Baltimore, Maryland, known for its rich history and vibrant Inner Harbor, also offers some fantastic beach destinations for those looking to relax and enjoy the coastal charm of the Chesapeake Bay. Whether you're a local or a visitor, you'll find a variety of beaches perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports. Let's dive into some of the best beaches in and around Baltimore.
1. Sandy Point State Park, Annapolis
Sandy Point State Park, located just 30 minutes from downtown Baltimore in Annapolis, is one of the most popular beach destinations in the area. This sandy beach stretches along the Chesapeake Bay, providing stunning views of the Bay Bridge.
Sandy Point State Park offers lifeguarded swimming areas during the summer months, ensuring a safe environment for swimmers. The park also features picnic areas, grills, restrooms, and changing facilities. Additionally, visitors can enjoy hiking trails, fishing, and boating facilities.
Review Beach Rating: Sandy Point State Park
Family-Friendliness: 9/10 👨👩👧👦
Ideal for families with its lifeguard services, picnic areas, and spacious shoreline.
Accessibility: 9/10 🚗
Easily reachable by car with ample parking available.
Amenities: 9/10 🏖️
Picnic tables, grills, restrooms, changing facilities, and hiking trails.
Water Activities: 9/10 🚣
Great for swimming, boating, and fishing, with boat rentals available.
Camping Facilities: 8/10 ⛺
Camping facilities available for tents and RVs.
Scenery: 9/10 🌅
Beautiful views of the Chesapeake Bay and Bay Bridge.
Cleanliness: 8/10 🧹
Well-maintained and clean.
Crowd Levels: 7/10 🧍♂️🧍♀️
Can get busy during peak times, especially on weekends.
Parking Availability: 8/10 🅿️
Ample parking close to the beach.
Pet-Friendliness: 7/10 🐕
Pets are allowed in designated areas but must be leashed.
Local Attractions: 8/10 🏞️
Close to Annapolis's attractions, including restaurants and shops.
Safety: 9/10 🦺
Lifeguards on duty during peak times and clear water conditions.
Local Dining: 8/10 🍽️
Several dining options available in nearby Annapolis.
2. Gunpowder Falls State Park, Middle River
Gunpowder Falls State Park, located northeast of Baltimore in Middle River, offers a beautiful beach area at the Hammerman Area. This sandy beach along the Gunpowder River is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking.
The Hammerman Area features lifeguards during the summer months, ensuring a safe environment for swimmers. The park also offers picnic areas, grills, restrooms, and hiking trails. Visitors can enjoy boating, kayaking, and fishing in the river.
Review Beach Rating: Gunpowder Falls State Park (Hammerman Area)
Family-Friendliness: 9/10 👨👩👧👦
Great for families with its lifeguard services, picnic areas, and calm waters.
Accessibility: 8/10 🚗
Easily reachable by car with ample parking available.
Amenities: 8/10 🏖️
Picnic tables, grills, restrooms, and hiking trails.
Water Activities: 8/10 🚣
Great for swimming, kayaking, and fishing.
Camping Facilities: Not applicable ⛺
No camping facilities available in this area.
Scenery: 8/10 🌅
Lovely views of the Gunpowder River and surrounding woodlands.
Cleanliness: 8/10 🧹
Well-maintained and clean.
Crowd Levels: 7/10 🧍♂️🧍♀️
Can get busy during peak times, especially on weekends.
Parking Availability: 8/10 🅿️
Ample parking close to the beach.
Pet-Friendliness: 7/10 🐕
Pets are allowed in designated areas but must be leashed.
Local Attractions: 7/10 🏞️
Close to Middle River’s natural attractions and trails.
Safety: 9/10 🦺
Lifeguards on duty during peak times and clear water conditions.
Local Dining: 6/10 🍽️
Limited dining options nearby; best to bring your own food.
3. North Point State Park, Edgemere
North Point State Park, located in Edgemere, offers a peaceful beach experience along the Chesapeake Bay. This park is steeped in history, being the site of the former Bay Shore Amusement Park, and provides a scenic spot for swimming and relaxing.
The beach at North Point State Park features picnic areas, grills, restrooms, and a fishing pier. The park's trails offer opportunities for hiking and exploring the natural beauty of the area. The nearby Black Marsh Wildlands are perfect for birdwatching and wildlife observation.
