We are back on the road! This time around, Lucia is rediscovering the beautiful beaches in Maryland and everything they have to offer.
Growing up, the beaches in Maryland were my summer playground. I first stepped onto Ocean City’s sand when I was six. I remember the salty taste in the air, seagulls stealing fries from unsuspecting tourists, and my father trying to teach me how to fish from the pier.
Twenty years later, I’m back to rediscover these treasured shores that shaped my childhood and explore others that, inexplicably, I never visited as a kid.
My Beach-Hopping Experience
Maryland’s coastline is a master class in variety, with each beach crafting its own distinct atmosphere. From my years covering coastal destinations, I’ve discovered few shorelines that pack such diverse offerings into their sandy borders.
On Maryland’s edge, where the Atlantic meets the shore, you’ll find everything from bustling seaside promenades to pristine stretches of untouched sand. After exploring these treasured beaches in Maryland, I’m ready to share what makes each slice of this coast uniquely compelling.
Ocean City Beach
- Location: Ocean City, MD
- Amenities: Boardwalk, restaurants, amusement parks
- Activities: Swimming, sunbathing, fishing, nightlife
The saltwater taffy pulled me in first. Standing on Ocean City’s boardwalk, watching the taffy-making machine through the window of Dolle’s, I felt like that same kid who begged for just one more piece thirty years ago.
Some things here never change. Thrasher’s fries still come in the same paper bucket, doused in vinegar and salt, perfect for sharing on a bench while watching the waves.
Sure, Ocean City gets crowded in summer. But at sunrise, when the boardwalk belongs to joggers and early-bird fishermen, you’ll see why locals love this place year-round. I like to grab coffee from Dunkin’ and walk north past 27th Street, where the morning light paints everything gold, and you might catch sight of dolphins playing in the surf.
Assateague Island
- Location: Near Berlin, MD
- Amenities: Campsites, visitor center
- Activities: Wildlife viewing, camping, kayaking
“Don’t feed the ponies” signs are everywhere on Assateague, but they don’t tell you how hard it is to resist when one shows up at your campsite, eyeing your breakfast. These wild horses own this island – we’re just visitors. Last summer, I watched a stallion lead his herd across the dunes at sunset, their silhouettes like something out of a dream.
The best campsite? Loop C, near the marsh. You’ll smell like campfire and bug spray, but you’ll also see more wildlife than anywhere else.
Pro tip: bring twice as many tent stakes as you think you need. The wind here means business.
North Beach
- Location: North Beach, MD
- Amenities: Boardwalk, fishing pier, shops
- Activities: Swimming, fishing, shopping
North Beach feels like stepping into an old postcard. Kids still fish off the pier with dollar-store nets, hoping to catch blue crabs. The Friday night farmers market turns into an impromptu community party in summer, with local bands playing as the sun sets over the bay.
Last week, I met Bill at Nice and Fleazy Antiques. He’s been collecting beach glass here for 40 years and knows every story behind every Victorian house on the strip. “This town’s got more stories than shells,” he told me, showing me a piece of cobalt blue glass smoothed by decades in the Chesapeake.
Sandy Point State Park
- Location: Annapolis, MD
- Amenities: Picnic areas, boat rentals, playgrounds
- Activities: Swimming, picnicking, boating
Everyone photographs the Bay Bridge from Sandy Point – it’s impossible not to. But the real magic happens in the park’s quieter corners. Follow the trail past the main beach to where locals fish for striped bass, and you might find yourself sharing space with great blue herons hunting in the shallows.
The east beach gets crazy on summer weekends, but the south beach is usually empty. Bring water shoes – the bottom’s rocky – and watch for ospreys diving for fish. They’re better entertainment than any phone screen.
Calvert Cliffs State Park
- Location: Lusby, MD
- Amenities: Hiking trails, picnic areas, playground
- Activities: Fossil hunting, hiking, picnicking
Nobody tells you about the hike to Calvert Cliffs beach. It’s two miles through woods and marsh, and yes, you’ll sweat. But then you round that last bend and see the cliffs rising from the bay like ancient walls, and suddenly the walk seems worth it.
Bring a kitchen sieve for fossil hunting – it works better than the fancy tools they sell at the visitor center. I learned this from Sarah, a retired science teacher who’s been finding shark teeth here since the ’70s. “Every rainstorm changes what you might find,” she told me while showing me how to spot the telltale black shine of a Megalodon tooth in the sand.
Chesapeake Beach
- Location: Chesapeake Beach, MD
- Amenities: Water park, restaurants, marinas
- Activities: Swimming, boating, dining
The railway brought Victorian tourists to Chesapeake Beach over a century ago. The trains are gone, but something of that old resort spirit lingers. Skip the water park and head to the railway trail instead – it follows the old train route, with signs telling the story of the town’s heyday. At Abner’s Crab House, they still spread brown paper on the tables and serve beer in plastic cups.
