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.
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.
Assateague State Park
Maryland’s only oceanfront state park, located on Assateague Island adjacent to the National Seashore. Features 2 miles of ocean beaches, camping facilities, and wild horses. Day-use and camping fees apply with amenities including showers and camp store.
Mayo Beach Park
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.
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.
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.
Ocean City Beach
Maryland’s premier beach destination with 10 miles of clean, sandy beaches and a 3-mile boardwalk featuring restaurants, shops, and amusements. Free beach access with lifeguards from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Famous for its vibrant atmosphere and events.
North Beach
Charming small-town beach on the western shore of Chesapeake Bay featuring a fishing pier, half-mile boardwalk, and beach area. Hosts frequent events, farmers markets, and festivals. Beach access requires fee for non-residents during summer.