Chesapeake Bay Beaches are some of the best public beaches in the DC, Maryland and Virginia area. With miles of shoreline along the Atlantic Ocean, there’s a Chesapeake beach that’s perfect for everyone.
Best Chesapeake Bay Beaches
There are many so beaches on the Chesapeake Bay, ranging from small to large. Here are the best options when it comes to the best Chesapeake Bay Beaches.
Sandy Point State Park Beach
Sandy Point State Park Beach, located near Annapolis, Maryland, is a family-friendly beach with soft sandy shores and calm waters. It’s an ideal spot for picnics, beach games, and leisurely walks. Visitors can participate in a variety of recreational activities, including swimming, fishing, and hiking. With convenient picnic areas and barbecue grills, this beach is a great destination for a fun-filled day with family and friends. Lifeguards are stationed on the beach during peak summer months for added safety.
Parking Info: Sandy Point State Park offers parking facilities, with daily and annual passes available for visitors. It is recommended to arrive early on weekends and holidays, as the parking lot can fill up quickly during peak hours.
Rentals: There are no equipment rentals available directly on the beach. Visitors should bring their own beach gear and recreational equipment.
Hours: Open daily from 6:00 AM to sunset
North Beach
North Beach, also known as the “Jewel of the Chesapeake,” is a quaint beach town located in Maryland. With its amazing boardwalk, shoreline, and shops, it offers a perfect blend of relaxation and entertainment. Visitors can eat delicious seafood at nearby waterfront restaurants or enjoy live music performances at the beachfront pavilion. Lifeguards are typically on duty during the summer season to ensure a safe swimming experience.
Parking Info: North Beach provides various parking lots and street parking options for visitors. Some parking areas may require a fee, while others offer free parking with time restrictions.
Rentals: While there are no official equipment rental services on the beach, visitors can find nearby shops that offer beach gear, bicycles, and paddleboards for rent.
Hours: 8am to 8pm. Boardwalk and beach times vary depending on the season.
Cape Charles Beach
Cape Charles Beach is on Virginia’s Eastern shore. This place has shallow waters and a peaceful ambiance. It is a family-oriented beach that is perfect for swimming and sunbathing. Visitors can explore the town of Cape Charles with its boutique shops, art galleries, and eateries. They also have famous local seafood delicacies at nearby restaurants. They have lifeguards on duty, but times hours may vary.
Parking Info: Cape Charles offers plenty of parking options, including street parking and public lots, which are generally free of charge.
Rentals: Beach gear rentals are available in the town, making it convenient for visitors to access chairs, umbrellas, and other recreational equipment.
Hours: Cape Charles Beach is open year-round, but visitors should be aware that the town’s amenities and attractions have different seasonal operating hours.
Hog Island
This barrier island is located on Virginia’s Eastern Shore and is technically part of the Virginia Coast Reserve. It is a barrier island that features a variety of habitats, including beaches, dunes, salt marshes, and maritime forests. The island is home to a wide range of wildlife, including shorebirds, waterfowl, and migratory songbirds.
Access to the island is limited. Hog Island is can be safely accessed via the inlet beaches at the north (Quinby Inlet) and south (Great Machipongo Inlet) ends of the island. If you want to access other parts of Hog Island, you will need extensive knowledge of the waterways and is not recommended for inexperienced visitors. Anyone who wishes to visit is advised to contact The Nature Conservancy for more information.
Cape Henlopen State Park
Cape Henlopen State Park is a public recreation area located on Delaware Bay in Sussex County, Delaware. The park covers 5,193 acres and features a variety of habitats, including several top beaches, dunes, salt marshes, and pine forests. The park is home to a wide range of wildlife, including shorebirds, waterfowl, and migratory songbirds. The park’s main attractions include the Great Dune, which is one of the highest sand dunes on the East Coast, and the Cape Henlopen Lighthouse, which was built in 1767 and is open for tours.
The park also features several recreational activities, including swimming, fishing, boating, hiking, and biking. There are several miles of paved and unpaved trails that wind through the park, including the Junction and Breakwater Trail, which connects Cape Henlopen State Park with neighboring Delaware Seashore State Park. The park also has a campground with more than 150 campsites, as well as several cabins and yurts available for rent.
Hours: Open year-round from 8 a.m. until sunset, and there is a fee for entry.
