Westminster MarylandBEACHES & WATERFRONT ESCAPES
Listed below are the best beaches and waterfront escapes near Westminster, Maryland.
1. Ocean City Beach
CLASSIC MARYLAND BEACH DESTINATION
Ocean City Beach is one of the most popular beach destinations in Maryland, offering 10 miles of sandy shoreline along the Atlantic Ocean. Visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and a vibrant boardwalk filled with restaurants, shops, and amusements. The beach is free and open to the public year-round, making it a perfect getaway for families seeking fun in the sun.
2. Assateague Island National Seashore
WILD HORSES AND BEACHES
Assateague Island National Seashore offers a unique beach experience where wild horses roam freely along pristine sandy beaches. Visitors can swim in the Atlantic Ocean, explore salt marshes, or camp overnight with the possibility of horses wandering through their campsite. The park provides a more natural beach setting compared to nearby Ocean City, with fewer crowds and untouched coastal landscapes.
3. Sandy Point State Park
BAY BEACH WITH VIEWS
Sandy Point State Park features a beautiful beach situated on the northwestern shore of the Chesapeake Bay with views of the Bay Bridge. The park offers swimming, fishing, crabbing, and boating opportunities with rentals available during summer months. Its proximity to Baltimore and Washington D.C. makes it a popular day trip destination for families seeking waterfront recreation without traveling to the ocean.
4. North Beach
CHARMING CHESAPEAKE BAY TOWN
North Beach is a quaint waterfront town offering a family-friendly beach along the western shore of the Chesapeake Bay. The town features a half-mile long boardwalk, a fishing pier, and various waterfront activities including swimming during the summer season. Visitors can enjoy the small-town charm while taking in beautiful bay views and exploring nearby shops and restaurants.
5. Gunpowder Falls State Park
RIVER SWIMMING AND RECREATION
Gunpowder Falls State Park encompasses over 18,000 acres with various swimming areas along the Gunpowder River, including the popular Hammerman Area beach. Visitors can enjoy swimming, kayaking, canoeing, and tubing in the river's refreshing waters during summer months. The park offers a more natural swimming experience with hiking trails and picnic areas surrounding the waterfront locations.
6. Oregon Ridge Beach
LAKE SWIMMING NEAR BALTIMORE
Oregon Ridge Beach offers a man-made lake with a sandy beach that provides a refreshing swimming experience in Baltimore County. The beach area includes lifeguards during the summer season, a concession stand, and changing facilities for visitors. Beyond swimming, the surrounding Oregon Ridge Park features hiking trails, nature center programs, and various outdoor activities.
7. Westminster Community Pond
LOCAL FISHING AND RECREATION
Westminster Community Pond offers a serene water setting right in Westminster with a recently renovated asphalt walking trail encircling the water. While not primarily a swimming destination, the pond is popular for fishing, walking, and enjoying nature in an urban setting. The pond serves as a peaceful retreat for local residents looking to enjoy waterfront views without traveling far from home.
8. Chesapeake Beach Bay Front Park
SECLUDED BAY BEACH
Chesapeake Beach Bay Front Park, also known as Brownie's Beach, is a small, secluded beach offering swimming access to the Chesapeake Bay. The beach is known for fossil hunting along its shoreline, where visitors can find prehistoric shark teeth and other fossils. Its relatively small size creates an intimate setting compared to larger Maryland beaches, making it ideal for a quieter day by the water.
9. Cunningham Falls State Park
WATERFALL AND LAKE SWIMMING
Cunningham Falls State Park features a beautiful 78-acre man-made lake with a 250-foot sandy beach area for swimming. Visitors can enjoy the refreshing lake waters while taking in views of the surrounding Catoctin Mountains. The park also offers access to Maryland's highest cascading waterfall, hiking trails, and camping facilities for a complete outdoor experience.
10. Calvert Cliffs State Park
FOSSIL HUNTING BEACH
Calvert Cliffs State Park features a small beach area at the end of a scenic 1.8-mile trail where visitors can swim in the Chesapeake Bay. The beach is renowned for fossil hunting, where ancient shark teeth and other prehistoric marine fossils can be found along the shoreline beneath the towering cliffs. The park combines natural history with beach recreation, offering a unique waterfront experience different from traditional sandy beaches.