Best Beaches in Maryland
Maryland’s coastline is full of character, where classic boardwalk fun meets quiet natural beauty. From wide sandy stretches along the Atlantic to peaceful bayside retreats, the state’s beaches offer something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for lively summer energy, family-friendly shores, or tranquil spots to reconnect with nature, Maryland has it all. Here are the best beaches I I found during four weeks of exploring, and I think you’ll enjoy them too.
1. Ocean City, MD
I thought that Ocean City, MD is one of the best beaches in Maryland when I moved to the East Coast. Why? Ocean City, MD was absolutely breathtaking with its endless stretch of golden sand, roaring Atlantic surf, bustling boardwalk, and that dramatic span of the Inlet jetty where ocean and bay collide, it felt both lively and invigorating!
Just under three hours east of Washington, D.C., I followed a scenic drive across the Chesapeake Bay Bridge, through coastal marshlands and barrier islands, before settling into Hilton Oceanfront. My two days here were packed with strolling the iconic 3-mile Boardwalk, savoring fresh crab cakes, catching sunset at Northside Park, and cooling off with a swim or surf session in the Atlantic. I recommend a stop at Coastal Salt if you enjoy seafood.
It's good to keep in mind that summer weekends got crowded, with parking especially tough near the boardwalk. You should plan to arrive early or stay in town to avoid long waits and frustration.
- Map & Directions
- Check prices at 4-star Hilton Oceanfront
2. Cunningham Falls State Park
I thought Cunningham Falls State Park was absolutely breathtaking with its cascading waterfall, rugged Catoctin Mountain scenery, mossy forest trails, and that tranquil lake that made it feel both adventurous and restorative!
Just about 90 minutes northwest of Washington, D.C., I drove a winding route through rolling farmland and foothills before settling in nearby Thurmont, a small town with cozy inns and diners. My day here was filled with hiking the short but rewarding trails to Maryland’s largest cascading waterfall (78 feet tall), wandering the Catoctin Furnace Historic Village, renting a kayak on Hunting Creek Lake, swimming at the sandy beach, and ending the evening with a peaceful picnic while deer grazed at the forest edge.
3. Deep Creek Lake
I found Deep Creek Lake to be a mountain-framed gem of the Mid-Atlantic, a shimmering freshwater expanse rimmed by rolling Appalachian ridges, tall hemlocks and maples, and cozy log-and-stone cabins that instantly made me feel like I’d stumbled into a rustic lakeside retreat that completely won me over.
Just under 3 hours from Washington, D.C., I spent a long weekend tucked away at The Garrett Inn. The vibe was peaceful and woodsy: I kayaked across glass-calm coves at sunrise, hiked the rhododendron-lined trails of Swallow Falls State Park > (where Muddy Creek Falls thundered in a misty cascade), drove the scenic backroads past red barns and grazing horses, and warmed up by a crackling fire after exploring the mountain air. In winter, the nearby Wisp Resort brings skiing and snowboarding into the mix, while summer hums with boating, fishing, and music festivals.
- Map & Directions
- Check prices at The Garrett Inn
- Swallow Falls State Park website
4. Greenbrier State Park
I thought Greenbrier State Park was a classic Maryland hideaway, a forested oasis wrapped around a sparkling man-made lake, with sandy swimming beaches, shady picnic groves, and trails that wind gently into the Blue Ridge foothills. It had that nostalgic “family-outing” feel, where grills smoke by the water’s edge, kids build sandcastles at the shore, and hikers vanish into the wooded ridgelines for a dose of mountain quiet.
Just about an hour’s drive from Baltimore, I slipped away for a day of relaxed exploration. The pace was slow and refreshing: I swam in the cool, clear waters of the 42-acre lake, walked a stretch of the Appalachian Trail, and lingered for a simple lakeside picnic.
- Map & Directions
- Check prices at hotels in Hagerstown
- Greenbrier State Park website
5. Hammerman Beach
When I visited Hammerman Beach this month, it was a surprisingly coastal-feeling escape right on the Chesapeake Bay, a broad sandy stretch lined with shady picnic groves, the calm brackish waters dotted with kayaks and paddleboards, and a laid-back, family-friendly energy that reminded me of a casual seaside park.
Just about 30 minutes from downtown Baltimore, I spent a sunny afternoon here unwinding along the 1,500-foot beach. The pace was simple and relaxed. I swam in the gentle bay waters, wandered along the shoreline, explored the nearby marsh boardwalk trails, and later picnicked under tall oaks with sweeping water views.
6. Janes Island State Park
I thought Janes Island State Park was one of Maryland’s most enchanting coastal secrets — a watery wilderness of salt marshes, tidal creeks, and golden-sand spits that felt more like the Outer Banks than the Chesapeake. It had this wild, untamed character: osprey wheeling overhead, the tang of salt on the breeze.
Tucked on the Eastern Shore near the small watermen’s town of Crisfield, I spent two wonderful days here in a full service cabin. My pace slowed to match the landscape: I paddled out through winding marsh trails to discover hidden barrier beaches, where I had long stretches of sand all to myself. I sat on the pier while the sky glowed orange and violet over the marsh flats.
7. Calvert Cliffs State Park
I thought Calvert Cliffs State Park was absolutely breathtaking with its towering fossil-rich cliffs, peaceful sandy beach on the Chesapeake Bay, shaded forest trails, and that dramatic shoreline where millions of years of history are exposed—it felt both wild and deeply serene!
