Bel Air MarylandBEST BEACHES & WATERFRONT ESCAPES
Listed below are the best beaches and waterfront escapes near Bel Air, Maryland.
1. Gunpowder Falls State Park: Hammerman Area
CHESAPEAKE BAY BEACHFRONT
Gunpowder Falls State Park: Hammerman Area offers a popular sandy swimming beach along the shores of the Chesapeake Bay. Visitors enjoy picnic areas, hiking trails, and a variety of water activities including swimming, kayaking, and fishing. The Hammerman Area is ideal for families seeking a classic beach day close to Bel Air.
2. Miami Beach Park
FAMILY-FRIENDLY LAKEFRONT
Miami Beach Park is a picturesque waterfront destination located along the Middle River with a sandy beach for swimming and sunbathing. The park features gentle waters ideal for young swimmers and a relaxing picnic spot for families. It is a convenient and accessible escape from the Bel Air area.
3. Sandy Point State Park
BAY SWIMMING AND SUN
Sandy Point State Park is known for its expansive sandy beaches along the Chesapeake Bay offering beautiful views of the iconic Bay Bridge. Visitors can swim, picnic, and enjoy boating or fishing in a lively, well-maintained atmosphere. It's a very popular summer getaway for residents of central Maryland, including those in Bel Air.
4. Betterton Beach
TRANQUIL RIVERFRONT RETREAT
Betterton Beach is a peaceful riverside beach located on the banks of the Sassafras River where it meets the Chesapeake Bay. The beach offers calm swimming waters, shaded picnic areas, and scenic views ideal for a relaxing day trip. This lesser-known spot is a favorite for those seeking a quieter waterside experience.
5. Chesapeake Beach
HISTORIC BAY BOARDWALK
Chesapeake Beach features a sandy shoreline, public boardwalk, and marina along the western shore of the Chesapeake Bay. The town offers swimming spots, waterfront dining, and plenty of family-friendly attractions. It brings together historic charm and modern amenities for a full day on the bay.
6. Tolchester Beach
CLASSIC CHESAPEAKE ESCAPE
Tolchester Beach is a historic waterfront area along the Chesapeake Bay, once famous as a Victorian-era resort. Today, it offers sandy beach areas, a marina, and impressive sunset views across the bay. It's a unique blend of local history and natural beauty, well-suited for quiet waterfront enjoyment.
7. Echo Hill Camp Beach
PRIVATE BAY SWIMMING
Echo Hill Camp Beach provides a serene, natural setting on the Chesapeake Bay and is best known for its summer camp environment. While access is typically reserved for campers, special events sometimes offer public swimming and waterfront activities. Its rustic lakeside charm and gentle shoreline make it memorable.
8. Ocean City Beach
MARYLAND'S OCEANFRONT ICON
Ocean City Beach is Maryland's premier oceanfront destination, famous for its wide sandy beaches and lively boardwalk. Visitors can swim, surf, and enjoy a variety of entertainment from amusement parks to classic beachfront eateries. The resort atmosphere draws visitors from all over the state, including Bel Air.
9. North Beach
CHESAPEAKE BAY BOARDWALK
North Beach offers a charming small-town boardwalk and a groomed sandy beach on the Chesapeake Bay's western shore. The beach is family-friendly, with swimming areas, a fishing pier, and beautiful waterfront promenade. It's a favorite for those looking for a classic bayfront experience close to home.
10. Ma and Pa Trail at Heavenly Waters Park
RIVERSIDE WALKING AND WADING
Ma and Pa Trail at Heavenly Waters Park provides a scenic riverside escape right in Bel Air, following along the banks of Winters Run. While the area is best known for walking and biking, shallow spots along the trail let visitors wade and cool off in the stream. It is an easy-access, nature-filled option for families or solo adventurers.