7 Best Beaches in Maryland
Maryland is a picture-perfect destination for family-friendly beach fun.
With beautiful sprawling coastlines on the Atlantic Ocean and the Chesapeake Bay, Maryland, also known as “America in Miniature,” is a picture-perfect destination for family-friendly beach fun. This mid-Atlantic eastern state is also home to Baltimore, with a storied seaport past, and several fun educational attractions like the National Aquarium and Maryland Science Center, both positioned in downtown Baltimore’s Inner Harbor. Keep reading to learn about the best beaches in Maryland.
Ocean City
This iconic beach town, with over 10 miles of sandy beaches, is well known for its classic summer family-friendly atmosphere. Wake up early and watch the sunrise on the beach; stroll the lively three-mile boardwalk, where you’ll find Thrasher’s Fries, busy arcades, and colorful beach shops; pick your hand-carved animal and ride the carousel at Trimper’s Rides and Amusements; fish off the pier; and round off the day by watching the sunset on the bay.
Assateague Island National Seashore
Who doesn’t love seeing wild horses romp around on a beach? Assateague Island National Seashore, a 37-mile-long barrier island on the eastern shore, is home to not only feral horses but also, a diverse variety of birds and waterfowl. For the true and full experience, enjoy primitive camping on either the ocean or bay sides of the island and spend time exploring the nature trails. Nearby accommodations include Island Resort Family Campground & R.V. Park, Frontier Town Campground, and Castaway RV Resort.
Sandy Point State Park
Located in Annapolis, Sandy Point State Park is a nature lover’s paradise. From hiking to fishing to swimming to boating on the Chesapeake, this massive 786-acre state park has it all. The views of Chesapeake Bay are also top-notch at this state park so be sure to bring your camera and a pair of binoculars. Nearby accommodations include Inn at Horn Point, a charming bed and breakfast located in historic downtown Annapolis—be sure to book your stay early as rooms fill up fast in the warm-weather seasons.
Deep Creek Lake
With 69 miles of lovely shoreline, Deep Creek Lake is pleasurable for the whole family, especially because there’s plenty of room to spread out and enjoy the state’s largest man-made lake. There’s a great swimming beach that kids love, and boat rentals are available for a day of sun-soaked fun on the water. And, when you’re not fishing or swimming in the warmer months, Deep Creek Lake is a dream in the fall as well when the leaves turn color, and the vibe is a bit calmer with fewer tourists. If you love the outdoors, Deep Creek Lake is stunning no matter what part of the year you visit.
Calvert Cliffs State Park Beach
Beyond the well-maintained scenic natural beach that’s great for swimming and enjoying the outdoors, Calvert Cliffs State Park Beach is also an excellent place for finding real fossils that are hidden in the sand and along the waterline. Bring your brood early for the best opportunity to find one of the 600 known species of fossils. You’ll also notice that the rugged cliffs here are a fantastic background for family photographs.
Breezy Point Beach
Sand: check. Safe swimming area: check. Camping available: check. 200-foot pier for fishing and crabbing: check. Breezy Point Beach is a tidy and serene beachy destination with a children’s playground in Calvert County. Explore the half-mile of shoreline, make meals on one of the charcoal grills, look for sea glass on the beach, and go kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding. For big thrills while in the area, check out Killin Time Charter Fishing or Chesapeake Adventures Sport Fishing and definitely enjoy one of the great restaurants in town. Be sure to check the website ahead of time for information on the recent shoreline restoration project on the camping beach area where erosion mitigation and beach revitalization is a top priority.
Cunningham Falls State Park
Perhaps you’re noticing a theme here—Maryland has great state parks! Cunningham Falls State Park not only has a beautiful 78-foot cascading waterfall, but also, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources has designated three fun swimming areas at Hunting Creek Lake. Swimming, hiking, picnicking, camping, relaxing at the beach, and boating are all on offer here. This state park is picturesque and well worth carving out time for a fun-filled family vacation.
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