Among the nice beaches to go swimming in Breezy Point Beach. Dont forget to walk on the citys 3-mile boardwalk and check out the incredible local restaurants. Of course, reality tends to be a bit more of traffic jams, cruising the parking lot for an hour to find a spot, and wedging your chair next to the baby who wont stop screaming. The park also has the unique Scales and Tales Aviary, a nature center, a wonderful private swimming beach, a kids playground, and access to a network of hiking trails. Surrounded by lush vegetation and situated on the shores of the Nanticoke River, Vienna is today a quiet community of under 300 inhabitants. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge. All beach towns have beaches, but not all also have a 28-mile state park with various ecosystems, sand dunes and wetlands. By Neptuno1990. 7206 National Seashore Ln, Berlin, MD 21811, Phone: 410-641-1441. The town is so charming that several celebrities like Taylor Swift and Conan O'Brien have homes here. With its wide range of activities and relaxing atmosphere, Deep Creek Lake is a wonderful alternative to Ocean City and Cherry Beach. You can even see their website for an inclusive list of their businesses. There is a boat launch, a range of campsites in the parks shady wooded areas, picnic areas, kids playgrounds, and great swimming on the beach. There's not many beaches quite as hidden as Matoaka Beach. There are volleyball courts on the sand for you to use. You won't have to deal with the noise of traffic for even a single second here. For some excellent quality local wines, head on over to Laytons Chance Vineyard and Winery. As one of the original 13 colonies in the United States, the small towns throughout Maryland are great for experiencing colonial history. Best thing:Head to Thatcher Island to see its historic lighthouse and bird sanctuary. From family-friendly activities and resorts to restaurants, her pieces offer a detailed glimpse into the unique charm of Maryland and beyond. And I have ranked the beaches based on their safety, amenities, water quality, and family-friendliness. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Anchored Inn at Hidden Harbor, Related: Best Weekend Getaways in Maryland, 7206 National Seashore LaneBerlin, MD 21811(410) 641-1441Visit WebsiteTripAdvisorOpen in Google Maps. Besides being among the clear water beaches in Maryland, this island is known for its beautiful salt marshes, forests, and wildlife population. 1. Elk Neck State Park is a 2,369-acre public recreation area in the middle of the Chesapeake Bay and Elk River. Located halfway between Baltimore and Ocean City, this small town has kept its historic charm alive through beautifully restored buildings. 10540 H.G. The beach is part of Matapeake State Park, which also has a public beach for people, where pets are not allowed. Meanwhile, history lovers will enjoy the 18th-century Georgian-style mansion Handsell, featured on the National Register of Historic Places. Besides enjoying the ocean shore, you'll also be surrounded by several gorgeous nature preserves, including Patrick Point's State Park, Redwood National and State Parks and the Reading Rock State Marine Preserve. The city is situated on Maryland's scenic Eastern Shore and features six distinct neighborhoods and a variety of . Besides being popular with fossil hunters, the area is also frequented by birdwatchers, who can enjoy spotting more than 160 species of birds. Carmel-by-the-Sea, California. The park area was home to the Piscataway Native Americans until they were displaced by the white settlers. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Frederick, MD, 4395 Turkey Point RoadNorth East, MD 21901(410) 287-5333Visit WebsiteTripAdvisorOpen in Google Maps. But what is great about Cape May is that it hasnt let its long-term popularity get the best of it, managing to keep its quiet and peaceful atmosphere for over 100 years. Dessert at the amazing ice cream at Island Creamery or a root beer float at Rayne's Reef Soda Fountain. Spend your day on the western part of the park if you want to go swimming, canoeing, and fishing. Beyond the major cities like Annapolis or Baltimore, small-town Maryland is a treasure trove always ready to be discovered or rediscovered. 1 Baltimore. We were able to explore hidden coves and see wildlife up close. While there are tons of trails throughout the park, one of the most unique is the Northern Central Railroad (NCR) Trail. Hart-Miller State Park is an uninhabited island near the Middle River located on the Chesapeake Bay. We encourage you to spend at least some time hiking in one of Gulf Shores' various trails. From the French for "Harbor of Grace," this town on the Susquehanna River and the head of Chesapeake Bay has frequently been named one of the best small towns in America. The park offers camping and RV facilities. MD Beaches: Gunpowder Falls State Park. A part of the South Beach has a lifeguard on duty during the season. It has a small, beautiful beach that you can only reach by taking the red trail and walking for a little less than two miles. Its only drawback is that it is located in a rural area, which may limit access to certain amenities and services. The coastline is dotted with small sandy beaches, but for serious waterfront fun, Marylanders go to Ocean City, Sandy Point State Park, Assateague Island, and North Beach. You can go swimming, canoeing and kayaking, and picnicking. Deep Creek Lake is the largest lake thats inland in the state. Does it have ample parking? If one is looking for a time capsule back to the times of Americas infancy, this charming town with centuries of history in its DNA is a special place to add to ones list of Marylands treasures. This sprawling park has a beach that visitors can only reach by