Searching for the best beaches near Baltimore? You’re in luck. This guide highlights top beach spots, from family-friendly parks like Hammerman Beach to the lively boardwalks of Ocean City. Whether you want a quick dip or a full beach day, find the best sandy escapes just a short drive from Baltimore.
Baltimore Beach Highlights
- Baltimore has a highly active beach volleyball complex located on the Inner Harbor.
- Gunpowder Falls State Park’s Hammerman Beach is perfect with its sandy beach, swimming area, and plentiful amenities like bathhouses and picnic pavilions.
- North Beach is a charming spot on the Chesapeake Bay with a scenic boardwalk filled with boutiques and a nearby pier for relaxing or waterfront dining, though it does charge an entrance fee.
- Hart-Miller Island offers a secluded, tranquil beach experience ideal for observing wildlife, hiking, and fishing, but is only accessible by boat.
- Ocean City makes for a fantastic day trip and is one of the best ocean beaches near Baltimore.
Honorable Mention: Baltimore Beach
Depending on what you’re looking for, the best beach in Baltimore could be right downtown! Baltimore Beach, located right on the Inner Harbor, is a beach volleyball complex with seven sandy courts.
While it’s not a beach in the traditional sense, it’s a very popular venue, with multiple leagues and tournaments for various skill levels. Stop 418 on the Banner Route of the Charm City Circulator is right next to Baltimore Beach.
Gunpowder Falls State Park – Hammerman Beach
Nestled in the heart of Gunpowder Falls State Park, Hammerman Beach is a favorite among locals and visitors alike. With a 1,500-foot sandy beach and a dedicated swimming area along the picturesque Gunpowder River, it’s an ideal spot for a fun-filled day. The beach area features bathhouses and day-use pavilions, making all essential amenities readily accessible.
Individuals and groups can take advantage of the food concessions, picnic pavilions, and tables scattered throughout this park near Middle River. This is an ideal spot to establish your base for the day, where you can savor a picnic lunch amid the picturesque surroundings. For the adventurous, there are playgrounds, canoe and kayak rentals, and fishing spots to discover. Following a day of swimming and sunbathing, consider embarking on a brief hike on one of the park’s trails.
Admission for Maryland residents is $3–$5 per person during beach season, with a $3 per vehicle fee during the off-season.
North Beach
A little over an hour away from Baltimore, the city of North Beach offers a beach visit that blends charm with relaxation. This delightful spot offers stunning views of the Chesapeake Bay, providing a serene backdrop for your beach day. One of the highlights of North Beach is its quaint boardwalk lined with charming boutiques and local shops, adding to the unique appeal of the area. Visitors can also visit the North Beach pier, a perfect spot to sit and enjoy the view.
If hunger strikes, Chesapeake Beach is nearby, featuring waterfront dining options for a scenic meal. There’s also the Chesapeake Beach Water Park, a city-run park that has a lazy river, rentable cabanas, waterslides, a splash pool, and more. And don’t forget to check out the railway museum!
North Beach beach passes cost $25 per adult if you’re not a resident, but the experience is well worth it.
Sandy Point State Park
Sandy Point State Park, located around 30 miles from Baltimore near Annapolis, offers a perfect escape for beach enthusiasts seeking a scenic and relaxing getaway. Nestled along the northwestern shore of the Chesapeake Bay, this expansive park boasts a mile-long sandy beach, making it a favorite destination for families and solo adventurers alike.
Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, from swimming and sunbathing to fishing and crabbing. The park is also equipped with picnic areas, playgrounds, hiking trails, and a marina, ensuring there’s something for everyone. With its stunning views of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge and ample amenities, Sandy Point State Park provides an ideal setting for a day of fun in the sun.
Admission is $4–$5 per person during beach season, with a $3 per vehicle fee during the off-season.
Breezy Point Beach
Breezy Point Beach, situated in Calvert County, is a fantastic spot for various beach activities, such as kayaking, paddleboarding, or lounging on beach chairs while people-watching. Breezy Point Beach is well-equipped with bathhouses, restrooms, and a concession stand. Beach wheelchairs can also be made available with prior notice, ensuring accessibility for all visitors. There is an abundance of picnic areas that provide a pleasant spot to enjoy a meal amidst the sea breeze.
Admission for adult county residents is $6–$10 per person, depending on whether it’s a weekday or weekend, while out-of-towners pay $12–$20. If you time your visit right, however, admission is significantly cheaper; Tuesdays are $10 per vehicle, for example.
Ocean City Beach
Ocean City, the epitome of beach resort destinations, provides a lively and bustling beach experience. The sandy beaches stretch along the Atlantic Ocean, providing plenty of space for sunbathing, swimming, and beach games. The wooden boardwalk is a highlight, famed for its classic rides, arcades, and breathtaking views from the Ferris wheels.
