Between the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, beaches line much of Maryland's coastal areas, including the beach at Sandy Point State Park. Roughly 45 minutes to an hour from central Maryland, Sandy Point State Park boasts wide beaches with pristine views of the Chesapeake Bay and Bay Bridge. While the beach is the main attraction, the 786-acre park also encompasses marshlands teeming with wildlife, seven miles of hiking trails, historic monuments, picnic areas and playgrounds.
Getting to Sandy Point State Park is relatively easy from all areas of Maryland. From the Washington, D.C. area, take Route 50 East to exit 32. The drive takes less than an hour in normal traffic. From the Baltimore area, it takes roughly 40 to 45 minutes. Take Interstate 695 South to Route 97 South. Merge onto Route 50 East to exit 32. From Maryland's Eastern Shore, make your way to Route 50 West and cross the Bay Bridge, before taking exit 32.
Sandy Point State Park sits at the top of the Chesapeake Bay, which means you have excellent views of the bay, including the Bay Bridge. The park also has a number of historical sites to check out, including the Sandy Point Mansion, built in the 1700s. The mansion is viewable from the main road in the park, but is not open to the public, as of 2014. From the beach, you can also see red brick Sandy Point Lighthouse, built in 1883. With keen eyes, you can also spot local wildlife in the marshland along the park's 4-mile Symbi Trail.
At Sandy Point State Park, you can relax on the beach or swim in the Chesapeake Bay, which is lifeguard-protected throughout the summer. Picnic on the grassy areas near the beach, which include a limited number of grills and picnic shelters. A concession stand is also available on the south end of the beach. Bring your fishing reels to go fishing or crabbing on the fishing pier or jetty. Rent a four-person motorboat from the marina store to get out on the water. If you have your own boat, dock at one of the 22 launching ramps at the park's marina. The Sandy Point Nature Center features kid-friendly activities and exhibits highlighting the local wildlife. Activities throughout the year include the Chesapeake Bay Blues Festival in May, the Maryland Seafood Festival in September and the Lights on the Bay show during the winter holiday season.
Sandy Point State Park is open all year round with varying hours depending on the season. From June through March the park opens at 7 a.m., and opens an hour earlier, at 6 a.m., from April through October. The park closes at sunset except from November through December, when it closes at 5 p.m. There is a fee to access Sandy Point State Park, including the beach area. The amount varies by season, as well as the day of the week. Discounts are given for seniors and military families. If you want to go fishing, you will need a short-term Chesapeake Bay sport fishing license, which you can obtain online from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. Be mindful of your surroundings when you are in or close to the water, as jellyfish can be a problem at Sandy Point beach during the mid to late summer.