Just about 90 minutes southeast of Washington, D.C., I drove along a scenic route past rolling farmland and coastal towns before basing myself in nearby Solomons Island, with its harbor views and seafood shacks. My day here was filled with hiking the easy 1.8-mile Red Trail through quiet woodlands and wetlands, arriving at the dramatic cliffs and beach, sifting the sand for ancient shark teeth and shells, watching ospreys soar overhead, and finishing with a bayside picnic at sunset.
Yes, the beach area was smaller than I expected, and swimming wasn’t allowed because of cliff erosion. So you should set your expectations for fossil hunting and hiking rather than a full beach day.
8. Matapeake Beach
Yes, there's a place for your dog there. I thought the Matapeake Dog Beach in Stevensville, MD was a true Chesapeake Bay treat and one of the best beaches in Maryland. I loved this sandy, woodsy cove where dogs can romp freely in the surf, chase tennis balls into the Bay, and make fast friends with other four-legged swimmers. It had a relaxed, almost secret vibe compared to the main beach, tucked just down a wooded trail where the leash rules loosen and the energy is pure joy. Just across the bridge on Kent Island, only about 10 minutes from Annapolis, I spent a slow afternoon here.
9. Assateague State Park
On my visit last month, I thought Assateague State Park was a windswept coastal wonder, a place where the Atlantic surf rolls against wide, dune-backed beaches and wild ponies wander freely, grazing among the sea oats and salt-sprayed grasses. It felt like stepping into a raw, elemental landscape where ocean, marsh, and wildlife blur together in a way that’s rare on the Mid-Atlantic coast.
Just about 9 miles south of Ocean City, I stayed for a weekend in one of the oceanside campsites. My days were unhurried but full. I walked along the broad beaches at sunrise, swam and bodysurfed in the chilly Atlantic, paddled the quieter back-bay coves where egrets stalked the shallows, and watched wild ponies amble right through the dunes near the campground. At night, stargazing was incredible, with a dark sky unmarred by city glow.
Keep in mind that the mosquitos near the marshes were intense, especially in summer. You should bring strong repellent if you plan to hike inland trails.
10. Betterton Beach Waterfront Park beach
Betterton Beach Waterfront Park was a hidden Chesapeake gem, a quiet, family-friendly stretch of sand where the Sassafras River flows into the Bay, creating calm, gently brackish waters and a laid-back small-town feel. The scene was simple but charming with fishing boats rocking just offshore, kids splashing in the shallow surf, and picnic tables shaded by old trees with sweeping water views.
Just about 20 minutes north of Chestertown, I stopped here for a slow summer afternoon. The vibe was unhurried and local. I strolled the small boardwalk, waded out into the surprisingly clear water (known for being some of the Bay’s cleanest), and enjoyed the wide sandy beach without the bustle you’d expect from Maryland’s bigger coastal parks. The sunsets here were particularly stunning, turning the Sassafras waters golden as herons skimmed the surface.
11. North Beach
I thought North Beach was a charming Chesapeake waterfront town when I visited this month, a blend of sandy shoreline, a long fishing pier stretching into the Bay, and a lively boardwalk lined with shops, ice cream parlors, and flower baskets. It felt like a small seaside village reinvented for relaxed weekend escapes, with a cozy, walkable vibe that made it perfect for a slow-paced day trip.
Just about an hour’s drive from Washington, D.C., I spent a leisurely afternoon strolling along the boardwalk, stopping for fresh lemonade and browsing the little boutiques. I swam at the guarded beach (small but family-friendly), watched locals cast lines off the pier, and later sat on a bench to take in the wide Bay views as sailboats drifted past. The town hosts festivals and a farmer’s market in summer, adding to its friendly, community feel.
12. Breezy Point Beach
I thought Breezy Point Beach was a classic Chesapeake Bay summer spot — a sandy shoreline stretching along calm, brackish waters, with colorful umbrellas dotting the beach, kids chasing minnows in the shallows, and anglers casting from the long fishing pier. It had a nostalgic, community-park vibe, the kind of place where families return year after year for simple waterfront fun.
Just about an hour’s drive from Washington, D.C., I spent a sun-drenched day here enjoying the relaxed pace. I swam in the protected swim area, strolled down the 200-foot pier to watch folks reel in croaker and perch, and picnicked under one of the shaded pavilions as the bay breeze rustled through. The wide beach, lined with seasonal cottages and the smell of grills in the air, made it feel like a low-key, local version of a seaside getaway.
Conclusion
By the end of the trip, I realized Maryland’s beaches aren’t trying to be anything other than what they are (and that’s exactly their magic). Some are wild and untamed, others polished and playful, but every one of them invites you to slow down, even if just for a moment. Whether you’re on the edge of the Atlantic, the curve of a riverbank, or the side of a mountain lake, you’ll find the water here doing what it’s always done. It's reflecting the sky, carrying you gently, and asking nothing of you but to show up and float.
Booking Checklist
1. Book Your Flight - I use Expedia because I like their mobile app with my itinerary. They've helped me re-book flights on many occasions. Once you reach their Gold tier, support is especially good.
2. Book Your Hotel - I use Booking.com or Expedia, depending on my destination.
3. Book Your Rental Car - I use Expedia.
4. Book your tours on Viator or Get Your Guide.
5. If you are planning to visit more than three national parks in the next 12 months, buy the America the Beautiful Pass.