South Point Beach
- Location: Near Berlin, MD
- Amenities: Limited facilities
- Activities: Swimming, sunbathing, nature walks
You won’t find South Point in many guidebooks, and that’s exactly why it’s special. No facilities means no crowds – just dunes, waves, and the kind of quiet that’s getting harder to find on the Eastern Shore. Bring everything you need, including water, and prepare to climb over some downed trees to reach the beach. The reward? Having a stretch of Atlantic shoreline practically to yourself.
Elk Neck State Park
- Location: North East, MD
- Amenities: Campgrounds, hiking trails, boat launch
- Activities: Hiking, camping, boating
Where forest-clad cliffs meet the mighty Chesapeake, this park presents a masterclass in Maryland’s natural diversity. Standing sentinel above it all, the historic Turkey Point Lighthouse commands sweeping views across waters that have guided mariners for generations.
My trek through dense woodland canopy ended at this lofty perch, where the convergence of bay and sky stretches endlessly toward the horizon. Here, amid the mingling of maritime and woodland worlds, outdoor adventurers find their own path – whether by trail, shore, or rolling waves.
Fenwick Island State Park
- Location: Fenwick Island, DE (near the Maryland border)
- Amenities: Restrooms, showers, lifeguards
- Activities: Surfing, fishing, beachcombing
Between the more frequented shores of Ocean City and Bethany Beach lies this coastal sanctuary, where nature still writes its own rules. After years chronicling America’s beaches, I’ve found few stretches of Atlantic shoreline that maintain such pristine isolation while remaining accessible.
Here, my solitary footprints marked the morning sand, disappearing with each gentle wave. Seabirds wheeled overhead, their calls the only interruption to the rhythmic surf. While most visitors seek the energy of neighboring beaches, those in search of both solitude and sport find their reward – from the designated surfing zones to fishing spots where patient anglers cast their lines into the rolling Atlantic.
What to Pack for Maryland’s Beaches
Years traversing Maryland’s diverse shoreline have taught me the delicate art of coastal preparation. Here’s a list of things you need:
- Cash: Even in 2025, the sweetest boardwalk discoveries – those legendary fries or artisanal ice cream – often come from vendors who favor paper over plastic. Keep small bills handy.
- Beach Shoes: Maryland’s coast isn’t just postcard-perfect sand. The fossil-rich shores of Calvert Cliffs and the shell-strewn beaches demand more than flimsy flip-flops. Pack sturdy water shoes.
- Sunscreen and Bug Spray: Especially crucial for Assateague Island, where the wild ponies may roam free but the mosquitoes rule the dawn and dusk. Double up on protection.
- Layers: Morning fog at South Point gives way to blazing afternoon sun. I’ve learned to pack like a coastal chameleon – from warm layers at sunrise to swimsuits by noon.
The Best Time to Visit
Timing is everything when exploring Maryland’s beaches. During my trip, I realized how much the experience changes based on the time of year.
- Summer: Perfect for families and vibrant boardwalks. Ocean City was buzzing with energy, and the water was warm for swimming.
- Fall: Less crowded and more peaceful. Assateague Island was stunning with its autumn hues, and the wild ponies were easier to spot.
- Weekdays: Avoid weekends if you want to skip the crowds, especially at popular spots like Sandy Point State Park.
What to Expect When You Arrive
Each beach offers a unique vibe, so knowing what to expect can enhance your visit:
- Ocean City: Expect a lively atmosphere with constant activity. Parking can be tricky, so arrive early.
- Assateague Island: Be prepared for a more rugged experience. It’s ideal for nature lovers, but the amenities are minimal.
- Calvert Cliffs: It’s more of a hike than a typical beach visit, but fossil hunting here is an adventure worth trying.
What I’d Do Again (and What I’d Skip)
Looking back, some experiences stood out while others could have been skipped.
- Would Do Again:
- Spend a sunset at North Beach—it was magical.
- Explore Assateague’s trails and wildlife.
- Enjoy a picnic at Sandy Point State Park.
- Would Skip:
- Visiting Ocean City in the middle of the day. The crowds were overwhelming, and parking was a hassle.
My Final Thoughts
From my weathered reporter’s notebook comes this truth: Maryland’s coastline defies simple categorization. Each beach writes its own story – from South Point’s whispered solitude to Ocean City’s exuberant boardwalk symphony.
For future chronicles, I’ll aim for early autumn, when summer crowds ebb but warmth lingers.
FAQs
Do I need to pay to access Maryland’s beaches?
While Ocean City’s sands remain free to all, state treasures like Sandy Point and Assateague maintain modest entrance fees that support their preservation.
Are Maryland’s beaches family-friendly?
From my observations, destinations like Ocean City and North Beach have mastered the art of family hospitality, offering extensive amenities and activities for all ages.
Can I see wild ponies at Assateague Island year-round?
These iconic residents grace their barrier island home throughout all seasons, though fall’s golden light provides nature’s perfect backdrop for photography.
Are Maryland’s beaches pet-friendly?
While Assateague and designated zones of Ocean City welcome leashed companions, always verify local ordinances before bringing your four-legged friends.
