Havre de Grace MarylandBEACHES & WATERFRONT ESCAPES
Listed below are the best beaches and waterfront escapes near Havre de Grace, Maryland.
1. Havre de Grace Promenade
SCENIC WATERFRONT BOARDWALK
The Havre de Grace Promenade is a charming boardwalk situated at the top of the Chesapeake Bay, offering a leisurely stroll along the water from Tydings Park to the Concord Point Lighthouse. Visitors can enjoy scenic views while potentially encountering wildlife such as ducks, geese, osprey, and bald eagles during their walk. The boardwalk features informative signage that enhances the experience and serves as a gateway to the town's five museums, numerous restaurants, and unique shopping experiences.
2. Tydings Park
BAYFRONT RECREATION AREA
Tydings Park is a popular waterfront destination in Havre de Grace where visitors can enjoy Chesapeake Bay views and outdoor activities. The park serves as one endpoint of the city's scenic promenade and offers a perfect setting for picnics, fishing, and relaxing by the water. Families appreciate the playground facilities and open spaces for recreation throughout the year.
3. Concord Point Park
HISTORIC LIGHTHOUSE SETTING
Concord Point Park features one of Havre de Grace's most iconic waterfront attractions, the Concord Point Lighthouse, situated where the Susquehanna River meets the Chesapeake Bay. Visitors can enjoy panoramic water views while exploring the grounds around Maryland's oldest continuously operated lighthouse. The park provides excellent opportunities for photography, bird watching, and experiencing the maritime history of the region.
4. Joe K Trail
RIVERSIDE NATURE PATH
Joe K Trail offers a gorgeous waterfront experience along the Susquehanna River in Havre de Grace. The trail provides year-round scenic views and opportunities to observe local wildlife in their natural habitat. Nature enthusiasts can enjoy walking, jogging, or cycling while taking in the tranquil riverside atmosphere.
5. Susquehanna State Park
RIVERSIDE RECREATION HAVEN
Susquehanna State Park is a must-see attraction near Havre de Grace offering extensive river frontage and outdoor activities along the Susquehanna River. The park features swimming areas, fishing spots, boating access, and hiking trails that showcase the natural beauty of Maryland's waterways. Visitors can also explore historic sites within the park, including a working grist mill, that provide glimpses into the area's past.
6. Swan Harbor Farm
WATERFRONT RURAL RETREAT
Swan Harbor Farm is a picturesque 531-acre property featuring a stunning waterfront setting on the Chesapeake Bay near Havre de Grace. The historic farm offers public access to shoreline areas where visitors can enjoy fishing, bird watching, and spectacular bay views. Its combination of agricultural landscapes and waterfront access makes it a unique destination for those seeking both pastoral and maritime experiences.
7. North Park Trail
COASTAL WALKING PATH
North Park Trail provides an extension of Havre de Grace's waterfront pathway system with beautiful views of the upper Chesapeake Bay. The trail connects several waterfront parks and offers an accessible route for pedestrians to experience the natural beauty of the shoreline. Visitors frequently spot various waterfowl and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere away from the more crowded downtown promenade.
8. Millard Tydings Memorial Park
BAY VIEW COMMUNITY PARK
Millard Tydings Memorial Park is a beloved community waterfront park offering expansive views where the Susquehanna River meets the Chesapeake Bay. The park features amenities including a marina, fishing piers, a pavilion for gatherings, and access to the city's promenade. Seasonal events and concerts are often held here, making it a cultural and recreational hub for residents and visitors alike.
9. Garrett Island
HISTORIC RIVER ISLAND
Garrett Island sits in the Susquehanna River between Havre de Grace and Perryville, offering a unique water-surrounded destination accessible by boat. The undeveloped 198-acre island serves as a wildlife refuge where visitors can experience pristine natural habitats and engage in activities like fishing, hiking, and bird watching. Its location at the mouth of the Susquehanna River provides spectacular views of both the river and the Chesapeake Bay.
10. Gunpowder Falls State Park
DIVERSE WATERFRONT RECREATION
Gunpowder Falls State Park is located near Havre de Grace and features multiple water recreation areas including beaches along the Gunpowder River and Chesapeake Bay. The park's Hammerman Area offers a designated swimming beach with lifeguards during summer months, making it popular for water activities and sunbathing. Visitors can also enjoy kayaking, canoeing, fishing, and hiking along 120 miles of trails that often follow scenic waterways.