Rising Sun MarylandBEACHES & WATERFRONT ESCAPES
Listed below are the best beaches and waterfront escapes near Rising Sun, Maryland.
1. Plumpton Park Zoo
WILDLIFE AND FAMILY FUN
Plumpton Park Zoo is one of the most popular attractions in Rising Sun, offering visitors a chance to see various animal species up close. The zoo provides educational experiences for all ages with interactive exhibits and feeding opportunities. Families particularly enjoy the intimate setting that allows for better viewing of animals than at larger zoos.
2. Dove Valley Winery
LOCAL WINE EXPERIENCE
Dove Valley Winery welcomes visitors to enjoy locally produced wines in a picturesque setting near Rising Sun. The winery offers tastings of their award-winning varieties produced from grapes grown on their estate. Guests can relax on the property while enjoying vineyard views and seasonal events throughout the year.
3. Elk Neck State Park
NATURAL BEACH PARADISE
Elk Neck State Park features a stunning waterfront area where the Elk River meets the Chesapeake Bay, offering sandy beaches and swimming opportunities. The park encompasses over 2,000 acres of forests, marshes, and beaches with panoramic water views from the Turkey Point Lighthouse. Visitors can enjoy hiking, camping, fishing, and boating in addition to relaxing at the beach area.
4. Crystal Beach Manor
CHARMING BAYFRONT ESCAPE
Crystal Beach Manor offers a peaceful sandy beach experience along the shores of the Chesapeake Bay near Rising Sun. The area features gentle waters perfect for swimming and water activities in a less crowded environment than larger public beaches. Visitors appreciate the natural setting and opportunity to collect shells and enjoy stunning sunsets over the water.
5. Betterton Beach
HISTORIC BAYSIDE RETREAT
Betterton Beach is a picturesque public bayfront beach offering 500 feet of shoreline and spectacular views of the Chesapeake Bay. The beach features clean sand, calm swimming waters, and modern amenities including picnic pavilions, public restrooms, and a fishing jetty. Once a popular resort destination, this quaint beach maintains its charm while providing a peaceful alternative to ocean beaches.
6. Gunpowder Falls State Park
DIVERSE WATERFRONT RECREATION
Gunpowder Falls State Park encompasses multiple areas including swimming beaches, river access points, and diverse water recreation opportunities. The park's Hammerman Area features a popular swimming beach on the Gunpowder River with lifeguards during summer months, picnic facilities, and rental options for kayaks and paddleboards. Visitors can also enjoy hiking trails, fishing spots, and historical sites throughout the park's extensive acreage.
7. Echo Hill Camp Beach
SECLUDED NATURAL SHORELINE
Echo Hill Camp Beach offers a pristine shoreline experience along the Chesapeake Bay with natural surroundings and quiet atmosphere. The beach area provides excellent opportunities for nature observation, swimming, and relaxation away from crowds. Visitors appreciate the unspoiled environment and chance to connect with the Bay's ecosystem in a more intimate setting.
8. Red Point Beach
COMMUNITY WATERFRONT ACCESS
Red Point Beach provides local access to the Chesapeake Bay waters in a community-oriented setting not far from Rising Sun. The beach area offers swimming opportunities, fishing access, and scenic views in a less commercialized environment. Visitors enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and connection to the Bay's natural beauty.
9. Woodlands Camping Resort
RECREATIONAL WATER GETAWAY
Woodlands Camping Resort features water recreation facilities including swimming areas for guests seeking a resort-style experience near Rising Sun. The property offers camping accommodations alongside water activities, making it popular for weekend getaways and family outings. Visitors enjoy the combination of outdoor recreation with convenient amenities in a natural setting.
10. Breezy Point Beach
FOSSIL HUNTING SHORELINE
Breezy Point Beach offers a half-mile of sandy shoreline along the Chesapeake Bay where visitors can hunt for fossils, shark teeth, shells, and sea glass. The beach features a 200-foot fishing pier, netted swimming area, and playground for children in addition to picnic facilities with charcoal grills. Photographers are particularly drawn to the scenic views, especially during morning hours when the light creates stunning vistas across the water.