Who says you can't go to a swimming beach in Annapolis? Since opening in 2019, the latest Maryland state park has been a hit. In 2020, Sandy Point State Park contributed to new attendance records for the state's park system.
Sitting on the Northwestern shore of the Chesapeake Bay, the park's close proximity to Baltimore and Washington DC metro areas has made it an instant, easy choice for a day at the beach in Maryland.
Things To Do at Sandy Point State Park
Individuals, couples, families, and groups of friends will find many ways to enjoy this 786-acre park. The state park is open year-round from 7am to sunset, with capabilities for boating, fishing, crabbing, hiking, picnicking, swimming, and more.
Pack a lunch for a lazy beach day, bring a grill to cook for friends, or enjoy the concession stand while in Sandy Point. Fishing is another trendy pastime. The park allows for casting or crabbing off the fishing piers, rock jetties, or just off the beaches.
Many anglers choose to load up their boat trailers and bring their poles offshore. What's more, the state park offers motorboat rentals during the Summer season for fishermen or just people looking to enjoy the expansive Chesapeake Bay. More than 20 boat ramps and boat launch sites at the marina facility for visitor use, whether one chooses a boat rental or to bring their personal vessel. The launching ramps on the south beach can also be used for small crafts like kayaks, canoes, and standup paddle boards.
If you're still social distancing or just enjoy nature, Sandy Point's pine forest is littered with gorgeous hiking trails, too. Guests can find anything else they might need for a day on the water at the conveniently located marina store.
How To Reach Sandy Point State Park
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Beachgoers will enjoy a mile-long stretch of sandy beach area around the point. Sandy Point is best known for the Chesapeake Bay bridge's scenic views across to the Eastern Shore and the historic Sandy Point Shoal Lighthouse on the left-side horizon.
The Park headquarters is located in Anne Arundel County? on 1100 East College Parkway.
Annapolis, MD. Sandy Point State Park can be accessed "from the Rt. 50 overpass, at the main 4-way park entrance intersection," according to the MD Department of Natural Resources. Visitors should "continue straight across instead of bearing right to enter the park, driving to the left of the park sign and small replica lighthouse." From the main park road, visitors will also notice the Sandy Point Mansion, which is currently being restored to its original farmhouse look of the 1700s.
Planning Your Trip
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The Park is busiest during peak beach season! Visitors come out in droves from May to September to catch some rays and enjoy thriving wildlife that lives on Sandy Point. From fish to crabs and waterfowl, Sandy Point is home to many common Maryland species.
On holiday weekends like Memorial Day, Labor Day, or other busy times, the park will often cap attendance. So, showing up early to get a day-use pass is suggested during peak season.
What's more, Sandy Point State Park hosts five special events from May to December. For example, the Chesapeake Bay Blues Festival in May and the Maryland Seafood Festival in September are two popular attractions for Maryland residents and tourists.
On weekends and holidays during the Summertime, the park's entry fee is $5 per person. Other weekdays are just $4 a person—and in the offseason, the park will charge just $3 per car.
Visitors will notice that the entrance fees are put to good use. They maintain park accommodations like picnic areas with picnic tables, bathhouses, beaches with lifeguards, the marina, event shelters, and campsites for the youth group program(s). Guests can choose to rent waterfront shelters or pavilions for family parties, events, and other gatherings. These areas by the East Beach are the only points at which alcohol is permitted in the park (see alcohol permits when reserving shelters).
Pet owners are free to bring their leashed pet to the beach from October 1 through April 30. According to the Maryland Park Service, pets are not allowed on the park's beaches during the summer months.
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