Barton MarylandBEST BEACHES & WATERFRONT ESCAPES
Listed below are the best beaches and waterfront escapes near Barton, Maryland.
1. Ocean City Beach
VIBRANT COASTAL PARADISE
Ocean City Beach offers miles of pristine sandy shoreline along Maryland's Atlantic coast. Visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and a variety of water activities while experiencing the lively boardwalk atmosphere. The beach is surrounded by numerous restaurants serving famous Maryland blue crab and offers entertainment options for all ages.
2. Sandy Point State Park
BAY VIEWS AND RECREATION
Sandy Point State Park spans 768 acres along the Chesapeake Bay and offers spectacular views of the Bay Bridge. Visitors can swim in designated areas, hike scenic trails, fish, crab, or launch boats from the marina facilities. The park hosts the Annual Maryland Seafood Festival every September, making it a cultural hub as well as a natural escape.
3. Flag Ponds Nature Park
FOSSIL HUNTING PARADISE
Flag Ponds Nature Park features a beautiful sandy beach along the Chesapeake Bay where visitors can hunt for prehistoric shark teeth and fossils. The park showcases diverse ecosystems including freshwater ponds and forested areas near the famous Calvert Cliffs. Nature enthusiasts can observe how natural forces continue to shape this unique shoreline over time.
4. Elm's Beach Park
PEACEFUL CHESAPEAKE GETAWAY
Elm's Beach Park offers over 500 feet of wide, sandy shoreline along the picturesque Chesapeake Bay. Families can enjoy picnicking, playground facilities, fishing, and crabbing directly from the shore. Its proximity to Historic St. Mary's City makes it an ideal stop for a peaceful day trip or weekend escape.
5. Deep Creek Lake
MOUNTAIN LAKE RETREAT
Deep Creek Lake is Maryland's largest freshwater lake, offering 69 miles of shoreline nestled in the mountains of Western Maryland. Visitors can enjoy swimming, boating, fishing, and water sports during summer months, while winter brings opportunities for nearby skiing. The surrounding area features numerous rental properties, restaurants, and attractions that make it a year-round destination.
6. Chesapeake Beach
HISTORIC BAYSIDE TOWN
Chesapeake Beach combines small-town charm with beautiful bayfront access along Maryland's western shore. Visitors can enjoy the public beach, fishing opportunities, and walking trails with panoramic water views. The town's rich history as a resort destination is preserved alongside modern amenities and dining options featuring fresh seafood.
7. Assateague Island National Seashore
WILD HORSES AND WAVES
Assateague Island National Seashore offers pristine beaches and natural beauty along with its famous wild horse population that roams freely across the island. Visitors can swim in the Atlantic Ocean, explore salt marshes, or camp under the stars with the sound of waves in the background. The undeveloped barrier island provides a stark contrast to nearby Ocean City with its focus on natural preservation.
8. Gunpowder Falls State Park
RIVER SWIMMING SPOTS
Gunpowder Falls State Park encompasses multiple areas including popular swimming spots along the Gunpowder River. The Hammerman Area features a beach on the Gunpowder River with lifeguards during summer months, picnic facilities, and kayak rentals. Visitors can also enjoy hiking trails that follow the river, offering scenic views and additional swimming holes throughout the park.
9. Rocky Gap State Park
MOUNTAIN LAKE OASIS
Rocky Gap State Park features a 243-acre lake surrounded by mountains in Western Maryland, not far from Barton. Visitors can enjoy the beach area with swimming access, boating opportunities, and fishing for various species including bass and trout. The park also offers camping, hiking trails, and is adjacent to Rocky Gap Casino Resort for additional entertainment options.
10. Greenbrier State Park
FRESHWATER LAKE RETREAT
Greenbrier State Park centers around a 42-acre man-made lake with a 300-foot sandy beach nestled in the Appalachian Mountains. Visitors can swim in the refreshing mountain water, rent boats, or fish for trout, bass, and bluegill. The park connects to the Appalachian Trail and offers numerous hiking opportunities through forests and along scenic overlooks.