Bay beaches are waiting to be discovered by families, along the 124.5 miles from Havre De Grace, at the north end of the Chesapeake Bay in Maryland, to Point Lookout at Maryland’s southern tip. You don’t need to go down the ocean, there are beautiful lesser known beaches to explore along the bay.
On nice weekends, many of these locations will run out of parking spaces. Be prepared to arrive early and check the Plan Ahead web page to check on current park capacity. https://dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands/Pages/Plan-Ahead-for-Park-Closures.aspx
Arranged North to South
Gunpowder Falls State Park – Hammerman Area | Baltimore County
The Hammerman area of Gunpowder Falls State Park features a day-use park with 1,500 feet of beach for swimming. food concessions, four picnic pavilions, picnicking, playgrounds, canoe/kayak and sailboat rentals, fishing, short hiking trails and two short water trails. There is 1,500 feet of beach on the banks of the Gunpowder River.
- Admission: $3-5 per person ($5-7 per-person for out-of-state residents)
- Lifeguards: On duty 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday through Sunday, Memorial Day through Labor Day. Swim at your own risk when lifeguards are not on duty.
- Where: 7200 Graces Quarters, Chase
- https://dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands/Pages/central/GunpowderFalls/Hammerman-Area.aspx
NOTE: The beach parking lot often fills to capacity. Call the Hammerman Ranger Station at 410-335-3461 to find out if a park or beach lot closure is in effect.
Rocky Point Beach | Baltimore County
Since 1969, Baltimore County Department of Recreation and Parks has owned and operated this 375-acre park. Located at the mouth of Back and Middle rivers, it boasts an expansive view of the Chesapeake Bay, Hart-Miller Islands and Craighill Light. Swimming is allowed Memorial Day through Labor Day, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Restrooms are open when lifeguards are on duty during “beach” season. During the “beach” season, the main park is open from sunrise to 7 p.m. The park includes two pavilions, two playgrounds, sand volleyball, a fishing pier, boat ramps, sailing center, bathhouse and a first aid station. Bikes, pedal boats and kayaks are available to rent. Note that during the early and late beach season on those days when Baltimore County Schools are in session, the beach will be closed for swimming.
- Admission: $5-8 on weekends/holidays and $5-7 on weekdays. Lifeguard: On duty, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Where: 2200 Rocky Point Road, Essex | Phone: 410-887-2818
- https://www.baltimorecountymd.gov/departments/recreation/programs/rocky-point/
Sandy Point State Park | Anne Arundel County
This 786-acre state park is located along the Northwestern shore of the Chesapeake Bay. The park’s beaches and picnic areas are well known for their scenic water views. The park provides guests with various activities and services including swimming beaches, picnicking, fishing, crabbing, boating, hiking, youth group camping, wildlife viewing and more. The park also has a marina store and boat rentals. A bathhouse is located near the beach and provides park users with restrooms and showers. Snack food, beach and picnic supplies are also available at the South Beach area of the park.
- Admission: Weekends May 1-Sept. 30, $5 for state residents, $7 out-of-state resident; weekdays May 1-Sept. 30, $4 in-state and $6 out-of-state resident.
- Lifeguards: On duty in designated area 10 a.m.-6 p.m. weekdays and 8 a.m.-8 p.m. weekends and holidays Memorial Day to Labor Day.
- Where: 1100 E. College Pkwy., Annapolis
- Phone: 410-974-2149
- https://dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands/Pages/southern/sandypoint.aspx
Beverly Triton Nature Park | Anne Arundel County
Over a mile of shoreline overlook the Chesapeake Bay at this one time resort in Edgewater. Recently renovated, now there are restrooms, outdoor showers an easy path to the beach, small playground, pavilion, and miles of trails. Swimming is not allowed but wading is ok. Dogs are allowed on a leash.
- Admission: $6 per car
- On weekends and holidays starting May 25 until Sept. 2, park patrons will be required to reserve a free “reservation pass” by visiting yourpassnow.com.
- No lifeguards
- Where: 1202 Triton Beach Road, Edgewater
- Phone: 410-222-1978
- https://www.aacounty.org/recreation-parks/parks/beverly-triton-nature-park
Breezy Point Beach | Calvert County
There is a half-mile sandy beach with a netted swimming area, shaded picnic space, grills, volleyball, a playground, bathhouses, outdoor showers, and a 200 foot fishing and crabbing pier. Camping is also an option. Open May through October, 6 a.m. to dusk.
- Admission: Weekends and holidays Memorial Day to Labor Day weekends, $10-$20; weekdays and off-season weekends, $6-12. Cash only.
- Lifeguards: No Lifeguards. Swim at your own risk.
- Where: 5300 Breezy Point Road, Chesapeake Beach
- Phone: 410-535-0259
- https://www.calvertcountymd.gov/3039/Breezy-Point-Beach-Campground
Flag Ponds Nature Park | Calvert County
Flag Ponds Nature Park offers a remarkable variety of natural environments—from sandy beach, to freshwater ponds, to the forested heights of Calvert Cliffs. A short, half-mile hike from the parking lot brings you to the sandy beach where there is swimming and fossil hunting. A bathhouse is available. There are also observation platforms at two ponds, a fishing pier on the Chesapeake Bay and a visitor’s center with wildlife displays. Dogs are allowed on a leash.
- Admission: $5 for county residents, $15 for non-county residents April to October.
- Lifeguard: No lifeguards on duty. Swim at your own risk
- Where: 1525 Flag Ponds Pkwy, Lusby
- Phone: 410-586-1477
- https://www.calvertparks.org/fpp.html
Point Lookout State Park | St. Mary’s County
Point Lookout State Park is located on a peninsula formed by the Chesapeake Bay and the Potomac River.
Swimming, fishing, and boating are just a few of the activities in this beautiful bay setting. The beach area has grills, picnic tables, and a playground. Facilities include showers and restrooms. Jelly fish may be found in the swimming area. Point Lookout sponsors historic programs and demonstrations throughout the year.
- Admission: Weekends and holidays, $5 per person; weekdays, $3 per vehicle May-September. Out-of-state residents add $2 to all day use charges.
- Lifeguards: On duty 9 a.m.-5 p.m. weekends and holidays Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.
- Where: 11175 Point Lookout Road, Scotland
- Phone: 301-872-5688
- https://dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands/Pages/southern/pointlookout.aspx