Maryland was one of the original thirteen colonies and is a small yet historically rich state located in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States. Virginia, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Delaware all share borders with it, and the state has a lengthy coast along the Chesapeake Bay, an important asset to its economy and culture.
Among its highlights: Annapolis, the state capital, home to the U.S. Naval Academy; Baltimore, the largest city, known for its Inner Harbor, seafood (especially blue crabs) and teams that include the Ravens and the Orioles. The geography of Maryland is varied, encompassing the Appalachian Mountains in the west, sandy beaches on the Eastern Shore.
Maryland is commonly called the “Old Line State” for the bravery of its soldiers during the Revolutionary War, and, as a border state, it was also influential in the Civil War. It is where the Star-Spangled Banner was born, written by Francis Scott Key following the Battle of Baltimore in 1814.
A state with a notable past, while maintaining a wide-ranging culture to go along with some pretty beautiful scenery, Maryland has had an important role in the U.S., as it balances its colonial history with a vision toward the future.
Ocean City Beach Maryland
Ocean City Beach, Ocean City, Maryland The iconic 10-mile stretch of sand along the Atlantic Ocean is the star of this East Coast vacation destination. Thalassotherapy practices, such as swimming, sunbathing, surfing, and beachcombing have been a natural addition. Lifeguards are around in the summer to help keep visitors safe.
Restaurants and entertainment venues dot the adjacent three mile long boardwalk. Ocean City has multiple events during the year, including the big Sunfest and Springfest events.
The beach is also a family-friendly destination with nearby amusement parks and mini-golf courses. Anglers: The Ocean City Fishing Pier offers the chance to catch several species of fish. There are several access points to the beach, and plenty of parking throughout the city. The beach entrances also have public restroom and shower facilities. Ocean City Beach a quintessential beach experience on the Maryland coast
Address: Ocean City Beach, Ocean City, MD
Web address: https://www.ococean.com
Assateague Island National Seashore Maryland
Stretching for 37 miles off the eastern coast of Maryland and Virginia is the Assateague Island National Seashore, a barrier island. The National Park Service manages the island, which is known for its pristine beaches, diversity of ecosystems and its iconic wild horses. Visitors can wander sandy beaches, salt marshes, maritime forests and coastal bays. These are swimming, sunbathing, surfing and beachcombing along the Atlantic coastline.
The bayside features kayaking, canoeing and wildlife observation. Assateague is also a popular camping destination, with oceanside and bayside campsites. Everyday the island’s environment changes as a result of the winds and waves from the ocean surrounding it. Assateague Island Visitor Center (educational exhibits and information on the natural and cultural history of the island) Accessing the island is possible by car via the Verrazano Bridge on Maryland’s side (there is parking available near beach areas). As the barrier island environment is ever-changing, visitors are encouraged to check any current conditions and regulations before planning their visit.
Address: Assateague Island National Seashore, Maryland
Web address: https://www.nps.gov/asis/
Sandy Point State Park Beach Maryland
Located along the northwestern shore of the Chesapeake Bay near Annapolis, Maryland. The park covers 786 acres and provides plenty of activities. There’s a sandy beach — swimming is supervised during peak seasons. There are shaded areas with tables and grills for picnicking, and several playgrounds for children.
There is also ample fishing and crabbing opportunity at the park and a marina store that carries bait and tackle supplies. Boating facilities: boat launch. Nature enthusiasts can revel in the views of the Chesapeake Bay and the chance to spot birds that make their home in the area during migratory periods.
The park also holds events year-round, like the annual Maryland Seafood Festival. The park is located just off U.S. Route 50, which provides plenty of parking for guests. It has restrooms, showers and a concession stand selling snacks and drinks. Hours vary by season, and the park is open year-round. There is an entrance fee to visit this park and daily or yearly passes are available.
Address: 1100 E College Pkwy, Annapolis, MD 21409
North Beaches
Located on the western shoreline of the Chesapeake Bay in Calvert County, Maryland, North beach is a picturesque beach town. Famous for its picturesque outlook and small-town vibe, North Beach features a half-mile-long public beach great for swimming, sunbathing and beachcombing. The adjacent boardwalk is good for leisurely strolls and includes a pier that’s popular for fishing and crabbing.
Events such as farmers markets, outdoor concerts and festivals are held throughout the year. Visitors have the ability to wander local shops, art galleries and restaurants all within walking distance of the beach. As for the local history: The Bayside History Museum holds the stories. Nature lovers can enjoy the nearby wetlands and nature trails for birdwatching and remanent wildlife viewing.
Conveniently located an hour’s drive from Washington, D.C., North Beach makes for an easy escape for city-dwellers looking to spend time on the coast. There is parking available near the beach, and there are restrooms and outdoor showers on site. Beach access is free, but seasonal passes are offered for those who visit often.
