Wildlife sanctuary on Chesapeake Bay featuring several shoreline access points but no designated swimming areas. Primarily focused on birdwatching, wildlife observation, and fishing. Limited facilities with nature as the main attraction.
Maryland Beaches
Maryland’s beaches span three distinct water environments: the Atlantic Ocean barrier beaches of Ocean City and Assateague Island, the calm brackish coves and cliffs of the Chesapeake Bay, and the mountain freshwater shorelines of Deep Creek Lake State Park in Western Maryland. Along the Atlantic coast, Ocean City offers 10 miles of free public beach and guarded summer swimming alongside its boardwalk, while Assateague State Park and Assateague Island National Seashore offer wild barrier island surfing, ocean camping, oversand vehicle zones, and free-roaming wild horses. On the Chesapeake Bay, destinations such as Sandy Point State Park, Calvert Cliffs State Park, North Beach, and Point Lookout State Park provide gentle waves suited for families, crabbing, and kayaking. Maryland State Parks charge per-vehicle or per-person day-use fees and require advance weekend day-pass reservations at high-demand parks like Sandy Point and Greenbrier during summer. Check Maryland Healthy Beaches water quality conditions before swimming. Use the filters below to compare Maryland beaches along the Atlantic Ocean, Assateague barrier island, Chesapeake Bay, and Western Maryland mountain lakes for swimming, surfing, crabbing, fishing, kayaking, and camping. During peak summer weekends, check the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Park Service website for day-use capacity status and advance pass requirements at Sandy Point and Greenbrier State Parks, and consult the Maryland Healthy Beaches interactive map for current water quality conditions.
Hoopers Island
Remote chain of islands in Dorchester County with informal beach access points rather than developed beaches. Known for authentic watermen culture, seafood industry, and bird watching. Limited facilities with focus on natural experience.
Assateague Island National Seashore
Protected barrier island famous for its wild horses, undeveloped beaches, and diverse ecosystems. Features camping options, hiking trails, and pristine beaches. Split between Maryland and Virginia portions with different regulations and facilities.