Glenarden MarylandBEACHES & WATERFRONT ESCAPES
Listed below are the best beaches and waterfront escapes near Glenarden, Maryland.
1. Ocean City Beach
ICONIC MARYLAND BEACH DESTINATION
Ocean City Beach is Maryland's premier oceanfront destination featuring a vibrant boardwalk and miles of sandy shoreline. Visitors can enjoy swimming in the Atlantic Ocean, sunbathing, and participating in various water sports throughout the summer season. The beach is complemented by numerous restaurants, shops, and entertainment options that line the famous boardwalk.
2. Assateague Island National Seashore
WILD HORSES AND BEACHES
Assateague Island National Seashore offers a unique beach experience where wild horses roam freely along pristine shorelines. The protected barrier island features undeveloped beaches perfect for swimming, surfing, and shell collecting away from commercial development. Visitors can also enjoy camping, kayaking, and wildlife viewing in this natural sanctuary.
3. Sandy Point State Park
CHESAPEAKE BAY SWIMMING
Sandy Point State Park provides a scenic beach setting on the northwestern shore of the Chesapeake Bay. The park features swimming beaches with lifeguards during summer months, fishing areas, and boat ramps for water access. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the Bay Bridge while picnicking or relaxing on the sandy shores.
4. North Beach
CHARMING BAYSIDE TOWN
North Beach offers a family-friendly waterfront experience on the western shore of the Chesapeake Bay. The town features a half-mile long boardwalk, a fishing pier, and a public beach area for swimming and relaxation. Visitors can explore nearby shops, restaurants, and attend seasonal events that make this small beach town a delightful getaway.
5. Gunpowder Falls State Park, Hammerman Beach
RIVERSIDE BEACH RETREAT
Hammerman Beach at Gunpowder Falls State Park offers a freshwater swimming experience along the Gunpowder River. The beach area includes a 1,500-foot swimming beach with lifeguards, picnic facilities, and playgrounds for family enjoyment. Visitors can also explore hiking trails, rent canoes or kayaks, and enjoy fishing in this diverse natural setting.
6. Elm's Beach Park
SOUTHERN MARYLAND SHORELINE
Elm's Beach Park provides a peaceful Chesapeake Bay beach experience in Southern Maryland. The park features a sandy shoreline ideal for swimming, picnic areas with grills, and stunning views of the bay. Nature enthusiasts can enjoy bird watching and exploring the natural surroundings while escaping the crowds of more commercial beaches.
7. Dewey Beach
VIBRANT COASTAL GETAWAY
Dewey Beach is a popular destination located on a narrow strip of land between the Atlantic Ocean and Rehoboth Bay. The beach town is known for its clean, wide sandy beaches, vibrant nightlife, and family-friendly atmosphere during daytime hours. Visitors can enjoy water sports, dining options ranging from casual to upscale, and a dog-friendly beach policy during morning and evening hours.
8. Rehoboth Beach
PREMIER BOARDWALK DESTINATION
Rehoboth Beach is renowned for having one of the best boardwalks in the nation, complemented by pristine Atlantic Ocean beaches. Visitors can enjoy the popular Rehoboth Beach Bandstand Summer Concert Series, diverse shopping options, and excellent dining experiences. The nearby Dogfish Head brewery adds to the appeal of this classic beach destination.
9. Chesapeake Beach
HISTORIC RAILWAY TOWN
Chesapeake Beach combines historical charm with waterfront recreation along the western shore of the Chesapeake Bay. Visitors can explore the Chesapeake Beach Railway Trail, visit the Railway Museum, and enjoy various water activities including charter fishing. The town also features a municipal water park, making it a versatile destination for different water experiences.
10. Calvert Cliffs State Park
FOSSIL HUNTING BEACH
Calvert Cliffs State Park offers a unique beach experience where visitors can hunt for prehistoric fossils along the shoreline of the Chesapeake Bay. The park features a scenic hiking trail that leads to a small beach area nestled beneath towering cliffs that date back millions of years. Visitors can swim in designated areas, enjoy picnicking, and potentially discover shark teeth and other marine fossils that regularly erode from the cliffs.