For thrill-seekers, Ocean City offers extreme adventure options like tandem skydiving, water slides, and jet skis. There’s never a dull moment here, with activities that cater to all ages and interests. This well-rounded destination offers experiences that go beyond the beach. Visitors can enjoy:
- Casinos
- Broadway musicals
- Guided food tours
- Art classes
Beach tags are required for beachgoers 12 and up. Single-day tags are $10, weekly tags are $20, and season passes are $35 (June–September).
Hart-Miller Island
Hart-Miller Island is a hidden treasure for those in search of a more secluded beach experience. Accessible only by boat, this island offers a serene escape from the hustle of urban life. The peaceful environment and natural beauty make it a perfect spot for those looking to unwind and reconnect with nature.
Visitors can enjoy the opportunity to observe wildlife in their natural habitat, particularly migratory birds. There are also a variety of scenic hiking trails, providing a chance to explore the landscape on foot. Fishing is another popular activity here, with plenty of spots to cast a line and relax. On the west shore, there’s a 3,000-foot sandy beach.
There’s no admission fee (unless you’re renting the boat you use to get to the island), but there is a $6 fee to use the campgrounds.
Matapeake Beach on Kent Island
Matapeake Beach on Kent Island is an excellent spot for both people and their pets. Open daily from sunrise to sunset, this free public beach offers ample time for visitors to enjoy its scenic beauty. One of the unique features of Matapeake Beach is its designated dog beach, where pets can swim and play to their heart’s content.
The pet trail at Matapeake Beach begins at the fence behind the clubhouse and winds through the woods to the dog beach. This trail offers a pleasant walk for both pets and their owners, adding to the overall experience. However, it’s important to note that pets are not allowed at the Matapeake Clubhouse, its lawn, or the main public beach area.
Beaches on Maryland’s Eastern Shore
Stretching from the Chesapeake Bay to the Atlantic Ocean, Maryland’s Eastern Shore is a treasure trove of picturesque coastlines. This region presents a range of beach experiences, making it ideal for both short getaways and longer vacations. Assateague Island National Seashore is a prime example, with its pristine beaches, rolling dunes, and wild ponies that roam freely.
Janes Island State Park is another unique destination, featuring beaches that are only accessible by kayak, canoe, or paddleboard. This adds an element of adventure to your beach day, as you paddle through scenic waterways to reach your secluded spot. Elk Neck State Park’s North East Beach Area has shallow, warm waters and amenities like bathrooms, showers, and picnic tables.
Other Noteworthy Public Beaches
Maryland has an abundance of stunning beaches to be explored. Below are a few more options visitors should keep in mind when visiting the state.
- Bellevue Beach – features a picnic pavilion, boat ramp, and playground
- Tyaskin Park – features a sandy beach, fishing pier, and picnic pavilion
- Deal Island Beach – located in Somerset County, Maryland
- Public Landing – the small beach area in Snow Hill offers unique settings and well-maintained facilities for visitors.
Given its diverse range of beach destinations, Maryland’s Eastern Shore ensures a unique and unforgettable beach experience.
Don’t Miss Out on the Beautiful Beaches Near Baltimore!
When you’re living in Baltimore, a great beach day is never far away. From the bustling boardwalks of Ocean City to the serene shores of Hart-Miller Island, the beaches near Baltimore, MD, offer a variety of activities for visitors. Whether you’re looking for a quick day trip, a family-friendly outing, or a secluded spot to unwind, there’s a beach destination that fits your needs. Each location brings its own unique charm and activities, ensuring that every visit is a new adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the closest beach to Baltimore?
Baltimore has several beaches within 20 miles of downtown:
North Point State Park’s beach is somewhat small and there’s a small fee to enter the park, but there are also fishing piers, nature trails, and picnic areas to enjoy.
Rocky Point Park & Beach is another small beach nearby. It has two playgrounds, boat ramps, a fishing pier, picnic areas, and sand volleyball courts. Lifeguards are on duty during beach season.
Miami Beach Park is a small beach with a playground, bathrooms, a picnic area with grills, and kayaks available for rent.
Are there any free beaches near Baltimore?
Matapeake Beach has free admission. A few state-run beaches, such as Miami Beach Park and Rocky Point, only charge admission during beach season.
Can I bring my dog to the beaches near Baltimore?
Matapeake Beach has a dog beach separate from the public beach. Pets are generally allowed at beach parks near Baltimore but are generally not allowed on the sand or swimming areas. For example, dogs are allowed on the boardwalk at North Beach but not on the beach itself. Dogs may be allowed on some beaches during the off-season.