Address: 9023 Bay Ave, North Beach, MD 20714
Calvert Cliffs State Park Beach
Calvert Cliffs State Park, in Lusby, Md features dramatic cliffs rising above the Chesapeake Bay, over 24 miles of them along the shoreline. The cliffs are a major geologic characteristic, containing many Miocene-Pleistocene fossils, so the park is a common location for the fossil hunting enthusiast. Reputedly, visitors search the sandy beach for fossilized shark teeth and other ancient marine specimens.
The wooded area is still home to 1,460 acres of the park, which features 13 miles of hiking trails. The most popular trail is the Red Trail, which is a 1.8-mile path that goes straight to the beach. This trail winds through a variety of ecosystems, including freshwater marsh, wooded areas, and provides wildlife and birdwatching opportunities. The hike is listed as moderate and has mostly flat terrain, making it also a great option for families and those of varying fitness levels.
Address: 10540 H.G. Trueman Road, Lusby, MD 20657
Matapeake Beach
Matapeake Beach, located on Kent Island in Stevensville, Md., has scenic views of the Chesapeake Bay and the iconic Bay Bridge. The beach is part of the Matapeake Clubhouse and Public Beach complex, featuring a restored historic clubhouse, an outdoor amphitheater, picnic areas and walking trails. The grounds offer a nice respite for beachgoers looking for a low-key day by the bay.
A unique feature at Matapeake Beach is the Dog Beach, which is accessed by a natural surface trail through the woods. A welcoming area for dogs to swim and play off-leash, this pet-friendly spot is a go-to for many pet owners. Pets allowed on the Dog Beach, as well as the trail leading to it; not allowed on the public beach, clubhouse or clubhouse lawn.
The public beach, which is the one most visitors use, has a sandy shoreline for swimming and sunbathing. Although there are no lifeguards on duty, the gentle bay waters are safe for swimmers. Facilities consist of bathrooms, picnic areas, with plenty of parking on site at the clubhouse. The beach and surrounding areas are open to the public 365 days a year, and you don’t have to pay to access the beach. However, the nearby Matapeake Fishing Pier and Boat Ramp charges a daily entry and parking fee of $10.
Address: 2010 Sonny Schulz Blvd, Stevensville, MD 21666
Point Lookout State Park Beach
With its southern tip rooted in Maryland, Point Lookout State Park Beach encompasses both beautiful scenery and a significant piece of history. Located where the Potomac River flows into the Chesapeake Bay, the park offers a scenic backdrop for multiple recreational activities.
The beach area is perfect for swimming, sunbathing and picnicking, with amenities such as picnic tables, grills and restrooms. Anglers can use the 710-foot fishing pier, while history buffs can check out the remains of a Civil War prison camp and the Point Lookout Lighthouse.
The park has hiking trails that pass through a variety of ecosystems that make for excellent wildlife viewing. For those looking to stay longer, there are camping options (tent sites, cabins, etc.). The park is open year-round; seasonal amenities and activities may be found on the website. Current hours, fees and available facilities are best checked on the official website for visitors.
Address: 11175 Point Lookout Road, Scotland, MD 20687
Website: Point Lookout State Park
Cunningham Falls State Park Beach
Cunningham Falls State Park, located in the Catoctin Mountains, is known for its picturesque landscape and outdoor activities. In warmer months, the park’s beach area, which fronts Hunting Creek Lake, offers a cooling place to swim and relax. The lake is a popular boating destination, with rentals available for visitors. Next to the beach, picnic areas with tables and grills make family mealtime easy in nature.
The park features Maryland’s highest cascading waterfall, Cunningham Falls, reachable with a short hike from the beach area. If you’re planning to camp, there are campsites in both the William Houck Area and the Manor Area that accommodate tents and RVs. A variety of hiking trails wind through the park, offering an opportunity to enjoy its varied plant and animal life. The park is open year-round, and swimming is allowed in designated areas from Memorial Day through Labor Day. NOTE: Visitors should check the official website for detailed hours, fees and seasonal events.
Address: 14039 Catoctin Hollow Road, Thurmont, MD 21788
Website: Cunningham Falls State Park
Elk Neck State Park Beach
Elk Neck State Park: Located on a peninsula between the Chesapeake Bay and the Elk River, Elk Neck State Park features a range of habitats, including beaches, marshland and wooded areas. One of the most popular areas of the park is the North East Beach Area, which has sandy shores for swimming and sunbathing. There are picnic shelters near the beach to provide shaded areas for groups, and there is a playground for kids.
Panoramic views of the bay and surrounding areas can be enjoyed at the historic Turkey Point Lighthouse, which is located within the park as well. For visitors who want to experience the park’s natural beauty, there are hiking trails, including one that leads to the lighthouse.
