Just south of the Mason-Dixon line, Maryland is a popular spot for a summertime beach retreat. It has 31 miles of gorgeous coastline (method CRS) on the Atlantic Ocean and the Chesapeake Bay. With cooler temps than the deep south, it’s a refreshing place to stroll along its sandy shores and take a cooling dip in the Atlantic.
8 Best Beach Towns in Maryland
Located in the middle of the East Coast, Maryland is famous for its crabs and long coastlines on the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. The Old Line State has over 3,100 miles of shoreline (method NOAA | 31 miles method CRS) and a few of the best lesser-known beach towns, so waterfront lovers will …
Top Beaches and Coastal Towns in MD
There are several fun beach communities in Maryland to explore. Ocean City is the most famous, pulling in crowds from all over the United States and beyond. From surfing to snorkeling and boating to fishing, there are a lot of fun things to do in the “Old Line State”. Add in convenient access to the rest of the East Coast, and it makes an excellent basecamp during any time of year.
Guide to Visiting the Beaches in Maryland
From the borders of the Chesapeake Bay to the Atlantic Ocean, Maryland boasts an extensive coastline of 3,1,90 miles (measured by NOAA) and lots of crabs. It’s up to you whether you want to go to a free public beach or take a speedboat to a hidden shore; many options are available to coast lovers.
There are many little sandy beaches along the coast, but the residents of Maryland often go to Ocean City, Assateague Island, Sandy Point State Park, or North Beach for their beach vacations. Betterton was a popular summer destination from the end of the 19th century until the 20th century, and it still has so much charm to experience today.
The beach at Calvert Cliffs State Park is a beautiful place to build sandcastles, swim, go on walks searching for interesting shells and fossils and keep an eye out for whales and dolphins.
Coastal Climate
The weather at Chesapeake Beach and the surrounding coastlines is warm, humid, and damp in the summer; extremely cold, windy, and partially overcast in the winter. The annual average temperature is around 29℉, with temperatures rarely falling below 18℉ Fahrenheit or rising above 93℉.
The summertime is the busiest in many Maryland beach towns. Hotel prices will be twice what they are in the spring, and there will be much more people visiting, so plan ahead. Between Memorial Day to Labor Day is the ideal time to visit the Ocean City area for the weather; however, you should expect typical highs in the mid-80s and some humidity throughout this period.
Accommodations
Oceanfront condo rentals and hotels are popular on the Maryland coast. There are some towns that have budget motels, as well as Airbnb properties. The size of your party and how many days you’re looking to book will dictate what options are available, as some of the larger vacation rentals have a certain number of nights for a minimum.
Campgrounds are available by the water, too, especially near the more known beach towns like North Beach and Chesapeake Beach. Assateague State Park near Berlin, MD, is a highly-rated camping area where you can even set up a tent right on the sand.
Activities
Maryland has a lot of swimming spots along its beaches, but there are some areas that restrict getting in the water due to the environment or currents. It’s essential to pay attention to the signage by the water.
Other favored activities along the coast of this state include sailing, beachcombing, picnicking, and sunbathing. Summer months are the best for enjoying the warmer weather, but fall and winter can be just refreshing to walk along the sand.
The beach is the best location to unwind and recharge when you need some downtime. Maryland is a terrific place to go for outdoor fun and relaxation during your trip to the Washington DC area.
