15 Best Beaches In Maryland
Imagine a state where the rugged beauty of Appalachian mountains meets the serene shores of the Atlantic Ocean and the vast Chesapeake Bay. Maryland, often called “America in Miniature,” is a hidden gem for beach lovers, offering far more than just the bustling boardwalks of Ocean City. From fossil-laden cliffs and wild barrier islands to tranquil lakeside coves and historic bayfront towns, you’ll discover a kaleidoscope of coastal experiences here.
Whether you seek the thrill of crashing waves, the quiet solace of a secluded cove, or family-friendly fun with soft sand underfoot, Maryland’s diverse beaches promise unforgettable memories. The best time to visit is typically late spring (May-June) or early fall (September-October) for pleasant weather and fewer crowds, though summer (July-August) truly brings the vibrant beach scene to life, albeit with higher prices and more visitors. Get ready to dive into the ultimate guide to Maryland’s best beaches, where every grain of sand tells a story.
💰 Travel Cost Overview
| Category | Budget | Mid-range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (per night) | $80-150 | $160-300 | $300-600+ |
| Food & Dining (per day) | $30-60 | $60-120 | $120-250+ |
| Transportation (per day) | $15-30 (local bus/trolley) | $40-70 (car rental + gas) | $70-100+ (private transfer/premium car rental) |
| Activities & Attractions (avg. entry fees/tours) | $5-20 | $20-50 | $50-150+ |
| Total Daily Budget (Low) | $130-200 | ||
| Total Daily Budget (Medium) | $280-470 | ||
| Total Daily Budget (High) | $520-950+ | ||
| Weekly Budget Estimates (Low) | $910-1400 | ||
| Weekly Budget Estimates (Medium) | $1960-3290 | ||
| Weekly Budget Estimates (High) | $3640-6650+ |
Ocean City
Ocean City is Maryland’s quintessential beach destination, a vibrant coastal resort town renowned for its 10 miles of pristine, free public beaches and its iconic three-mile boardwalk. What makes this place truly special is its energetic atmosphere, a perfect blend of classic seaside charm and modern amenities. You can spend your days soaking up the sun, swimming in the Atlantic, or building elaborate sandcastles.
Beyond the beach, the boardwalk offers endless entertainment, from thrilling amusement park rides at Trimper’s Rides and Jolly Roger Amusement Park to arcades, souvenir shops, and an incredible array of food stalls serving everything from famous Thrasher’s French Fries to saltwater taffy and fresh seafood. Evenings come alive with dazzling lights, street performers, and fireworks displays throughout the summer. This destination is ideal for families with children of all ages, groups of friends looking for lively nightlife, and anyone who loves a bustling beach resort experience. Its history as a fishing village turned major tourist hub adds to its enduring appeal.
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Calvert Cliffs State Park
Calvert Cliffs State Park, located on the Chesapeake Bay, is a truly unique natural wonder, renowned for its dramatic cliffs that rise up to 100 feet above the bay. These cliffs, formed over 10 to 20 million years ago when the area was covered by a shallow sea, are a treasure trove of prehistoric fossils. What makes this park so special is the opportunity to combine a scenic hike with an exciting fossil hunt.
You can embark on a 1.8-mile hike through a lush forest trail that leads directly to the fossil-laden beach. Once there, you can spend hours sifting through the sand and pebbles, discovering ancient shark teeth, shells, and other marine fossils that tell the story of Maryland’s distant past. It’s a peaceful escape from the bustling crowds, offering a serene environment perfect for nature lovers, budding paleontologists, and adventurous families. The park’s interpretive center provides valuable information about the geology and ecology of the area, enriching your visit.
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Cherry Beach
Cherry Beach, nestled on the tranquil waters of the Chesapeake Bay in North East, Maryland, offers a delightful contrast to the ocean’s energetic waves. This charming, family-friendly beach is known for its calm, shallow waters, making it an ideal spot for young children to splash and play safely. What sets Cherry Beach apart is its relaxed, community-oriented atmosphere and picturesque setting. You’ll find a well-maintained sandy shoreline perfect for sunbathing, picnicking, and building sandcastles.
The gentle lapping of the bay waters provides a soothing soundtrack, and the views across the bay are simply stunning, especially at sunset. Visitors can enjoy swimming, kayaking, or paddleboarding in the calm waters. There are often shaded areas and picnic tables, making it easy to spend an entire day here. It’s a perfect retreat for families seeking a peaceful day by the water, couples looking for a romantic sunset spot, or solo travelers wanting a quiet escape.
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Sandy Point State Park
Sandy Point State Park, strategically located at the foot of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge in Annapolis, offers breathtaking panoramic views of the iconic bridge and the vast Chesapeake Bay. This park is a beloved spot for its sandy beaches, fishing piers, and boat launches, making it a versatile destination for all kinds of water activities. What makes Sandy Point unique is its dual appeal: you can enjoy a classic beach day with swimming and sunbathing, or engage in more active pursuits like crabbing, fishing, or launching your boat for a day on the bay.
The calm waters are excellent for families with children, and the expansive grounds provide ample space for picnicking and playing. Birdwatchers will also appreciate the diverse avian life. It’s a popular spot for locals and tourists alike, providing stunning photo opportunities of the Bay Bridge, especially at sunrise or sunset. This park caters wonderfully to families, anglers, boaters, and anyone seeking impressive bay views.
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Assateague Island National Seashore
Assateague Island National Seashore is a truly wild and untamed coastal paradise, famous worldwide for its wild ponies roaming freely on the barrier island beaches. This is not your typical boardwalk beach; it’s a place of raw natural beauty, where the Atlantic Ocean meets untouched dunes and maritime forests. What makes Assateague so special is the unique opportunity to witness these majestic wild horses in their natural habitat, often seen grazing near the dunes or even walking along the shoreline. Visitors can enjoy pristine, expansive beaches perfect for swimming, surfing, shell collecting, and birdwatching.
Camping is a popular activity here, offering an immersive nature experience. The island offers a tranquil escape, inviting you to connect with nature on a deeper level. It’s ideal for nature enthusiasts, photographers, campers, and families who appreciate a less commercialized beach experience. The quiet solitude and stunning natural landscapes are unparalleled.
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Deep Creek Lake
Deep Creek Lake, nestled in the mountains of Western Maryland, offers a unique “beach” experience far from the ocean. This is Maryland’s largest freshwater lake, and its shores provide numerous spots for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying a wide array of water sports. What makes Deep Creek Lake truly special is its stunning mountain backdrop and the abundance of recreational activities available year-round.
You can enjoy sandy swimming areas, rent boats, jet skis, kayaks, or paddleboards, or simply relax by the water’s edge. The lake is a hub for outdoor adventure, from fishing and waterskiing in summer to skiing and snowboarding in winter. It’s an ideal destination for active families, groups of friends seeking adventure, or anyone who loves the combination of lake life and mountain scenery. The state park areas around the lake offer designated swimming beaches with lifeguard services during peak season, making it a safe and fun environment.
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Cunningham Falls State Park
Cunningham Falls State Park, located in the Catoctin Mountains, offers a refreshing “beach” experience centered around a beautiful 43-acre lake. While not an ocean beach, the sandy swimming area at Hunting Creek Lake provides a perfect escape from the summer heat, surrounded by lush forest and scenic mountain views. What makes this park special is the combination of lake activities with the natural beauty of Maryland’s largest cascading waterfall, Cunningham Falls, which is just a short hike away.
You can swim, sunbathe on the sandy beach, rent canoes or rowboats, and enjoy picnicking. The park also boasts extensive hiking trails, allowing you to explore the diverse flora and fauna of the region. It’s an excellent destination for families with children, hikers, and anyone looking for a tranquil day trip that combines a refreshing dip with opportunities for nature exploration and scenic beauty.
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Breezy Point Beach
Breezy Point Beach, nestled on the western shore of the Chesapeake Bay in Calvert County, is a charming and secluded bay beach known for its calm waters and excellent opportunities for fossil and shark tooth hunting. Unlike the bustling oceanfront, Breezy Point offers a more relaxed and intimate beach experience, perfect for families with young children or anyone seeking a peaceful day by the water. What makes it special is its designation as a prime location for finding prehistoric shark teeth and other marine fossils washed ashore from the nearby Calvert Cliffs.
Beyond fossil hunting, you can enjoy swimming in the gentle bay waters, sunbathing on the sandy shore, or picnicking with stunning views of the Bay. The beach also features a playground, picnic tables, and a fishing pier, adding to its family-friendly appeal. It’s an ideal spot for a quiet escape, appealing to families, fossil enthusiasts, and those who appreciate serene bayfront beauty.
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Matapeake Beach
Matapeake Beach, located on Kent Island on the eastern side of the Chesapeake Bay, offers a unique and multi-faceted bayfront experience, including a dog park, a fishing pier, and a beautiful sandy beach with stunning views of the Bay Bridge. What makes Matapeake special is its thoughtful design to cater to various interests, particularly dog owners who will appreciate the dedicated dog beach area where their furry friends can splash and play. The main beach area provides calm waters perfect for swimming and paddleboarding, and the long fishing pier is a popular spot for anglers.
The historic Matapeake Clubhouse, now a public event space, adds a touch of charm and history to the area. It’s a fantastic spot for enjoying a sunset over the bay, taking a leisurely stroll, or simply unwinding. This beach is perfect for dog owners, anglers, couples seeking a romantic sunset spot, and anyone looking for a relaxed bay experience with picturesque views.
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Point Lookout State Park
Point Lookout State Park, situated at the very southern tip of Maryland where the Chesapeake Bay meets the Potomac River, is a site rich in both natural beauty and profound history. What makes this park exceptionally unique is its dual identity as a serene coastal retreat and a significant Civil War site. You can explore a beautiful sandy beach, perfect for swimming, fishing, and crabbing, while also delving into the past at the Civil War museum and monument, which commemorate its role as a Union prisoner-of-war camp.
The park also offers excellent opportunities for birdwatching, hiking, and boating, with stunning water views from almost every vantage point. Its remote location provides a sense of tranquility and escape, inviting you to reflect on its history while enjoying the peaceful coastal environment. This park appeals to history buffs, nature lovers, anglers, and families seeking a quiet beach experience with an educational twist.
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North Beach
North Beach, often dubbed “The Jewel of the Chesapeake Bay,” is a charming, small town with a lovely public beach that exudes a classic seaside village charm. What makes North Beach special is its quaint, walkable downtown area adjacent to the beach, offering boutique shops, art galleries, and inviting cafes. The beach itself is a calm, sandy stretch perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying the gentle waters of the Chesapeake Bay.
You’ll find a fishing pier, a boardwalk for leisurely strolls, and often live music or community events during the warmer months. The town actively promotes a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere, making it a delightful escape from the hustle and bustle. Sunsets over the Bay are particularly spectacular here, painting the sky in vibrant hues. This destination is ideal for couples seeking a romantic getaway, families with young children, and anyone who appreciates a charming small town beach experience.
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Chesapeake Beach
Chesapeake Beach, located just south of North Beach on the western shore of the Chesapeake Bay, is a vibrant resort town with a rich history as a former amusement park destination. Today, it retains a lively, nostalgic charm, offering a beautiful bay beach, a popular fishing pier, and a host of amenities. What makes Chesapeake Beach special is its blend of relaxation and recreation.
You can enjoy swimming and sunbathing on the sandy beach, fish from the long pier, or explore the Chesapeake Beach Railway Museum, which tells the story of its past as a glamorous resort. The town also features a popular water park (separate admission) and offers excellent opportunities for charter fishing. It’s a fantastic choice for families looking for a mix of beach time and other activities, anglers, and those who appreciate a town with character and history. The sunsets over the bay are, of course, spectacular here too.
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Betterton Beach
Betterton Beach, nestled on the upper Eastern Shore of the Chesapeake Bay, is a hidden gem known for its calm, shallow waters and pristine, well-maintained sandy beach. This tranquil destination offers a peaceful escape, far from the crowds of more bustling coastal towns. What makes Betterton Beach special is its serene environment, making it perfect for families with young children who can safely splash in the gentle bay waters.
The beach is equipped with a bathhouse, picnic areas, and a fishing pier, providing all the essentials for a relaxing day. The views across the expansive bay are breathtaking, especially during sunrise and sunset, creating a picturesque backdrop for your visit. It’s a place where you can truly unwind, collect shells, or simply enjoy the quiet beauty of the Chesapeake Bay. This beach is ideal for families seeking a calm and safe swimming area, couples looking for a romantic sunset spot, and anyone desiring a tranquil day trip.
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Elk Neck State Park
Elk Neck State Park, located on a peninsula between the Chesapeake Bay and the Elk River, offers a diverse range of natural beauty, including a small, peaceful bay beach known as North East Beach. What makes Elk Neck special is its combination of sandy shoreline, dramatic cliffs, maritime forests, and the iconic Turkey Point Lighthouse, which offers stunning panoramic views. While the beach itself is modest, it provides calm waters for swimming and kayaking, perfect for a quiet day.
The park’s true appeal lies in its extensive hiking trails that lead through varied landscapes, including the challenging but rewarding hike to the historic lighthouse. It’s a fantastic destination for outdoor enthusiasts, combining a refreshing dip in the bay with opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, and exploring a beautiful natural environment. This park is perfect for active families, hikers, campers, and anyone who appreciates diverse natural scenery.
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Hart-Miller Island State Park
Hart-Miller Island State Park is truly one of Maryland’s most unique and secluded beach experiences, as it is only accessible by private boat or ferry. This artificial island, created from dredged material, has been transformed into a thriving ecosystem with miles of pristine sandy beaches, vast marshlands, and stunning views of the Chesapeake Bay. What makes Hart-Miller Island so special is its incredible sense of remoteness and tranquility, offering an unparalleled escape from the mainland crowds.
You can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, crabbing, fishing, and birdwatching on its expansive, untouched beaches. The island is a sanctuary for migratory birds and offers observation platforms for wildlife viewing. It’s an adventurer’s paradise, perfect for boaters, kayakers, nature photographers, and anyone seeking a truly off-the-beaten-path beach experience. The effort to get there is richly rewarded with serene beauty and abundant wildlife.
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Plan Your Visit
From the lively shores of Ocean City to the serene, fossil-rich cliffs of Calvert Cliffs, and the unique, boat-access-only tranquility of Hart-Miller Island, Maryland’s beaches offer an incredible spectrum of experiences. You’ve now seen how this “America in Miniature” truly delivers on its promise, providing everything from bustling boardwalks and family-friendly bay coves to rugged natural preserves and historic waterfronts. Each destination tells its own story, inviting you to swim, explore, relax, and discover.
Whether your budget is modest or you’re ready to splurge, careful planning using the cost guidelines provided will ensure a memorable trip. So pack your bags, choose your adventure, and prepare to be captivated by the diverse and beautiful beaches that await you in Maryland. Your perfect coastal escape is just a journey away!
