Beaches in Maryland

Location: Ocean City, Maryland

Recommended For: Families, beachgoers, foodies, boardwalk lovers, and anyone looking for classic seaside fun.

What I Love: ♥ "Ten miles of beach, a retro-cool boardwalk, endless crab shacks, and boats to Assateague Island? Ocean City is summer vacation nostalgia with something for everyone."

• Relax on 10 miles of sandy public beaches, or stroll the iconic 3-mile boardwalk lined with shops, arcades, and sweet treats.
• Eat your way through 200+ restaurants serving everything from Maryland crab to coastal classics and kid-friendly favorites.
• Play at Trimper’s Rides, paddle around by kayak, or hop a boat to explore nearby Assateague Island’s wild beauty.

Cost: Beach access is free; attraction and tour prices vary by activity. Parking is available in paid lots near the boardwalk.

Best time to visit: Summer is peak season for warm weather, beach days, concerts, and family events. Spring and early fall offer quieter vibes and great weather.

Local tips: Don’t miss free summer concerts and Sundaes in the Park. Early mornings are best for strolling the boardwalk before the crowds roll in.

Distance: About 3 hours southeast of Washington, D.C., and Baltimore, MD.

How to Get to Ocean City: Take US-50 E straight into Ocean City. Follow signs for parking near the boardwalk, beach, or bayside areas.

Location: Assateague State Park, Maryland

Recommended For: Beach lovers, campers, wildlife watchers, paddlers, and anyone seeking peaceful oceanfront adventure.

What I Love: ♥ "Wild horses on white sand, shaded trails through maritime forests, and kayak-friendly coves — Assateague feels like a secret slice of coastal paradise you’ll never forget."

• Swim, sunbathe, and surf along 2 miles of undeveloped beachfront — Maryland’s only oceanfront state park.
• Explore shady interior trails on foot, or paddle through calm coves by kayak or canoe.
• Watch for wild horses roaming freely, along with deer and a wide variety of coastal bird species.

Cost: Daily entrance fee per vehicle; additional fees apply for camping and boat use. Reservations recommended in peak season.

Best time to visit: Late spring through early fall for the best beach weather and paddling conditions; fall for fewer crowds and spectacular wildlife viewing.

Local tips: Bring binoculars and a camera — the horses often graze near campsites and dunes. Mosquito repellent is a must for summer visits!

Distance: About 8 miles south of Ocean City, MD; accessible by car via Route 611.

How to Get to Assateague State Park: From Ocean City, take MD-611 S toward Assateague Island. Cross Verrazano Bridge and follow signs to the state park entrance.

Review:★★★★★ "I wasn't sure about Assateague State Park but I'm glad we made the trip. We had a great swim and nature was spectacular. "

Romantic Beaches in Maryland:

Location: Betterton, Maryland

Recommended For: History buffs, retirees, beachcombers, and travelers looking for a quiet Chesapeake Bay escape.

What I Love: ♥ "Once a bustling resort with steamboat arrivals and hilltop mansions, Betterton now offers peace, gentle breezes, and one of the loveliest beaches on the Chesapeake."

• Visit a former 19th-century resort town where Victorian homes still hint at its grand past overlooking the Chesapeake Bay.
• Relax at Betterton Beach, a landscaped waterfront park with shaded benches, picnic pavilions, and calm bayfront views.
• Stroll through the quiet village streets, perfect for a laid-back day trip filled with history and fresh coastal air.

Cost: Free public beach access and parking available at the waterfront park.

Best time to visit: Late spring through early fall for warm weather and beach days; fall for tranquil scenery and fewer visitors.

Local tips: Pack a picnic — there are shaded tables right by the water. History fans should explore the remaining Victorian homes tucked around town.

Distance: About 2 hours from Baltimore or Washington, D.C.; located at the mouth of the Sassafras River.

How to Get to Betterton: Take US-301 to MD-313 N, then follow MD-298 W and MD-292 N into the heart of Betterton. Signs for the beach and park are clearly posted.

Location: Calvert Cliffs State Park, Lusby, MD

Recommended For: Fossil hunters, hikers, birdwatchers, families, and nature photographers.

What I Love: ♥ "Where else can you hike through wetlands and forest, end up on a secluded beach, and dig up a shark tooth from millions of years ago? Calvert Cliffs is a natural time machine."

• Hike 13 miles of wooded trails, including a 1.8-mile walk to a peaceful sandy beach backed by towering fossil-rich cliffs.
• Search for ancient fossils — including shark teeth — along the shoreline, where 600 species from the Miocene era once thrived.
• Spot more than 160 species of birds in the park’s lush forests, wetlands, and quiet pondside clearings.

