5 Beaches In Maryland To Visit This Summer

MARYLAND — Whether you want a boardwalk experience in Ocean City or kayaking near the Gunpowder River, Maryland offers a variety of beaches.

The Free State has 3,100 miles of shoreline and beaches featuring different types of activities.

Here are a handful around the state:

Deep Creek Lake, Western Maryland

Located in Garrett County, Deep Creek has 69 miles of shoreline and is the largest manmade lake in Maryland. Among the attractions are whitewater rafting and Deep Creek Fun Zone. Within Deep Creek Lake State Park are two swimming beaches, 20 miles of hiking and biking areas and a campground with more than 100 campsites. Additional state parks and farms are some of the dozens of activities in the area. The beaches are open 8 a.m. to sunset, and lifeguards are typically on duty from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

Deep Creek Lake State Park is at 898 State Park Rd, Swanton, MD 21561. Admission is $3 per person and $5 per person if not Maryland residents, from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

Gunpowder Falls State Park, Central Maryland

The Hammerman Beach area in Gunpowder Falls State Park in Baltimore County features a 1,500-foot beach for swimming as well as a bathhouse for changing. Pavilions, a concession stand, boat launch and playground are also available. People can rent canoes, kayaks and sailboats.

Lifeguards are on duty from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend from Tuesday to Sunday. People can swim at their own risk when lifeguards are not on duty, and call the Gunpowder Hammerman area at 410-592-2897 to confirm lifeguard hours.

The Hammerman area is at 7200 Graces Quarters Rd., Middle River, MD 21220. Admission is $5 per person on weekends and holidays and $3 per person on weekdays. The cost is $7 and $5, respectively, for non-Maryland residents on weekends and weekdays.

North Beach, Southern Maryland

A one-hour trip from Baltimore, this Calvert County town offers a boardwalk and the feel of a quick getaway. Visitors have to buy tickets to visit North Beach in Calvert County. Prices range from $6 to $25 based on residency and date.

Chesapeake Beach offers charter fishing and public boat ramps.

The Chesapeake Beach Water Park is opening for the season Monday, May 31, offering water slides, pools and other aquatic attractions. Reservations are required.

Ocean City, Eastern Maryland

This Eastern Shore destination has 10 miles of beach plus activities galore.

Beaches are free and open from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Here are 100 free things to do in Ocean City, courtesy of the town's tourism officials.

People can walk the boardwalk and check out arcades, the Ferris wheel, carousel, rollercoaster and more. Parasailing, fishing, nightlife and dining round out the offerings.

It's also a 15-minute drive from Assateague Island National Seashore.

Sandy Point State Park, South-Central Maryland

Swim against the backdrop of the Bay Bridge at this state park in Anne Arundel County. People can also go fishing and hiking there. Playgrounds, pavilions and boating round out the 786-acre state park.

The park is open from 7 a.m. to dusk, year-round. Admission is $5 per person weekends and holidays and $4 per person weekdays.

Sandy Point State Park is at 1100 East College Parkway, Annapolis, MD 21409.

See more Maryland beaches from the Maryland Office of Tourism.

Did we miss your favorite beach in Maryland? Tell us in the comments!

See Also:

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• Mask Mandates Around Maryland And Beyond This Memorial Day 2021