Sandy Point State Park

Sandy Point State Park, at 1100 E College Pkwy near Annapolis, Maryland, is the closest true swimming beach to Washington, DC, lying on the western shore of the Chesapeake Bay at the foot of the Bay Bridge. The beach is a long stretch of soft, light sand facing the open bay, with shallow, gently sloping water that is warm in midsummer and generally calm. The water is a brownish green typical of the Chesapeake rather than clear tropical blue, and there is no ocean surf. Views take in the twin spans of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge and passing sailboats and freighters.

The park runs lifeguard-patrolled swimming areas in the summer season, and visitors should confirm dates and hours with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources before travelling. Facilities include bathhouses, restrooms, picnic areas with grills, a snack bar in season and a boat launch. Fishing is popular from the shoreline and the pier area, and sailing and windsurfing are common in the bay. The park charges a per-vehicle entry fee in US dollars, higher on weekends and holidays.

The vibe is family-oriented and laid-back, with sunbathers, picnickers and children playing in the shallows. Sea nettles, a type of jellyfish, can appear in the bay in midsummer and may sting, so visitors should watch for warnings. Crowds build on hot weekends, and the entrance can back up with traffic, so an early arrival matters.

The park is reached by car only, about 35 miles east of DC via US-50 East, roughly 50 to 70 minutes depending on traffic. Summer weekend traffic on US-50, particularly near the Bay Bridge, can add significant delays. Parking is on-site and included in the entry fee. Because there is no public transit, visitors typically drive or travel with a group, and the park works best as a full-day outing from the capital.