kayak or canoe. Ocean City Courtesy of Ritu Jethani - Fotolia.com A resort town located between the Atlantic Ocean and Isle of Wight Bay, Ocean City, MD is famous for 10 miles of wonderful sandy public beaches, the 3-mile-long boardwalk, and over 200 restaurants. A family destination, Ocean City offers a range of waterfront fun, such as Trimpers Rides on the southern end of the boardwalk. Keep up to date with our latest rankings and articles! Maryland is defined by its scenic waterways and 31 miles of coastline on the Atlantic Ocean and magnificent Chesapeake Bay. Dont come looking for warm water and soft sand. Points of interest include the Montauk Point State Park and Camp Hero State Park. At Sandy Point State Park, I enjoyed swimming and sunset sailing with my family, witnessing the beautifully-colored sky. * Some hotels require you to cancelmore than 24 hoursbefore check-in. When youve had your fill of the swimming area, check out the trail maps inside the state park and go hiking. Like other beach spots in the state, Matapeake Beach is an excellent place for tons of activities. Take a leisurely stroll or go hiking at Leister Park, or for the swimmers out there, a dive into Cascade Lake is a fun and beautiful way to enjoy the outdoors. The island also has several nature refuges, so birding enthusiasts and hikers also tend to love it. Besides going to the museum, you can also enjoy activities like fishing, swimming, hiking, and hunting when in the park. Is it equipped with restrooms, showers, and changing rooms? This former 19th-century art colony doesn't even have a thousand inhabitants, and that's definitely a good thing. Located in Worcester County, this town of just under 5,000 inhabitants may sound like the German capital, but in fact, it has its own unique American history. Ogunquit has been a popular seaside getaway for more than a hundred years despite its rocky coastline and chilly beaches. Take a stroll along the main street and enjoy some retail therapy at one of their many speciality shops and art galleries or grab a bite to eat at one of the local bistros and cafs. The nearby park office offers maps of the park for those wanting to explore the network of trails. Today: Berlin is a small but very cute, charming town that is filled to the brim with antique shops and local restaurants. People know Deep Creek for the lake, but it also has a beach perfect for families with children. Beaches in Maryland: Greenbrier State Park, 10. Hammerman Area Beach Middle River. The tiny town is situated in Talbot County and has merely just over one thousand residents! Family Destinations Guide is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. A boat rental on the waters of the River and the Chesapeake Bay or a hike at Swallow Falls State Park is another excellent way to enjoy nature and spend a relaxing time in this rustic and beautiful town. More day trips from Baltimore, 2010 Sonny Schulz Blvd, Stevensville, MD 21666, Phone: 410-643-1060. Camp overnight here, as you'll need a few days to explore all 30 miles of water trails. About 40,700 people live in our first coastal Maryland town, Annapolis. How can you not visit this adorable little beach in one of Maryland's most picturesque towns? Here youll find 22-acres of award-winning gardens, a serene nature walk, the beautiful historic manor house and a quirky gift shop. Get more stories delivered right to your email. Today, its Main Street is full of cute boutique shops, small restaurants, and plenty of charm quintessential to the small-town USA. Trueman Rd, Lusby, MD 20657, Phone: 443 975-4360. Maryland is a state on the east coast offering everything from mountains and coastlines to big cities and world-class universities. Ocean City offers a clean and well-maintained beach perfect for families looking to enjoy a day by the water. 2 Annapolis. This small town was the first capital of the state of Maryland and a visit to Saint Marys City makes you feel like you stepped back into the 17th century. Of course, there are also long stretches of sand. Recommended Hotel Nearby: The Inn at Chesapeake Bay Beach Club, 11175 Point Lookout RoadScotland, MD 20687(301) 872-5688Visit WebsiteTripAdvisorOpen in Google Maps. To do so, the local government has made a law that prohibits any building to be taller than a palm tree. Cambridge, Maryland The lighthouse and marina at Cambridge, Maryland. While youre in the state park, make sure to visit the historic Turkey Point Light located in the south part of Elk Neck Peninsula. It is in the middle of the Chester River and Eastern Bay. 1100 E College Pkwy, Annapolis, MD 21409, Phone: 410-974-2149. Enjoy Chesapeake Bay knowing that most visitors with you will be locals, not tourists. There is also a network of hiking trails and the Marshland Nature Center. A local favorite, this beach is one of Maryland's most well-loved swimming areas. There is a fee for using both the beach and the fishing pier for non-residents. Leonardtown is a true mecca for all who love the sea. Matapeake Clubhouse and Beach. All Rights Reserved. 5300 Breezy point, Chesapeake Beach, Maryland 20732, Phone: 410-535-0259, Courtesy of anoushkatoronto - Fotolia.com, Courtesy of Oleksandr Shevchenko - Fotolia.com, Courtesy of Robert Kneschke - Fotolia.com, Courtesy of Savvapanf Photo - Fotolia.com, 5. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Best Western Kent Narrows Inn, 9023 Bay AvenueNorth Beach, MD 20714(410) 286-3799Visit WebsiteTripAdvisorOpen in Google Maps. Best thing: Pay a visit to Chesapeake Bay Maritime . Chesapeake City Flickr / Chris Connelly Not only that, but Ive also conducted extensive research about every beach on this list to provide precise and verified information. The sandy waterfront is wide enough for sandcastle building and playing as well.