Sandy Point State Park Beach sits on the western shore of the Chesapeake Bay in Anne Arundel County, positioned at the western foot of the William Preston Lane Jr. Memorial Bay Bridge — providing one of Maryland's most dramatic waterfront backdrops. The beach stretches approximately 1.5 miles along the upper Chesapeake Bay and offers the calm, brackish water characteristic of bay beaches: gentle waves rarely exceeding a foot, sandy-silty bottom, and water temperatures that warm quickly in summer. The sediment is a mix of fine sand and crushed shell typical of the upper bay shoreline, and the water carries a slight amber clarity from bay tannins rather than the clear blue of Atlantic beaches. The park covers 786 acres and functions as a major recreational hub for the greater Annapolis and Baltimore metropolitan areas. A staffed swimming area operates with lifeguard coverage during summer months, making it a reliable family destination. Beyond swimming, the park encompasses multiple boat launches accommodating everything from kayaks to trailered motorboats, a fishing pier extending into the bay, and extensive picnic facilities with covered pavilions. The Chesapeake Bay Bridge towers directly overhead on the northern edge of the park, and the view of bay traffic — cargo ships, sailboats, and the iconic bridge span — is a constant visual backdrop. A seasonal concession stand operates during summer months serving basic food and refreshments. Sandy Point is among the closest bay beaches to both Annapolis (10 minutes) and Baltimore (40 minutes), making it one of the most heavily visited state parks in Maryland. Weekends in July and August can see the parking area reach capacity by mid-morning.
Amenities
- Guarded swimming area (seasonal)
- Boat launch
- Fishing pier
- Picnic areas with pavilions
- Playground
- Concession stand (seasonal)
- Kayak and paddleboard access
- Bay Bridge views
Good to know
- Best for
- families, swimmers, photographers, fishing, couples
Location
1100 E College Pkwy, Annapolis, MD 21409
39.0153, -76.4049 View on map
Highlights
- Iconic views of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge spanning overhead, creating a dramatic backdrop for swimming and photography
- Calm, warm Chesapeake Bay water with gentle waves — well-suited for young children and less confident swimmers
- Multiple boat launches and easy paddleboard and kayak access into the open Chesapeake Bay
- Seasonal lifeguard-supervised swimming area with nearby picnic pavilions, playground, and concession stand
- Fishing pier extending into the bay, productive for perch, croaker, and spot in summer months
Tips for visiting
- Arrive before 10 AM on summer weekends — the parking area can fill to capacity by late morning and cars may be turned away
- Park entry is $5/person for Maryland-registered vehicles and $7/person for out-of-state visitors — budget for large groups
- Bay water is brackish, not open ocean — swimsuits will carry a faint salt residue but without the corrosive levels of Atlantic seawater
- Jellyfish (sea nettles) are common in the upper bay from mid-July through September — ask park staff about current conditions before swimming
- The fishing pier is included in general park admission and is productive for spot and croaker throughout the summer months
When to visit
Late May through June and September offer warm water, lighter crowds, and reliable lifeguard coverage. July and August are peak season with the warmest water but the heaviest crowds — arrive early to secure parking. Weekday visits are significantly less crowded than summer weekends.
Frequently asked questions
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.
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.
How close is Sandy Point State Park Beach to Annapolis?
The park entrance is approximately 10 minutes from downtown Annapolis via US-50 East. It sits at the western foot of the Bay Bridge and is about 40 minutes from downtown Baltimore, making it one of the most accessible bay beaches in the region.
What is the water like at Sandy Point State Park?
The water is brackish Chesapeake Bay — a mix of salt and fresh water with a slight amber tint from bay tannins. Waves are minimal, rarely exceeding one foot, making the swimming area very calm. The bay bottom near shore is sandy with some shell material.
Are sea nettles (jellyfish) a problem at Sandy Point?
Sea nettles are common in the upper Chesapeake Bay from approximately mid-July through September. Their presence varies by year and water temperature. Stings are painful but not dangerous for most people. Park staff can advise on current conditions at the entry gate.