Upper Marlboro is a small Maryland town located in Prince George's County, just outside Washington, D.C. If you are driving from Upper Marlboro, you can reach the edge of the Chesapeake Bay in less than 30 minutes. There are numerous public beaches along the bay, some of which have picnic areas, waterfront campsites and boat rental facilities.
Sandy Point State Park
- Located along the Northwest shore of the Chesapeake Bay, Sandy Point State Park has a public beach with a good view of the middle of the bay. Visit the park to enjoy a day of swimming, suntanning, picnicking, fishing, crabbing or windsurfing, or take out a boat from the park's rental facility to enjoy a relaxing day on the water. The park is located on the Atlantic migration flyway, so you might see woodland, marsh or migratory waterfowl. Several hiking trails are located in and around the park, one of which takes you to an old planted pine forest and some of the neighboring marshes. The park is about 30 miles northeast of Upper Marlboro. There is a small entrance fee to access the beach.
Chesapeake Beach
- Located in Calvert County, Chesapeake Beach is only 17 miles southeast of Upper Marlboro and is a popular summertime destination for Washingtonians. This bayside town has secluded beaches, waterfront restaurants and a water park equipped with slides, fountains, marinas and a lagoon. Bay Front Park, which contains Brownie's Beach, is about 0.5 mile south of the town. The nearby Breezy Point Beach has more than 80 waterfront campsites that face the Chesapeake Bay.
North Beach
- North Beach is located on the western shore of the Chesapeake Bay. A half-mile long boardwalk with a bike path goes along the beach, and a public fishing pier allows you to cast a line if you have a license. Rent a kayak or paddle board to ride the waves, or check out a beach chair for a day of suntanning. Visit the Bayside History Museum to learn about the area's history. North Beach is 17 miles from Upper Marlboro, just a few minutes north of Chesapeake Beach.
Point Lookout State Park
- Point Lookout State Park is located at the southernmost tip of the state, approximately 70 miles from Upper Marlboro. The beach is open year-round. In the summer, visit the beach to go swimming, picnicking, camping or boating, but beware of jellyfish that are sometimes found in the swimming area. The Periwinkle Point Trail is a nature trail winding through the park, and the Civil War Museum and Marshland Nature Center provide information about the park's history and wildlife.
