With summer just around the corner, I know that so many families are excited to capture photos with their loved ones in that long-anticipated warm weather and golden light! And what better place to capture those precious moments than at the beach? While family beach photos might seem like a distant Southern or West Coast dream, there are actually some incredible beaches here in Maryland and Virginia that make for the perfect backdrop for your family portraits. Whether you're looking for a secluded cove or a bustling boardwalk, I’ve scouted out the best beaches in the area to help you find the perfect spot for your next family photoshoot. Here are my top picks for East Coast beach locations that are sure to make your family photos unforgettable!

Family of four sitting on rocks on the beach in front of the ocean

1. Sandy Point State Park

Located just outside of Annapolis, Maryland, Sandy Point State Park is a popular beach destination for Washington DC residents. The park's proximity to DC makes it an ideal location for families looking to escape the city and capture some memorable moments! Sandy Point offers a picturesque backdrop for family photos, with a long stretch of sandy beach and beautiful blue waters. The Sandy Point Shoal Lighthouse, an iconic landmark, is also a popular spot for family portraits and offers a unique perspective of the Chesapeake Bay.

With its picnic areas, fishing and crabbing spots, hiking trails, and marina, there are so many amazing options at this beach for family photos and fun! As a family-friendly destination, Sandy Point State Park is well-equipped with amenities like restrooms, showers, and changing areas, making it easy to spend the day enjoying the beach and capturing unforgettable memories. From the sandy shores to the stunning views, this park truly offers everything a family photographer could want and more.

2. Assateague Island National Seashore

Assateague Island National Seashore is a stunning barrier island located on the eastern shore of Maryland. With over 37 miles of beautiful beaches, this gorgeous location offers visitors not only pristine scenery, but also some wonderful beachfront activities including swimming, fishing, and hiking. The island's marshes, lighthouses, and historic sites add an extra layer of charm to any photoshoot, making Assateague Island National Seashore one of the best locations for family beach photos in Maryland!

Assateague Island is renowned for its unspoiled sand dunes and diverse wildlife, including the famous wild horses that roam the island! These majestic creatures are truly breathtaking, and of course, make for a spectacular backdrop for any photoshoot. This historic island beach is a photographer's dream come true, offering some of the loveliest and most unique natural landscapes in Maryland – I can’t recommend this location enough!

3. Ocean City Beach

Known as the "East Coast's Number One Family Resort," Ocean City, Maryland boasts a 10-mile-long beach with so many fun activities for all ages! Families can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, surfing, fishing, and more. In addition to the beach, Ocean City offers family-friendly attractions and activities that make for unique photo opportunities. The iconic boardwalk, for example, offers a vibrant and colorful backdrop with a variety of shops, restaurants, and amusement parks that are perfect for capturing candid family moments.

This East Coast beach also offers stunning views of the sunrise and sunset, making for some of my absolute favorite family portrait opportunities. Located only about 2 hrs from Annapolis, DC, and Baltimore city centers, Ocean City Beach is such a wonderful location to take a day trip with the family and capture some fun-filled, memorable moments!

4. Colonial Beach

Colonial Beach is a charming town located in Westmoreland County, Virginia, known for its rich historical significance. The town was founded in the late 19th century and became a popular destination for vacationers seeking relaxation and recreation. Today, this beach is still truly such a peaceful and stunning location! The expansive views of the Potomac River offer a serene setting for photoshoots, whether you're looking to capture candid moments or set up posed shots. From sunrise to sunset, the pristine sandy beach provides a constantly changing canvas of light and color - a photographer’s dream!

This is such a fun location to spend the day with the family, enjoy the shops and restaurants, and explore the local historic sites – including the birthplaces of George Washington and James Monroe! Located only about an hour and a half from Washington DC, Colonial Beach is an absolutely ideal location for family beach photos and a full day of family fun!

5. Virginia Beach

With miles of pristine coastline, sandy beaches, and crystal-clear waters, it's no wonder that Virginia Beach attracts visitors from all over the world. And the best part? You don't have to travel far from the city to experience it all! Located just a couple hours’ drive from Washington DC, this East Coast beach town has everything you need for a breezy coastal family photoshoot day!

Virginia Beach is 35 miles of gorgeous white sand, offering plenty of room for families to spread out and capture photos without the worry of crowds. Its iconic boardwalk stretches for three miles, offering a wide variety of attractions including restaurants, shops, and entertainment. There are also so many outdoor activities to enjoy here, including kayaking and paddleboarding. And let's not forget about the famous King Neptune statue, which is a must-see if you happen to visit! I love Virginia Beach for so many reasons – for its beautiful seaside landscape, accessibility, and everything it offers for the entire family. So if you're looking for a memorable location for your next family photo shoot, Virginia Beach should definitely be on your list!

Our beautiful East Coast truly offers some of the most breathtaking and picturesque beaches, perfect for capturing beautiful family photographs! From the ocean waves, to stunning sand dunes, iconic boardwalks, and sunset moments, these locations not only provide a stunning backdrop for any camera lens, but also offer a wonderful opportunity for families to create lasting memories together. With their proximity to Washington DC, these beaches make for an easy and fun day trip or weekend getaway. If you’re looking for a family beach photo session in Maryland or Virginia, I hope these locations have been inspiring! And If you’re looking for a photographer please don’t hesitate to reach out – would love to help you capture some beautiful moments in these beautiful places!