18 Best Beaches in Maryland

Maryland is defined by its scenic waterways and 31 miles of coastline on the Atlantic Ocean and magnificent Chesapeake Bay. The coastline is dotted with small sandy beaches, but for serious waterfront fun, Marylanders go to Ocean City, Sandy Point State Park, Assateague Island, and North Beach. For those who prefer to enjoy their beach time in peace, there are many parks with isolated stretches of sand, such as Hart-Miler State Park on uninhabited Hart-Miller Island. Some of Maryland’s best beaches are not on the ocean but on riverbanks or one of many scenic man-made lakes, such as Cherry Beach on the Nanticoke River or Rocky Gap State Park Beach on Lake Habeeb. Photo: jonbilous/Fotolia

A resort town located between the Atlantic Ocean and Isle of Wight Bay, Ocean City is famous for 10 miles of wonderful sandy public beaches, the 3-mile-long boardwalk, and over 200 restaurants. A family destination, Ocean City offers a range of waterfront fun, such as Trimper’s Rides on the southern end of the boardwalk. There are kayaks and all sorts of tour boats cruising the water off the beach. It is easy to hop onto one of the tour boats and visit nearby Assateague Island. For music lovers, there are free summer concerts on the beach and events such as Sundaes in the Park Address: Ocean City, MD 21842 Photo: Ritu Jethani/Fotolia

Romantic Getaway, Places to Visit, things to do with kids near me & beaches near me: Places to Visit in Ohio, Things to do in Texas, Things to do in Florida

Maryland's only park on the oceanfront, Assateague State Park is a beautiful barrier island famous for its 2 miles of sandy beaches, enormous diversity of birds, and magnificent wild horses. The park is located on the 37-mile-long Assateague Island, between Sinepuxent Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. The beach is great for swimming, sunbathing, beachcombing, fishing, and surfing and the interior of the island is crossed with shady trails great for exploring on foot. There are also small secluded coves to explore in a kayak or a canoe. The diverse and unspoiled environment provides a home to many animals besides the famous wild horses, such as deer and many kinds of water birds. There is a campsite on the bay side of the island. Address: 7206 National Seashore Ln, Berlin, MD 21811, Phone: 410-641-1441 Photo: terryd210/Fotolia

Vacation Ideas: Things to do in Los Angeles, Things to do in Alabama, Things to do in San Diego, Things to do in North Carolina, Romantic Weekend Getaways in CA, Places to visit in Vermont, Places to visit in Washington State

A famous beach resort town in the late 1800s until the early 20th century, Betterton was the place to see and be seen during the hot summer. Lovely stately homes were perched on top of the hill overlooking the ocean and the luxury hotels were buzzing with life. The village is now mostly a retirement community, peaceful and quiet, with a lovely beach at the bottom of the village hill overlooking Chesapeake Bay. There are still a few lovely Victorian homes left, but the big hotels are gone. Betterton Beach Waterfront Park stretches along the shore, at the point where the Sassafras River enters the sea, with 5 miles of beautifully landscaped area, a bath house, a picnic pavilion, benches in the shade of old trees, and picnic tables near the water. Address: 100 Main Street, Betterton, MD 21610, Photo: anoushkatoronto/Fotolia

Vacation Ideas: NC day trips, Places to visit in Connecticut, Best Things to Do in Montana, Things to Do in Maine, Things to Do in Connecticut, LA, Romantic Weekend Getaways in Iowa

Located near Lusby, Maryland, on the end of the Calvert Peninsula in Chesapeake Bay, Calvert Cliffs State Park is named for the famous massive cliffs that dominate this 30-mile-long portion of the Chesapeake shoreline. The entire area is known for the fossils from 600 species from the Miocene sub-epoch. This popular public recreation area is nicely forested and has a small pond and some verdant wetland areas. There are 13 miles of hiking trails and the lovely sandy beach is located at the end of a 1.8-mile-long trail. Besides being popular with fossil hunters, the area is also frequented by birdwatchers, who can enjoy spotting more than 160 species of bird. Address: 10540 H.G. Trueman Rd, Lusby, MD 20657, Phone: 301-743-7613 Photo: jonbilous/Fotolia

