College Park MarylandBEACHES & WATERFRONT ESCAPES
Listed below are the best beaches and waterfront escapes near College Park, Maryland.
1. Lake Artemesia
SCENIC LAKESIDE TRAILS
Lake Artemesia offers a peaceful retreat with its lakeside walking and biking trails, ideal for birdwatching and nature photography. The lake's tranquil setting is popular among locals for picnics, fishing, and relaxing by the water. It serves as one of College Park's top spots for lakeside recreation and outdoor enjoyment.
2. Sandy Point State Park
CHESAPEAKE BAY BEACHFRONT
Sandy Point State Park features a wide sandy beach along the Chesapeake Bay, providing ample space for swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking. There are designated swimming areas with lifeguards during the summer season, making it a safe spot for families. Its scenic views of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge and convenient amenities make it a favored waterfront escape near College Park.
3. North Beach
BOARDWALK ON THE BAY
North Beach boasts a charming boardwalk and a sandy beach overlooking the Chesapeake Bay, drawing visitors for swimming, sunbathing, and waterfront strolls. The beach is complemented by shops, restaurants, and a fishing pier, creating a lively atmosphere. Its family-friendly vibe and event calendar add to its appeal as a bayside destination.
4. Chesapeake Beach
HISTORIC SEASIDE RESORT
Chesapeake Beach combines rich history with modern amenities, featuring swimming, boating, and a scenic railway trail. The town's waterfront is lined with marinas, restaurants, and a water park, making it a versatile destination. Its relaxed resort-town atmosphere continues to attract visitors seeking a Chesapeake Bay getaway.
5. Gunpowder Falls State Park (Hammerman Beach)
RIVERFRONT SWIMMING BEACH
Hammerman Beach at Gunpowder Falls State Park offers a sandy stretch along the Gunpowder River, ideal for swimming and picnicking. The park features nature trails, picnic areas, and playgrounds, making it a popular summer spot for families. Its clean riverfront waters and large recreational area provide a classic Maryland beach experience close to the city.
6. Assateague Island National Seashore
WILD OCEANFRONT BEACHES
Assateague Island National Seashore is famous for its pristine Atlantic Ocean beaches, wild horses, and rolling sand dunes. Visitors enjoy swimming, surfing, and wildlife viewing, surrounded by unspoiled natural beauty. The island's unique environment and abundant recreation offer an unforgettable coastal escape.
7. Ocean City Beach
CLASSIC ATLANTIC SEASIDE
Ocean City Beach stretches for miles along the Atlantic, offering sun, sand, and classic boardwalk attractions. This lively destination is known for its swimming, water sports, and family-friendly amusements. Its vibrant seaside energy and variety of activities make it one of Maryland's most iconic oceanfront beaches.
8. Calvert Cliffs State Park
FOSSIL BEACH ADVENTURE
Calvert Cliffs State Park features a sandy beach along the Chesapeake Bay, known for its accessible fossil hunting and tranquil waters. The park's trails lead visitors through forests and wetlands to a quiet bayfront escape. It's a unique spot where families can swim and discover prehistoric shark teeth and shells along the shore.
9. Elk Neck State Park
CLIFFS AND BAY VIEWS
Elk Neck State Park is set where forested cliffs meet the Chesapeake Bay, offering scenic beaches, hiking, and boating. The park's Turkey Point Lighthouse overlooks dramatic views across the bay, drawing outdoor enthusiasts. Its combination of woodland, shoreline, and panoramic vistas make it a memorable Maryland waterfront destination.
10. Blairs Valley Lake
MOUNTAIN LAKE HIDEAWAY
Blairs Valley Lake provides a peaceful lakeside setting for swimming, kayaking, and fishing in the foothills of western Maryland. The area is valued for its quiet beauty, clear waters, and mountain views. It's a hidden gem ideal for those seeking a tranquil lakeside escape from the city.