Maryland offers a diverse array of beautiful free beaches perfect for a Maryland road trip. Whether you’re planning a quick getaway from Baltimore or a longer exploration, these beaches provide stunning views and a range of activities. Here are the top 10 free beaches in Maryland, sorted by their distance from Baltimore.
1. Gunpowder Falls State Park: Hammerman Area
- City: Middle River
- County: Baltimore County
- Distance from Baltimore: 20 miles
Gunpowder Falls State Park’s Hammerman Area is a favorite for locals. The sandy beach along the Gunpowder River is perfect for swimming, picnicking, and water activities. The park also offers hiking trails and picnic facilities.
2. Rocky Point Beach and Park
- City: Essex
- County: Baltimore County
- Distance from Baltimore: 22 miles
Rocky Point Beach and Park provides a sandy beach with a great view of the Chesapeake Bay. Visitors can enjoy swimming, picnicking, and playgrounds. It’s a perfect spot for families looking for a fun day out.
3. Sandy Point State Park
- City: Annapolis
- County: Anne Arundel County
- Distance from Baltimore: 35 miles
Sandy Point State Park offers a beautiful beach on the Chesapeake Bay with stunning views of the Bay Bridge. Ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking, the park also has facilities for fishing and boating.
4. North Point State Park
- City: Edgemere
- County: Baltimore County
- Distance from Baltimore: 16 miles
North Point State Park features a serene beach along the Chesapeake Bay. It’s great for swimming, fishing, and picnicking. The park also offers historic remnants and scenic trails, making it an interesting spot to explore.
5. Matapeake Beach
- City: Stevensville
- County: Queen Anne’s County
- Distance from Baltimore: 46 miles
Matapeake Beach on Kent Island is a dog-friendly beach with picnic spots and scenic views of the Chesapeake Bay. It’s an excellent place to relax, swim, and enjoy the natural surroundings.
6. Carrs Beach
- City: Annapolis
- County: Anne Arundel County
- Distance from Baltimore: 32 miles
Carrs Beach near Annapolis offers a historical site with a rich cultural heritage. While not as commercialized, it provides a quiet spot for relaxation and enjoying the waters of the Chesapeake Bay.
7. Elk Neck State Park
- City: North East
- County: Cecil County
- Distance from Baltimore: 60 miles
Elk Neck State Park features a beach at the headwaters of the Chesapeake Bay. Known for its stunning cliffs, hiking trails, and the historic Turkey Point Lighthouse, the beach area is perfect for swimming and picnicking.
8. Betterton Beach
- City: Betterton
- County: Kent County
- Distance from Baltimore: 72 miles
Betterton Beach offers a wide sandy beach with beautiful views of the Sassafras River and Chesapeake Bay. It’s a family-friendly beach with picnic areas, playgrounds, and restrooms.
9. Point Lookout State Park
- City: Scotland
- County: St. Mary’s County
- Distance from Baltimore: 95 miles
Point Lookout State Park, located at the southern tip of Maryland’s western shore, offers beaches on both the Chesapeake Bay and the Potomac River. It’s an excellent spot for swimming, fishing, and exploring Civil War history.
10. Assateague Island National Seashore
- City: Berlin
- County: Worcester County
- Distance from Baltimore: 140 miles
Assateague Island National Seashore is famous for its wild horses and pristine beaches. The island offers a perfect blend of swimming, sunbathing, and nature exploration. It’s a bit farther from Baltimore, but well worth the trip.
These free beaches in Maryland offer a variety of activities and beautiful scenery, making them perfect destinations for Maryland road trips. Whether you’re looking for a quick getaway from Baltimore or planning a longer adventure, these beaches provide the ideal spots to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of Maryland.
