Sandy Point State Park
Sandy Point State Park: A Maryland gem offering a mile of sandy beach, stunning Bay Bridge views, and family fun.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, easier parking
Sandy Point State Park
Best Time
Fewer crowds, easier parking
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Sandy Point State Park: A Maryland gem offering a mile of sandy beach, stunning Bay Bridge views, and family fun.
"It’s a nice little day trip and they have lots of amenities like volleyball nets, beach chair rental, concessions, picnic tables, grills & public restrooms."
🗓️ Book Weekend Passes Early
Reservations are mandatory for weekends & holidays. Book up to 7 days ahead! :ticket:
🚗 Arrive Early for Parking
Parking lots fill up quickly, especially on weekends. Aim to arrive before 10 AM. :car:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Chesapeake Bay Beach
Western Shore
Enjoy a mile of sandy beach with views of the Bay Bridge and Sandy Point Shoal Light. Perfect for swimming and sunbathing.
Beachfront Playground
Near the beach
A new playground with woodland and Chesapeake Bay themes offers fun for kids right by the water.
+1
Picnic Areas & Grills
Throughout the park
Plenty of picnic tables and pavilions with grills make it ideal for family gatherings and cookouts.
Marina & Boat Launch
South end of the park
Access the Chesapeake Bay for fishing, crabbing, or boating with 22 launching ramps available.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Reservations are Key on Weekends
Entry Fees & What to Expect
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🗓️ Book Weekend Passes Early
Reservations are mandatory for weekends & holidays. Book up to 7 days ahead!
🚗 Arrive Early for Parking
Parking lots fill up quickly, especially on weekends. Aim to arrive before 10 AM.
🧽 Bring a Shower Bag
There are no showers in the bathrooms to rinse off sand. Pack one for a more comfortable departure. :shower:
🦀 Pack for Fishing/Crabbing
The park is great for fishing and crabbing, with a marina and boat launch.
Tips
from all over the internet
🗓️ Book Weekend Passes Early
Reservations are mandatory for weekends & holidays. Book up to 7 days ahead!
🚗 Arrive Early for Parking
Parking lots fill up quickly, especially on weekends. Aim to arrive before 10 AM.
🧽 Bring a Shower Bag
There are no showers in the bathrooms to rinse off sand. Pack one for a more comfortable departure. :shower:
🦀 Pack for Fishing/Crabbing
The park is great for fishing and crabbing, with a marina and boat launch.
☀️ Sunscreen & Hydration
The sun can be intense. Bring plenty of sunscreen, hats, and water bottles. :droplet:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Sandy Point State Park offers a beautiful beach and great views of the Bay Bridge, making it a popular day-trip destination. Visitors appreciate the playground and picnic facilities, though some note concerns about beach cleanliness and the lack of showers. Weekend reservations are essential, and arriving early is advised for parking.
"Sandy Point State Park, located on the western shore of the Chesapeake Bay in Maryland, offers a perfect mix of natural beauty, recreation, and relaxation. The highlight of the park is its long, sandy beach that provides stunning views of the Bay Bridge and ample space for sunbathing, swimming, and picnicking. It's especially popular in the summer months, drawing families and groups for beach outings and barbecues.
Facilities at the park are well-maintained, including clean restrooms, showers, and several picnic pavilions with grills. There’s also a marina, a boat launch area, and opportunities for fishing and crabbing—making it a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. The walking trails through the wooded areas offer peaceful escapes from the busy beach and a chance to spot local wildlife and birds.
Sandy Point is known for its convenience; it's only about an hour from Washington, D.C., and Baltimore, which makes it a great day-trip destination. On holiday weekends, it can get crowded, so early arrival is recommended to secure a good spot and avoid long lines at the entrance.
Whether you're looking to relax on the sand, enjoy a scenic view, or take part in water activities, Sandy Point offers a memorable coastal experience close to the city."
Saad Sigma
"I went with family and friends to visit the Sandy point state park.
It was dirty, I was disappointed with the environment.
From Google's comments it seemed to be clean. But in the sand there were bottles, diapers and other garbage thrown. Very sad because it was supposed to be a clean place.
Another negative point is not having a shower in the bathrooms. It's bad to have to leave full of sand.
The positive point is the beautiful landscape.
I wouldn't go back and I don't recommend it."
Datiele Figueiredo
"It’s a nice and quiet place for a family or solo, and the $4 entry fee isn’t bad at all. It's a few minutes' walk directly to the beach from the parking lot, but the sand is yellow-brown. I just don’t know why.
The bathroom is close by. Even had 2 volleyball play areas."
Susan Yang
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Sandy Point State Park is conveniently located about an hour's drive from both Washington D.C. and Baltimore. Take I-97 South towards Annapolis, then follow signs for the park.
