📋 THE NEW RESERVATION RULE

Starting Memorial Day weekend, several Maryland state parks require advance reservations on weekends and holidays through Labor Day. You book online, pay your day-use fee at the time of booking, and show up with your confirmation.

Parks that NOW require reservations:

🔒 Sandy Point State Park

🔒 Greenbrier State Park

🔒 North Point State Park

🔒 Point Lookout State Park

🔒 Newtowne Neck State Park

🔒 Rocky Gap State Park

Even with an Annual Park Pass you still need a reservation. Book up to 7 days in advance. Reservations can be changed or canceled until 8am the day before.

Book Your Spot → parkdayuse.maryland.gov

1. Greenbrier State Park 💛

Boonsboro, MD (Western MD)

This is my personal favorite and honestly I feel like not enough people talk about it. The lake beach here is calm, the scenery is gorgeous, and it just has a different vibe than the Chesapeake spots. If you haven't been, put it on the list NOW — and book your reservation first because this one fills up fast on weekends.

2. Hammerman Beach 💛

Gunpowder Falls State Park, White Marsh

Another one of my favorites and for good reason. This beach has SO much space — you can actually spread out and breathe — plus the playgrounds are really nice so the kids are happy while you relax. It sits on the Gunpowder River and the vibe is just easy and low-key. Great for a full family day.

3. Matapeake Beach

Kent Island, Queen Anne's County

Right on the Eastern Shore side of the Bay Bridge, Matapeake is one of those spots that feels like a hidden find even though locals know exactly where it is. Calm Chesapeake Bay water, beautiful views, and way less crowded than Sandy Point. If you're already heading to the shore, stop here first.

4. Terrapin Nature Park

Kent Island, Queen Anne's County

Also on Kent Island and a great pairing with Matapeake if you want to make a day of it over the bridge. Nature park vibes with Chesapeake Bay access — trails, open space, and water views. A little more low-key but perfect if you want something peaceful without the full beach production.

5. Breezy Point Beach

Chesapeake Beach, Calvert County

The playground here is really nice and the kids will love it. Fair warning though — the waves can be rough so keep a close eye on the little ones in the water. It's a great spot overall, just go in knowing that and plan accordingly. Also a 200-foot pier if fishing is your thing!

6. Sandy Point State Park

Annapolis, Anne Arundel County

The most popular Maryland beach for a reason — stunning Bay Bridge views, calm water, lifeguards on duty, snack bar, the works. But let me give you the real scoop: there is basically no shade, so bring an umbrella, and the sand gets SO hot. Flip flops are not optional. Also — jellyfish tend to show up later in the summer, so you're going to want to go NOW while the water is still clear. Book your reservation before you even pack the cooler.

7. Rocky Point Park

Essex, Baltimore County (East Side)

If you're on the east side of Baltimore, this one is close and really nice. A solid local beach option when you don't want to make a long drive out of it. Good for a casual family day without all the production — pack the cooler and go.

8. North Beach

Calvert County

Cute town, cute beach — but I'll be honest with you: the admission price is a lot and I wouldn't send you here just to swim during the season. Where North Beach IS worth your time this summer is the concert series they're running right on the beach. Live music, waterfront vibes, good energy. Check their schedule and plan a date night or a fun family evening around a show instead.

🪼 Jellyfish Pro Tip

Jellyfish season on the Chesapeake Bay usually picks up mid to late summer. If you want the cleanest, most jellyfish-free water, aim for your beach days in June and early July. The later you wait, the more company you'll have in that water — and not the fun kind.

☀️ Maryland Beach Day Essentials

☂️ Umbrella (especially for Sandy Point — no shade!)

👡 Water shoes or flip flops — that sand gets HOT

🧴 Sunscreen — bay sun is no joke

💳 Reservation confirmation on your phone

🍱 Cooler — most parks allow outside food