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.

Greenbrier State Park

Back from an incredible day with the best of friends and family at Greenbrier State Park! If you can get there before they get to capacity (around 11 on weekends I think.. but check the MD State Parks twitter feed), you will be rewarded.

This is a view of the longer beach. It can be reached in the first parking lot and making your way down a winding, paved path.

So going to get right into it!

What WE liked…

  • Sand pretty soft, even after a rainy evening
  • Lots of people but plenty of space
  • Calm, warm water with NO JELLYFISH. The water feels soo good, and its pretty clear
  • Clean park (bring your own trashbag, there are no recepticles)
  • Restrooms in pretty good shape (well… the boys said not as good in theirs), and the building has a nice exterior with a pollinator garden
  • Concessions available! A stranger treated us to a nacho and it was better than expected. Thank you, Stranger!
  • Shallow water that is roped off so the kiddos could play around pretty safely
  • We loved hanging out on tubes
  • Lots of picnic space and areas to reserve, grills and stuff
  • Boats to rent… people enjoying kayaking, paddleboarding, and other non-motorized water activities
  • Not buggy at all; super pleasant surprise for a summer day in a wooded park
  • I like the green mountain views. Sand, water, and trees are my happy place
The beach area closest to the boat launch and parking lot. Smaller but we prefer since its an easy trek from the car to the beach.

Not a fan of…

  • Twice in our 5+ hours there they made super loud announcements over the speakers
  • No canapies or tents are allowed on the sand. The rangers were kind and helped us move the cabana to the grass. It was a silly policy (they said its there because we are not supposed to block the lifeguard… we were behind the lifeguard chair and there was no lifeguard…) but the rangers were empathetic and apologetic and helpful
  • Some rocks in the water… no one got cut but water shoes may be helpful
  • It’s not free, but the cost is not outrageous ($5/person weekends peak season) and since its a state park it was included in our annual pass

Concluding thoughts…

We will definitely be back. Might even try to grill out or bring a hammock next time.

←
→

Leave a comment