Easy Beach Getaways From DC

Just across the Atlantic Ocean, the gorgeous Bahamas islands await. With direct flights to Nassau and an array of wonderful hotel options, this ocean city is the great place for the closest beach getaway. The beaches in the Bahamas are absolute perfection, boasting sugar-like sand, turquoise calm waters and umbrella-touting cocktails. For the best beach, head to the popular Cable Beach, which looks as though you’ve stepped into an idyllic screensaver. 

Baha Mar is a beachfront resort — about 20 minutes from the airport — and has three hotels, many restaurants, a gorgeous beach, several pools (one with a fish tank in it), kids clubs, flamingos, food trucks, a new water park and much more.

A bit farther from the airport is Atlantis, amusement park-like resort with an abundance of entertainment for family fun. You can easily spend a day playing on water slides and lounging in swimming pools at Aquaventure is a 141-acre Atlantean-themed water park on the resort, which replaced their mini-golf attraction in 2008.

Near Atlantis, you’ll want to check out Cabbage Beach, a must-see public beach, where you can walk 100 yards and escape the sun worshippers and tourists that clog up the Bahamas’ other beaches. However, the waves here can be dangerous, and there are not many lifeguards around, so instead walk or bike along the shore and let the kids go sand-crabbing.

Once you’ve soaked up enough sun rays, make a visit to the Queen’s Staircase in Nassau. This 66-step walkway was carved out of solid limestone between 1793 and 1794. Notably, the Queen’s Staircase looks more like a magical jungle than a staircase as it features cascading waterfalls and verdant plants flanking its steps.

With mountains, cliffs, state parks and gorgeous beaches, a beach vacation in Jamaica really has it all. Wake up to delicious Blue Mountain Coffee (considered some of the best coffee in the world), sway to the tune of reggae, live music and dine on delicious Caribbean fare.

A worthwhile two-hour drive from the airport is Goldeneye, a magnificent property east of the beach town of Ochos Rios and perfectly situated between the beach and a lagoon. There are several different types of rooms here, each with its own distinct character and location. Beach villas sit on the main stretch of sand just steps from the ocean, lagoon cottages have their own docks complete with kayaks, and beach huts rule the other end of the property with striking sea views. Notably, this shabby chic resort is also the place where author Ian Fleming penned the James Bond novels.

For another excellent hotel option and less of a small town vibe, check out the private villas at the Round Hill Resort in Montego Bay. Folks traveling with kids or with larger groups will love the extra space as this becomes your home for the duration of your time in Jamaica. A section of smaller individual hotel rooms lines the beach if you prefer to be truly oceanfront and right on the sand.

Located about an hour south of Cancun airport in the resort town of Playa del Carmen is Mayakoba, a 500+ acre development composed of four hotels (The Andaz, Banyan Tree, Fairmont and Rosewood Resort). 

As a general overview, the Rosewood Hotel is great for families, the Andaz Mayakoba has a fantastic taco restaurant and the Fairmont has suites with pools that are right on the beach.   Each of the four hotels are laid out similarly and, due to protecting mangrove forests, are flanked by forests and beaches. Getting between the four beach resorts is easy enough with rides or one of the boats that routinely float along the canals connecting the properties. 

While the Mayakoba area has something for everyone – including golf courses, water sports, paddleboarding, great food, and spas – you won’t want to miss an eco-tour on one of the canal boats. This boat tour will show you some of the iguanas, crocodiles and wild birds that inhabit the mangrove forests of Mayakoba. 

If you’re looking to take a day trip to nearby Playa del Carmen, you can check out the funky sculptures that make up Parque Los Fundadores, have a beach day at the gorgeous Playa Punta Esmeralda or swim in a cenote at Cenote Cristalino. 

Before you head back to Mayakoba, make sure to take a stroll down 5 Avenida Norte, Playa del Carmen’s main promenade, three mile-long boardwalk, and a great place to eat or shop.

Mayakoba is also a north beach to Tulum, another famous beach destination in Mexico, that’s worth a visit to see the Mayan ruins at its national park.