You are reading "18 Best Beaches in Maryland Today" Back to Top or Closest Weekend Vacations with Kids, Trip finder, Getaways near me & Scenic places near me

Vacation Ideas: Best beaches in North Carolina, Sanibel Island Florida, Romantic Weekend Getaways in South Carolina, Romantic Weekend Getaways in Tennessee, Things to do in Virginia, Romantic Weekend Getaways in from Chicago, Places to visit in Southern California, Things to do in Kentucky, Things to do in Louisiana

Located in Sharptown, about 15 minutes from Salisbury, on the shore of the upper Nanticoke River, Cherry Beach is a lovely piece of land originally donated to the town by A. W. and Ida Robinson for public recreation. Today, the popular park has a fishing pier, a boat ramp, a big picnic pavilion with picnic tables, and a nicely maintained beach area. During the last renovation in 2009, the park got a kids’ pavilion and a pleasant walking trail that links the beach area to Cope Bennett Park. Cherry Beach is a popular place for families to spend a warm sunny day enjoying the nature of the Nanticoke. Pets are allowed on the beach. Address: 110 Cherry Beach Road, Sharptown, MD 21861, Photo: Artem/Fotolia

"18 Best Beaches in Maryland" Back to Top or More Famous Landmarks, Restaurants, Bars, Cafes, Food near me, Activities, Fall Honeymoon, Downtown Wedding Venues

Free things to do near me: Places to Visit in Illinois, Alabama Vacation, Things to Do in Maryland, Things to Do in New York, Things to Do in Houston, Romantic Weekend getaways in PA, Romantic Weekend Getaways in Florida, Fun Things to Do in Michigan, Best Things to do in Philadelphia

Close to Washington, D. C., near Thurmont in the heart of the scenic Catoctin Mountains, Cunningham Falls State Park is a popular place for the city folks to spend a weekend surrounded by nature. Divided into two distinct and separated areas, the park has a lake, falls, and camping in one, and the Scales and Tales Aviary, an historical iron furnace, and camping in the other area. A small, man-made lake has a nice beach perfect for a cooling swim, fishing, or canoeing. There are shady hiking trails going in all directions, whether you want to see the remnants of the old iron furnace or prefer to visit beautiful Cunningham Falls, the largest cascading waterfall in Maryland. Address: 8916 Chesapeake Ave, North Beach, MD 20714, Phone: 301-855-6681 Photo: Oleksandr Shevchenko/Fotolia

"18 Best Beaches in Maryland Cool Points of Interest" Back to Top or Best Towns and Historic Cities for Travel, Popular day trip ideas, Farmers Markets, Places to eat near me, Living & Vacation Deals

Vacations: Romantic weekend getaways in Maine, from Houston, Things to Do in Chicago, Places to visit in Virginia, Anniversary trip ideas & places to go, Places to Visit in New York, Weekend getaways from San Diego, Most beautiful places in the world, Weekend getaways for couples, Things to Do in Pennsylvania

Deep Creek Lake, with almost a mile of scenic shoreline, is the largest Maryland inland body of water. Covering about 3,900 acres, this man-made lake is great for fishing and birdwatching. Swimming on the sandy lakeshore beach is great during hot summer days. The lake was created in 1920 as the result of the damming of Deep Creek. Today, the lake and the dam are part of Deep Creek Lake State Park. There is a public access boat ramp, and anglers come in large numbers looking for largemouth, smallmouth and rock bass, northern pike, and other fish species. Address: 898 State Park Rd, Swanton, MD 21561, Phone: 301-387-4111 Photo: walt1957/Fotolia

"18 Best Beaches in Maryland" Back to Top or More Family Weekend Trips, Excursions, Nearby Restaurants, Cool Vacation Spots & Fall Destination Facts

Fun Romantic Weekend Getaways, Beach Resorts, Wedding Venues: Romantic weekend getaways in Indiana, Romantic weekend getaways from Atlanta, Places to Visit in NM, Places to Visit in ME, Things to do in Miami, Birthday, Romantic Weekend Getaways in Virginia, Things to Do in New Mexico, Spa resorts near me, Places to Visit in Wyoming, Things to Do in Naples, Pink Sand beaches, Things to Do in Colorado