Camping is available with tent and RV sites or cabins for a more cushy visit. Boating allows the avid captain to enter the surrounding waterways using the parks boat launch systems. Elk Neck State Park is open year-round, but beach activities are primarily offered in the summer months. Visitors are encouraged to check the official website for the latest hours, fees and amenities.
Address: 4395 Turkey Point Road, North East, MD 21901
Website: Elk Neck State Park
Breezy Point Beach
Breezy Point Beach, along Maryland’s Chesapeake Bay in Calvert County, is a family-friendly spot known for its sandy beach and gentle waters. The beachfront area is perfect for swimming, sunbathing and building sandcastles. Swimmers can feel secure with a designated netted swimming area. Amenities include picnic tables, grills, a playground and a bathhouse with restrooms and showers. Anglers have an option too with a 200-foot fishing pier; boaters can launch at a boat ramp.
There are seasonal and daily camping options available at the park, some of which are located along the bayside to offer stunning views of the bay. Recreational rentals such as beach chairs, umbrellas, kayaks and paddleboards are also available. Breezy Point Beach is open seasonally, usually May through October, and hours and fees vary throughout the season. Before you go, please visit the official website for details on openings, costs, and amenities.
Address: 5300 Breezy Point Road, Chesapeake Beach, MD 20732
Website: Breezy Point Beach & Campground
Rocky Gap State Park Beach
Rocky Gap State Park — an outdoor paradise located over 3,000 acres in Western Maryland The park is home to Lake Habeeb, a 243-acre lake known for its clean waters and sandy beaches. The beach area has a swimming area which is a bonus in summer time. Nestled between steep mountains, the park also has beautiful hiking trails, including the Lakeside Loop Trail that encircles the lake and offers lovely views. Lake Kai is a haven for fishing enthusiasts and is stocked with numerous fish species. Boating is allowed (rental boats are available to visitors). It has camping and RV-friendly sites as well as a yurt and a family group site for overnight stays.
Address: Rocky Gap State Park is located at 12500 Pleasant Valley Road NE, Flintstone, MD 21530
Gunpowder Falls State Park Beach
Located in Maryland, Gunpowder Falls State Park is known for its topographical variation, from tidal marshes to wetlands to steep, rugged slopes. Recreational Activities: Hiking, Fishing, Kayaking and Canoeing Highlights include the Hammerman Area, which offers a swimming beach on the banks of the Gunpowder River. It is a popular picnic area with picnic tables and grills. Visitors can also rent kayaks and paddleboards to navigate the waterways. The park has more than 120 miles of trail for hikers, mountain bikers and equestrians.
Address: Gunpowder Falls State Park 7200 Graces Quarters Road Middle River, MD 21220
Website: https://dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands
Deep Creek Lake Beach
Deep Creek Lake State Park, in Western Maryland, includes a mile of shoreline on Deep Creek Lake. The park is a water-based recreation center complete with swimming area, fishing area and boat launches. The sandy beach is great for families relaxing on the shore, and the crystal clear lake waters are perfect for swimmers. Anglers target species from bass to trout, and boaters can find launch ramps for motorized vessels and non-motorized craft. The park also has scenic hiking trails and campgrounds for those who want to spend more time.
Address: Deep Creek Lake State Park 898 State Park Road Swanton, MD 21561
Mayo Beach Park mary land
Mayo Beach Park Edgewater, Md., South River Chesapeake Bay This managed access park is open to the public on designated days mainly weekends and holidays at Memorial Day through Labor Day. During these times, visitors must have a free reservation pass to enter the park.
The park also has a sandy beach area for swimming and picnicking, as well as several picnic tables and a pavilion. Its location offers picturesque overviews of the Chesapeake Bay, so it is a popular destination for family picnics and events. Onsite, the park also offers a cartop boat launch for kayaks and canoes for paddling on the water.
Address: Mayo Beach Park 4150 Honeysuckle Drive Edgewater, MD 21037
Website: https://www.aacounty.org/recreation-
Janes Island State Park Beach
Nestled on Maryland’s Eastern Shore near Crisfield Janes Island State Park welcomes guests with natural beauty and recreation opportunities. The park includes over 2,900 acres of salt marsh and more than 30 miles of water trails, a paradise for kayaking and canoeing.
The park includes miles of remote, undeveloped beaches along the Chesapeake Bay on its island part, which can be reached mostly by boat. The quiet beaches provide an idyllic setting for swimming, sunbathing and beachcombing. The park also has campsites, including some with water views, and full-service cabins for overnight stays. Fishing and crabbing are also popular here, with plenty of opportunities to bring home local seafood. The park offers both its natural environment and multiple amenities, making it a popular destination for those who want to escape into nature.
Address: Janes Island State Park 26280 Alfred J Lawson Drive Crisfield, MD 21817
Website: https://dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands/