Cambridge MarylandBEACHES & WATERFRONT ESCAPES
Listed below are the best beaches and waterfront escapes near Cambridge, Maryland.
1. Long Wharf Park
RIVERSIDE PARK AND MARINA
Long Wharf Park in Cambridge offers scenic waterfront views along the Choptank River where visitors can watch boats, enjoy picnics, and fish from the shore. The park includes access to the Cambridge Marina and is a popular spot for community events and leisurely walks. Its central location makes it an inviting escape in the heart of Cambridge.
2. Choptank River Lighthouse
HISTORIC WATERFRONT ICON
The Choptank River Lighthouse is a six-sided replica lighthouse standing at Long Wharf Park, offering sweeping views of the Choptank River. Inside, visitors will find exhibits detailing the area's maritime heritage and the significance of the original lighthouse. The pier and waterfront setting make this a favorite spot for sightseeing and photography.
3. Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Resort
WATERFRONT RESORT AND BEACH
Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Resort spans over 400 waterfront acres and features a sandy riverside beach along the Choptank River. Resort guests can enjoy swimming, kayaking, and sunbathing, as well as access to a marina and nature trails. The family-friendly atmosphere and numerous amenities make it a local favorite for waterfront relaxation.
4. Great Marsh Park
CHOPTANK RIVER RECREATION
Great Marsh Park sits directly on the Choptank River, providing public water access for boating, fishing, and birdwatching. The park's open fields and waterfront scenery attract picnickers and families looking for an outdoor riverside retreat. Its boat ramp and launch areas support easy exploration of the river.
5. Bill Burton Fishing Pier State Park
FISHING AND WATERFRONT WALKS
Bill Burton Fishing Pier State Park features a long pier extending into the Choptank River, ideal for fishing or taking in expansive water views. The park also offers a walking trail along the old bridge and a small sandy riverside area for relaxation. It's a tranquil spot popular with anglers and families alike.
6. Sailwinds Park East
CHOPTANK BAYFRONT ESCAPE
Sailwinds Park East boasts a waterfront playground, open green spaces, and stunning views over the Choptank River. The park is a gathering place for community events and offers a relaxing spot for waterfront strolls or picnicking. Its proximity to the Visitor Center makes it a gateway to exploring Cambridge's riverfront.
7. Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge
WILDLIFE AND PADDLING HAVEN
Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, located near Cambridge, offers remarkable water trails through tidal marshes and creeks perfect for kayaking and canoeing. The refuge's scenic waterways provide a natural swimming hole experience and rich opportunities for birdwatching and photography. Its proximity to open water and abundant wildlife make it a unique waterfront attraction.
8. Beaver Dam Swimming Hole
CLASSIC FRESHWATER RETREAT
Beaver Dam Swimming Hole, about an hour and a half from Cambridge, is a historic freshwater quarry offering cool, clear water for swimming. Families flock here for its rope swings, designated swimming areas, and sandy beach. The park also features picnic areas and a relaxed countryside vibe.
9. Chesapeake Beach
SANDY BAYFRONT TOWN BEACH
Chesapeake Beach, situated on the western shore of the Chesapeake Bay, offers a public beach with gentle waves and a scenic boardwalk. The beach is popular for swimming, sunbathing, and family outings, with easy access to restaurants and amusements nearby. Its classic small-town beach appeal draws visitors from across the region.
10. Matapeake Beach
CHESAPEAKE BAY BEACHFRONT
Matapeake Beach on Kent Island provides a beautiful stretch of sand along the Chesapeake Bay with a swimming beach and scenic walking trails. The location is dog-friendly and features picnic areas and a fishing pier. It's a popular destination for families seeking a day by the bay or a sunset stroll.