Pittsville MarylandBEACHES & WATERFRONT ESCAPES
Listed below are the best beaches and waterfront escapes near Pittsville, Maryland.
1. Ocean City Beach
CLASSIC SEASIDE FUN
Ocean City Beach offers a vibrant oceanfront experience with nearly three miles of sandy shoreline along the Atlantic Ocean. Visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and various water activities during warmer months. The beach is complemented by the famous Ocean City Boardwalk, which features food, shopping, and entertainment options for all ages.
2. Assateague State Park
WILD HORSES AND WAVES
Assateague State Park is Maryland's only oceanfront park, known for its pristine beaches and famous wild horses that roam freely. Visitors can swim in the Atlantic Ocean, hike scenic trails, or camp overnight with views of the shoreline. The park offers a unique natural experience where wildlife and beach activities combine for an unforgettable visit.
3. Assateague Island National Seashore
UNTAMED COASTAL WILDERNESS
Assateague Island National Seashore features over 37 miles of pristine barrier island with undeveloped beaches perfect for swimming and beachcombing. The national seashore is home to diverse wildlife including the famous wild ponies that have adapted to the harsh coastal environment. Visitors can enjoy camping, kayaking, clamming, and bird watching in this protected natural sanctuary.
4. North Beach
CHESAPEAKE BAY GEM
North Beach offers a charming waterfront experience on the western shore of the Chesapeake Bay. The family-friendly beach features clean sands, shallow swimming areas, and a half-mile boardwalk with scenic views. Visitors can enjoy fishing from the pier, collecting sea glass, or exploring the quaint town's shops and restaurants just steps from the shore.
5. Pocomoke River State Park
CYPRESS FOREST RETREAT
Pocomoke River State Park offers a unique riverside experience along one of America's most pristine blackwater rivers. The park features swimming areas, boat launches, and fishing spots along the Pocomoke River, which flows through a beautiful cypress swamp. Visitors can also enjoy hiking trails, camping facilities, and opportunities to spot diverse wildlife in this tranquil natural setting.
6. Holts Landing Beach
TRANQUIL BAYSIDE ESCAPE
Holts Landing Beach provides a peaceful alternative to the ocean beaches with its location on the Indian River Bay. The beach offers calm waters ideal for families with small children and those looking for a quieter swimming experience. Visitors can enjoy picnicking, fishing, crabbing, and kayaking in this less-crowded natural area.
7. Sandy Point State Park
BAY BRIDGE BEACH HAVEN
Sandy Point State Park features a large beach situated at the western end of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge with stunning views of the bay and bridge. The park offers swimming beaches with lifeguards during summer months, boat rentals, and fishing opportunities. Visitors can also enjoy picnic areas, hiking trails, and wildlife observation in this accessible waterfront park near Annapolis.
8. Gunpowder Falls State Park, Hammerman Beach
RIVERSIDE SWIMMING AREA
Hammerman Beach at Gunpowder Falls State Park offers a freshwater swimming experience along the Gunpowder River as it flows into the Chesapeake Bay. The beach area features 1,500 feet of swimming shoreline with lifeguards on duty during summer months and separate areas for swimming and fishing. Visitors can also enjoy picnicking, hiking, canoeing, and kayaking at this popular outdoor recreation destination.
9. Chesapeake Beach
HISTORIC WATERFRONT TOWN
Chesapeake Beach offers a charming bayside experience with its public beach area and waterfront attractions on the western shore of the Chesapeake Bay. Visitors can swim in designated areas, stroll along the boardwalk, or fish from the public fishing pier. The town combines beach activities with historical charm, featuring a railway museum that celebrates its past as a popular resort destination.
10. Northside Park
FAMILY-FRIENDLY BAYSIDE RECREATION
Northside Park offers a beautiful waterfront experience with a fishing pier and equipment rentals to explore the bay. The park features walking paths perfect for strollers, bikes, and scooters alongside scenic waterviews. Beyond water activities, visitors can enjoy a giant playground, special events like Sundae's in the Park during summer, and the famous Winterfest of Lights during the holiday season.