10 Must-see Beaches Near the Chesapeake Bay

Leeslyvania State Park: Located just 45-minutes away from the nation’s capital, Leeslyvania State Park is the perfect beach getaway from the busy city. A large boat ramp, marina, and ample trailer parking make this beach great for boaters. The state park is also equipped with a fishing pier and a large picnic area.

Fossil Beach: Fossil beach, located in Westmoreland State Park, is a secluded bayside beach with a unique twist: visitors can hunt for fossilized shark teeth. Millions of years ago the area was a hotbed for sharks, and it’s possible to uncover shark’s teeth by sifting through these sands. Just a short 0.7-mile walk from the parking lot, Fossil Beach boasts spectacular views of bayside bluffs.

Kiptopeke State Park: Located on the eastern shore of Virginia, Kiptopeke State Park is a perfect escape from some of the more crowded beaches. A unique activity here is the ability to kayak among concrete shipwrecks. Large concrete ships have been sunk just offshore, and they now are used as a bird sanctuary.

First Landing State Park: Virginia’s most visited State Park, First Landing SP contains a mile of pristine soft sand beach, as well as beachside camping opportunities. In addition to the shore, the park has over 20-miles of multi-use trails for the restless explorer of the group.

Maryland

Ocean City: Arguably Maryland’s most popular beach, Ocean City is a bustling place in the summertime. Despite the crowds, the wide beaches allow enough room for everyone to find a spot to spread out on the sand. The boardwalk runs parallel to the beach and is complete with a variety of restaurants, shops, attractions, and accommodations.

Assateague Island National Seashore: The national seashore consists of a barrier island with a coastline that stretches over 35-miles on the Atlantic Ocean. The main attraction on these shores is the herd of wild ponies that call it home. These ponies can often be seen roaming the dunes and trotting through the surf. Parts of the beach allow for over-sand vehicle travel with a proper permit.

Sandy Point State Park: Located right off of Route 50, this state park could be the perfect place to get out and take a break if you are battling the infamous “Bay Bridge” traffic. Enjoy the calm relaxing waters on this stretch of Chesapeake Bay waterfront, or bring the fishing gear, head over to the jetty, and wet some lines.

Delaware

Slaughter Beach: Slaughter Beach is a tranquil spot located on the shores of the Delaware Bay. This beach is most famous for the thousands of horseshoe crabs that call it home once a year. Every May and June, a massive horseshoe crab migration occurs in the Delaware Bay, and Slaughter Beach is one of the top spots for viewing this phenomenon.

Cape Henlopen State Park: Cape Henlopen State Park is a unique spot that contains beaches on both the Atlantic Ocean and the Delaware Bay. In addition to the typical beach activities, this park is a popular birding spot and contains remnants of World War II watchtowers that await exploration.