Kensington MarylandBEACHES & WATERFRONT ESCAPES
Listed below are the best beaches and waterfront escapes near Kensington, Maryland.
1. Sandy Point State Park
CHESAPEAKE BAY BEAUTY
Sandy Point State Park features a large, sandy beach on the Chesapeake Bay with lifeguards on duty from Memorial Day to Labor Day. The water is generally calm and clear, offering plenty of opportunities for sunbathing, picnicking, and fishing. Visitors can enjoy beautiful views of the Bay Bridge while relaxing at this spacious beach.
2. Cunningham Falls State Park
MOUNTAIN LAKE RETREAT
Cunningham Falls State Park offers two beaches along its mountain lake, with the further one typically being less crowded. The park features nice hiking trails and visitors can even dip in the nearby Cunningham Falls, which serve as the main attraction. Being slightly elevated in the mountains, the park enjoys cooler summer temperatures making it a refreshing escape.
3. Kensington Heights Park
LOCAL NATURE ESCAPE
Kensington Heights Park is a popular nature attraction located in the heart of Kensington. While not featuring traditional waterfront access, the park provides local residents with green spaces for recreation and relaxation. Visitors can enjoy the peaceful surroundings while taking a break from the nearby vibrant business district.
4. Ken-Gar Palisades Park
CREEK-SIDE TRAIL HAVEN
Ken-Gar Palisades Park offers visitors access to Rock Creek and its accompanying trail system. The park serves as an access point to the popular Rock Creek-Beach Drive Bike Path, located just half a mile from downtown Kensington. Nature enthusiasts can enjoy the creek views while hiking or biking through this local green space.
5. Rock Creek Park
URBAN WATERWAY OASIS
Rock Creek Park features a natural waterway running through its expansive urban forest just minutes from Kensington. Visitors can access numerous creek-side trails and spots for wading in the cool waters during summer months. The park connects to the Rock Creek-Beach Drive Bike Path mentioned in Kensington's local information, making it easily accessible for Kensington residents.
6. Great Falls Park
DRAMATIC RIVER VIEWS
Great Falls Park showcases the dramatic cascades of the Potomac River as it flows through Mather Gorge, just a short drive from Kensington. Visitors can view the falls from three overlooks and explore hiking trails along the river's edge. While swimming is prohibited due to dangerous currents, the park offers spectacular waterfront scenery and opportunities for kayaking for experienced paddlers.
7. Lake Needwood
SERENE SUBURBAN LAKE
Lake Needwood is a 75-acre man-made lake in Rock Creek Regional Park, offering boating, fishing, and picnicking opportunities near Kensington. Visitors can rent paddle boats, rowboats, and canoes to explore the peaceful waters surrounded by forested shores. The lake features picnic areas along its banks and connecting trails for hiking and biking.
8. Black Hill Regional Park
EXPANSIVE RESERVOIR RECREATION
Black Hill Regional Park centers around Little Seneca Lake, a 505-acre reservoir with multiple water access points within a reasonable drive from Kensington. The park offers boat rentals, fishing opportunities, and a network of scenic trails along the shoreline. Visitors can enjoy the swimming area during summer months when lifeguards are on duty.
9. Seneca Creek State Park
CREEK AND LAKE PARADISE
Seneca Creek State Park encompasses 6,300 acres including the 90-acre Clopper Lake, which features a small beach area for swimming in summer. The park offers boat rentals, fishing opportunities, and extensive trails following Seneca Creek and surrounding the lake. Nature lovers from Kensington can enjoy this expansive park with diverse water recreation options just a short drive away.
10. Greenbrier State Park
MOUNTAIN LAKE BEACH
Greenbrier State Park features a 42-acre man-made lake with a 1,000-foot sandy beach that attracts visitors seeking water recreation in Western Maryland. The freshwater lake offers swimming, fishing, and boating opportunities surrounded by the scenic Appalachian Mountains. Facilities include picnic areas, pavilions, and hiking trails that connect to the Appalachian Trail, making it worth the drive from Kensington for a full day of outdoor recreation.