Best Beaches in Maryland: Chesapeake Bay and Ocean
Updated November 2026
Maryland has two kinds of beaches: Atlantic Ocean beaches in Ocean City and on Assateague Island, about three hours from Baltimore, and calmer Chesapeake Bay beaches that are 20 minutes to an hour away. Bay beaches are smaller, with gentle water and views of boats and bridges; ocean beaches have surf, boardwalks and wide sand.
Ocean beaches
Ocean City
About 10 miles of public beach with a 3-mile boardwalk, amusements and a busy summer season. See our Ocean City guide and coastal living guide.
Assateague Island
Undeveloped barrier-island beaches with wild horses, managed by the National Park Service and Assateague State Park. Camping is popular, and reservations fill early.
Chesapeake Bay beaches near Baltimore and Annapolis
Sandy Point State Park, Annapolis
The best-known Bay beach, at the foot of the Bay Bridge, with lifeguards in summer, fishing and a boat launch.
Rocky Point Beach and Park, Essex
A Baltimore County park with a sandy Bay beach, picnic areas and a fishing pier in eastern Baltimore County.
Downs Park and Fort Smallwood Park, Pasadena
Anne Arundel County parks on the Bay, with shoreline trails, fishing and a dog beach at Downs Park.
North Beach and Chesapeake Beach, Calvert County
Small Bay towns with a boardwalk, a public beach and a water park, about an hour from Baltimore. Our coastal guide covers living there.
Calvert Cliffs State Park, Lusby
A wooded walk of about 1.8 miles leads to a beach known for fossil shark teeth.
Matapeake and Terrapin beaches, Kent Island
Quiet beaches with Bay Bridge views just across the bridge in Queen Anne’s County.
Elk Neck State Park, North East
Sandy beaches and bluffs at the top of the Bay in Cecil County.
Water quality and safety
Bay water quality varies after heavy rain. Check beach advisories on the Maryland Department of the Environment Healthy Beaches site before swimming, and watch for sea nettles (jellyfish) in the Bay in mid to late summer. At the ocean, swim near lifeguards and follow rip current warnings.
Living near the water
If you’d like to live close to the beach, start with our guides to coastal and beach towns, Pasadena, Severna Park and Annapolis. Waterfront homes come with extra questions about flood insurance, piers and critical area rules, so ask your agent early.
Frequently asked questions
What is the closest beach to Baltimore?
Rocky Point Beach in Essex and North Point State Park in Edgemere are about 25 to 30 minutes from downtown Baltimore. Sandy Point State Park near Annapolis is about 40 minutes away.
Can you swim in the Chesapeake Bay?
Yes, at many beaches, but check Maryland's beach advisories after heavy rain and watch for sea nettles in summer.
How far is Ocean City from Baltimore?
Ocean City is about 150 miles from Baltimore, roughly a three-hour drive across the Bay Bridge without heavy traffic.
Thinking about moving to Maryland?
Tell us what you love to do, and we’ll help you find the community that fits.
Sources: Maryland Department of Natural Resources; Maryland Department of the Environment; National Park Service, Assateague Island National Seashore; Baltimore County and Anne Arundel County recreation and parks departments. Hours, fees and conditions change, so check with each park or venue before you go.