Greenbrier State Park is located near Boonsboro on the slopes of South Mountain and is best known for the portion of the Appalachian Trail that passes through it. The park has a nice 42-acre man-made lake with a lovely beach for swimming in the summer. Canoeing, fishing, and hunting are also popular. There are many smaller trails running through the park that connect to the Appalachian Trail. There is a simple, rustic camping area as well as a picnic area with picnic tables and benches. The nearby park office offers maps of the park for those wanting to explore the network of trails. Address: 21843 National Pike, Boonsboro, MD 21713, Phone: 301-791-4767 Photo: Robert Kneschke/Fotolia

"18 Best Beaches in Maryland this Weekend with Friends" Back to Top or Romantic Places to live, September Last Minute Travel, Beach Vacations, Photos and Map of Conference & Wedding Destinations near my location

Family vacation Spots near me, weather: Day trips from NYC, CA, Romantic weekend getaways in Vermont, Things to Do in Newport Beach, Things to do in the Poconos, Places to visit in Idaho, Things to do in Iowa, Things to do in Delaware

Located within Gunpowder State Park, Hammerman Beach is a day use area with a popular 1,500-foot-long sandy beach on the Gunpowder River. There is a lifeguard on duty during the season. The popular family outing area offers kids’ playgrounds, picnic pavilions, kayak and canoe rentals, and a concession area. Fishing is popular, and many anglers come to try their hand. There is also a boathouse and the Riverside Grille if you get hungry as well as a short and easy hiking trail. There is a fee for the use of Hammerman Beach and access is limited because of the small parking area. Address: 7200 Graces Quarters Road, Middle River, MD 21220, Phone: 410-335-3461

More Maryland ideas: lakes, wedding venues, fall vacations, flea markets, beaches Photo: Nena/Fotolia

"18 Best Beaches in Maryland & Things to Do near Me Today" Back to Top or Best Restaurants near me, Images of Hotels, Discounts, Boutique Hotels, Inn & Bed and Breakfasts

Fun places near me & How far is: Things to Do in Palm Springs, Spiritual Retreats, Romantic weekend getaways in Kentucky, Cheap beach vacations, NY vacations, Places to visit in New Jersey, Places to visit in South Carolina, Things to Do in Northern California

Hart-Miler State Park is located on uninhabited Hart-Miller Island in Chesapeake Bay. This 1,100-acre island, located near the mouth of Middle River, can be accessed only by boat. Safe mooring is located on the western shore, near the 3,000-foot-long fine sandy beach. The park also includes Pleasure Island and Hawk Cove. There are several campsites, which are especially popular with passionate anglers. The south cell of the park has more than eight miles of hiking trails that run around a large, clear pond, offering spectacular views of Chesapeake Bay. The popular 1.8-mile Long Trail Loop has a number of interpretive signs about the park’s wildlife and ecosystems. Address: 2813 Jerusalem Rd, Kingsville, MD 21087, Phone: 410-592-2897 Photo: Savvapanf Photo/Fotolia

"18 Best Beaches in Maryland & Destinations this Weekend" Back to Top or Free Beaches near Me, Dog Friendly & Known for Attractions this month

Family vacation Spots near me: Things to Do in the Catskills, Things to Do in Provincetown, Things to Do in Tulsa, CA, Things to Do in Hampton, Things to Do in Bar Harbor, Mystic CT, Things to Do in Milwaukee

Janes Island State Park is located on the Eastern Shore of Maryland on Chesapeake Bay, not far from Crisfield. The park has a mainland area with the conference center, pavilions, picnic areas, a large campground, and rental cabins. There is also a marina and a public boat ramp. Janes Island, also part of the park, covers 2,900 acres of mostly saltmarsh. It has more than 30 miles of well-marked water trails through the marshes, perfect for exploring in a kayak or a canoe. Peaceful and isolated, the island feels as if it’s miles from the civilization, unspoiled and tranquil. It is heaven for water birds. The island has miles of almost deserted sandy beaches. Swimming is permitted only on the Tangier Sound side, where the beaches are accessible by boat only. There are no lifeguards on duty. Address: 26280 Alfred J Lawson Dr, Crisfield, MD 21817, Phone: 410-968-1565 Photo: Irina/Fotolia

