Small beach park on the James River near historic Jamestown featuring swimming areas, picnic shelters, and kayak launches. Offers historic setting with views of Jamestown Island. Parking fee required during peak season.
Beaches for Picnicking
Breezy Point Beach
Calvert County park featuring a half-mile of sandy beach on the Chesapeake Bay, fishing pier, and playground. Offers seasonal camping, picnic areas, and nettle nets during jellyfish season. Entry fee required with lifeguards during summer months.
Miami Beach Park
Residents-only beach on the South River in Anne Arundel County. Restricted access to community members and guests with small sandy beach, playground, and picnic facilities. Not open to general public without resident accompaniment.
North Point State Park
Baltimore County park on Chesapeake Bay featuring a small sand and pebble beach area and remnants of the historic Bay Shore Amusement Park. Offers fishing pier, hiking trails, and picnic pavilions. Entry fee required with seasonal operation.
Buckroe Beach
Hampton’s popular public beach on Chesapeake Bay featuring a fishing pier, playground, picnic shelters, and seasonal lifeguards. Hosts summer concerts and movie nights with food vendors during peak season. Free access with paid parking.
Downs Park Beach
Anne Arundel County park on Chesapeake Bay featuring a designated dog beach area (no human swimming). Includes fishing areas, hiking trails, playground, and picnic facilities. Entry fee required with scenic Bay views and pet-friendly policies.
Sandy Point State Park
Popular Chesapeake Bay beach near Annapolis featuring spectacular views of the Bay Bridge. Offers sandy beaches, swimming areas, marina, boat rentals, fishing, and picnic facilities. Entry fee required with limited capacity during peak season.
Betterton Beach
Five-acre waterfront park on the Chesapeake Bay with 700 feet of shoreline and one of the Bay’s few nettle-free beaches. Features a fishing jetty, gazebo, picnic facilities, and bath house. Free admission with ample parking.
Gunpowder Falls State Park (Hammerman Area)
Popular swimming beach on the Gunpowder River with 1,500 feet of shoreline and designated swimming area. Features picnic facilities, playgrounds, canoe/kayak rentals, and hiking trails. Entry fee required with seasonal lifeguards.
Rocky Point Beach and Park
Baltimore County park on the Back and Middle Rivers featuring a swimming beach, fishing pier, boat ramps, and picnic areas. Offers beautiful water views with pavilion rentals available for events. Entry fee required with seasonal operation.