La Plata MarylandBEACHES & WATERFRONT ESCAPES
Listed below are the best beaches and waterfront escapes near La Plata, Maryland.
1. La Plata Beach
CAMPUS RECREATION SPOT
La Plata Beach is a recreational area located directly across from the Eppley Recreation Center at the University of Maryland. This space, commonly referred to as 'The Beach,' offers free play activities like pick-up soccer and volleyball games, as well as special events. It serves as one of the few outdoor spaces on the north side of campus, allowing for both active and passive recreation opportunities.
2. Chapel Point State Park
SCENIC POTOMAC TRIBUTARY
Chapel Point State Park is an undeveloped multi-use park that features a beautiful waterfront on the Port Tobacco River. The park offers visitors access to a tributary of the Potomac River for various water activities. Its natural setting makes it an ideal spot for those seeking a peaceful waterfront experience near La Plata.
3. Breezy Point Beach & Campground
CHESAPEAKE BAY GETAWAY
Breezy Point Beach & Campground is one of Calvert County's favorite attractions, situated at the heart of the Chesapeake Bay. The half-mile sandy beach features gentle surf, a 200-foot fishing and crabbing pier, and a netted swimming area for safer water enjoyment. Additional amenities include shaded picnic areas, charcoal grills, a playground for children, restrooms, and outdoor showers.
4. La Plata Beaches in Vieques
PRISTINE CARIBBEAN ESCAPE
La Plata Beach in Vieques, Puerto Rico is a secluded, remote beach known for its pristine beauty and unspoiled environment. The beach offers visitors a clean, natural setting free from commercial development, with no services, restrooms, food vendors, or rental facilities. This untouched quality makes it perfect for travelers seeking an authentic, undisturbed coastal experience.
5. Laurel Springs Park
FAMILY-FRIENDLY RECREATION AREA
Laurel Springs Park is a popular recreational area in La Plata, Maryland featuring playground facilities for children. The park is known for its varied amenities and is particularly enjoyable when visited in the morning hours when it's less crowded. Families, especially those with grandchildren, appreciate this well-maintained park for its family-friendly atmosphere.
6. Gilbert Run Park
LAKESIDE NATURAL RETREAT
Gilbert Run Park offers a peaceful lakeside setting near La Plata in Charles County, Maryland. The park features a 60-acre freshwater lake surrounded by wooded areas, perfect for fishing, boating, and picnicking. Visitors can enjoy hiking trails, playgrounds, and the natural beauty of this tranquil recreational area.
7. North Point State Park
HISTORIC CHESAPEAKE SHORELINE
North Point State Park is a 1,310-acre bay-front park featuring the restored trolley station from the Bay Shore Amusement Park. The park offers a small beach area, fishing opportunities, scenic trails, and picnic facilities along the Chesapeake Bay. Visitors can enjoy the historical aspects of the park while taking in beautiful water views and accessing various recreational activities.
8. Sandy Point State Park
PREMIER CHESAPEAKE BAY BEACH
Sandy Point State Park is a popular destination featuring a large public beach on the northwestern shore of the Chesapeake Bay. The park offers swimming, fishing, crabbing, boating, and picnicking with spectacular views of the Bay Bridge. Its accessible location makes it a favorite summer destination for families seeking waterfront recreation near the state capital.
9. Elk Neck State Park
THREE WATERFRONT EXPERIENCES
Elk Neck State Park sits on a peninsula where the Elk River meets the Chesapeake Bay, offering three distinct water experiences. The park features swimming beaches, boating access, and fishing opportunities on both the river and bay sides. Visitors can also enjoy camping, hiking to the historic Turkey Point Lighthouse, and exploring diverse ecosystems where forest meets shoreline.
10. Calvert Cliffs State Park
FOSSIL HUNTING BEACH
Calvert Cliffs State Park features a small beach area at the base of striking cliffs that are famous for fossil hunting along the Chesapeake Bay. Visitors can search for prehistoric shark teeth, shells, and other fossils that regularly wash up on the shoreline from the 10-20 million-year-old cliffs. The park requires a scenic 1.8-mile hike through woodlands to reach the beach, adding to the natural experience.