"18 Best Beaches in Maryland" Back to Top or Romantic Wedding Ideas, Honeymoon, Anniversary Ideas, Getting Married & Romantic Places

Weekend getaways: Things to Do in Memphis, Things to Do in Chattanooga, Things to Do in Naples, Things to Do in Key West, Things to Do in Columbia SC, Things to Do in Asheville, Things to Do in Davenport, Things to Do in Brooklyn, Things to Do in Las Vegas

About 50 miles from Baltimore, Matapeake Beach on Kent Island is best known as the Dog Beach, one of very few where dogs can romp in the shallow water and run along the sand. The beach is located on Chesapeake Bay’s east side and offers wonderful views of the Bay Bridge. The beach is part of Matapeake State Park, which also has a public beach for people, where pets are not allowed. There is also an historic clubhouse, an amphitheater, a fishing pier, a nice picnic area, and miles of hiking trails through the island’s wooded area. Address: 2010 Sonny Schulz Blvd, Stevensville, MD 21666, Phone: 410-643-1060 Photo: goodween123/Fotolia

Vacations for Couples, Packages, Offers, Tours, Date Night Ideas around me, Pictures of Romantic Hotels, Fall vacations for seniors, Free things to do in February & Beaches near me: Best Romantic Getaways

Weekend getaways: Things to Do in Charleston, Things to Do in Albuquerque, Ohio castles, Things to Do in Richmond, Things to Do in Little Rock, Things to Do in St Louis, Cape May today, Things to Do in Raleigh

North Beach is a small Maryland coastal town on the shore of Chesapeake Bay, about 30 miles from Annapolis. The town stretches over seven blocks of waterfront, with a popular fishing pier and a long boardwalk. The boardwalk has a separate bike path and is lined with benches that are perfect for relaxing and enjoying the view of Chesapeake Bay. There is a fee for using both the beach and the fishing pier for non-residents. Paddleboards, kayaks, and bikes are available for rent, as are beach umbrellas and chairs. The town’s gift and antique shops are walking distance from the beach, should you have had enough of the sun. From May to October there is a popular Friday night farmers market. Photo: jonbilous/Fotolia

"18 Best Beaches in Maryland" Back to Top or Places to Eat, Excursions, Bucket list, Fun & Cheap Weekend Getaways, What's near me

Trips: Things to Do in Myrtle Beach, Things to Do in Mobile, Things to Do in OKlahoma City, Alabama caves, Things to Do in Northern Virginia, Things to Do in Jim Thorpe, Costa Rica beaches, Things to Do in Washington, DC, Things to Do in Phoenix

Point Lookout State Park is located on a peninsula between the Potomac River and Chesapeake Bay. During the Civil War, the park was the location of a notorious prison camp that held more than 52,264 Confederate soldiers. Point Lookout is a popular family holiday destination for folks from the Washington, D. C., area. There is a boat launch, a range of campsites in the park’s shady wooded areas, picnic areas, kids’ playgrounds, and great swimming on the beach. The park is popular with anglers and there are three great fishing areas, including the 710-foot fishing pier. There is also a network of hiking trails and the Marshland Nature Center. Address: 11175 Point Lookout Rd, Scotland, MD 20687, Phone: 301-872-5688 Photo: goodween123/Fotolia

"18 Best Beaches in Maryland for Seniors, Locals & Tourists - Essential Restaurants, Favorite Wedding Venues & Hotels" Back to Top or Beautiful places near me, Travel guide & More Pictures of Fun Vacation Spots

Trips: Things to Do in Portland, Things to Do in Fort Worth, New England Beaches, Hilo, Romantic weekend getaways in CT, Things to Do in New England, Vegas wedding venues, Georgia beaches, Things to Do in Carmel, Healdsburg

Located near Flintstone in a mile-long gorge surrounded by sheer cliffs with spectacular overlooks, lush hemlock forest, and more than 278 campsites, Rocky Gap State Park is 3,000 acres of magnificent wilderness. In its heart is beautiful, clear 243-acre Lake Habeeb, supplied by water from the Rocky Gap Run. The park also has the unique Scales and Tales Aviary, a nature center, a wonderful private swimming beach, a kids’ playground, and access to a network of hiking trails. Kayaks and canoes as well as paddleboards can be rented in the park. There is also a Snack Shack and a small camp store for the necessities. Pets are allowed in some areas. Address: 12500 Pleasant Valley Rd, I-68, Exit 50, Flintstone, MD 21530, Phone: 301-722-1480 Photo: Foap.com/Fotolia

