Nothing beats a trip to the beach during summer, especially in the company of a trusted dog. And there’s no shortage of fun activities to try. You can always sit back and take in the beautiful scenery if you’re not splashing about in the cool water or frolicking in the sand. However, not every beach is dog friendly, and coming across a great one can feel like finding heaven on earth. Below, we share a list of Maryland’s best dog-friendly beaches. Read on to learn about what fun experiences you can expect.
Top 10 Dog-Friendly Beaches in Maryland
- Downs Memorial Park Dog Beach
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🗺️ Address: 📍8311 John Downs Loop, Pasadena, MD 21122
🕐 Open Times: 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Closed on Tuesdays
💲 Cost: $6 daily per vehicle
🐕 Off-leash: Yes, on the beach
5 miles of gorgeous trails
Dogs are allowed to swim
Amazing views of the bay
Humans are not permitted to swim
Bring drinking water and waste bags
- Matapeake Park Dog Beach
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A post shared by Quincy & Clover (@quincyandclover)
🗺️ Address: 📍1112 Romancoke Road, Stevensville, MD, 21666
🕐 Open Times: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-leash: Yes
5-minute walk to the dog beach
Dogs can’t access the clubhouse and public beach
You have to pay for parking
Enjoy swimming with your dog
Carry plastic bags for cleaning
- Terrapin Nature Park
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A post shared by The Bros 4 life ♾🐾 (@aslan_winston_retrievers)
🗺️ Address: 📍191 Log Canoe Cir, Stevensville, MD, US, 21666
🕐 Open Times: 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-leash: No
Tranquil surrounding
Great view of the Chesapeake Bay
Can swim with your dog (not allowed deep into the water)
10–12-minute walk to the beach
Plenty of wildlife
- Assateague National Seashore
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🗺️ Address: 📍7206 National Seashore Ln, Berlin, MD, US, 18032 Price
🕐 Open Times: 24/7
💲 Cost: $3 per head
🐕 Off-leash: No. They should always be on a 6 feet long leash
Dogs not allowed on the nature trails
Dogs allowed only on the Maryland side of the beach
Most impressive view of the Atlantic Ocean in the state
Majestic Wild horses frequent the beach
Remember to clean up after your dog
- North East Park
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🗺️ Address: 📍4395 Turkey Point Rd, North East, MD 21901
🕐 Open Times: 9 a.m. to sunset
💲 Cost: $3 per vehicle on weekdays and $3 per head on weekends
🐕 Off-leash: No
Out-of-state visitors pay a dollar more
Impressive views of the bay and cliff drops
Dogs can swim before April and after October, off-season
People can only swim during summer months when buoys are marked
Stunning 270-degree view atop the white Turkey lighthouse (dogs not allowed)
- Calvert Cliffs State Park, Lusby, MD
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🗺️ Address: 📍10540 H G Trueman Rd, Lusby, MD 20657
🕐 Open Times: 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m
💲 Cost: $5 per vehicle (additional $2 for out-of-state visitors)
🐕 Off-leash: No
Shark teeth and other fossils in the sand
Remember to bring insect repellent
13 miles of hiking trails
Pets are welcome all year round
Home to a variety of wildlife (600 different species)
- Quiet Waters Park
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🗺️ Address: 📍1701-1799 Quiet Waters Park Rd, Annapolis, MD 21403
🕐 Open Times: 7 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., closed on Tuesdays
💲 Cost: $6 daily per vehicle
🐕 Off-leash: Yes, on the beach
Dogs are allowed for the majority of months during the year
Two dog parks
Several trails wind through the forest
Swim together with your dog
Dogs allowed on leashes in concerts and other events in the park
- Ocean City Beach
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A post shared by Ocean City, Maryland ☀️ (@oceancitymaryland)
🗺️ Address: 📍4001 Coastal Highway Ocean City, MD 21842
🕐 Open Times: 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-leash: No
Beautiful weather
Stunning landscapes
Remember to clean up after your pup
Parking is limited
Visit early to avoid large crowds
- North Point State Park, Edgemere MD
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🗺️ Address: 📍8400 North Point Road. Edgemere, MD 21219