Flag Ponds Nature Park Beach
Flag Ponds Nature Park Beach is located in Calvert County, Maryland. It is is a hidden gem for nature enthusiasts, and it also provides opportunities for fossil hunting, due to the area once being part of an ancient sea. Visitors can also explore the park’s diverse hiking trails and enjoy panoramic views of the Chesapeake Bay. While there may not be lifeguards on duty, the beach’s unique geological features make it an amazing destination for all ages.
Parking Info: Flag Ponds Nature Park offers a designated parking lot for visitors, and a small entrance fee is required to access the park.
Rentals: There are no equipment rentals available on the beach or within the park. Visitors should bring their own gear and supplies.
Hours: Saturday-Sunday 9am to 8pm. Monday – Friday: 9am-6pm
Terrapin Nature Park Beach
Terrapin Nature Park Beach is located on Kent Island in Maryland. it is a perfect place for nature lovers and birdwatchers. This serene beach offers a unique opportunity to observe local wildlife and explore scenic trails. There are no lifeguards available, however, visitors can bring their own snacks and enjoy a peaceful picnic amidst the natural beauty of the park.
Parking Info: Terrapin Nature Park provides a parking lot for visitors, and there is no entrance fee to access the beach and trails.
Rentals: There are no equipment rentals available at the park. Visitors should bring their own binoculars and beach gear if desired.
Hours: The park is open from sunrise to sunset, 6am to 8pm daily.
Breezy Point Beach
Breezy Point Beach is located in Calvert County, Maryland. It offers a picturesque bay front setting with stunning views of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge. It is a family-friendly beach that has a playground, picnic tables, and shaded pavilions. Visitors can also enjoy fishing and crabbing along the bay’s edge. The beach does not have on-site food options, so bringing your own snacks and drinks is advisable. Lifeguards are typically on duty during peak summer months.
Parking Info: Breezy Point Beach provides ample parking for visitors, with a daily parking fee per vehicle.
Rentals: The park offers beach chair and umbrella rentals, making it convenient for visitors to relax and enjoy the sun.
Hours: Breezy Point Beach is open from May to September, with varying hours, typically around 9am-6pm on weekdays and 8am-7pm on weekends.
Calvert Cliffs State Park Beach
Calvert Cliffs State Park Beach is located in Lusby, Maryland. It is famous for its impressive fossil cliffs and unique geological formations, offering a memorable experience for fossil hunting enthusiasts. Swimming is allowed along the shoreline, however, there are no lifeguards. Visitors should pack their own food and water, as there are no food vendors nearby. The hike to the beach from the parking area can be lengthy, so wearing comfortable shoes is recommended.
Parking Info: Calvert Cliffs State Park offers a parking lot, and there is a small entrance fee per vehicle to access the park.
Rentals: There are no rental facilities at the park. Visitors should bring their own fossil-hunting tools and beach equipment.
Hours: The park is open year-round from 7:30am to 5pm everyday.
Downs Park Public Beach
Description: Downs Park Public Beach, located in Pasadena, Maryland, is a popular destination for picnicking, swimming, and enjoying the sandy shores of the Chesapeake Bay. This family-friendly beach is equipped with picnic tables, grills, and playgrounds, making it an excellent spot for a day of outdoor fun. They also have a separate dog beach, perfect for all sizes and breeds. Lifeguards are typically on duty during the summer months. Visitors can also explore the park’s scenic trails and admire the amazing bay views.
Parking Info: Downs Park offers sufficient parking spaces for visitors, and there is a small entrance fee per vehicle to access the park.
Rentals: There are no official beach equipment rentals at the park. Visitors should bring their own beach gear and picnic supplies.
Hours: Downs Park is open from 7am-5pm.
Point Lookout State Park Beach
Point Lookout State Park Beach is located at the southern tip of Maryland’s Western Shore. It is a historic site with a tranquil bay beach. This beach offers opportunities for fishing and swimming along the Chesapeake Bay. Lifeguards are not always on duty since the park will determine when to send them out. The park also has picnic areas and campgrounds for extended stays. Visitors can also explore the nearby Point Lookout Lighthouse and learn about the park’s Civil War history.
Parking Info: Point Lookout State Park provides parking facilities for visitors, with a daily parking fee per vehicle.
Rentals: There are no official beach equipment rentals at the park. Visitors should bring their own beach gear and camping equipment if planning to stay overnight.
Hours: 7am-8pm on weekdays, and 6am-8pm on weekends.
Crisfield’s Wellington Beach
Crisfield’s Wellington Beach is located in Crisfield, Maryland. It is a small bayfront beach that offers a quiet and peaceful atmosphere. It is perfect for relaxing and enjoying stunning sunsets over the Chesapeake Bay. Lifeguards are typically not on duty, however, the waters are quite shallow, so it is generally a safe spot to swim. Visitors can also explore the nearby town of Crisfield and enjoy local seafood dishes at the waterfront restaurants.
