Marydel MarylandBEACHES & WATERFRONT ESCAPES
Listed below are the best beaches and waterfront escapes near Marydel, Maryland.
1. Ocean City Beach
POPULAR OCEANFRONT DESTINATION
Ocean City Beach is a premier oceanfront destination featuring miles of sandy shoreline along Maryland's Atlantic coast. Visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and a variety of water activities throughout the summer season. The beach is complemented by a vibrant boardwalk with restaurants, shops, and amusements, making it a complete vacation experience.
2. Assateague Island National Seashore
WILD HORSES AND BEACHES
Assateague Island National Seashore offers pristine beaches where wild horses roam freely along the shoreline. The protected coastal area provides opportunities for swimming, beachcombing, and wildlife observation in a natural setting. Visitors can also enjoy camping, kayaking, and hiking trails throughout this unique barrier island ecosystem.
3. Sandy Point State Park
CHESAPEAKE BAY SWIMMING
Sandy Point State Park features a large sandy beach on the northwestern shore of the Chesapeake Bay. The park offers swimming, fishing, crabbing, and boating with spectacular views of the Bay Bridge. Facilities include picnic areas, a marina, and concession stands that enhance the visitor experience during the summer months.
4. Elms Beach Park
TRANQUIL WATERFRONT ESCAPE
Elms Beach Park offers a peaceful shoreline experience along the Chesapeake Bay in St. Mary's County. Visitors can enjoy swimming, beachcombing, and picnicking in a less crowded environment than more commercial beaches. The park's natural setting makes it ideal for families seeking a quiet day by the water with basic amenities.
5. North Beach
CHARMING BAYSIDE TOWN
North Beach provides a family-friendly waterfront experience with its well-maintained beach along the Chesapeake Bay. The town features a fishing pier, boardwalk, and regular community events throughout the summer season. Visitors appreciate the quaint atmosphere and nearby restaurants, making it a pleasant day trip destination.
6. Breezy Point Beach
FAMILY-FRIENDLY BAY BEACH
Breezy Point Beach combines Chesapeake Bay swimming with camping facilities for a complete outdoor experience. The half-mile beach includes a netted swimming area, picnic tables, and playground equipment perfect for families. Visitors can also enjoy fishing from the 200-foot pier and hunting for fossilized shark teeth along the shoreline.
7. Gunpowder Falls State Park, Hammerman Beach
RIVERSIDE RECREATION AREA
Hammerman Beach at Gunpowder Falls State Park offers freshwater swimming along the Gunpowder River. The beach area features lifeguards during summer months, picnic facilities, and playgrounds for family enjoyment. Visitors can also access hiking trails, kayaking opportunities, and natural areas within the larger state park.
8. Betterton Beach
HISTORIC CHESAPEAKE SWIMMING
Betterton Beach offers a unique swimming experience where the Sassafras River meets the Chesapeake Bay. The five-acre waterfront park provides a 300-foot beach with gentle waters and beautiful views of the bay. Amenities include a bathhouse, picnic pavilion, and fishing jetty in this historic beach town that once served as a popular resort destination.
9. Elk Neck State Park
DIVERSE WATERFRONT RECREATION
Elk Neck State Park features a sandy swimming beach on the Chesapeake Bay along with diverse recreational opportunities. Visitors can explore the iconic Turkey Point Lighthouse, hiking trails, and camping areas throughout the wooded peninsula. The park's location at the confluence of the Elk River and the Chesapeake Bay creates varied landscapes for outdoor enthusiasts.
10. Killens Pond State Park
FRESHWATER LAKE RECREATION
Killens Pond State Park centers around a 66-acre millpond that offers swimming, fishing, and boating opportunities near the Maryland-Delaware border. The park features a modern water park with slides, fountains, and a swimming pool adjacent to the natural pond. Visitors can also enjoy camping, hiking trails, and wildlife observation throughout the forested park setting.