Beaches by Blair to beat the heat

With summer on the horizon and senior beach week just around the corner, here are some summery local beach suggestions that will suit any beachgoer, from the quiet nature seekers to the crowd-loving sun-tanners. Each of these three beach spots is within a few hours of the Silver Spring area and is perfect for a day trip, a weekend or even a summer-long stay.

Assateague Island
Assateague Island, home to Assateague Island National Seashore, is a quiet beachgoer's dream spot. The small island is just east of Chincoteague and its status as a national park allows for camping and guarantees an enjoyable and relaxing stay. Nature lovers can revel in the over three hundred stunning wild ponies that roam free all over the island, in addition to fascinating sea life and birds. Though relaxing, Assateague also offers tons of fun activities for the more active vacationers. Hiking, biking, kayaking, swimming and hunting for clams are all popular and easily accessible options. Plus, for beachgoers interested in architecture, the Assateague lighthouse is open seven days a week in the summertime and is a worthwhile visit. If you like wildlife, stunning beach views and peace and quiet, then you're in for a lovely time on Assateague.

Rehoboth Beach
Rehoboth is a small town community with large town amenities and amusements. Visitors will be wowed by the friendliness of the locals and the strong sense of community present throughout this small beach town on the Delaware coast. Sure the beaches can get crowded during peak season, but they're always clean and the large volume of visitors provides for an active social scene, complete with a mile long boardwalk that's home to dozens of alluring restaurants, gift stores and sweet shops. The boardwalk also makes it easy to get around for hikers and bikers alike. To top it off, Rehoboth is also home to the Rehoboth Beach Bandstand, an outdoor music venue and pavilion that hosts free weekend concerts throughout the summer beach season. If you're a more social beachgoer who doesn't mind a bit of a crowd, you'll be sure to enjoy your stay at Rehoboth. Who doesn't like boardwalks and free outdoor concerts?

Bethany Beach
If Rehoboth is a quieter, cleaner Ocean City, then Bethany is a quieter, cleaner Rehoboth. Considered an excellent family friendly beach spot, Bethany is great for a family vacation or reunion, or even a quick day trip. Located in Delaware near Rehoboth, Bethany is smaller and quieter, but offers a wide variety of outdoor beach activities and an enticing selection of seafood and dining options. Adventurous beachgoers can try windsurfing, kayaking, surfing or boating, and still have time to soak up some sun on the cheerful, umbrella-studded beaches. Though the Bethany boardwalk is much smaller and sparser than Rehoboth, it offers a great walking path with beautiful ocean views. Bethany evokes an undeniable sense of calm, and is worth the multi-hour drive. The quaintness of the town, coupled with beautiful beaches filled with just the right amount of tourists, promises utter relaxation and enjoyment. Nearby Fenwick Island is another popular option with a similar attitude.

California and Florida tend to garner the majority of beach hype, especially in the weltering summer months. But don't count Maryland or Delaware out. All three of these beaches are easy to reach, fun and convenient for either a short or extended stay. Kick of your summer the right way, at these or any other of the metropolitan area's underrated, but thoroughly enjoyable beaches.