University Park MarylandBEACHES & WATERFRONT ESCAPES
Listed below are the best beaches and waterfront escapes near University Park, Maryland.
1. Ocean City Beach
MARYLAND'S PREMIER OCEANFRONT
Ocean City Beach offers miles of pristine Atlantic shoreline with a bustling boardwalk that draws visitors year-round. Visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and a variety of water sports along this expansive beach. The vibrant atmosphere is complemented by numerous restaurants, shops, and entertainment options nearby.
2. Assateague Island National Seashore
WILD HORSES AND WAVES
Assateague Island National Seashore is renowned for its untamed beaches where wild horses roam freely along the shoreline. This protected coastal area offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience pristine nature while swimming, camping, or hiking. The island's diverse ecosystem encompasses maritime forests, salt marshes, and coastal bays teeming with wildlife.
3. Sandy Point State Park
CHESAPEAKE BAY PARADISE
Sandy Point State Park features a beautiful beach situated at the western end of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge with panoramic views of the bay. The park offers swimming, fishing, crabbing, and boating opportunities in its sheltered waters. Its location makes it a convenient waterfront escape for residents of central Maryland, including those from the University Park area.
4. North Beach
CHARMING BAYSIDE GETAWAY
North Beach welcomes visitors with its half-mile-long boardwalk and seven blocks of waterfront along the Chesapeake Bay. The family-friendly beach town offers swimming, fishing from its pier, and regular community events throughout the summer. Its small-town charm is enhanced by local shops, restaurants, and weekly farmers markets.
5. Chesapeake Beach
HISTORIC WATERFRONT RESORT
Chesapeake Beach carries the spirit of its Victorian resort past while offering modern waterfront amenities to today's visitors. The town features a railway trail following the old train route with interpretive signs telling the story of its heyday. Visitors can enjoy swimming, boating, and dining at local seafood establishments like Abner's Crab House.
6. South Point Beach
SECLUDED ATLANTIC SHORE
South Point Beach offers a secluded shoreline experience away from the crowds that frequent other Maryland beaches. This hidden gem features natural dunes and waves with minimal facilities, creating a peaceful atmosphere for those seeking tranquility. Visitors should come prepared with supplies as the undeveloped nature of this beach means having a stretch of Atlantic shoreline practically to yourself.
7. Elk Neck State Park
CLIFFS MEET CHESAPEAKE
Elk Neck State Park showcases dramatic forest-clad cliffs where woodland meets the mighty Chesapeake Bay. The historic Turkey Point Lighthouse stands as a centerpiece, offering sweeping views across waters that have guided mariners for generations. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy hiking, camping, and boating in this diverse natural setting that represents Maryland's varied landscapes.
8. LaPlata Beach
CAMPUS RECREATION SPOT
LaPlata Beach is a popular recreational area located directly across from the front entrance of the Eppley Recreation Center at the University of Maryland. This versatile space, commonly referred to as "The Beach," hosts free play activities like pick-up soccer and volleyball games as well as special events. As one of the few outdoor spaces on the north side of campus, it provides both active and passive recreation opportunities for the university community.
9. Gunpowder Falls State Park, Hammerman Beach
RIVER MEETS BAY
Gunpowder Falls State Park's Hammerman Beach area offers a sandy shoreline where the Gunpowder River widens as it approaches the Chesapeake Bay. Visitors can enjoy swimming in the protected waters, picnicking under shade trees, and renting canoes or kayaks to explore the waterways. The park's extensive trail system provides additional recreational opportunities beyond the beach area.
10. Calvert Cliffs State Park
FOSSIL HUNTING PARADISE
Calvert Cliffs State Park features a unique beach where visitors can hunt for fossilized shark teeth and marine life along the shoreline of the Chesapeake Bay. The dramatic cliffs that give the park its name were formed over 10-20 million years ago when all of Southern Maryland was covered by a warm, shallow sea. A scenic 1.8-mile trail leads through forest habitat to the beach where prehistoric treasures await discovery.