Maryland is a Mid-Atlantic state of striking contrasts: historic Chesapeake Bay crab country, Appalachian mountain ridges, Civil War battlefields, and the vibrant harbor city of Baltimore. Flanking Washington DC on three sides, the state blends federal grandeur with blue-collar charm, colonial waterfront towns, and some of the East Coast's finest seafood.
Top beaches
A ranked editor’s shortlist of the coastline worth planning a day around in Maryland.
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- lively resort town, crowded boardwalk, classic East Coast beach party atmosphere
- Lifeguards (Memorial Day through Labor Day)
- Boardwalk with shops and restaurants
- Bike rentals on Boardwalk (Trim's, 410-289-4596)
- Public restrooms at multiple points
- Volleyball courts
- Amusement parks (Trimper's Rides, Jolly Roger)
Ocean City Beach
Editor’s tip. Arrive before 9 AM on summer weekends to secure parking near the Inlet or Boardwalk — lots fill fast by 10 AM
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- wild and untouched, remote barrier island with roaming ponies and crashing Atlantic surf
- Wild pony viewing (do not approach or feed)
- Swimming (no lifeguards on NPS side)
- Camping (recreation.gov reservations)
- Kayaking and canoeing
- Fishing
- Visitor center
Assateague Island National Seashore
Editor’s tip. Visit in September or October for active ponies, fewer biting insects, milder temperatures, and good swimming conditions
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- family-friendly bay swimming with dramatic Bay Bridge views and busy summer weekend crowds
- Guarded swimming area (seasonal)
- Boat launch
- Fishing pier
- Picnic areas with pavilions
- Playground
- Concession stand (seasonal)
Sandy Point State Park Beach
Editor’s tip. Arrive before 10 AM on summer weekends — the parking area can fill to capacity by late morning and cars may be turned away
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- small-town and unhurried, fossil hunters and local families along a quiet bay boardwalk
- Boardwalk
- Swimming (no lifeguards — swim at own risk)
- Fishing
- Restaurants and ice cream shops within walking distance
- Small pier
- Public restrooms
North Beach (Chesapeake Bay)
Editor’s tip. Walk the shoreline at low tide when the waterline recedes to expose fresh fossil material — shark teeth are most common after storms
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- peaceful and nature-focused, fossil hunters and birdwatchers in a forested Chesapeake Bay park
- Fossil hunting (shark teeth and shell fossils in the cliffs)
- Hiking trails (2+ miles)
- Swimming (no lifeguard)
- Fishing pier
- Picnic tables
- Restrooms
Flag Ponds Nature Park Beach
Editor’s tip. Spring visits (April to May) offer the best fossil hunting after winter storms replenish the shoreline with eroded material
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- outdoor adventure and discovery, fossil hunters and hikers in a remote Chesapeake Bay setting
- Fossil hunting (Miocene era shark teeth, 15-20 million years old)
- Swimming (no lifeguard)
- Fishing
- Hiking trails
- Picnic areas
- Restrooms at trailhead
Calvert Cliffs State Park Beach
Editor’s tip. The 1.8-mile trail each way makes this a 3.6-mile round trip — wear comfortable shoes and allow 90 minutes minimum for a complete visit with beach time
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- quiet and local, a forgotten Victorian resort now a peaceful Eastern Shore crabbing cove
- Marina and boat launch
- Kayaking access
- Crabbing
- Picnic area
- Restrooms
- Swimming (no lifeguard)
Tolchester Beach
Editor’s tip. Bring crabbing gear — string, bait, and a dip net — for productive blue crab sessions from the pier between June and September
What to bring
A short packing list for a comfortable beach day — adjust for season and the specific spot.
- Sun protectionHigh-SPF sunscreen, hat, polarised sunglasses, light long-sleeve cover-up.
- HydrationReusable bottle, salty snacks for longer days, electrolyte sachets if it’s hot.
- FootwearWater shoes for pebble or rocky entry, flip-flops for sand, dry pair for the trip home.
- Swim & coverQuick-dry towel or sand-resistant mat, change of swimwear, light cover-up for restaurants.
- Cash & valuablesSmall notes for beach clubs and rentals; waterproof pouch for phone, keys, cards.
- ExtrasReef-safe sunscreen near protected coastline, a book, a small first-aid kit for jellyfish or scrapes.
Beach safety
Hard-earned guidance — read this before you swim, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the coast.
Critical
Swim where lifeguards are posted and follow flag warnings — green is safe, yellow is caution, red means no swimming. Rip currents are the leading beach hazard worldwide.
Caution
Watch for tide changes and marine life — jellyfish blooms, sea urchins on rocky entries, occasional shark or stingray advisories. Don’t swim alone, especially at dawn or dusk.
Tip
Reapply sunscreen every 90 minutes and after every swim. Take shade between 11 am and 3 pm — the sun is harsher than people expect, even when the air is cool.
Practical
Keep valuables out of sight or back at the accommodation. Beach theft is a small-but-real risk at busy beaches; never leave bags unattended while you’re in the water.
Common questions
Quick answers to the questions we get asked most about Maryland’s coast.
Is there an admission charge for Ocean City Beach?
The beach itself is free to access. Parking fees apply at public lots and garages near the Boardwalk, typically $2-$3 per hour or $15-$25 per day in peak season. Some private lots charge more.
From the Ocean City Beach editorial.
Are lifeguards on duty at Ocean City Beach?
Yes. The Ocean City Beach Patrol staffs lifeguard stands in designated zones from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. Swimming outside guarded zones or after hours is at the swimmer's own risk.
From the Ocean City Beach editorial.
Can visitors get close to the wild ponies at Assateague Island?
Visitors may observe and photograph the ponies from at least 40 feet away. Feeding, touching, or approaching closer than this distance is prohibited under federal regulations and can result in fines. Ponies occasionally approach people on their own and should still not be fed or touched.
From the Assateague Island National Seashore editorial.
Are there lifeguards at Assateague Island National Seashore?
The Maryland State Park section at the northern end provides seasonal lifeguard coverage during summer months. The NPS sections of the beach do not have lifeguards. Visitors should check rip current flags at the entrance and never swim alone in unguarded areas.
From the Assateague Island National Seashore editorial.
Are lifeguards on duty at Sandy Point State Park Beach?
Yes. A guarded swimming area operates with lifeguard coverage during summer months, generally from late June through Labor Day. Swimming outside the designated area or outside staffed hours is at the swimmer's own risk. Current schedules can be confirmed by contacting the park at 410-974-2149.
From the Sandy Point State Park Beach editorial.
Can visitors launch boats at Sandy Point State Park?
Yes. The park has multiple boat launch ramps accommodating trailered motorboats, as well as easy water access for kayaks and paddleboards. A boat launch fee applies separately from general park admission. The launch area is popular on summer weekend mornings.
From the Sandy Point State Park Beach editorial.
Is fossil hunting permitted at North Beach?
Fossil collecting is permitted for personal, non-commercial use along the public beach shoreline. Visitors may collect loose fossils from the waterline and sand. Digging into or disturbing the bluff or cliff face is not permitted.
From the North Beach (Chesapeake Bay) editorial.
Are there lifeguards at North Beach?
No. Swimming at North Beach is unsupervised and visitors swim at their own risk. The bay water is calm and relatively shallow near shore, but there are no lifeguard stands or designated swimming zones. Children should be supervised closely at all times.
From the North Beach (Chesapeake Bay) editorial.