Piney Point is located 12 miles up the Potomac River on Maryland's scenic coastline. A favorite vacation destination, Piney Point offers abundant opportunities for fishing, swimming, boating and sunbathing. Although Piney Point is best known for the historic Piney Point Lighthouse Park, there are several beautiful beaches nearby.
Though swimming at Piney Point Park is prohibited, there are still plenty of activities to fill up a day trip. Visitors can take a stroll along the pier, lunch in the picnic area or simply relax on the water's edge. Boat docking facilities are also available. The Visitor Center features information and ongoing exhibits highlighting the historic legacy of Piney Point. Guests can learn about the development of the Coast Guard in the area, the German submarine that sank in the nearby Potomac and the area's history as a gathering place for wealthy families during the early 20th century. The Lighthouse Lens gift shop sells souvenirs and nautical gifts, and the Potomac River Maritime Exhibit features four historic wooden boats.
Just 17 miles away from Piney Point is Elms Beach Park. Swimming is allowed at this beach, although there is no lifeguard on duty. Elm's Beach park is also one of the few in the area that permits both fishing and crabbing. An excellent family destination, Elm's Beach has a pavilion, picnic tables, charcoal grills and a playground. With a stunning view of the Chesapeake Bay, visitors will enjoy strolling along the beach or soaking up a tan. For the more adventurous, hiking trails are available through the protected wildlife area.
Slightly north of Piney Point is Greenwell State Park, 22 miles away. A 600-acre park located on the banks of the Patuxent, Greenwell Park is filled with recreational activities, from swimming to boating to horseback-riding. Like most of the area beaches, there is no lifeguard, so swimming is at patrons' own risk. The park features 10 miles of trails, which can be used for riding horses or bicycles, jogging or simply strolling leisurely through the woods. Canoers and kayakers can launch from a floating dock at the beach, and fishers are welcome on the pier. The park features a pavilion and picnic area, as well as leading guided kayak tours throughout the summer season.
For those willing to drive just a few miles farther, the Point Lookout State Park is well worth the extra minutes. Twenty-six miles from Piney Point, the Point Lookout Park is the only one in the county that provides lifeguards. Supervised swimming, a bathhouse, first aid center and large beach area make this beach a favorite destination for those with young children. The Point Lookout takes its name from its location, right at the point where the Potomac River merges with the Chesapeake Bay. In addition to swimming, fishing and boating are also permitted. Picnicking and camping facilities are available. History buffs may also want to stop by the park museum, which documents the site's history as a former Civil War prison camp.