Review Beach Rating: North Point State Park
Family-Friendliness: 8/10 👨👩👧👦
Great for families with its calm waters, picnic areas, and historical significance.
Accessibility: 8/10 🚗
Easily reachable by car with ample parking available.
Amenities: 7/10 🏖️
Picnic tables, grills, restrooms, and a fishing pier.
Water Activities: 7/10 🚣
Good for swimming, fishing, and birdwatching.
Camping Facilities: Not applicable ⛺
No camping facilities available.
Scenery: 8/10 🌅
Beautiful views of the Chesapeake Bay and historical remnants.
Cleanliness: 8/10 🧹
Well-maintained and clean.
Crowd Levels: 7/10 🧍♂️🧍♀️
Generally less crowded, providing a peaceful experience.
Parking Availability: 8/10 🅿️
Ample parking close to the beach.
Pet-Friendliness: 7/10 🐕
Pets are allowed but must be leashed.
Local Attractions: 7/10 🏞️
Close to Edgemere’s natural attractions and historical sites.
Safety: 8/10 🦺
Safe environment with clear trails and well-marked areas.
Local Dining: 6/10 🍽️
Limited dining options nearby; best to bring your own food.
4. Rocky Point Beach and Park, Essex
Rocky Point Beach and Park, located in Essex, is a hidden gem offering a serene beach experience along the Back River. This sandy beach is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking.
The beach features lifeguards during the summer months, ensuring a safe environment for swimmers. Rocky Point Beach also offers picnic areas, grills, restrooms, and a boat launch. The park's trails are ideal for hiking and exploring the natural beauty of the area.
Review Beach Rating: Rocky Point Beach and Park
Family-Friendliness: 9/10 👨👩👧👦
Ideal for families with its lifeguard services, picnic areas, and calm waters.
Accessibility: 8/10 🚗
Easily reachable by car with ample parking available.
Amenities: 8/10 🏖️
Picnic tables, grills, restrooms, and a boat launch.
Water Activities: 8/10 🚣
Great for swimming, boating, and fishing.
Camping Facilities: Not applicable ⛺
No camping facilities available.
Scenery: 8/10 🌅
Lovely views of the Back River and surrounding woodlands.
Cleanliness: 8/10 🧹
Well-maintained and clean.
Crowd Levels: 7/10 🧍♂️🧍♀️
Can get busy during peak times, especially on weekends.
Parking Availability: 8/10 🅿️
Ample parking close to the beach.
Pet-Friendliness: 7/10 🐕
Pets are allowed in designated areas but must be leashed.
Local Attractions: 7/10 🏞️
Close to Essex’s natural attractions and trails.
Safety: 9/10 🦺
Lifeguards on duty during peak times and clear water conditions.
Local Dining: 6/10 🍽️
Limited dining options nearby; best to bring your own food.
5. Hart-Miller Island State Park, Essex
Hart-Miller Island State Park, accessible only by boat, offers a unique beach experience on an island in the Chesapeake Bay. This park features a large sandy beach perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking.
The beach has designated swimming areas, and visitors can explore the island’s hiking trails and birdwatching spots. Hart-Miller Island is a tranquil escape from the mainland, providing a peaceful and scenic setting for a day trip.
Review Beach Rating: Hart-Miller Island State Park
Family-Friendliness: 8/10 👨👩👧👦
Great for families with its large sandy beach and hiking trails.
Accessibility: 6/10 🚤
Accessible only by boat, making it a more adventurous destination.
Amenities: 7/10 🏖️
Picnic tables, restrooms, and hiking trails.
Water Activities: 9/10 🚣
Great for swimming, boating, and birdwatching.
Camping Facilities: 7/10 ⛺
Camping facilities available for a more extended stay.
Scenery: 9/10 🌅
Beautiful views of the Chesapeake Bay and surrounding nature.
Cleanliness: 8/10 🧹
Well-maintained and clean.
Crowd Levels: 7/10 🧍♂️🧍♀️
Generally less crowded, providing a more peaceful experience.
Parking Availability: Not applicable 🅿️
Accessible only by boat.
Pet-Friendliness: 7/10 🐕
Pets are allowed but must be leashed.
Local Attractions: 6/10 🏞️
Limited attractions on the island, more focused on natural beauty.
Safety: 8/10 🦺
Safe environment with designated swimming areas.
