Betterton Beach, MD

Describe it however you want--we all can agree it's been ridiculously hot in the DC area. So when I sweated through my clothes (gross, I know) for the third straight day in my 10-minute walk to air-conditioned work, I knew it was time for an outdoor water getaway. But with gas prices high and only one day off, Justin and I ruled out Ocean City or Rehoboth Beach. We wanted somewhere closer with fewer crowds. The answer: Betterton Beach.

Tucked away in Kent County at the top of the Bay, this hamlet has an easily accessible public beach. Justin and I left Crofton on a Friday morning and made it to Betterton before noon, passing little traffic once we were over the bridge. You'll drive through quaint towns like Chestertown and Centreville on your way. A word of caution that GPS systems may blip out in Chestertown but don't panic. They'll find a signal.