Secretary MarylandBEACHES & WATERFRONT ESCAPES
Listed below are the best beaches and waterfront escapes near Secretary, Maryland.
1. Bill Burton Fishing Pier State Park
FISHING AND BAY VIEWS
Bill Burton Fishing Pier State Park offers visitors excellent fishing opportunities along with stunning views of the Chesapeake Bay. The park features a long pier extending into the water, making it ideal for anglers of all skill levels to catch various fish species. Visitors can also enjoy picnicking areas and watch boats sailing by on the bay.
2. Neild Museum and Herb Garden
HISTORY AND BOTANICAL BEAUTY
Neild Museum and Herb Garden combines history and nature in a serene setting near Secretary, Maryland. The museum houses local artifacts while the adjacent herb garden showcases a variety of aromatic and medicinal plants native to the region. Visitors can take guided tours to learn about the area's history and the traditional uses of the herbs on display.
3. Sandy Point State Park
BAY BEACH AND RECREATION
Sandy Point State Park features a beautiful bay beach with warm water and ample swimming space. The park offers gorgeous views of the Chesapeake Bay and the majestic Bay Bridge, with clean grounds and beach areas for visitors to enjoy. Amenities include plentiful picnic tables, grills, and parking facilities, making it an ideal day trip destination.
4. Carr's Beach Park
HISTORIC WATERFRONT LEGACY
Carr's Beach Park preserves the legacy of a historically significant waterfront property once known as 'the Beach' that served the Black community during segregation. The beach was a prominent music venue in the 1940s-60s, hosting legendary performers like Chuck Berry, The Temptations, and Billie Holiday. Now a public park, it offers visitors a chance to experience both natural beauty and important cultural history on the Chesapeake Bay.
5. Matapeake Beach and Park
SERENE BAY SWIMMING
Matapeake Beach and Park offers a quieter alternative to the more crowded beaches in the area with its pristine shoreline on the Chesapeake Bay. Visitors can enjoy swimming in the calm waters, scenic hiking trails, and spectacular views of the Bay Bridge from the sandy beach. The park also features a historic clubhouse, fishing pier, and dog beach, making it perfect for family outings.
6. Assateague Island National Seashore
WILD HORSES AND WAVES
Assateague Island National Seashore is famous for its population of wild horses that roam freely along pristine beaches and coastal habitats. The park features over 37 miles of untouched shoreline where visitors can swim, surf, and beachcomb in a natural setting. Camping options allow for multi-day stays to experience the island's unique ecosystem, including maritime forests, salt marshes, and coastal bays.
7. Tuckahoe State Park
LAKE RECREATION AND NATURE
Tuckahoe State Park centers around a 60-acre lake that provides opportunities for swimming, fishing, and boating in a tranquil natural setting. The park encompasses over 3,800 acres of Maryland's Eastern Shore landscape, featuring hiking trails, campgrounds, and abundant wildlife viewing opportunities. Visitors can rent canoes and kayaks to explore the lake's shoreline and the adjacent Tuckahoe Creek.
8. Martinak State Park
RIVERSIDE RELAXATION SPOT
Martinak State Park sits at the confluence of the Choptank River and Watts Creek, offering waterfront recreation in a peaceful woodland setting. The park features a boat ramp, fishing areas, and nature trails that wind through hardwood forests and wetlands teeming with wildlife. Visitors can enjoy picnicking by the water, camping in well-maintained sites, or participating in the park's nature programs throughout the summer.
9. Janes Island State Park
COASTAL MARSHES AND BEACHES
Janes Island State Park encompasses over 2,900 acres of salt marsh, pristine beaches, and protected water trails ideal for paddling adventures. The park offers access to 30 miles of water trails that wind through the marshes, leading to secluded beaches on the Chesapeake Bay. Visitors can enjoy camping, fishing, crabbing, and bird watching while experiencing the diverse coastal ecosystem of Maryland's Eastern Shore.
10. Elk Neck State Park
BEACHES AND BAY VIEWS
Elk Neck State Park features the scenic Turkey Point Lighthouse overlooking the meeting point of the Chesapeake Bay and the Elk River. The park offers a sandy beach area for swimming, multiple camping options, and miles of hiking trails through diverse landscapes including wooded bluffs and shoreline. Visitors can enjoy panoramic water views from the 100-foot cliffs while exploring the park's 2,188 acres of natural beauty.