8 Great Maryland Beaches

1 Assateague Island National Seashore

The white, sandy beaches here are home to Assateague’s famous herd of wild horses. The 37 miles of coastline offer a quiet retreat, and the island remains mostly undeveloped—you’ll need to book a hotel in Ocean City a few miles up the road, or book a camping spot at Assateague State Park—save for some convenient walking trails. You’ll enjoy other wildlife watching, with more than 300 species of bird that live on the island and great surf fishing. And did we mention the horses?

2 Ocean City

Best known for its iconic boardwalk, Ocean City draws more than eight million visitors each year and offers a bit of everything along the 10-mile strip of land cut between two bays and the Atlantic Ocean. Prime beach spots in front of the three-mile boardwalk provide easy access to shops and restaurants, but the northern beach areas leave more room for flying kites and playing beach volleyball. 

3 Sandy Point State Park

The beaches at Sandy Point State Park sit in the shadow of the western end of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge. It’s a great place to swim in the cool, calm bay waters. Lifeguards are posted during the summer, and there’s a bathhouse not far from the beach for showers. 

4 North Beach

This Calvert County town has gained popularity thanks to its walkability and welcoming small town feel. The seven-block waterfront area has a boardwalk and a fishing pier, and the calendar is packed with fun community events like movies, performances or beach campfires in the evenings. There's a farmer’s market on Friday night that sells produce, local wine and seafood, and more!

5 Gunpowder Falls State Park - Hammerman Beach, Baltimore County

The Hammerman area of this large state park has a popular beach and swimming area—get there early to make sure you get a great spot. There’s a concession stand, small boat launch and a place to rent kayaks and paddleboards, too. Look across the broad Gunpowder River toward the south where it empties into the Chesapeake Bay, or take refuge from the sun under one of the trees just a few yards from the sand. 

Note: there are many areas of this state park—call ahead for directions to the Hammerman area to ensure you discover this great beach.

6 Oregon Ridge Beach

It’s beach-meets-classic-swimmin’-hole at this spring-fed former-quarry. Surrounded by the beautiful, wooded Oregon Ridge Park with its own nature center, Oregon Ridge Beach has lifeguards on duty and plenty of great amenities including grills and picnic tables for the perfect summer cookout.

7 Deep Creek Lake

The ocean is great, but there’s plenty of summertime fun on the mountain side of Maryland. The clean, crisp waters of Deep Creek Lake are an oasis away from all the hustle and bustle. Camp out under the stars, rent a secluded cabin, pamper yourself at a luxury resort, or choose a vacation home and bring the whole extended family and start a summer tradition. Fish, hike, kayak or even jetski at Deep Creek—the possibilities run as deep as the waters.

8 Cunningham Falls State Park

In the Catoctin Mountains near Thurmont, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources sets aside three designated swimming areas in Hunting Creek Lake. Each summer, visitors flock to the waterside for picnics or even to camp out overnight. Be sure to stop by the 78-foot waterfall for which the park is named; it’s spectacular—and the state’s largest.