Betterton MarylandBEST BEACHES & WATERFRONT ESCAPES
Listed below are the best beaches and waterfront escapes near Betterton, Maryland.
1. Betterton Beach
CHESAPEAKE BAY OASIS
Betterton Beach offers a 5.2-acre waterfront park featuring a 300-foot sandy swimming area and an additional 700 feet of shoreline at the mouth of the Sassafras River. With amenities such as a bathhouse, picnic pavilion, volleyball courts, a fishing jetty, and a kayak launch, it is a perfect spot for swimming, sunbathing, and boating. Its freshwater mix minimizes jellyfish encounters, and the beach is free to visit, attracting families in search of a quiet escape.
2. Rock Hall Beach
FAMILY-FRIENDLY BAYFRONT
Rock Hall Beach provides a tranquil setting with panoramic views of the Chesapeake Bay and is known for its calm waters ideal for swimming. The beach is family-friendly, features a sandy stretch, shaded picnic areas, and nearby playgrounds. Guests enjoy relaxing sunset views, making it a popular spot for both locals and visitors.
3. Tolchester Beach
HISTORIC BAY HIDEAWAY
Tolchester Beach, located on the Eastern Shore of the Chesapeake Bay, was once a bustling 19th-century resort and now offers scenic waterfront access. The area features a marina, sandy shores, and a casual beachfront bar popular with boaters and day-trippers. Visitors can enjoy live music, food, and drinks right by the water.
4. Elk Neck State Park
BAY AND RIVER VIEWS
Elk Neck State Park features a diverse landscape with a sandy beach along the Elk River and hiking trails to the iconic Turkey Point Lighthouse. The beach area is popular for swimming, picnicking, and wildlife observation, all set within a scenic park environment. Its unique blend of forest, cliffs, and waterfront makes it a top regional escape.
5. Sandy Point State Park
CHESAPEAKE SWIMMING GEM
Sandy Point State Park boasts sandy beaches on the Chesapeake Bay, offering swimming, fishing, and stunning views of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge. Facilities include bathhouses, picnic areas, and a marina for boating enthusiasts. The park is one of the most popular summer destinations in the region due to its accessibility and full-service amenities.
6. Hart-Miller Island State Park
ISLAND ADVENTURE SPOT
Hart-Miller Island State Park is accessible only by boat and features sandy beaches along the Chesapeake Bay, making it a unique getaway for swimmers and campers. The park offers primitive camping, biking trails, and birdwatching opportunities in a natural island setting. Its remote atmosphere provides a true escape from the mainland.
7. Gunpowder Falls State Park Hammerman Area
SPACIOUS RIVER BEACH
The Hammerman Area of Gunpowder Falls State Park features a large, sandy swimming beach on the Gunpowder River, perfect for families. Facilities include playgrounds, picnic pavilions, and food concessions, as well as kayak and paddleboard rentals. The expansive waterfront area offers ample space for sunbathing and recreational activities.
8. Susquehanna State Park
RIVERFRONT RECREATION HUB
Susquehanna State Park is renowned for its scenic riverfront, where visitors can swim, fish, kayak, and hike near the historic Susquehanna riverbank. The park offers peaceful natural surroundings, picnic areas, and trails through mature forests. Its proximity to the river provides beautiful views and opportunities for waterfront relaxation.
9. Chesapeake Bay Environmental Center
NATURE AND BAY ACCESS
The Chesapeake Bay Environmental Center offers nature trails, kayak rentals, and a small sandy beach with access to the Chesapeake Bay. Visitors can swim, birdwatch, and explore educational exhibits focused on the bay's ecosystem. The center is ideal for those seeking a peaceful waterfront retreat and immersive natural experiences.
10. Tuckahoe State Park
LAKESIDE SWIMMING ESCAPE
Tuckahoe State Park features a 60-acre lake with a designated swimming area and scenic spots for kayaking and fishing. The park is known for its tranquil lakeside settings, hiking trails, and paddle-in campsites. It provides a quiet, family-friendly environment ideal for swimming and water-based recreation away from the bay crowds.