Denton MarylandBEACHES & WATERFRONT ESCAPES
Listed below are the best beaches and waterfront escapes near Denton, Maryland.
1. Martinak State Park
RIVERSIDE CAMPING PARADISE
Martinak State Park offers beautiful forests, fields, and marsh areas bordered by the Choptank River and Watts Creek. Visitors can enjoy modern campsites, boating access, hiking trails, a playground, shelters, and a nature center. The park provides excellent fishing opportunities with the chance to catch bass, perch, sunfish, and catfish.
2. Choptank River Heritage Center
HISTORIC RIVERSIDE ATTRACTION
The Choptank River Heritage Center is located at the historic Maryland Steamboat Wharf in Denton. The center offers visitors insights into the slavery and freedom history of Maryland's Eastern Shore. It serves as a significant stop on the Harriett Tubman Underground Railroad Scenic Byway with online audio tours available.
3. Wharves of Choptank Visitor & Heritage Center
FISHING AND RIVER TRAILS
The Wharves of Choptank Visitor & Heritage Center features a fishing dock and walking trails along the scenic Choptank River. It serves as an ideal location for visitors to park during their exploration of Denton. The center provides easy access to the river for fishing enthusiasts who prefer angling from the water's edge.
4. Ferry Park
WATERFRONT RECREATION AREA
Ferry Park is a waterfront recreation area located near Denton, offering riverside relaxation and activities. The park provides visitors with access to the scenic waters of the region for boating and fishing. It serves as a peaceful retreat for both locals and tourists seeking to enjoy Maryland's natural water resources.
5. Killens Pond State Park
FRESH WATER SWIMMING
Killens Pond State Park features a 66-acre millpond that serves as the centerpiece for this popular recreation area near Denton. Visitors can enjoy swimming at the water park, boating, fishing, and camping facilities throughout the seasons. The park offers extensive trail systems for hiking and observing the diverse wildlife that inhabits the area.
6. Fenwick Island State Park
PRISTINE OCEAN BEACHES
Fenwick Island State Park offers visitors 3 miles of pristine ocean beaches located on a barrier island between the Atlantic Ocean and Little Assawoman Bay. The park provides lifeguard-patrolled swimming areas during the summer season, along with surfing, fishing, and other beach activities. Modern amenities include bathhouses, a food concession, and rental umbrellas and chairs for a comfortable beach experience.
7. Bowers Beach
QUAINT BAYSIDE COMMUNITY
Bowers Beach is a charming waterfront community offering public beach access where the Delaware Bay meets the Murderkill River. Visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and fishing in this quiet alternative to the more crowded ocean beaches. The area is known for its rich maritime heritage and serves as a launching point for fishing charters and water activities.
8. Slaughter Beach
NATURAL HORSESHOE CRAB SANCTUARY
Slaughter Beach is a natural sanctuary known for its importance as a horseshoe crab breeding ground and shorebird feeding area on the Delaware Bay. The quiet, less-developed beach offers swimming, kayaking, and wildlife observation opportunities away from the tourist crowds. Nature enthusiasts particularly enjoy visiting during May and June when horseshoe crabs come ashore to spawn.
9. Tolchester Beach
HISTORIC BAY DESTINATION
Tolchester Beach was once a popular resort destination on the Chesapeake Bay that attracted thousands of visitors who arrived by steamboat from Baltimore. Today, visitors can enjoy the marina facilities, beaches, and recreational boating in this historic waterfront area. The location offers stunning views of the Chesapeake Bay and continues to be a favorite spot for water enthusiasts.
10. Assateague Island National Seashore
WILD HORSES BEACH HAVEN
Assateague Island National Seashore features over 37 miles of pristine beach known for its wild horses that roam freely along the shoreline and throughout the island. Visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, beachcombing, clamming, and crabbing in this natural barrier island environment. The park offers camping facilities that allow guests to experience the unique coastal ecosystem including salt marshes, maritime forests, and coastal bays.