna, one of Virginia's larges freshwater lakes. Other nearby attractions include vineyards, antiques shops, golf, historic sites and the Kings Dominion theme park. If you're just day-tripping, be sure to arrive early because the parking area closes once it hits capacity, but you'll also find plenty of nearby lodging. nWhere: 6800 Lawyers Road, Spotsylvania Courthouse, Virginia nOpens: Saturday, May 25 n Hours Weekends and holidays 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; weekdays from May 27 to Aug. 9, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; hours TBD from Aug. 11 to Labor Day nDistance from D.C. 84 miles
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Sink your toes into the sand or take a dip in the water at the pristine waterfront of North Beach on Maryland's western shore, south of Annapolis. Looking for some exercise? Rent a kayak or stand-up paddleboard at the Welcome Center. (Note: No lifeguards are on duty, so swimming is at your own risk.) See beach fees here. Special events include monthly movies on the beach. nWhere: 9023 Bay Ave., North Beach, Maryland nOpen: The beach and bathrooms are open year-round from dawn until dark. nDistance from D.C. 34 miles
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Float along the pristine Shenandoah River for gorgeous views of downtown Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, after renting an inner tube from the Harpers Ferry Adventure Center (37410 Adventure Center Lane, Purcellville, Virginia). While there, you can also go ziplining, rafting or take a ropes course. Lodging is available on the grounds via cabins and riverside or mountain-top camping. Hours:See all hours here. Distance from D.C.: 64 miles
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The James River Park System (including Pony Pasture Rapids Park, pictured) runs along both sides of the James River as it passes through Richmond, which the city says makes it the only U.S. city to have Class IV white water rapids right in the middle of downtown. Enjoy kayaking, tubing, hiking, rock climbing, swimming and nearly any other outdoor activity you might want. nWhere: Pony Pasture Rapids, 7200 Riverside Drive, Richmond, Virginia nSwimming information:Go here nDistance from D.C.: 111 miles
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Hunting Creek Lake at Cunningham Falls State Park has three designated swimming areas where you can cool off. Looking to extend your stay? Make it a weekend getaway by renting a nearby camper cabin. Where: William Houck Campground, 14039 Catoctin Hollow Road, Thurmont, Maryland Opens: Memorial Day, May 27 Hours: 11 a.m.- 6 p.m. Distance from D.C. 70 miles
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Stroll the boardwalk at swim in the bay at the nearby Chesapeake Beach on Maryland's western shore, south of Annapolis. Note: There's no lifeguard at the beach, so swim at your own risk. See beach fees here. Looking for more active fun? Head to the Chesapeake Beach Water Park, which opens for the 2019 season on Saturday, May 25. nHours: Bay Front Park (Brownie's Beach) is open 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. See admission fees here.nDistance from D.C.: 35 miles n CORRECTION: May 24, 2017, 5:05 p.m.: An earlier image incorrectly showed North Beach instead of Chesapeake Beach. This slide has been updated with an image of Chesapeake Beach.
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Watch a stunning sunrise over the Chesapeake Bay or spend a day out on the water with a boat rental. Grills and picnic tables next to the beach at Sandy Point State Park make this the perfect spot for an afternoon cookout. nWhere: 1100 E. College Parkway, Annapolis, Maryland nOpens: Memorial Day nHours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays; 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. weekends and holidays nDistance from D.C.: 37 miles
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Virginia's Northern Neck region offers multiple beaches, quaint inns and plenty of shops. If you're in search of a swim, consider Windmill Point (good for families and weaker swimmers), Hughlett Point (surrounded by forests and a good spot to launch kayaks or paddleboards), Belle Isle State Park (which also offers cabins and camping) or Colonial Beach (a town great for fans of water sports). Distance from D.C. Mileage varies on your specific destination. Colonial Beach is 63 miles from D.C., while Hughlett Point is 123 miles.
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The star attraction of the 3,000-acre Rocky Gap State Park is Lake Habeeb, which offers two public beaches surrounded by the scenic Evitts Mountain. Camping, cabins, and hot and cold food are also available. Where: 12500 Pleasant Valley Road NE, Flintstone, Maryland Distance: 131 miles nNOTE: Stock image
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Didn't see your fave spot listed? Look for it in our other galleries: • Top 10 Beaches • Top 10 Day Trips Less Than 100 Miles From DC • Top 10 Weekend Getaways • Top 10 Virginia Getaways • Top 10 Maryland Getaways
From 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Labor Day, you can see hot rods, antique vehicles, muscle cars and motorcycles at a car show sponsored by the Clifton Lions Club. All proceeds go to The Northern Virginia Therapeutic Riding Program and Life With Cancer.
Kick back and watch marching bands, equestrian groups, dancers and floats pass by at Kensington's 50th annual Labor Day parade. The parade begins at 10 a.m. Monday and will travel down Connecticut Avenue. Check out the website for more details on the route. After the parade, you can hit up the festival until 4 p.m. for food, games and kids’ activities.
Enjoy live music and lawn games while sipping craft beer and wine and munching on food from local restaurants beginning at 11 a.m. Monday. A $20 wristband will get you a wine glass and 3 beer tastings. Extra beer tastings cost $2 each. (Or, if you don’t drink, you can watch the music for $5).
PAST EVENTS:
Saturday, Sept. 2
National Book Festival Walter E. Washington Convention Center, 801 Mount Vernon Place NW
Featured authors at the Library of Congress' National Book Festival will include David McCullough, Michael Lewis, Roxane Gay, Condoleezza Rice, Kate DiCamillo, Thomas L. Friedman, Scott Turow, Michael Eric Dyson, Nicola Yoon and Ernest Gaines. See the complete authors schedule online here. You'll also find family-friendly activities, books for sale from Politics & Prose and more.
Bottomless beer samples, live music and an international-themed dress up contest are staples at this festival. There are two $39 sessions on Saturday, one that goes from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. and another from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Splurge an extra $10 for a VIP ticket and you get an extra hour of sips.
The National Harbor's cool-off event, Summer Snow Globe, will come to a close Labor Day Weekend with a White Out Party. The party runs from 2 p.m. to 12 a.m. Saturday. Organizers say if you wear white, you get half price on certain cocktails. The party will also feature live music and winter snowfall every 20 minutes.
Treat your ears to an "America-inspired program" featuring folk and bluegrass music on the Capitol Lawn. Pack a picnic dinner for the 8 p.m. performance. No alcohol is allowed. Gates open at 3 p.m., and you can catch a rehearsal performance at 3:30 p.m. You do not need a ticket to attend.