Local Dining: Not applicable 🍽️
No dining options; best to bring your own food.
6. Breezy Point Beach, Chesapeake Beach
Breezy Point Beach, located about an hour from Baltimore in Chesapeake Beach, offers a beautiful and family-friendly beach experience along the Chesapeake Bay. This sandy beach is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking.
The beach features lifeguards during the summer months, ensuring a safe environment for swimmers. Breezy Point Beach also offers picnic areas, grills, restrooms, and a fishing pier. The park’s campground provides facilities for both tents and RVs, making it a great spot for a weekend getaway.
Review Beach Rating: Breezy Point Beach
Family-Friendliness: 9/10 👨👩👧👦
Ideal for families with its lifeguard services, picnic areas, and fishing pier.
Accessibility: 8/10 🚗
Easily reachable by car with ample parking available.
Amenities: 9/10 🏖️
Picnic tables, grills, restrooms, fishing pier, and campground.
Water Activities: 9/10 🚣
Great for swimming, fishing, and boating.
Camping Facilities: 8/10 ⛺
Camping facilities available for tents and RVs.
Scenery: 9/10 🌅
Beautiful views of the Chesapeake Bay and surrounding area.
Cleanliness: 8/10 🧹
Well-maintained and clean.
Crowd Levels: 7/10 🧍♂️🧍♀️
Can get busy during peak times, especially on weekends.
Parking Availability: 8/10 🅿️
Ample parking close to the beach.
Pet-Friendliness: 7/10 🐕
Pets are allowed in designated areas but must be leashed.
Local Attractions: 8/10 🏞️
Close to Chesapeake Beach’s shops, restaurants, and attractions.
Safety: 9/10 🦺
Lifeguards on duty during peak times and clear water conditions.
Local Dining: 8/10 🍽️
Several dining options available in nearby Chesapeake Beach.
7. Matapeake Beach, Stevensville
Matapeake Beach, located on Kent Island in Stevensville, offers a scenic beach experience along the Chesapeake Bay. This beach is perfect for those looking for a relaxing day by the water with stunning views of the bay and the Bay Bridge.
The beach features picnic areas, restrooms, and a clubhouse with a seasonal café. Matapeake Beach is also known for its dog-friendly area, where pets can enjoy the water and beach alongside their owners.
Review Beach Rating: Matapeake Beach
Family-Friendliness: 8/10 👨👩👧👦
Great for families with its picnic areas and scenic views.
Accessibility: 8/10 🚗
Easily reachable by car with ample parking available.
Amenities: 8/10 🏖️
Picnic tables, restrooms, and a clubhouse café.
Water Activities: 8/10 🚣
Great for swimming and sunbathing.
Camping Facilities: Not applicable ⛺
No camping facilities available.
Scenery: 9/10 🌅
Beautiful views of the Chesapeake Bay and Bay Bridge.
Cleanliness: 8/10 🧹
Well-maintained and clean.
Crowd Levels: 7/10 🧍♂️🧍♀️
Can get busy during peak times, especially on weekends.
Parking Availability: 8/10 🅿️
Ample parking close to the beach.
Pet-Friendliness: 9/10 🐕
Dog-friendly area where pets can enjoy the beach.
Local Attractions: 7/10 🏞️
Close to Kent Island’s shops, restaurants, and trails.
Safety: 8/10 🦺
Safe environment with clear water conditions.
Local Dining: 7/10 🍽️
Several dining options available in nearby Stevensville.
8. Elk Neck State Park, North East
Elk Neck State Park, located about an hour north of Baltimore in North East, offers a beautiful beach area along the Elk River. This park is known for its diverse landscapes, including sandy beaches, marshlands, and forests.
The beach at Elk Neck State Park features picnic areas, restrooms, and a boat launch. The park also offers hiking trails, a campground, and the iconic Turkey Point Lighthouse, which provides stunning views of the Chesapeake Bay.
Review Beach Rating: Elk Neck State Park
Family-Friendliness: 9/10 👨👩👧👦
Ideal for families with its picnic areas, hiking trails, and scenic lighthouse.
Accessibility: 8/10 🚗
Easily reachable by car with ample parking available.
Amenities: 8/10 🏖️
Picnic tables, restrooms, boat launch, and hiking trails.
Water Activities: 8/10 🚣
Great for swimming, boating, and fishing.
