What are The Best Beaches Near Baltimore Maryland?

Baltimore's Best Beaches: A Guide to Sandy Escapes Near the City

While Baltimore is a vibrant port city, it's essential to note that there are no beaches within the city limits where swimming is permitted. However, Baltimore's strategic location provides easy access to a variety of fantastic Chesapeake Bay beaches and classic Atlantic Ocean resorts, all just a short drive away. Whether you're looking for a quick afternoon of sun and sand or a full-day ocean adventure, here is a guide to the best beaches near Baltimore.

Closest Chesapeake Bay Beaches:

For a quick and easy beach day without the long drive to the ocean, these state parks on the Chesapeake Bay are your best bet.

1. Sandy Point State Park (Annapolis, MD):
   • The Beach: This is arguably the most popular and convenient beach for Baltimoreans. Located on the western side of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge, Sandy Point is a 786-acre park with a beautiful, lifeguarded swimming beach that offers stunning views of the iconic bridge.
   • Travel Time: Only about a 45-minute drive from downtown Baltimore.
   • What to Expect: In addition to swimming, the park offers opportunities for fishing, picnicking, and boating. It's the home of the famous Maryland Polar Bear Plunge, which benefits the Special Olympics.
2. Gunpowder Falls State Park - Hammerman Area (Middle River, MD):
   • The Beach: The Hammerman Area of Gunpowder Falls State Park features a 1,500-foot swimming beach on the Gunpowder River, which is a tributary of the Chesapeake Bay.
   • Travel Time: A straightforward 30-minute drive from Baltimore.
   • What to Expect: This is a fantastic family-friendly destination featuring picnic pavilions, playgrounds, and opportunities for kayaking, canoeing, and swimming.
3. North Point State Park (Edgemere, MD):
   • The Beach: Located on a peninsula between the Back River and the Chesapeake Bay, North Point State Park has a rich history as a former amusement park. Today, it offers a tranquil swimming beach and beautiful water views.
   • Travel Time: Approximately a 30-40 minute drive from Baltimore.
   • What to Expect: A more relaxed and natural setting with hiking trails, a fishing pier, and fascinating historical remnants of the old Bay Shore Park.

Classic Atlantic Ocean Day Trips:

For an actual ocean experience with waves and boardwalks, you'll need to drive a bit further.

4. Ocean City, Maryland:
   • The Beach: The quintessential Maryland beach resort, Ocean City boasts 10 miles of free public beach and a famous 3-mile boardwalk packed with rides, games, and food.
   • Travel Time: Approximately a 2.5 to 3-hour drive from Baltimore.
   • What to Expect: A high-energy, classic American beach vacation experience.
5. Assateague Island National Seashore (Maryland):
   • The Beach: For a more natural and wild ocean experience, Assateague Island is unparalleled. This 37-mile-long barrier island is famous for its pristine, undeveloped beaches and, most famously, its herds of wild horses that roam the sands and marshes.
   • Travel Time: It's important to note this is a significant day trip, located approximately 5 to 3 hours from Baltimore, not 30 minutes.
   • What to Expect: A stunning natural landscape perfect for camping, bird watching, and enjoying the unspoiled beauty of the Atlantic coast.
6. Rehoboth Beach, Delaware:
   • The Beach: Another popular and classic beach town destination for Baltimoreans, Rehoboth Beach features a mile-long boardwalk, a charming downtown with great shops and restaurants, and beautiful, wide sandy beaches.
   • Travel Time: Approximately a 2 to 2.5-hour drive from Baltimore.
   • What to Expect: A vibrant yet family-friendly atmosphere with a slightly more relaxed feel than Ocean City.

Whether you're looking for a quick trip to a nearby Chesapeake Bay park like Sandy Point or planning a full-day adventure to the Atlantic Ocean resorts of Ocean City and Rehoboth Beach, the Baltimore area offers a fantastic array of beach options. Remember to plan your trip in advance, especially on summer weekends, to account for traffic and potential crowds. Always check the specific park or town's website for any updates or temporary closures.

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