We like Rehoboth, but you won't make it in 2 hours if you go on a weekend during high season.

Anonymous wrote:Not aware of any beaches that are a short DITANCE from DC.

Ugh. Really?

Nothing up here is going to be very warm, OP.

But Broadkill Beach, DE is the quietest around. With no waves since it's above Cape Henlopen - excellent for toddlers.

North Beach and Breezy Point (just south of Chesapeake Beach) both have white sand beaches with jellyfish nets. The water is only 2-3 feet deep with gentle waves.

Westmoreland State Park in Va has camping, a river beach, nice views, fossils, a nature center, hiking, playground and a swimming pool that is open Mem Day - Labor Day.

+1000 on the Lewes Beach suggestion. Meets all your criteria.

Anonymous wrote:There are no beaches an hour from downtown DC. Look at a map.

The OP is looking for something 1-2 hours from DC. So many of the locations mentioned meet her criteria. Some are even less than an hour according to Mapquest.

There are no beaches an hour from downtown DC. Look at a map.

North Beach, MD. It has a town beach for residents, but non residents can buy a day pass for I think $10/person. There is a good amount of beach space, a small playground, and the water area is blocked off by rocks so it is wave free. At its deepest, it is only about 2.5-3ft. You can also rent kayaks. It is a quiet town with a couple good restaurants and a small board walk. There is a Farmer's Market on Friday evening and a great popcorn shop. There are other event type things throughout the summer. I can't think of any hotels in North Beach, but I think there are some B&B type places. It is right next to Chesapeake Beach which I don't think has an actual beach, but does have a water park.

Ocean Grove, NJ. Four hours. Stay at the Quaker Inn - they like kids. You can go down to Point Pleasant or walk over to Asbury Park if you want a more beachy scene.