🕐 Open Times: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m
💲 Cost: $3 per vehicle and $4 per vehicle during the summer
🐕 Off-leash: No
Beautiful center fountain
Acres of hiking paths
Swim in the cool waters
Exciting attractions along the way -amusement park, black marsh
Out-of-state visitors pay an extra dollar
- Flag Ponds Nature Park
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A post shared by D.B. Ebenezer (@dbebenezer)
🗺️ Address: 📍1525 Flag Ponds Pkwy, Lusby, MD 20657
🕐 Open Times: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Sat & Sun), 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Mon & Fri)
💲 Cost: $5 ($8 for out-of-state visitors)
🐕 Off-leash: No
Closed Tuesday through Thursday
Experience great weather days
Old fossils buried in the sand
Allowed to take a dip in the cool waters
Great view of the landscape atop nearby observation platforms
Conclusion Not every beach is pet friendly. But you can bring your furry friend for a swim in any of the 10 dog-friendly beaches in Maryland listed above. You will have a lot of fun swimming and playing in the sand, and there are many restaurants and pet-friendly stores nearby where you can wind up your day. There are a few things to keep in mind: Carry drinking water and other essentials needed for the trip. Also, familiarize yourself with the leash laws wherever you visit to avoid penalties. Remember, whether the law explicitly says so or not, it is polite to clean up after your dog. Sources
https://baydog.com/blogs/baydog-blog/7-best-dog-beaches-in-maryland https://www.dogsofcharmcity.net/post/12-places-for-your-dog-to-go-swimming-in-maryland https://twodaystrip.com/best-dog-friendly-beaches-in-maryland/ https://www.veterinarians.org/dog-friendly-beaches-in-maryland/ https://www.hepper.com/dog-friendly-beaches-in-maryland/
Featured Image Credit: Kampus Production, Pexels
Nothing beats a trip to the beach during summer, especially in the company of a trusted dog. And there’s no shortage of fun activities to try. You can always sit back and take in the beautiful scenery if you’re not splashing about in the cool water or frolicking in the sand.
However, not every beach is dog friendly, and coming across a great one can feel like finding heaven on earth. Below, we share a list of Maryland’s best dog-friendly beaches. Read on to learn about what fun experiences you can expect.
Top 10 Dog-Friendly Beaches in Maryland
1. Downs Memorial Park Dog Beach
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Tanyard Shores (@tanyardshores)
🗺️ Address: 📍8311 John Downs Loop, Pasadena, MD 21122
🕐 Open Times: 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Closed on Tuesdays
💲 Cost: $6 daily per vehicle
🐕 Off-leash: Yes, on the beach
5 miles of gorgeous trails
Dogs are allowed to swim
Amazing views of the bay
Humans are not permitted to swim
Bring drinking water and waste bags
2. Matapeake Park Dog Beach
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Quincy & Clover (@quincyandclover)
🗺️ Address: 📍1112 Romancoke Road, Stevensville, MD, 21666
🕐 Open Times: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-leash: Yes
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Tanyard Shores (@tanyardshores)
A post shared by Tanyard Shores (@tanyardshores)
View this post on Instagram
View this post on Instagram
- 5 miles of gorgeous trails
- Dogs are allowed to swim
- Amazing views of the bay
- Humans are not permitted to swim
- Bring drinking water and waste bags
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Quincy & Clover (@quincyandclover)
A post shared by Quincy & Clover (@quincyandclover)
- 5-minute walk to the dog beach
- Dogs can’t access the clubhouse and public beach
- You have to pay for parking
- Enjoy swimming with your dog
- Carry plastic bags for cleaning
3. Terrapin Nature Park
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by The Bros 4 life ♾🐾 (@aslan_winston_retrievers)
🗺️ Address: 📍191 Log Canoe Cir, Stevensville, MD, US, 21666
🕐 Open Times: 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-leash: No
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by The Bros 4 life ♾🐾 (@aslan_winston_retrievers)
A post shared by The Bros 4 life ♾🐾 (@aslan_winston_retrievers)
- Tranquil surrounding
- Great view of the Chesapeake Bay
