Are you looking to beat the heat this summer? Swimming is the perfect way to cool off and enjoy a nice summer day with family and friends. Thankfully, there are plenty of opportunities around Alexandria, Virginia, for you to swim while taking in the beautiful scenic views of the area. Here’s a list of the top swimming holes near Alexandria.
Sandy Point State Park
Located in Annapolis, Maryland, Sandy Point State Park is situated on the west side of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge. This park provides approximately 786 acres of activities such as swimming, fishing, crabbing, boating, and windsurfing. Sandy Point State Park is a family-friendly park that is incredibly popular during the summer due to its convenient location and wide selection of activities. The park features a variety of amenities including picnic shelters, showers, restrooms, a marina store, and boat rentals.
Point Lookout State Park
At Point Lookout State Park visitors can go swimming, fishing, boating, canoeing, hiking, hunting, and camping. The park includes various amenities including a boat launch, boat rentals, campfire programs, campsites, cabins, a park store, picnic areas, playgrounds, and a nature center. Located in Scotland, Maryland, on the west side of the Chesapeake Bay, Point Lookout State Park is a historic site that features an on-site Civil War Museum. At Point Lookout State Park, you can cool off during the summer and also discover the history of the area.
Seneca Creek
Located in Poolesville, Maryland, Seneca Creek is a shallow stream that features huge, flat rocks that invite you to wade in the water. This relaxing swimming hole is not too touristy, which makes it the perfect spot for families who want to spend a nice, quiet summer afternoon together. There is a grassy area with picnic tables, so you can enjoy lunch after you swim.
Buzzard Rock
Virginia’s George Washington National Forest, and more specifically Passage Creek, provides many swimming locations with breathtaking views of the local flora and fauna. The popular Buzzard Rock swimming hole is a well-known location for swimming in the area. Located directly below Buzzard Rock cliffs, this swimming hole requires a bit of hiking before you can swim. Additionally, the riverbank and bottom are both very rocky, so you’ll need to pack some water shoes or old shoes and plan accordingly.
Lake Arrowhead
Lake Arrowhead is located in the scenic Shenandoah Valley in Virginia. This scenic lake features 34 acres that are perfect for fishing, boating, canoeing, and swimming. The lake’s white sand beach is a nice spot to relax, soak up the sun, and take in the scenery. In addition to water activities, visitors can hike approximately two miles along the various hiking trails that surround the lake. Lake Arrowhead features multiple picnic shelters, playgrounds, and restrooms. There is a small admission fee to access the lake and its amenities.
Each of these swimming locations offers opportunities for swimming as well as gorgeous views of the surrounding area. Take a dip in one of these popular swimming holes near Alexandria, Virginia, to cool off during this year’s summertime heat.
And if you are looking for a new vehicle that can zip you to and from these fantastic swimming holes, check out our selection of the latest CDJR models on the market that can handle your adventures!
Image via Flickr by Michael Pardo. Used with permission via CC by 2.0 / cropped from original
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