Cost: Day-use fee required per vehicle; payable on site. No overnight facilities available.

Best time to visit: Spring and fall for mild weather and prime fossil hunting conditions; summer for beach days and shaded hikes.

Local tips: Bring a sifter or small shovel for fossil hunting at the beach. Weekdays are quieter — perfect for uninterrupted exploring.

Distance: About 90 minutes southeast of Washington, D.C., on the Calvert Peninsula.

How to Get to Calvert Cliffs State Park: From MD-2/4 in Lusby, turn onto H.G. Trueman Road. The park entrance is well-marked and has ample parking.

Address: 10540 H.G. Trueman Rd, Lusby, MD 20657
Phone: 443-975-4360

Family Beaches in Maryland:

Location: Cherry Beach, Sharptown, MD

Recommended For: Families, pet owners, anglers, boaters, and anyone looking for a peaceful riverside retreat.

What I Love: ♥ "With its shady picnic pavilion, riverfront beach, and quiet walking trail, Cherry Beach is that perfect little spot where locals go to unwind and splash around — and visitors are always welcome."

• Swim or relax at a nicely maintained beach set along the scenic upper Nanticoke River — just 15 minutes from Salisbury.
• Enjoy a full day outdoors with a fishing pier, boat ramp, picnic pavilion, and a walking trail that connects to Cope Bennett Park.
• Bring your furry friends — pets are welcome on the beach, making it a great day out for the whole family.

Cost: Free public access and parking; no entry fees required.

Best time to visit: Late spring through early fall for swimming, picnicking, and riverside fun with family and pets.

Local tips: Bring sunscreen and water shoes for little ones. The walking trail is great for a relaxing stroll with river views.

Distance: About 15 minutes from Salisbury, MD; easy access via local roads.

How to Get to Cherry Beach: From Salisbury, take MD-349 W toward Sharptown. Turn onto Cherry Beach Road — the park is at the end, with plenty of parking.

Address: 110 Cherry Beach Road, Sharptown, MD 21861

Location: Cunningham Falls State Park, Thurmont, MD

Recommended For: Hikers, campers, families, bird lovers, and weekenders from D.C. seeking a mountain escape.

What I Love: ♥ "Waterfalls, forested hikes, lake swims, and even birds of prey? Cunningham Falls has that just-right blend of adventure and relaxation — all within reach of the city."

• Explore two scenic sections — one with a lake, beach, and waterfalls, the other featuring an aviary, iron furnace ruins, and rustic campgrounds.
• Swim or paddle in a tranquil man-made lake with a sandy beach — perfect for cooling off in warmer months.
• Hike shady forest trails to the historic Catoctin Furnace or to Cunningham Falls, Maryland’s tallest cascading waterfall.

Cost: Day-use fee per vehicle; fees vary by season and residency. Additional fees apply for camping and special programs.

Best time to visit: Spring and fall for waterfall hikes and birdwatching; summer for lake days and family camping trips.

Local tips: Arrive early on weekends — it’s a favorite for D.C. and Baltimore day-trippers. Check out the Scales and Tales Aviary for up-close views of rescued raptors.

Distance: About 1.5 hours northwest of Washington, D.C.; located in the Catoctin Mountains near Thurmont, MD.

How to Get to Cunningham Falls State Park: From US-15, take MD-77 W toward Catoctin Mountain Park. Follow signs to either the lake area or Manor Area near Catoctin Furnace.

Address: 14039 Catoctin Hollow Rd, Thurmont, MD 21788
Phone: 301-271-7574

Unique Beaches in Maryland:

Location: Deep Creek Lake State Park, Swanton, MD

Recommended For: Anglers, swimmers, boaters, birdwatchers, and summer lake lovers looking for Maryland’s mountain escape.

What I Love: ♥ "Maryland’s largest lake offers sandy shores, shady picnic spots, and crystal-clear waters teeming with fish. It’s the kind of place where you can paddle, cast a line, and float all day."

• Swim on a sandy beach or cool off with a dip in 3,900 acres of pristine mountain-fed lake water.
• Fish for largemouth and smallmouth bass, rock bass, northern pike, and more — anglers love it year-round.
• Launch your boat from a public access ramp and explore nearly a mile of scenic shoreline.

Cost: Day-use fee per vehicle; boat launch and fishing licenses may require separate fees.

Best time to visit: Summer for swimming and water sports; spring and fall for peaceful fishing trips and scenic birdwatching.

Local tips: Arrive early on weekends to snag a good lakeside spot. Don’t forget your fishing license if you plan to cast off!

