Beachin' with Bonnie… and her Babes

Navigating our Local Beaches with Ataraxia

While our previous favorite local beach was getting renovated, me and my three babes explored a bunch of other sandy day getaways. Check out our take on them, and my tips, tricks, and gear for a great beach day in the Washington DC region. In the summer of 2023, seven year old Perry will give his take on some of the places he will get to revisit during camp.

Cunningham Falls State Park

While summer is just beginning, Cunningham Falls State Park’s beach area looked and felt like summer camp. It costs to get in here if you can get in:

  • Weekends and holidays: Maryland residents $5/person; out-of-state residents $7/person
  • Weekdays: Maryland residents $3/person; out-of-state residents $5/person

I bypassed this though with my state park pass. Booya!

We started our visit with a short hike up to see what is the biggest waterfall in the state. Nice walk through the woods and voila! Not bad. Then we drove back towards the entrance to get the beach parking lot. I passed the bathrooms which were in decent shape. The walk from parking to the beach was pretty close, a little bit of a walk downhill.

Pic is building with the bathrooms. Parking lot is to the right of the facilities.

Lots of soft sand, and not as narrow as you will find many bay beaches, some areas in the shade available from the trees. Water felt good and no waves so its kind of great for just wading and splashing around. Sand quality was above average and great for sand castles. Evidence below. No copywrite on these, right?

Claiming no credit.

If you have playground kids (you know what I mean), then park yourself at the end of the beach where the playground is within view of sand.

While trees don’t usually come to mind when you think ‘beach’, I am in love with sitting on the soft sand with pleasant water in front of me and then surrounded by forest green. I don’t get as lost in the view as staring at just the water, but it makes me feel more connected to nature. That being said, a close confidante has told me this beach can have some black flies issues. We didn’t experience it there, but you’ve been warned in case.

Check out those cartoon clouds! View near playground looking towards bathrooms/lot. You can see the trees shading some areas.

Besides the falls, there is plentiful hiking opportunities in the park, as well as fishing and boating. There was a boat rental place that was closed when we were there, but you can bring your own as well. Lots of picnic tables and grills available near the beach area. I guess you can also camp here, but I also read there are black bears and venomous snakes so besides just not liking to camp, that’s a big no thanks.

Fishing near the same beach parking lot, boats in the water.

There was a rather large building that appeared closed and under construction. I think that is where they used to have concessions, so bring your stuff! From the website it looks like there may be food trucks parked there on the summer weekends.

Screaming summer with the sand, water, and colorful tubes and toys.

What I liked:

  • Soft sand, calm water, and trees
  • Decent bathrooms
  • Natural shade
  • Feel of summer
  • Playground available to keep kids very occupied

Not a fan of:

  • Possibly black flies
  • Would not be happy to drive out there and get turned away if they are at capacity
  • Snakes!! I HATE snakes. Didn’t see any but Boo.

Concluding thoughts…

I liked this beach! I would go back, especially during jellyfish season and if I could get there early enough on a hot day. If it is not so hot, it could be a good place to park, hike a bit, and then hit the beach. Would also love renting a canoe or paddleboard when that becomes available. I think when the concession area is finished that would be a game changer too.

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