6-09-2023 4:07am

TOP BEACHES LOCALLY

The Top Beaches in Maryland

These Maryland beaches make for perfect summer fun on the shore.

By Karen Ruffini, Travel + Leisure

Offering waterfront real estate along both the Atlantic Ocean and Chesapeake Bay, the state of Maryland has plenty to offer for a coastal getaway. This Mid-Atlantic destination is beloved for its popular beach towns, and many families make annual pilgrimages to places like Ocean City for long summer weekends.

The top beaches in Maryland stand out because they're so much more than attractive stretches of coastline. Rather, we also looked for destinations with much to do, like strolling boardwalks, kayaking, surfing, paddleboarding, and the like. Of course, they also deliver an Instagram-worthy view, whether they're surrounded by sandy dunes or marked by a picturesque lighthouse.

If you're planning a trip to coastal Maryland, consider one of these 16 standout destinations.

Assateague Island National Seashore

This uninhabited stretch of land (a whopping 48,000 acres) is best known for its incredible wildlife — specifically the hundreds of wild horses that roam around the park's beaches. While you cannot ride the wild horses on Assateague, you are welcome to bring your own horse for a beachfront stroll.

Visitors can also watch the dolphins plying the waves, or spend long summer days fishing or clamming. The plankton-rich waters are home to a number of fish species, sea turtles, and even whales. Assateague is perhaps Maryland's nicest beach for nature.

The island is divided into two sections: One belonging to Maryland and the other to Virginia. In the Maryland district of Assateague Island, you can camp among wild horses under a sky full of stars. Just be sure to use long tent stakes for staying firmly anchored in the sand and wind.

Calvert Cliffs State Park

Though technically a natural bay and not a beach, Calvert Cliffs still earns a spot as one of Maryland's top beaches due to its incredible views and unique history. Surrounded by picturesque sandy cliffs, this quarter-mile-long stretch of beach is perfect for swimming and fishing.

The real draw, though, is what you might find hidden on its sandy shores. More than 600 species of fossils have been found at this park — some dating back 20 million years — that will excite paleontology enthusiasts or really anyone who's watched "Jurassic Park." The park permits visitors to keep any FINISH READING HERE