🏖️ [Corrected] Let’s get you to the beach

My Big D.C. Obsession

Once a week, I'll dive into the latest trends in D.C. food and culture, plus whatever's catching my attention online.

Getting my butt to the beach, beach

The Malcolm X Park fountain may be working again, but sometimes even the longest fountain in North America doesn’t cut it. You need a real beach. As someone who takes their beach time extremely seriously (two blankets, cooler, PB&J, SPF 5,000), I wasn’t about to leave it up to chance.

So, we called local guide Tim Ebner to chat about the best beach getaways within three hours of D.C. and how to make the most of them.

💡Pro Tip: Shoulder months like June and September tend to have significantly fewer crowds and lower accommodation prices. But whenever you go, be sure to book lodging a month or two in advance (or more for peak months!) if you want anything remotely close to the water.

For a quick afternoon dip and a free orange spray tan

Sandy Point State Park, Maryland

50-minute drive from D.C.

Haters will say it’s not a “real beach.” Sure, it’s a little small, and sure, you can see the other shore across the Chesapeake, but it still makes for a great swim. Getting there is super convenient and has great views of the Bay Bridge. The only downside is the beach can stain your legs orange because of the sands' naturally high iron content.

There are no restaurants or activities within walking distance. I recommend picking up some subs and snacks from Wawa on your way. If you want something more refined, Annapolis is a 15-minute drive with favorites like Miss Shirley's Cafe, Galway Bay Irish Restaurant and Pub, and Iron Rooster.

For Speedo-clad queens and the perfect Insta pic

Rehoboth Beach, Delaware

2-hour, 45-minute drive from D.C.

Now we’re getting to the good stuff: the beaches on the ocean. Rehoboth is the epicenter of the LGBTQ+ community and queens can be seen lounging in Speedos on Poodle Beach at all times of day. But it’s also very family-friendly, says Ebner, with a long boardwalk that has a small amusement park and a bandstand with free concerts.

The connecting town is picturesque, with everything from ice cream stands to bookstores. Fill up on shellfish at Henlopen City Oyster House or get some perfectly crisp calamari at Lupo Italian Kitchen.

On My Radar

My singular and opinionated observations of D.C. life, from restaurant openings and viral trends to that one cool bug I saw.

What’s For Dinner Mayor?

Social media account Barred In DC did a survey this week asking D.C.’s mayoral candidates about the city's food scene. Their answers reveal a lot about their stances on issues like tipped minimum wage, streeteries, and telework. Not to mention it gives me free reign to judge their taste in restaurants.

Candidate Kenyan McDuffie saying his favorite restaurant is Ben’s Chili Bowl makes me think he actually might just be an AI bot learning about D.C. for the first time. Meanwhile, Hope Solomon said her favorite local hang out is Madam’s Organ. I’m having trouble picturing it, but I respect the game.

Other answers included 9:30 Club (Rini Sampath), Teaism (Gary Goodweather), Andrene’s Caribbean and Soul Food (Janeese Lewis George), and Hitching Post (Vincent Orange).

DC, Honestly

Every week, I’ll answer a reader question on how to navigate D.C.’s food, arts, and events scene. What do you want to know? Fill out this form to get it answered!

Hello Jules! We’ve never met, but I can only assume you are a classy salt-and-pepper-haired woman sporting red Dior lipstick and a gravelly, sexy voice. If not, please don’t ruin this for me.

The spot you’re looking for is Shelly’s Back Room in Metro Center. The bar advertises itself as “D.C.’s civilized cigar tavern,” though I’d be hard-pressed to name an uncivilized one. It's a club-like lounge filled with dark leather chairs and wooden features that take you straight back in time. The lengthy brandy menu is surpassed only by its wide variety of cigars (I’m talking hundreds), which you can smoke inside.

Casa de Montecristo is another good option, although this feels more like a shop that you can sit and enjoy a cigar in rather than a lounge. Lastly, I would check out Casta's Rum Bar in the West End. The hearty food and $13 mojitos keep me coming back and they also have a small cigar menu (Toro Habano, Palmitas, Torpedo Connecticut, etc.) you can enjoy on their covered patio.

Can’t Miss Events This Weekend

My top picks for events in the District this weekend. Become a member to get our full event guide in your inbox every Monday.

🌱 Astrology & Astronomy at Temperance Alley Garden

Thursday, May 28 | U Street Corridor | Free

The National Capital Astronomers will have several telescopes for you to check out the moon and stars. Then stick around for tarot readings and space-themed music and refreshments. Mercury retrograde starts in June, so it’s important to get the good vibes flowing y’all!

🎤 Kids Table with Kara Levchenko and Spoonfed at Pearl Street Warehouse

Saturday, May 30 | The Wharf | $24

Kids Table is my favorite local music discovery as of late. The rising indie band is bringing their high-energy performance style and sharp, emotionally-charged songwriting to Pearl Street Warehouse. Their debut album, “3AM Club,” arrives soon, so go see them now before they blow up!

🎶 Petworth Porchfest

Saturday, May 30 | Petworth | Free

Adams Morgan Porchfest is honestly too overwhelming for me but Petworth Porchfest is the perfect balance of raging fun and relaxed neighborhood vibes. I’ve got a whole guide to the event, along with some band recommendations here. Don’t forget sunblock and beer!

🚲 Bike Bash at the Anacostia Skate Pavillion

Saturday, May 30 | Anacostia | Free

Join Girls in Gear for a community bike day. There will be 1-, 5-, 10-, and 15-mile marshaled routes, as well as kid-free and adaptive rides with gold medal Paralympian Allysa Seely. There will be face painting, helmet decorating, and lots of snacks.

🫐 Acts of Serviceberry Day at Edgewood Community Farm

Sunday, May 31 | Edgewood | Free

Head to the farm for an afternoon of foraging, food preservation, silly outdoor games, and friendly competition with Harvest Collective and ReDelicious. They are also gathering poems for a collective book, so come prepared.