Summer in Southern Maryland can be hot, hot, hot, and sometimes the only way to beat the heat is a swim! Whether you love the sand between your toes or prefer a pool with a diving board, check out our list of places to swim in Southern Maryland this summer.
Beaches
Calvert County
Bay Front Park (Brownie’s Beach), Chesapeake Beach: Located about half a mile south of Chesapeake Beach, Brownie’s Beach offers swimming and fossil hunting. There is a fee from Memorial Day to Labor Day for anyone who is not a resident of Chesapeake Beach.
More information: http://www.chesapeake-beach.md.us/attractions_bayfrontpark.htm
Breezy Point Beach and Campground, Chesapeake Beach: One of the largest beaches in Southern Maryland, Breezy Point Beach boasts a half mile of sandy beach. There are picnic areas, a snack bar, playground, fishing pier, volleyball courts, and camping. The beach is open daily May 1 through Oct. 31, 6 a.m. to dusk.
More information: http://www.co.cal.md.us/visitors/beaches/
Calvert Cliffs State Park, Lusby: Visit once, and you’ll see why Calvert Cliffs is one of Maryland’s most popular state parks. Walk the 1.8-mile trail to the beach – that’s the shortest route – and you’ll see the cliffs that dominate the Chesapeake Bay shoreline in this part of the county. The beach allows plenty of space for play and swimming, and the site is popular with fossil and shark teeth hunters.
More information: http://dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands/Pages/southern/calvertcliffs.aspx
Flag Ponds Nature Park, Lusby: You can spend the day at Flag Ponds. A large beach area offers swimming and shark tooth hunting. It’s also a great place for birdwatching and kayaking. There are several trails through the woods for nature walks.
More information: http://www.calvertparks.org/fpp.html
(Image via Town of North Beach)
North Beach Public Beach, North Beach: Go swimming downtown? In North Beach you can. The sandy beach is the perfect place to play and swim right in the heart of town. There’s a fee for anyone who isn’t a resident of the town, and the beach often hosts events such as “Movies on the Beach.”
More information: https://www.northbeachmd.org/welcome-center/pages/beach
Charles County
Chapel Point State Park, Marbury: Located on the Port Tobacco River, you’ll want to check the tides before you visit Chapel Point State Park. There is no beach when tides are high. This undeveloped area offers hunting, kayaking/canoeing, fishing, and walking trails.
More information: http://dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands/Pages/southern/chapelpoint.aspx
Purse State Park, La Plata: Purse State Park is an undeveloped waterside reserve on 90 acres on the Potomac River. The area is open to the public for fossil hunting, bird watching, fishing, and hunting. Be sure to check the tides before you go: The fossil hunting is better when tide is low, and there is very little beach when tides are high.
More information: https://www.stateparks.com/purse.html
St. Mary’s County
Elms Beach Park, Lexington Park: This county-run park has wonderful views of the Chesapeake Bay as well as swimming, fishing, and picnicking facilities. A playground lets the kids take a break from the water.
More information: http://www.co.saint-marys.md.us/recreate/elmsbeach/
Greenwell State Park, Hollywood: There are two beach areas for swimming at Greenwell State Park, which sits on the Patuxent River. Greenwell also has 10 miles of trails for hiking, cycling, and horseback riding, as well as facilities for fishing, picnicking, and kayaking/canoeing. The park is run in a partnership by the state and the Greenwell Foundation, which offers accessible and inclusive programs.
More information: http://dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands/Pages/southern/greenwell.aspx
Myrtle Point Park, California: This county park has nearly two miles of shoreline. There is a beach, an informal canoe and kayak launching, walking trails, and picnic tables.
More information: https://www.visitstmarysmd.com/site/detail/myrtle-point-park
Point Lookout State Park, Scotland: Located at the very tip of St. Mary’s County, Point Lookout State Park is on a peninsula with the Chesapeake Bay on one side and the Potomac River on the other. You can swim, picnic, and play here, but that’s just the beginning. There’s a nature center, campsites, and a museum telling the story of the Civil War prison camp that was once located here. Plus, there are trails to hike and boat rental services.
More information: http://dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands/pages/southern/pointlookout.aspx
(Image via Edward T. Hall Aquatic Center on Facebook)
Pools and Waterparks
Calvert County: Calvert County operates two seasonal pools and the Edward T. Hall Aquatic Center. The aquatic center boasts a competition pool, a children’s pool with slides, a therapy pool, and a hot tub. Seasonal pools are located at Cove Point Park and Kings Landing Park. Find more information on Calvert County-run pools here: http://www.co.cal.md.us/index.aspx?NID=395.
Calvert County is also home to the Chesapeake Beach Waterpark. The park has water slides for all levels, pools, a lazy river, and shallow pools for children. Learn more at the waterpark’s website, and read our blog post about the waterpark here.
Charles County: Charles County runs three year-round indoor pools and three seasonal outdoor pools. The pools are located at the six high schools in the county. The pools host swim classes throughout the summer. Note that the Thomas Stone High School pool is closed due to renovations. For more information, visit https://www.charlescountyparks.com/recreation/aquatics.
You’ll also find the Smallwood Swim Club in Waldorf. This private swim club is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day and hosts the Smallwood Marlins swim team. For more information or to join, visit http://smallwoodswimclub.com/.
St. Mary’s County: In St. Mary’s County, go swimming at the Great Mills Pool. You’ll also find swimming lessons and other recreation programs. Learn more here: https://www.stmarysmd.com/recreate/hoursandprices/. At the Sprayground at Nicolet Park, children 12 and younger can splash and play among various types of water sprayers and dumpers. Learn more here: http://www.co.saint-marys.md.us/recreate/Sprayground/.
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