Parking Info: Wellington Beach provides limited parking spaces for visitors, with street parking available nearby.
Rentals: There are no rental facilities at the beach. Visitors should bring their own beach equipment and snacks.
Hours: No specific operating hours for the beach.
Elk Neck State Park Beach
Elk Neck State Park Beach is located at the tip of the Elk Neck Peninsula in Maryland. It offers a perfect blend of bay and riverfront access while provides stunning views of the Chesapeake Bay. It is an ideal spot for photography and birdwatching. Visitors can enjoy swimming in the bay’s gentle waters and exploring the park’s scenic trails. There are typically not lifeguards on duty, however the beach has been known to be a safe place to swim.
Parking Info: Elk Neck State Park offers ample parking for visitors, and there is a small entrance fee per vehicle to access the park.
Rentals: There are no official beach equipment rentals at the park. Visitors should bring their own beach gear and hiking equipment if planning to explore the park’s trails.
Hours: Opens at 9am and closes at sunset.
Hammerman Beach
Hammerman Beach is located within Gunpowder Falls State Park in Maryland. It is a popular bayfront destination for outdoor enthusiasts, featuring a designated swimming area with lifeguards on duty during the summer months. Visitors can enjoy picnicking on the sandy shores, sunbathing, and participating in water sports such as kayaking and paddle boarding.
Hammerman Beach has 1,500 feet of sandy and a large grass area that leads to the beach. The park also has picnic tables, grills, and a snack bar to fulfill all food needs. This is one of the best beaches that is under an hour from Baltimore and about 90 minutes from Washington DC.
There is an entrance fee to use the beach and it is very popular during the summer. You should plan to arrive early to get a spot. Dogs are not allowed on the beach during the season (Memorial Day through Labor Day).
Parking Info: Gunpowder Falls State Park has parking lots designated for Hammerman Beach visitors, and there is an entrance fee per vehicle.
Rentals: The beach area offers beach chair and umbrella rentals for added convenience. Visitors can also rent kayaks and paddleboards to explore the nearby river.
Hours: Lifeguards are on duty from 11am to 6pm.
Assateague Island National Seashore
Assateague Island National Seashore is a protected area located on the Atlantic coast of Maryland and Virginia. The seashore is managed by the National Park Service and covers more than 37 miles of beach, dunes, and marshland. The island is known for its wild horses, which roam freely throughout the park. If you’re visiting Berlin Maryland or Ocean City this is a great beach to check out.
The seashore offers a variety of recreational activities, including swimming, surfing, fishing, and beachcombing. There are also several hiking and biking trails that wind through the park, including the Life of the Forest Trail and the Life of the Marsh Trail.
The park is open year-round, although some facilities and services may be limited during the off-season. There is an entrance fee to the park, which is valid for seven days. Pets are allowed in some areas of the park but are not allowed on the beaches during the summer months.
Parking Info: You can drive your car onto the beach, but less than 200 cars are allowed on this part of the Maryland. You will need to arrive extremely early in the morning to be sure that your car gets on.
Betterton Beach
Betterton Beach is located on the Upper Eastern Shore of Maryland. It is a family friendly beach with a long stretch of shoreline along the Chesapeake Bay. The beach offers shallow waters, making it a good spot for families with younger children. Visitors can enjoy swimming, building sandcastles, and relaxing under the shade of beach umbrellas. There are no lifeguards on duty, so swimmers should exercise caution. The town of Betterton itself also provides restaurants and snack stands as well.
Parking Info: Betterton Beach offers a parking lot for visitors, and there may be a small parking fee during peak season.
Rentals: There are no official beach equipment rentals at Betterton Beach. Visitors should bring their own beach gear and picnic supplies.
Hours: Restroom and bathhouse facilities are open from April 1-June 15 on weekends only, daily on June 16-September 15, and weekends only on September 16-October 31
Rock Hall’s Ferry Park Beach
Rock Hall’s Ferry Park Beach, situated in Rock Hall, Maryland, offers a peaceful and scenic bayfront experience. This small beach provides an excellent spot for swimming, fishing, and crabbing. There are typically no lifeguards on duty, however, the bay is shallow enough in this area for safe swimming. The nearby town of Rock Hall offers various dining options, making it convenient for visitors to enjoy a meal after a day at the beach.
