Enjoy a Day at the Beach

There are public beaches scattered up and down the shores of the Chesapeake Bay. Some are large, some small, all are nice places to get out and enjoy the Bay. There are probably some we’ve missed but these are the ones we know about.

Beaches

Breezy Point Beach – Located in Southern Maryland, south of Chesapeake Beach.  This public beach is owned and operated by Calvert County, Maryland.  1/2 mile of sandy beach.  Netted swimming area. Fishing pier. Picnic area with grills.  Campground.

Betterton Beach – Kent County beach on the upper Eastern Shore.  Back in the steamboat days there was a thriving beach resort at this location.  Now its a five acre public beach with restrooms, a boardwalk, fishing jetty, public pier and parking area.  Located near the mouth of the Sassafras River, fresh water currents lower the salinity and keep the water free of nettles.  Map.

Buckroe Beach – Hampton Virginia’s public beach park.  Eight acres of wide sandy beaches. Lifeguards from Memorial Day to Labor Day.  Fishing pier.   Map

Calvert Cliffs and Calvert Cliffs State Park – Located in Calvert County.  A popular spot to look for fossils. Calvert Cliffs State Park has a sandy beach and hiking and biking trails.  Visit the park website for directions, current fees and hours of operation.  The Matoaka Beach Cabins also provide day use access to the beach for a fee.

Cape Charles Beach – The Town of Cape Charles on Virginia’s Eastern Shore has a public beach with a half mile of sandy beach available for sunbathing and swimming.  Fishing pier.  More information.

Chesapeake Beach, Maryland – This Calvert County Maryland town provides beach access at Bay Front Park.  Also known as Brownie’s Beach.  Located a 1/2 mile south of town.  No lifeguards. There is a fee for non-residents. People look for fossils here.  More information.

Elk Neck State Park – Located near North East, Maryland.  This state park has a sandy beach for swimming and sun bathing.  Picnic tables, playground, restrooms and showers. Convenience store.  Visit the state park website for details and directions.

Gloucester Point Beach Park – Located east on the Coleman Bridge on the York River.  Has a sandy beach, swimming, picnic shelter, restrooms, boat ramp, and fishing pier.  More information.

Grandview Beach – Grandview Nature Preserve is located in the northeast portion of the City of Hampton, Virginia.  Has limited parking along State Park Drive.  More information.

Hart-Miller Island State Park – This 244 acre island in the Chesapeake Bay is only accessible by boat.  In Baltimore County.  Large sandy beach.  More information.

Janes Island State Park – Located near Crisfield, Maryland on the lower Eastern Shore.  The island beaches are accessible by boat only.  There is a marina and boat launch facilities in the mainland portion of the park.  More information.

Kiptopeake State Park – Located on the lower portion of Virginia’s Eastern Shore, this state park has about a half mile of sandy beach.  There is camping in the state park as well as other amenities including hiking and biking trails. More information.

North Beach, Maryland – This bay front town has a large, sandy public beach on the Chesapeake Bay.  Located on Maryland’s western shore.  Beach has adjacent fishing pier.  Access fees for non-residents.  Visit the town website for details.

Ocean View – Norfolk,Virginia’s Chesapeake Bay beach area.  Large sandy beaches for swimming and other beach-going activities.  Public restrooms and showers.  Located along Ocean View Avenue.  More information.

Rocky Point Beach and Park – About 15 miles east of Baltimore, this 375 acre park is located at the mouth of Back and Middle Rivers.  Great view of the Chesapeake Bay.  300 feet of beach, picnic area, sand volleyball court, sailing center, fishing pier, boat ramps, bath house.   More information.

Sandy Point State Park – Located in Anne Arundel County, just past the Chesapeake Bay Bridge.  Large sandy beach with lifeguarded swimming areas.  More information.

Yorktown Beach – A two acre beach with restroom and shower facilities.  Adjacent fishing pier and 10 acre grass picnic area.  More information.

Chesapeake Bay Resorts – Plan an escape to one of the Chesapeake Bay region’s resort hotels.  More information.