Small public beach on the Chesapeake Bay with limited public access (primarily open weekends and holidays during summer). Features picnic areas, pavilion, and kayak launch. Popular for weddings and special events with reservation system.
Beaches for Swimming
Elms Beach Park
Quiet St. Mary’s County park on Chesapeake Bay featuring a sandy beach, fishing opportunities, and natural setting. Offers picnic facilities, portable toilets, and nature observation. Less crowded than many Bay beaches with limited facilities.
Flag Ponds Nature Park
Calvert County park featuring a sandy beach popular for fossil hunting, especially prehistoric shark teeth. Includes hiking trails, observation platforms, and fishing areas. Limited facilities with entry fee required and half-mile hike to beach.
Terrapin Beach Park
Queen Anne’s County park on Kent Island featuring a small beach area, 3.25-mile nature trail, and diverse ecosystems. Offers beautiful views of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge, wildlife viewing opportunities, and natural sandy shoreline. Free admission.
Roaring Point Beach
Small natural beach on the Nanticoke River and Tangier Sound in Wicomico County. Primarily accessed through Roaring Point Waterfront Campground with day-use fees or overnight camping. Offers quiet, uncrowded beach experience with limited facilities.
Matoaka Beach Cabins
Private beach area on the Chesapeake Bay with cabin rentals and beach access. Known for fossil hunting opportunities along the shoreline. Limited access through cabin rentals or special arrangements with owners. Popular for quiet getaways.
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.
Chesapeake Beach
Historic resort town on the western shore of Chesapeake Bay known for its water park, fishing charters, and marina. Limited public beach access with primary beach access through the Chesapeake Beach Water Park (seasonal operation with admission fee).
Holts Landing State Park
Small, quiet park on the southern shore of Indian River Bay featuring the only pier on Delaware’s inland bays built specifically for crabbing. Offers bay beach access, picnic areas, and boat launch. Less crowded than ocean beaches.
North Shores Beach
Semi-private beach in upscale residential community between Rehoboth Beach and Henlopen Acres. Features quieter atmosphere than neighboring public beaches. Limited public access with primarily resident use and some vacation rentals.