These beaches in Maryland are ideal for enjoying the seaside throughout the summer.
Maryland offers a lot of waterfront property for a beach vacation since it borders both the Atlantic Ocean and the Chesapeake Bay. Popular beach towns may be found in this Mid-Atlantic region, and many families make yearly trips to locations like Ocean City for extended summer weekends.
Because they are so much more than just lovely stretches of coastline, Maryland’s best beaches stand out. We looked for beach locations with exciting activities, such as boardwalks with shops and restaurants, fantastic kayaking, surfing, paddleboarding, or other interesting distraction options. Of course, the greatest beaches will always provide a photo opportunity, whether they are encircled by dunes of sand or are well-known for their breathtaking sunsets.
Consider visiting one of these 13 notable beaches in Maryland if you’re thinking about taking a vacation.
National Seashore of Assateague Island
The hundreds of wild horses that walk the park’s beaches are among the most well-known features of this enormous (48,000 acres) deserted area. While it is prohibited to ride the wild horses on Assateague, you are invited to bring your own equine companion for a walk down the beach.
Additionally, visitors may spend the long summer days fishing or clamming or watching dolphins play in the surf. Whales, sea turtles, and a variety of fish species call the plankton-rich waters home.
On Assateague Island’s Maryland portion, visitors may even spend the nighttime camping. Just remember to stock up on firewood and lengthy tent pegs in advance (for remaining securely secured in the wind and sand).
State Park at Calvert Cliffs
Calvert Cliffs is a natural harbor, not a beach, yet it nevertheless qualifies as one of Maryland’s greatest beaches because of its breathtaking vistas and interesting past. This quarter-mile-long section of beach, which is surrounded by lovely sandy cliffs, is excellent for swimming and fishing.
What could be buried on its sandy sands, though, is what really draws people there. Paleontology aficionados (or basically anybody who has seen “Jurassic Site”) will be thrilled to learn that over 600 different species of fossils have been discovered in this park, some of which date back 20 million years.
Beach in Ocean City
Ocean City serves as the setting for many classic beach holidays, whether you’re filling up on platters of steamed Maryland crabs or leaving the beach to play a game of mini-golf. The Ocean City Boardwalk and the renowned Thrasher’s French Fries may be found on the town’s southern edge, where you should leave your flip-flops. Walk down the boardwalk and ride the vintage carousel at Trimper’s Rides.
Beach North
North Beach encircles the western edge of the bay and is located about a mile north of Chesapeake Beach. Wander the promenade or fish from the pier. Bald eagle and Canadian goose seeing is very common there.
Visit the Shirt Shack for a take-home gift after a day at the beach. There are many more things to do in Chesapeake Beach, including a water park, food choices, and the Chesapeake Beach Railway Museum.
Rough Sand
The stunning views of the Chesapeake Bay from this Maryland state park’s beach are its main attraction. With boat rentals and a marina shop, it also attracts local fisherman. Playgrounds and picnic spots are also available for year-round family entertainment.
Campground and Beach at Breezy Point
Camping, swimming, fishing, and picnics are all available along this gorgeous length of sand. However, you may also spend the day crabbing for supper or search the area for local fossils, shark teeth, and sea glass. Plan your trip to the beach carefully since it is seasonal and often fills up in the summer (at which time guests will be turned away).
Lake Vacation Resort
The artificial lake and its sand shoreline are part of this 1,800-acre state park. It’s ideal for beachgoers of all stripes with swimming beaches, 20 miles of hiking and bike trails, a campsite, and a hands-on Discovery Center that educates visitors about the area history and natural resources.
Park and Beach at Rocky Point
This Maryland beach, which lies near the confluence of the Back and Middle Rivers, provides views of the bay and Hart-Miller Island, a 1,100-acre island that is a well-liked destination for boaters and birdwatchers. Rocky Point is a well-liked summer vacation spot for Marylanders since it has a fishing pier, volleyball court, and sailing facility.
Fall at Cunningham Falls
This state park, with its lakeside beach and largest flowing waterfall in Maryland, is well worth the drive just for the vistas.
Once you’re done taking pictures of the waterfall and the Catoctin Mountains in the area, go to the sandy beaches of the lake to go swimming, fishing, or canoeing.
Beach and Clubhouse in Matapeake
This bayside beach is well-known for having a public swimming area and an outdoor amphitheater. It also has a historic clubhouse that can be hired out for special occasions during the off-season.
The clubhouse also has a family picnic space and a hiking track, and guests can see the Bay Bridge from the beach.
autumnal lake shoreline hues Flintstone State Park Rocky Gap, Maryland
The whole splendor of Maryland’s natural beauty is on show at this state park, which is surrounded by mountains and has what locals refer to as the “bluest water in the state.” Campers and beachgoers alike are drawn to the stunning Lake Habeeb’s shoreline because they provide views of the park’s cliffs and hemlock woodland.
State Park at Point Lookout
The Civil War camp at Point Lookout, which is located on a peninsula between the Chesapeake Bay and the Potomac River, is now open to tourists as a museum. Additionally, there is a picnic pavilion, camping, swimming, hiking, fishing, and boating.
Gunpowder Falls in Baltimore County, Maryland, seen in a peaceful manner.
This beach, which is tucked away in Gunpowder Falls State Park, has concessions, picnic areas, play areas, and canoe and kayak rentals. Visit the Gunpowder River for a swim or try one of the nearby trails for a hike.