Distance: About 3 hours west of Baltimore or Washington, D.C., near the town of McHenry in Western Maryland.

How to Get to Deep Creek Lake: Take I-68 W to US-219 S, then follow signs to Deep Creek Lake State Park and the main day-use entrance.

Address: 898 State Park Rd, Swanton, MD 21561
Phone: 301-387-4111

Location: Greenbrier State Park, Boonsboro, MD

Recommended For: Hikers, campers, lake swimmers, anglers, and Appalachian Trail adventurers.

What I Love: ♥ "Nestled into the wooded slopes of South Mountain, Greenbrier’s quiet lake and shady trails make it feel worlds away — even though it’s just a short drive from city life."

• Swim in a 42-acre man-made lake with a sunny beach — perfect for summer cool-downs.
• Explore hiking trails that connect to the Appalachian Trail, winding through forested terrain and scenic overlooks.
• Camp in rustic sites or picnic lakeside with friends and family — it’s all about easy outdoor fun.

Cost: Day-use fee per vehicle; additional fees apply for camping, hunting permits, and group reservations.

Best time to visit: Late spring through fall for swimming, hiking, and colorful foliage; summer for full beach and boating access.

Local tips: Stop by the park office for maps and trail info before setting out. Bring water shoes for rocky lake areas near shore.

Distance: Just over 1 hour from Washington, D.C. and Baltimore, MD — ideal for a quick nature getaway.

How to Get to Greenbrier State Park: Located right off I-70 near Boonsboro. Take Exit 35 (MD-66) and follow signs to the park entrance.

Address: 21843 National Pike, Boonsboro, MD 21713
Phone: 301-791-4767

If you are a photographer, don't miss:

Location: Hammerman Beach, Gunpowder Falls State Park, Middle River, MD

Recommended For: Families, swimmers, paddlers, picnickers, and anyone looking for a quick beach day near Baltimore.

What I Love: ♥ "A wide, sandy beach just outside the city? Yes, please. Hammerman Beach is a summertime staple with kid-friendly vibes, riverfront views, and enough activities to fill a whole day."

• Swim at a 1,500-foot beach along the Gunpowder River, with lifeguards on duty during the summer season.
• Play on kids’ playgrounds, enjoy shaded picnic pavilions, and rent kayaks or canoes for a paddle on the river.
• Fish from the shoreline, then grab a bite at the on-site boathouse or Riverside Grille when you’re ready to refuel.

Cost: Entry fee applies; parking is limited and access may be restricted during peak hours.

Best time to visit: Summer for beach days and river play; spring and fall for peaceful picnics and short hikes.

Local tips: Arrive early on hot weekends — the lot fills fast. Bring your own chairs and towels, or rent from the concession if you pack light.

Distance: About 40 minutes northeast of Baltimore, MD — great for a day trip with the family.

How to Get to Hammerman Beach: From I-695, take MD-150 E (Eastern Blvd) to Graces Quarters Road. Follow signs to the Hammerman Area entrance of Gunpowder Falls State Park.

Address: 7200 Graces Quarters Road, Middle River, MD 21220
Phone: 410-335-3461

Location: Hart-Miller State Park, Chesapeake Bay, MD

Recommended For: Boaters, anglers, campers, hikers, and adventurous beachgoers looking for a true island escape.

What I Love: ♥ "An uninhabited island with beach camping, boat-only access, and epic views of the bay? Hart-Miller feels like your own private hideaway — complete with trails, wildlife, and sunrise fishing."

• Arrive by boat and anchor near the island’s 3,000-foot-long sandy beach — perfect for swimming, sunning, or launching a kayak.
• Camp under the stars at waterfront sites popular with anglers and weekend adventurers alike.
• Hike over 8 miles of trails in the south cell, including the Long Trail Loop with interpretive signs and sweeping Chesapeake Bay views.

Cost: Free park access; campsites must be reserved in advance. Boaters are responsible for their own mooring and safety.

Best time to visit: Late spring through early fall for warm weather, ideal boating conditions, and trail access.

Local tips: Bring plenty of water and supplies — there are no roads or concessions on the island. The south cell trails are ideal for birdwatching and bay photography.

Distance: Located in Chesapeake Bay at the mouth of Middle River, only accessible by boat from nearby marinas or launch sites in Baltimore County.

How to Get to Hart-Miller State Park: Launch your boat from a nearby public ramp (e.g., Rocky Point Park or Dundee Creek Marina) and navigate to the western shore of Hart-Miller Island. Mooring is available near the beach.

Address: 2813 Jerusalem Rd, Kingsville, MD 21087
Phone: 410-592-2897