5 Best State Park Beaches in Maryland to Visit to Close Out Summer

Summer days are slowly slipping away, and, before we know it, it will be fall. While I love the fall, I'm just not ready to give up the sand and sunshine of summer... at least not yet. Luckily, we still have some time to enjoy at the beach, and what better place than at one (or more) of the best state park beaches in Maryland? Let's close out the summer in the greatest way possible and hit the beach!

Elk Neck State Park

The iconic Turkey Point Lighthouse is one of the most popular attractions at Elk Neck State Park, located at the point where the Elk River and Chesapeake Bay meet. However, the North East Beach Area within the park is also popular for swimming due to its access to the shallow waters of the Susquehanna Flats within the Chesapeake. It also has a launch for canoes and kayaks, and a picnic area, perfect for an end-of-summer day trip.

Calvert Cliffs State Park

Tucked away in the small coastal community by the Chesapeake Bay, Calvert Cliffs State Park is a gem of a park that stretches for 24 miles. Known for its soaring cliffs, a recycled tire playground, and a sandy beach, this park offers endless beauty and summertime fun. While walking by the cliffs, see if you can spot any fossils — this area was covered by a shallow sea 10-20 million years ago. Visit the Maryland Department of Natural Resources website for hours and fee information.

Assateague State Park

If you love wild horses and the beach, there's no better place to be than Assateague State Park. Located on a barrier island just to the south of Ocean City, spending some time at one of Maryland's most beloved state parks is almost necessary during the late summer. With two miles of sandy beach, you can sunbathe for the day, go swimming, beachcombing, and fishing. Or you can go for a hike or explore the coves by canoe or kayak. Visit the Maryland DNR website for park alerts and fee information.

Gunpowder Falls State Park

Gunpowder Falls State Park covers over 15,000 acres in both northeast Baltimore County and western Harford County. Head to the Hammerman Area of the park, and that's where you'll find the 1,500-foot Hammerman Beach along the Gunpowder River. Lifeguards are available during the day between Memorial Day and Labor Day; otherwise, you swim at your own risk outside of those times. For more, visit the Maryland DNR website.

Sandy Point State Park

With its stunning stretch of sandy beach and views of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge, can you think of a more scenic place to spend some of the last days of summer than at Sandy Point State Park? With a designated swimming area along the one-mile stretch of beach along the bay, spend time swimming and splashing or, if you'd rather, catch the last of the summer rays from your beach blanket. For day-use reservations at Sandy Point, visit the Maryland DNR website.

Are you ready to spend the last days of summer at one of the best state park beaches in Maryland? Without the crowds, it's my favorite time to hit the beach — how about you? Our parks are the gems of the state, offering wonderful ways to get out in nature, and we should visit them no matter the time of year. Check out some of the best state parks in Maryland to plan your next outdoor adventures.

Inspired to plan your own trip to one of Maryland's state parks? Then use Only In Your State’s itinerary planner to make the journey special!