Public transportation options to Sandy Point State Park are limited. Driving is the most common and convenient way to access the park.
The park offers large parking lots, but they can fill up very quickly on weekends and holidays. Arriving early is highly recommended to secure a spot.
Yes, Sandy Point State Park has a marina with 22 launching ramps, making it a popular spot for boaters to access the Chesapeake Bay.
The park offers ramp access to the sand in some areas, and the facilities are generally accessible. Check the park's official website for the most up-to-date accessibility information.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry fees vary by day. On weekends and holidays, it's typically $5 per person, while weekdays are usually $4 per person. Kids in car seats are often free.
Yes, on weekends and holidays, you must register for a day-use pass reservation online up to 7 days in advance. Weekdays do not require a reservation.
The park is generally open daily from 8 AM to sunset. However, it's always a good idea to check the official Maryland State Parks website for any seasonal changes or special event hours.
While some sources suggest online payment is required for reservations, it's best to confirm payment methods directly with the park or on their reservation portal.
Yes, military personnel often receive discounted entry fees. Check the park's official website for current discount information.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can swim, sunbathe, picnic, fish, crab, boat, and enjoy the playground. The park also has walking trails and hosts various events throughout the year.
Reviews are mixed. Some visitors report finding litter like bottles and diapers, while others praise recent park improvements and clean sand.
The park has restrooms, but notably, there are no showers to rinse off sand after visiting the beach. It's recommended to bring your own shower bag.
Concessions are available seasonally, which may include beach chair rentals. It's advisable to check with the park for current offerings.
Yes, some reviews indicate that Sandy Point State Park is pet-friendly, but it's always best to confirm the latest pet policies with the park directly.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a concession store that operates seasonally, offering food and drinks. Many visitors also bring their own food for picnics.
Absolutely! The park provides picnic tables and pavilions equipped with grills, making it a perfect spot for a barbecue.
Concessions usually offer typical beach fare like snacks, drinks, and light meals. Some reviews mention Italian ice being a popular treat.
Yes, Annapolis is a short drive away and offers a wide variety of restaurants, from casual seafood spots to fine dining.
Park regulations regarding alcohol can vary. It's recommended to check the official Maryland State Parks policy or contact the park directly to confirm.
📸 📸 Photography
The iconic Chesapeake Bay Bridge and the Sandy Point Shoal Light offer stunning backdrops. The beach at sunrise or sunset also provides beautiful photographic moments.
Drone usage is often restricted in state parks to ensure safety and protect wildlife. It's crucial to check the park's specific drone policy before flying.
The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic lighting for landscape and scenic photography. Midday can be harsh.
The main beach area provides excellent views of the Bay Bridge. The marina area also offers interesting perspectives of the water and boats.
Yes, events like the Maryland Seafood Festival are highly photogenic, offering vibrant scenes of food, music, and crowds.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1 The shallow, protected swimming area provides peace of mind for parents worried about young swimmers. Remember to bring a shower bag as there are no showers to rinse off sand after a day of play. 🎣 Anglers and Boaters
Whether you're looking to cast a line from the shore, set crab pots, or launch your own vessel, the park caters to your aquatic adventures. Remember to check local fishing and crabbing regulations and obtain any necessary licenses before your visit. 📸 Photographers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Weekend Crowds and Reservations
This system helps manage capacity and ensure a smoother entry experience. Many visitors recommend arriving early, ideally before 10 AM, to secure parking, as lots can fill up quickly. Weekdays offer a more relaxed experience with no reservation needed and generally fewer crowds. If you're planning a visit during peak times, be prepared for a lively atmosphere. While some reviews mention the park can get crowded, others highlight that even on busy days, finding a spot on the sand is possible, and the barrier in the swimming area provides a sense of security for families.
Consider visiting during the shoulder seasons (spring or fall) for pleasant weather and fewer people. Even during busy periods, the park offers amenities like picnic areas and a playground, which can help make the experience enjoyable for families.
+1Beach Experience and Amenities
Beyond the beach itself, the park provides several amenities to enhance your visit. There's a newly updated playground with distinct themes, including one inspired by the Chesapeake Bay, located conveniently near the beachfront.
+1 Picnic tables and pavilions with grills are scattered throughout the park, perfect for family gatherings and cookouts. For those interested in water activities beyond swimming, the park features a marina with boat launch ramps, ideal for fishing and crabbing enthusiasts. One notable point from visitor feedback is the lack of showers in the bathrooms to rinse off sand.
Recreation and Events
Fishing and crabbing are popular pastimes here, with ample opportunities to cast a line or set traps. For land-based activities, the park offers walking trails that wind through wooded areas, providing a peaceful escape and a chance to observe local wildlife.
Keep an eye on the park's schedule for other seasonal events and activities. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit