Home to more than 3,000 miles of shoreline, Maryland is a wonderful destination for those who enjoy life by the sea, with numerous charming beaches to be found here.
(Photo: Bernt Rostad via Flickr / CC BY 2.0)
If sinking your toes into the sand while soaking up glorious coastal views is your kind of thing, then Maryland is guaranteed to please. From the Atlantic Coast to the shores of the Chesapeake Bay and her tributaries, the state offers an enticing combination of sun, surf and sand. We’ve picked out 7 of the most charming beaches that Maryland has to offer.
Ocean City
One of Maryland’s most perennially popular coastal spots, Ocean City’s picturesque 10-mile stretch of warm sands makes for a fun-packed day out in idyllic surroundings. There’s something for everyone, whether it’s soaking up the rays, going for a dip in the ocean, embarking on a kayaking or canoeing adventure, watching the sun set over the bay, or strolling the delightful boardwalk with ice cream in hand, purchased from one of the variety of stores that line the promenade.
Ocean City
Sandy Point State Park
(Photo: Mr.TinDC via Flickr / CC BY-ND 2.0)
Well known for its scenic ocean views, the one-mile beach at Sandy Point State Park has drawn visitors from far and wide since the park’s opening back at the start of the 1950s. Open all year round, there’s plenty of room for enjoying the full gamut of beach activities here, as well as a marina store and boat rentals, food and beverage concession, fishing spots, picnic areas, shelters, bathhouses and playgrounds.
Annapolis
Hart-Miller Island State Park
Situated on the expansive Hart-Miller Island is a 3,000-foot sandy beach that is popular with both anglers and those seeking a tranquil spot for kicking back and basking in Maryland’s generous allocation of yearly sunshine. For more intrepid types, there are also eight miles of hiking trails that invite you to traverse the island on foot as well as an abundance of native plants and wildlife to look out for along the way.
Hart-Miller Island
Chesapeake Beach
(Photo: BelindaChurchpix via Flickr / CC BY 2.0)
One of the jewels in Maryland’s coastal crown, Chesapeake Beach is set within a charming resort community that enjoyed a Gilded Age during the early 20th century and has continued to lure sun-seekers in their droves. Home to a gorgeous boardwalk, along with a pier, excellent seafood restaurants, and a vast stretch of sandy shoreline offering beautiful vistas out to sea. The beach is also a popular jumping off point for local fishing charters.
Chesapeake Beach
Hammerman Beach
Nestled within the 18,000-acre Gunpowder Falls Park – Maryland’s largest park, no less – the stretch of sandy shore known as Hammerman beach is a delightful spot for families thanks to its calm waters, shaded areas afforded by large trees, and pavilions perfect for picnicking. Also to be found in the area are eye-catching waterfalls, and diverse landscapes offering miles of hiking and horseback riding trails, as well as historic sites, kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing
Gunpowder Falls State Park, Middle River
North Beach
(Photo: Sandu Antonescu via Flickr / CC BY 2.0)
Located in a small town on the western shore of the Chesapeake Bay, seven blocks of captivating waterfront comprise a sizeable stretch of beach, overlooked by a half mile long boardwalk with a bike path affording wide open views. In the summertime, the beach plays host to a series of free summer concerts and movies. The town itself has a wide range of charming shops, including antiques and gifts, as well as several restaurants to choose from.
North Beach
Cherry Beach
As well as its coastal beaches, Maryland also has a liberal smattering of inland beaches dotted along its rivers and lakes, too. Among the very best can be found at Cherry Island, perched on the Nanticoke River, which offers visitors a fishing pier, boat ramp, and a well-maintained beach area. It is also pet friendly and connected by trails to the Cope Bennett Park for those seeking additional exploring.
Sharptown