Brunswick MarylandBEACHES & WATERFRONT ESCAPES
Listed below are the best beaches and waterfront escapes near Brunswick, Maryland.
1. Greenbrier State Park
SCENIC MOUNTAIN LAKE RETREAT
Greenbrier State Park features a 42-acre man-made lake with a 1,000-foot sandy beach that offers swimming, fishing, and boating opportunities. Visitors can enjoy hiking trails through the forests of South Mountain, providing beautiful views of the surrounding landscape. The park also offers picnic areas, playgrounds, and camping facilities, making it perfect for day trips or extended stays.
2. Cunningham Falls State Park
CASCADING WATERFALL PARADISE
Cunningham Falls State Park is home to Maryland's largest cascading waterfall, offering visitors a refreshing natural swimming experience at its base during summer months. The park features a 43-acre man-made lake with a sandy beach area perfect for swimming and sunbathing. Hiking trails throughout the park lead to scenic overlooks, including the popular Falls Trail that takes visitors directly to the 78-foot waterfall.
3. Water Mine Family Swimmin' Hole
WILD WEST WATER PARK
The Water Mine Family Swimmin' Hole is a western-themed water park featuring water slides, flumes, and a large activity pool for families to enjoy. Children can explore Pete's Peak, a play area with slides and water features, while adults relax in the lazy river that circles the park. The facility offers concessions, picnic areas, and rental cabanas for a full day of water fun.
4. Olney Manor Recreational Park
FAMILY-FRIENDLY AQUATIC CENTER
Olney Manor Recreational Park features a modern aquatic center with multiple swimming pools, water slides, and a splash pad for visitors of all ages. The facility includes both indoor and outdoor pools, allowing for year-round swimming opportunities regardless of weather. Beyond swimming, the park offers athletic fields, tennis courts, and a skate park for additional recreational activities.
5. Caledonia State Park
HISTORIC FOREST SWIMMING DESTINATION
Caledonia State Park offers visitors a refreshing outdoor pool nestled within the beautiful forest setting of South Mountain. The park's rich history includes ties to the iron industry and the Underground Railroad, with interpretive displays throughout the grounds. Hiking enthusiasts can access portions of the Appalachian Trail from within the park, while families enjoy picnicking and camping facilities.
6. Sandy Point State Park
CHESAPEAKE BAY BEACH PARADISE
Sandy Point State Park boasts a large sandy beach along the northwestern shore of the Chesapeake Bay, offering swimming, fishing, crabbing, and boating opportunities. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the Bay Bridge while relaxing on the beach or picnicking in designated areas throughout the park. The park's marina, boat rentals, and launch ramps make it a popular destination for water recreation enthusiasts throughout the summer season.
7. Potomac River at Brunswick
HISTORIC RIVER ACCESS POINT
The Potomac River at Brunswick provides access to one of America's most historic waterways with opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and canoeing. The Brunswick boat ramp and riverfront park area serve as popular launching points for water activities and riverside picnicking. Visitors can enjoy scenic views of the river while accessing the C&O Canal towpath that runs alongside the Potomac, offering miles of recreational trails.
8. Beverly-Triton Beach Park
SECLUDED CHESAPEAKE BAY GETAWAY
Beverly-Triton Beach Park offers visitors a peaceful shoreline experience along the Chesapeake Bay with swimming, beach combing, and nature observation opportunities. The park features hiking trails through wooded areas and wetlands, home to diverse wildlife and native plant species. Its relatively undeveloped setting provides a more natural beach experience compared to more commercialized waterfront destinations in the region.
9. Gambrill State Park
MOUNTAIN VISTA SWIMMING SPOT
Gambrill State Park sits atop the ridge of the Catoctin Mountains, offering swimming at its small lake during summer months alongside stunning panoramic views. The park features rustic stone pavilions built by the Civilian Conservation Corps, perfect for picnicking after a refreshing swim. Hikers can explore over 16 miles of trails through mountain forests, with three scenic overlooks providing views of the Frederick and Middletown Valleys.
10. Lafayette Recreation Center
URBAN AQUATIC FACILITY
Lafayette Recreation Center features an outdoor swimming pool complex with lap lanes, diving boards, and shallow areas for children and families. The center offers swimming lessons, water aerobics classes, and special events throughout the summer season. Additional recreational amenities include tennis courts, basketball courts, and playgrounds, making it a comprehensive community recreation destination.