The 6 Most Beautiful Beaches On Maryland's Eastern Shore

Maryland's gorgeous Eastern Shore is very different from the rest of the state. A short distance away from Baltimore and Washington, D.C., you will feel like you've really gotten away. The nights are dark, the beaches are beautiful, there are many charming small towns to visit, and the area is filled with natural scenery and forests. Here are six stunning beaches on Maryland's Eastern Shore that you should put on your bucket list.

Visit These 6 Beautiful Beaches on Maryland’s Eastern Shore

1. Assateague Island National Seashore

If you’re looking for a little more than just a sandy beach, consider visiting this 37-mile long barrier island. Bring your camping gear and set up your tent on the shore, right next to the ocean or on the bay side of the island. Explore the nature trails and take in the beautiful scenery. This beach is known for its wild horses and abundance of piping plovers, red foxes, and Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins, too, so you’ll have plenty to look at. You can also book a sightseeing cruise or kayak tours while on the island to get a better feel for all the nature and wildlife the island has to offer.

Find a vacation rental near Assateague Island, Maryland

2. Calvert Cliffs State Park

The variety of things to do in Calvert Cliffs State Park will keep you and your family busy all day. Explore the 13 miles of hiking trails, wade through the marshland as you investigate its inhabitants, or check out the massive cliffs that dominate 24 miles of the area’s shoreline. The cliffs themselves were formed somewhere between 10 and 20 million years ago, and today visitors can still see the fossilized remains of prehistoric species like sharks, whales, and seabirds. Go fossil hunting at the end of the red trail, a 1.8-mile hike from the parking lot, and discover more than 600 species of fossils that have been found at Calvert Cliffs. When you’re done exploring the park, relax on the wide open beach and soak in the sun.

Find a vacation rental in Calvert Cliffs State Park, MarylandFind a vacation rental in Calvert Cliffs State Park, Maryland

3. Sandy Point State Park

Located on the Chesapeake Bay, this park provides visitors with 786 acres of land to use for sunbathing, fishing, hiking, swimming, and much more. Bring your boat, too, because the park offers a whopping 22 boat launching ramps and six finger piers. For the best beaches in the park, head to South Beach where a few portions are protected with lifeguards. There are also snack bars, restrooms, and showering facilities for public use at the South Beach area of the park. Bring a picnic for you and your family and enjoy lunch on the beach as you take in the beautiful Chesapeake Bay.

Find a vacation rental near Sandy Point State Park, Maryland

4. Breezy Point Beach

This half-mile long stretch of pristine sandy shores gives visitors a great view of the Chesapeake Bay. Beach-goers can play in the provided volleyball nets, enjoy lunch at the nearby shaded picnic area, or let the kids go wild on the playground. Bring your beach games and castle-building supplies or go for a swim in the warm waters of the bay. If you want, you can even camp at Breezy Point Campground.

Find a vacation rental near Breezy Point Campground, Maryland

5. Rocky Point Park

Though not on the Eastern Shore, this area is worth visiting. Take a trip to this 375-acre park and check out the wide open view of the Chesapeake Bay. It’s located at the mouth of both the Back and Middle Rivers and offers visitors a peek at Hart-Miller Island and Craighill Light. The beach area provides ample space for sunbathing and swimming, and the park features sand volleyball courts, picnic areas, playgrounds, and a sailing center. There’s also a great fishing pier and boat launches if you’re thinking of bringing your boat or fishing supplies.

Find a vacation rental near Rocky Point Park, Maryland

6. Ocean City

Perhaps the most iconic and popular beach in Maryland, Ocean City features 10 miles of beach, a 3-mile long boardwalk with live entertainment, and so much more. Grab a kayak and head out on the Atlantic, rent bikes and cruise along the paved boardwalk, or enjoy a summer concert on the shoreline. There are plenty of restaurants, bars, and shops to keep you busy if the heat on the beach is too much. Check out Seacrets Jamaica USA and have a happy hour drink on the sand as you enjoy the view of the water.

Find a vacation rental in Ocean City, Maryland

This article was written by Julianne Aiello.