When I dreamed of coastal charm without leaving the Mid-Atlantic, I found exactly what I needed in these beaches in Maryland. Whether you’re after boardwalk fun or peaceful nature, I’ve explored a little bit of everything—and I think you’ll fall in love with the variety too.

Highlights:

  • Enjoy the classic vibes of Ocean City Beach like I did—shops, rides, and soft sands made it a lively, unforgettable day. You’ll want to come back every summer.
  • Relax at Assateague Island National Seashore. I watched wild horses roam freely along wide-open shores, and it felt like a dream. You’ll feel that magic too.
  • Swim and picnic at Sandy Point State Park—it was perfect for a family beach day on the Chesapeake Bay. If you're bringing the kids, I know they'll love it.
  • Unwind in North Beach. I took a slow stroll along the boardwalk and felt totally at peace. If you want a quiet, small-town vibe, this one's for you.
  • Explore Point Lookout State Park—I wandered the trails and fished off the pier, and you should bring your camera because the scenery is incredible.

Best Beaches in Maryland

Relax on miles of Ocean City's sandy beaches - 3 hours from D.C.

Courtesy of Ritu Jethani - Fotolia.com

Relax on miles of Ocean City's sandy beaches - 3 hours from D.C. -                                     

See magnificent wild horses on Assateague State Park

Courtesy of terryd210 - Fotolia.com

See magnificent wild horses on Assateague State Park -                                     

Have a picnic on the Betterton Beach Waterfront Park beach

Courtesy of anoushkatoronto - Fotolia.com

Have a picnic on the Betterton Beach Waterfront Park beach -                                     

Enjoy the lovely sandy beach at Calvert Cliffs State Park

Courtesy of jonbilous - Fotolia.com

Enjoy the lovely sandy beach at Calvert Cliffs State Park -                                     

Fish on the fishing pier at Cherry Beach, Maryland

Courtesy of Artem - Fotolia.com

Fish on the fishing pier at Cherry Beach, Maryland -                                     

Enjoy the lake beach in Cunningham Falls State Park

Courtesy of Oleksandr Shevchenko - Fotolia.com

Enjoy the lake beach in Cunningham Falls State Park -                                     

Swim and relax on the sandy lakeshore beach at Deep Creek Lake

Courtesy of walt1957 - Fotolia.com

Swim and relax on the sandy lakeshore beach at Deep Creek Lake -                                     

Visit the beach in Greenbrier State Park

Courtesy of Robert Kneschke - Fotolia.com

Visit the beach in Greenbrier State Park -                                     

Enjoy the 1,500-foot-long sandy Hammerman Beach

Courtesy of Nena - Fotolia.com

Enjoy the 1,500-foot-long sandy Hammerman Beach -                                     

Hart-Miller State Park

Courtesy of Savvapanf Photo - Fotolia.com

Hart-Miller State Park -                                     

In Summary...

(and if you want to revisit my photo journey)