Maryland is home to some beautiful beaches along its coastline. With ocean waves, soft sand, boardwalks, and plenty of activities, Maryland’s beaches offer something for everyone. Here is a guide to some of the best beaches in Maryland that you should check out.
1. Assateague State Park
One of the most popular dog friendly beaches Maryland is Assateague State Park. Located on Assateague Island, this unique beach is famous for its wild horses that roam free along the sand and water.
Assateague is one of the few places on the east coast where you can see these beautiful majestic animals up close in their natural environment.
In addition to horse watching, at Assateague State Park you can go swimming, sunbathing, fishing, kayaking, and camping. There are over 30 miles of trails perfect for biking or hiking.
It’s one of the best beaches in Maryland for outdoor enthusiasts and families. Leashed dogs are permitted in certain areas of the park as well. With both bay and ocean facing shorelines, Assateague offers diverse beaches to explore.
2. Ocean City
No list of Maryland beaches is complete without the iconic Ocean City. As a major beach resort town, Ocean City has something for everyone along its 3-mile boardwalk and 10 miles of free beach.
Families can enjoy the beach during the day and all the boardwalk amusements at night. Thrasher’s French Fries, Fisher’s Popcorn, and Dolle’s Salt Water Taffy are just some of the classic boardwalk treats.
Ocean City also offers a fishing pier, miniature golf courses, water parks, shopping centers, and an amusement park. Beach volleyball is popular on the wide sandy beach as well.
You can even ride horses or take an oceanfront tram. With free entry onto the beach and low cost dining and lodging, Ocean City is one of the most affordable and fun beaches in Maryland.
3. Sandy Point State Park
Located where the Chesapeake Bay Bridge meets the bay, Sandy Point State Park has a unique beach with shallow water perfect for families and young children.
The soft sandy beach stretches for over a mile with views of the bridge above. It’s one of the best Maryland beaches for swimming as the water tends to stay pretty calm.
Sandy Point is also one of the dog friendly beaches in Maryland. On the north end of the park, dogs are allowed year-round. There are also hiking trails, picnic areas with grills, a fishing pier, and a concession stand at the park.
Entrance does require a small fee per vehicle. Sandy Point makes for an easy day trip from Annapolis or Baltimore.
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4. North Beach
If you want a small town beach escape in Maryland, head to North Beach located in Calvert County. This quiet Chesapeake Bay beach town has amenities and attractions like shops, restaurants, a boardwalk, and a fishing pier without the crowds. Families will appreciate the shallow water and gentle waves that are perfect for children.
In addition to relaxing on the beach, activities in North Beach include chartered fishing trips, parasitic sailing, kayaking, and visiting the local farmers market. The Chesapeake Beach Railway Museum located just inland chronicles the history of the former railroad line. North Beach is one of the more laidback beaches in Maryland, perfect for a weekend getaway.
5. Point Lookout State Park
Found where the Potomac River meets the Chesapeake Bay, Point Lookout State Park has over 10 miles of peaceful sandy beaches to explore. Swimming and fishing are popular activities as the beach is surrounded by water on three sides. It’s also a great spot for bird watching across the marshland.
Point Lookout offers camping, cabins, hiking trails, and even civil war history at Point Lookout Confederate Cemetery. Unique activities include geocaching and visiting the Point Lookout Lighthouse, which was once used to monitor vessel traffic.
Due to its remote location at Maryland’s southern tip, Point Lookout is never crowded which is part of its appeal. It’s perfect for a serene retreat surrounded by beautiful bay scenery.
6. Elk Neck State Park
For those wanting to experience the Chesapeake Bay beaches further north, check out Elk Neck State Park. Conveniently located less than 10 miles from I-95, Elk Neck is great for families traveling between Baltimore and Philadelphia. The beach sits on the Elk River which feeds into the bay.
Swimming, kayaking, and fishing are all popular as this is one of the few Maryland beaches with a boat launch. There are also wooded hiking and biking trails throughout the park. Bird watching is popular given the marshland habitat.
Elk Neck has a campground, cabins, and a lodge for overnight visitors. Spending a weekend camping along the bluffs overlooking the river is a perfect way to experience this unique Chesapeake beach.
7. Breezy Point Beach
For a beach just outside of DC, visit Breezy Point Beach on the Chesapeake Bay. Located south of Annapolis, this public beach has amenities like picnic tables, grills, snack bars, playgrounds, volleyball courts and more. The wide sandy beach is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, flying kites, or just relaxing by the bay.
Breezy Point also has a fishing pier and a creek for crabbing. Unique activities like inventing games and building sand castles are fun for families with kids.
With calm shallow waters and sandy tidal flats, Breezy Point is great for young children to play safely by the Chesapeake. The beach amenities, easy location, and family atmosphere make Breezy Point a popular local spot.