"18 Best Beaches in Maryland" Back to Top or Essential Conference Venues & Places to Get Married, Where is the Closest Great Place to Elope

Vacations: Things to Do in Charlottesville, Things to Do in Solvang, San Diego day trips, Things to Do in Lake Tahoe, Things to Do in Kentucky, Things to Do in Bluffton, CA Hot Springs

Located on the northwestern shore of Chesapeake Bay, Sandy Point State Park covers 786 acres of scenic green area with wonderful beaches, well-managed picnic areas, and spectacular views overlooking Chesapeake Bay. The park was opened in 1952 and has been a popular family destination ever since. There is a lot to do in the park, starting with swimming, fishing, boating, hiking, camping, and wildlife watching. There is a marina with boat rentals for those who like to spend some time cruising the waters. With a large number of water bird species, the park is very popular with birdwatchers, especially since the park is on the Eastern Flyway of migratory birds. A part of the South Beach has a lifeguard on duty during the season. The nearby boathouse offers showers, restrooms, and snacks. Address: 1100 E College Pkwy, Annapolis, MD 21409, Phone: 410-974-2149 Photo: doncon402/Fotolia

You are reading "18 Best Beaches in Maryland with Kids" Back to Top or Closest places near me, Threeday weekend, Solo travel, National parks, Day trip, Travel inspiration

Vacations: Things to Do in Charleston WV, Things to Do on Dauphin Island, Things to Do in Provincetown, Things to Do in Pensacola, Things to Do in Birmingham, best beaches in USA, Things to Do in Detroit, IN, Things to Do in Washington State

Newtowne Neck State Park is located on the 776-acre peninsula between St. Cements Bay, Breton Bay, and the Potomac River. It has 7 miles of waterfront and is managed by the Department of Natural Resources, which has the goal of protecting the area from development. The park area was home to the Piscataway Native Americans until they were displaced by the white settlers. The park area is designated as an historic district and is registered on the National Register of Historic Places. The park has significant forest area, diverse wildlife, and public access to the Captain John Smith National Historic Trail. There is a network of hiking trails, great for observing diverse plant species. Fishing is permitted in the designated areas. Address: Newtowne Neck Rd, Leonardtown, MD 20650, Phone: 301-872-5688 Photo: galinka_zhi/Fotolia

Fun places to visit, events, facts, tours, all inclusive & photos of fun things to do near me last minute: Great Attractions near my location & Free Activities

Ideas: Things to Do in San Juan, Things to Do in Lafayette, Weekend Getaways in the South, Things to Do in Big Sur, Things to Do in San Luis Obispo, Things to Do in Syracuse, Delaware beaches, weekend getaways from Denver, Best North Carolina lighthouses

Gunpowder Falls State Park is one of the largest state parks in Maryland, formed in 1959 to protect the magnificent Big and Little Gunpowder Falls as well as the Gunpowder River. Divided into six distinct areas, the park covers 18,000 acres of diverse ecosystems, ranging from rugged slopes to tidal wetlands. The park has over 120 miles of hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails, the Wildlands Loop, fishing areas, and significant historic sites. It is great for kayaking and canoeing, and a small but nice swimming beach provides a cooling dip during the hot summer months. There is also a marina. The park is very popular with anglers as it is known for great trout fishing. Address: 7200 Graces Quarters Rd, Middle River, MD 21220, Phone: 410-592-2897 Photo: jonbilous/Fotolia

You are reading "18 Best Beaches in Maryland this Weekend" Back to Top or More Unique Family Vacations, Pet-friendly, Interesting Excursions, Food near me, Road trips & Cool places to visit

Vacation ideas: Things to Do in Frankenmuth, Things to Do in Gettysburg, Romantic Maine, Things to Do in Lake Placid, Things to Do in Flagler Beach, Things to Do in Lakeland, Things to Do in Cambridge, Texas caves