Parking Info: Rock Hall’s Ferry Park Beach offers limited parking spaces along the road leading to the beach area.
Rentals: There are no official beach equipment rentals at the park. Visitors should bring their own beach gear and fishing equipment if interested in angling.
Hours: No specific operating hours for the beach.
Fort Smallwood Beach
Fort Smallwood Beach is located in Anne Arundel County, Maryland. It is a popular bay front destination with a historic vibe. Besides enjoying the sandy beach and swimming in the bay, visitors can explore the remnants of Fort Smallwood, which dates back to the 1890s. The beach has picnic areas and a playground, making it a great spot for families to spend a day outdoors. There are no on-site food vendors, so visitors should bring their own snacks and drinks. Lifeguards are not assigned here.
Parking Info: Fort Smallwood Beach offers ample parking spaces for visitors, with a daily parking fee per vehicle.
Rentals: The park provides beach chair and umbrella rentals.
Hours: 5:30am to dusk.
Oxford Beach
Oxford Beach is located in the historic town of Oxford, Maryland. It offers a serene and picturesque setting, with sandy shores and beautiful waterfront views. Visitors can swim in the bay’s waters, sunbathe, or take a walk along the shoreline. There may not be lifeguards on duty, so swimmers should swim with caution, and kids should be supervised. The town of Oxford offers cafes and restaurants, which are perfect for a meal after a day at the beach.
Parking Info: Oxford Beach offers limited street parking in the town, with nearby public parking lots available for visitors.
Rentals: There are no official beach equipment rentals at the beach. Visitors should bring their own beach gear and picnic supplies.
Hours: No specific operating hours for the beach.
Greenwell State Park Beach
Greenwell State Park Beach is located in Hollywood, Maryland. It is a peaceful beach with a focus on environmental education and outdoor activities. The park’s beach area provides a quiet retreat for swimming, sunbathing, and picnics. Lifeguards are not on duty, however, the bay is shallow enough for all ages to swim while being supervised by adults. Visitors can also explore the park’s nature trails if they are not interested in the beach. They also offer nature programs and educational workshops.
Parking Info: Greenwell State Park offers parking facilities for visitors, and there is a small entrance fee per vehicle to access the park.
Rentals: There are no official beach equipment rentals at the park. Visitors should bring their own beach gear and picnic supplies.
Hours: 8am-7pm daily.
Ferry Point
Ferry Point Park is beautiful. It’s part of 41 acres of tidal wetlands and uplands. The park is surrounded by Chester River, Kent Narrows and Piney Creek. The catch is that you have to park at the Chesapeake Heritage and Visitor Center and walk a little under a mile to get there. The path is on a boardwalk over the marshes and down a rarely used road. You can ride a bike, but a hybrid or wide-tire bike would be best for this route.
The beach has picnic tables and sitting beaches. But there are no other facilities. Restrooms are available in the Visitors Center. And, you must take your trash with you when you leave the beach.
There are no lifeguards at this beach. The entrance sign says no swimming is allowed. However, a sign next to the beach says swimming is allowed “at your own risk.” The swimming beach is at Matapeake State Park.
Matapeake Beach
Matapeake Park Beach is located on Kent Island. It is a family-friendly beach with a beautiful view of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge and is the perfect place for swimming and sunbathing. Visitors can also explore the park’s dog-friendly area and hiking trails. The park has picnic tables and grills, making it a great place for a beachside cookout. There are no lifeguards on duty, so swimming is at your own risk and children should be supervised.
Parking Info: Matapeake Park offers a parking lot for visitors, and there is no entrance fee for beach access.
Rentals: There are no official beach gear rentals at the park. Visitors should bring their own beach equipment and picnic supplies.
Hours: 8am to 8pm daily, or sunrise to sunset.
Janes Island State Park
Janes Island State Park is a public recreation area located on Chesapeake Bay, adjacent to the city of Crisfield in Somerset County, Maryland. The park features more than 30 miles of marked water trails through the island’s salt marsh leading to isolated pristine beaches. It also has a boat ramp and marina, rental cabins, a lodge, picnic areas, pavilions, campsites, walking trails, a nature center, and boat-accessible beaches. The best way to access these beaches is to rent a couple kayaks and take them to the secluded beaches.
The park is open from sunrise to sunset year-round, and camping is available from April 1 through October 31.
Chesapeake Bay Beaches: Summary
Maryland’s eastern shore, as well as parts of Virginia and Delaware all have miles of coastline and several beaches along the Chesapeake Bay.
