It's not unusual during your swim to get stung by a jelly or two. They're really not painful but annoying, so be forewarned. And if swimming with jellies doesn't appeal to you, then best to come in the spring before jelly season. Sandy Point is also a good spot to go boating.
There are entrance fees (see below) that are paid either using coins (quarters or dollars) or credit cards (Visa/Mastercard). See below for park entry costs (Updated for Summer 2020). Sandy Point, which opened in the 1950's, is located just to the western side of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge which looms over the beach.
Swimming is not allowed at Downs Park, unless you're a dog. Once you come to terms with that, you can enjoy the stunning Chesapeake Bay view of the 236 acre park.
At Sandy Point State Park near Annapolis, the attraction is man-made: The Bay Bridges rise nearby.
Picnicking and PavilionsThe park's grassy picnic areas are located next to the swimming beach. A limited numbers of grills and picnic tables are available on a first come first served basis.
Sandy Point provides an off leash swimming area for socialized dogs. In addition to its designated swimming hole for dogs, Sandy Point has a park to explore with a leashed pooch. The beach is open to dogs from October through April. Dogs may not swim at the park from June through September.
Sandy Beach is a small beach located in Sandy Beach Regional Park. The water was clear and there were few weeds only observable a few meters off the beach. There is no designated swimming area and all swimming is unsupervised.
Do not swim in the Bay if you have an ear infection, a perforated eardrum, open cuts, scratches or skin lesions, or a compromised immune system. Do not swim in water areas where there is a fish kill or where there are any dead animals or known algae bloom. Try not to swallow water while swimming.
Swimming is permitted all along the Patapsco River except in posted areas. There are many spots perfect for wading and splashing after a hike.
The city health department advises against swimming anywhere in the harbor or the rivers that feed into it. But there are crabbers and fishers at Middle Branch park, and the river there is used regularly by members of the Baltimore Rowing Club. Swimming is off limits at Savage Park on the Middle Patuxent River, too.
The river here is full of life, with a diverse range of flora on it banks. It has waterfalls, deep pools to swim and sections so shallow you could walk across it.
The Chesapeake Bay has been on EPA's "dirty waters" list for decades. According to the Clean Water Act, states must develop a Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) specifying the maximum pollution levels allowable to meet water quality standards for all waters identified on their "dirty waters" list.
"I would say Marley Creek is relatively healthier than the South River." After a heavy rain, stormwater runoff from the land brings high concentrations of bacteria, making waters unsafe for swimming for a short period.
Mayo Beach Park open days, from Memorial Day until Labor Day, are free and open to the general public. Visitors on open days can pack a lunch, bring their canoe, kayak, windsurfer or paddle board and enjoy a beautiful afternoon. A shallow beach area is available for water play and wading. Lifeguards are not on site.
Anne Arundel County is committed to providing its citizens with drinking water that meets or exceeds all state and federal drinking water standards.
Sandy PointOn this beach near Annapolis, you can look out at a beautiful view of the Chesapeake and the Bay Bridge—plus watch the traffic on the bridge heading to and from the ocean beaches. 1100 East College Pkwy., Annapolis; 410-974-2149.
It is only open to residents and their guests. On weekends, there is a security guard at the entrance to the community. I live in a nearby community and have friends who live in Highland Beach. None of the communities in the area have public beaches.
Chesapeake Bay Beaches
- Breezy Point Beach – Located in Southern Maryland, south of Chesapeake Beach.
- Betterton Beach – Kent County beach on the upper Eastern Shore.
- Buckroe Beach – Hampton Virginia's public beach park.
- Calvert Cliffs and Calvert Cliffs State Park – Located in Calvert County.
Sandy Point State Park, a 786-acre park near Annapolis, Maryland, offers a variety of recreational activities including swimming, fishing, crabbing, boating, and hiking.
10 Best Beaches Near Washington, D.C.
- Sandy Point State Park - Maryland. Credit: Shackleford Photography/shutterstock.com.
- Virginia Beach - Virginia. Virginia Beach.
- Bethany Beach - Delaware. Credit: Collins93/shutterstock.com.
- Rehoboth Beach - Delaware. Rehoboth Beach.
- Dewey Beach - Delaware.
- Ocean City - Maryland.
- Chesapeake Beach - Maryland.
- Lewes Beach - Delaware.
The air travel (bird fly) shortest distance between Washington, D.C. and Ocean Acres is
255 km=
158 miles.
Washington, D.C. Distances to Cities.
| Washington, D.C. | Distance |
|---|
| Distance from Washington D C to North Carolina | 391 km |
Park hours are 7am to sunset; please verify the sunset time prior to your visit with us.
From the Atlantic Coast beaches of Ocean City and Assateague, to the shores of the Chesapeake Bay and her tributaries, to spring-fed swimming holes and mountain lakes, Maryland's sun, surf and sand are waiting for you!
The Maryland Park Service of the Department of Natural Resources maintains 15 park beaches in ten Maryland counties. All State park beaches, and many county and municipal beaches, require entrance fees for access.
