Beaches in Maryland – Atlantic Coastline, Bay Beaches & Family-Friendly Boardwalk Fun

Maryland offers a wonderful mix of Atlantic Ocean beaches, Chesapeake Bay swimming areas, peaceful nature preserves, vibrant boardwalks, and scenic coastal parks. From the iconic energy of Ocean City to the wild shores of Assateague Island, and the calm bay beaches near Annapolis and Southern Maryland, the beaches in Maryland cater to families, nature lovers, beach walkers, and anyone seeking a summer escape.

Why Visit Beaches in Maryland?

  • Beautiful Atlantic beaches with warm summer water
  • Wild horses & coastal dunes on Assateague Island
  • Family-friendly boardwalks & amusement rides
  • Calm Chesapeake Bay beaches perfect for kids
  • Great fishing, crabbing & boating
  • Easy access from Baltimore, DC & Pennsylvania

Best Beaches in Maryland

From the Atlantic coastline to peaceful bayfront areas, these are Maryland’s standout beaches:

Ocean City Beach & Boardwalk

Maryland’s most famous beach — a lively boardwalk, amusement rides, arcades, restaurants & a wide sandy shoreline.

Assateague Island National Seashore

Beautiful, untouched barrier island with wild horses, dunes, and wide sandy beaches perfect for nature lovers.

Sandy Point State Park (Annapolis)

A calm Chesapeake Bay beach with views of the Bay Bridge — great for families, picnics & swimming.

North Beach & Chesapeake Beach

Picturesque bayfront boardwalks with calm water, perfect for walking, dining & sunsets.

Point Lookout State Park

Historic Civil War site with peaceful beaches, fishing, camping & beautiful water views.

Things to Do at Maryland Beaches

  • Walk the Ocean City Boardwalk
  • See wild horses on Assateague Island
  • Swim or picnic at Sandy Point State Park
  • Go fishing, crabbing & boating along the bay
  • Rent kayaks or paddleboards
  • Enjoy amusement parks & mini-golf in Ocean City
  • Watch sunrises over the Atlantic & sunsets on the bay
  • Visit coastal nature trails & birdwatching areas

Where to Stay Near Maryland’s Best Beaches

Ocean City

  • Beachfront hotels & family resorts
  • Best for boardwalk access & entertainment

Assateague / Berlin

  • Nature lodges, quiet rentals & camping

Annapolis / Chesapeake Bay

  • Hotels with bay views & easy water access

Southern Maryland

  • Cabins & waterfront inns near Point Lookout

Best Time to Visit Maryland Beaches

Season Highlights
Summer (June–Aug) Warmest water, best swimming & boardwalk events
Fall (Sept–Oct) Warm water early fall, fewer crowds & great weather
Spring (Apr–May) Mild temps & beautiful nature blooming
Winter Quiet walks & off-season boardwalk views

🌡️ Maryland Beach Water Temperatures

  • Summer: 72–78°F
  • Fall: 68–74°F
  • Spring: 55–65°F
  • Winter: 40–50°F

🚗 How to Get to Maryland’s Beaches

✈️ By Air

  • BWI Airport (for Chesapeake & Bay beaches)
  • Salisbury Regional (closest to Ocean City)
  • Reagan & Dulles Airports (for western Maryland travelers)

🚗 By Car

  • US-50 → Ocean City
  • Route 611 → Assateague
  • Route 2 → Sandy Point
  • Route 4 → Chesapeake Beach

🐶 Dog-Friendly Beaches in Maryland

  • Assateague Island: very dog-friendly in many areas
  • North Beach: seasonal dog rules
  • Bayfront parks near Annapolis: some dog-access areas
  • Point Lookout: specific pet-friendly sections

What to Pack for Maryland Beaches

  • Sunscreen & light beachwear
  • Beach umbrella or tent
  • Cooler for hot summer days
  • Bug spray (especially near bay areas)
  • Flip-flops & water shoes

⭐ Best Maryland Beaches by Category

Best for Families

  • Ocean City Beach
  • Sandy Point State Park

Best for Nature Lovers

  • Assateague Island
  • Point Lookout

Best for Peace & Quiet

  • North Beach
  • Chesapeake Beach

FAQs About Maryland Beaches

What is the most popular beach in Maryland?

Ocean City Beach is the most visited and offers the biggest boardwalk attractions.

Where can you see wild horses?

Assateague Island is famous for its free-roaming wild horses.

Are Maryland beaches good for swimming?

Yes — water is warmest from late June through early September, especially in Ocean City.

Does Maryland have bay beaches?

Yes — the Chesapeake Bay has several calm beaches perfect for kids and picnics.

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