Camping Facilities: 8/10 ⛺
Camping facilities available for tents and RVs.
Scenery: 9/10 🌅
Beautiful views of the Elk River and Chesapeake Bay.
Cleanliness: 8/10 🧹
Well-maintained and clean.
Crowd Levels: 7/10 🧍♂️🧍♀️
Can get busy during peak times, especially on weekends.
Parking Availability: 8/10 🅿️
Ample parking close to the beach.
Pet-Friendliness: 7/10 🐕
Pets are allowed in designated areas but must be leashed.
Local Attractions: 8/10 🏞️
Close to North East’s shops, restaurants, and attractions.
Safety: 9/10 🦺
Lifeguards on duty during peak times and clear water conditions.
Local Dining: 7/10 🍽️
Several dining options available in nearby North East.
9. Terrapin Beach Park, Stevensville
Terrapin Beach Park, located on Kent Island in Stevensville, offers a serene beach experience along the Chesapeake Bay. This park features a sandy beach, hiking trails, and beautiful views of the Bay Bridge.
The beach at Terrapin Beach Park is ideal for sunbathing and enjoying the natural surroundings. The park’s trails are perfect for hiking and exploring the local flora and fauna. Visitors can also enjoy picnicking in the designated areas.
Review Beach Rating: Terrapin Beach Park
Family-Friendliness: 8/10 👨👩👧👦
Great for families with its picnic areas and scenic trails.
Accessibility: 8/10 🚗
Easily reachable by car with ample parking available.
Amenities: 7/10 🏖️
Picnic tables, restrooms, and hiking trails.
Water Activities: 7/10 🚣
Good for sunbathing and enjoying the scenic views.
Camping Facilities: Not applicable ⛺
No camping facilities available.
Scenery: 9/10 🌅
Beautiful views of the Chesapeake Bay and Bay Bridge.
Cleanliness: 8/10 🧹
Well-maintained and clean.
Crowd Levels: 7/10 🧍♂️🧍♀️
Generally less crowded, providing a peaceful experience.
Parking Availability: 8/10 🅿️
Ample parking close to the beach.
Pet-Friendliness: 8/10 🐕
Pets are allowed but must be leashed.
Local Attractions: 7/10 🏞️
Close to Kent Island’s shops, restaurants, and trails.
Safety: 8/10 🦺
Safe environment with clear water conditions.
Local Dining: 7/10 🍽️
Several dining options available in nearby Stevensville.
10. Betterton Beach, Betterton
Betterton Beach, located in the small town of Betterton on the Eastern Shore, offers a charming and peaceful beach experience along the Sassafras River. This sandy beach is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking.
The beach features picnic areas, restrooms, and a fishing pier. Betterton Beach is well-maintained and less crowded than other public beaches, making it a great spot for a relaxing day by the water.
Review Beach Rating: Betterton Beach
Family-Friendliness: 9/10 👨👩👧👦
Ideal for families with its calm waters, picnic areas, and fishing pier.
Accessibility: 8/10 🚗
Easily reachable by car with ample parking available.
Amenities: 8/10 🏖️
Picnic tables, restrooms, and a fishing pier.
Water Activities: 8/10 🚣
Great for swimming, fishing, and sunbathing.
Camping Facilities: Not applicable ⛺
No camping facilities available.
Scenery: 8/10 🌅
Lovely views of the Sassafras River and surrounding area.
Cleanliness: 8/10 🧹
Well-maintained and clean.
Crowd Levels: 7/10 🧍♂️🧍♀️
Generally less crowded, providing a peaceful experience.
Parking Availability: 8/10 🅿️
Ample parking close to the beach.
Pet-Friendliness: 7/10 🐕
Pets are allowed in designated areas but must be leashed.
Local Attractions: 7/10 🏞️
Close to Betterton’s shops, restaurants, and attractions.
Safety: 9/10 🦺
Safe environment with calm waters.
Local Dining: 6/10 🍽️
Limited dining options nearby; best to bring your own food.
Whether you're looking for a family-friendly beach, a secluded spot, or a beach with plenty of recreational activities, Baltimore and the surrounding areas have something to offer. Each beach presents its own unique charm, making the region a delightful destination for beach lovers.
Stay tuned for more coastal charm and beachside adventures at Review Beach!
#BaltimoreBeaches #MarylandCoast #FamilyBeaches #BeachGetaway #HiddenGems
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