- Can swim with your dog (not allowed deep into the water)
- 10–12-minute walk to the beach
- Plenty of wildlife
4. Assateague National Seashore
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Craig & Fred🐾 (@fredtheafghan)
🗺️ Address: 📍7206 National Seashore Ln, Berlin, MD, US, 18032 Price
🕐 Open Times: 24/7
💲 Cost: $3 per head
🐕 Off-leash: No. They should always be on a 6 feet long leash
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Craig & Fred🐾 (@fredtheafghan)
A post shared by Craig & Fred🐾 (@fredtheafghan)
- Dogs not allowed on the nature trails
- Dogs allowed only on the Maryland side of the beach
- Most impressive view of the Atlantic Ocean in the state
- Majestic Wild horses frequent the beach
- Remember to clean up after your dog
5. North East Park
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Vinny the pittie (@vinnygoeshillside)
🗺️ Address: 📍4395 Turkey Point Rd, North East, MD 21901
🕐 Open Times: 9 a.m. to sunset
💲 Cost: $3 per vehicle on weekdays and $3 per head on weekends
🐕 Off-leash: No
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Vinny the pittie (@vinnygoeshillside)
A post shared by Vinny the pittie (@vinnygoeshillside)
- Out-of-state visitors pay a dollar more
- Impressive views of the bay and cliff drops
- Dogs can swim before April and after October, off-season
- People can only swim during summer months when buoys are marked
- Stunning 270-degree view atop the white Turkey lighthouse (dogs not allowed)
6. Calvert Cliffs State Park, Lusby, MD
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Scooby Rocky McBasketball (@scooby_toots)
🗺️ Address: 📍10540 H G Trueman Rd, Lusby, MD 20657
🕐 Open Times: 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m
💲 Cost: $5 per vehicle (additional $2 for out-of-state visitors)
🐕 Off-leash: No
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Scooby Rocky McBasketball (@scooby_toots)
A post shared by Scooby Rocky McBasketball (@scooby_toots)
- Shark teeth and other fossils in the sand
- Remember to bring insect repellent
- 13 miles of hiking trails
- Pets are welcome all year round
- Home to a variety of wildlife (600 different species)
7. Quiet Waters Park
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Elf (@mr.elfie_)
🗺️ Address: 📍1701-1799 Quiet Waters Park Rd, Annapolis, MD 21403
🕐 Open Times: 7 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., closed on Tuesdays
💲 Cost: $6 daily per vehicle
🐕 Off-leash: Yes, on the beach
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Elf (@mr.elfie_)
A post shared by Elf (@mr.elfie_)
- Dogs are allowed for the majority of months during the year
- Two dog parks
- Several trails wind through the forest
- Swim together with your dog
- Dogs allowed on leashes in concerts and other events in the park
8. Ocean City Beach
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Ocean City, Maryland ☀️ (@oceancitymaryland)
🗺️ Address: 📍4001 Coastal Highway Ocean City, MD 21842
🕐 Open Times: 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-leash: No
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Ocean City, Maryland ☀️ (@oceancitymaryland)
A post shared by Ocean City, Maryland ☀️ (@oceancitymaryland)
- Beautiful weather
- Stunning landscapes
- Remember to clean up after your pup
- Parking is limited
- Visit early to avoid large crowds
9. North Point State Park, Edgemere MD
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Y U U K I 🦴 (@floofy.yuuki)
🗺️ Address: 📍8400 North Point Road. Edgemere, MD 21219
🕐 Open Times: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m
💲 Cost: $3 per vehicle and $4 per vehicle during the summer
🐕 Off-leash: No
Beautiful center fountain
Acres of hiking paths
Swim in the cool waters
Exciting attractions along the way -amusement park, black marsh
Out-of-state visitors pay an extra dollar
10. Flag Ponds Nature Park
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by D.B. Ebenezer (@dbebenezer)
🗺️ Address: 📍1525 Flag Ponds Pkwy, Lusby, MD 20657
🕐 Open Times: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Sat & Sun), 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Mon & Fri)
💲 Cost: $5 ($8 for out-of-state visitors)
🐕 Off-leash: No
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Y U U K I 🦴 (@floofy.yuuki)
A post shared by Y U U K I 🦴 (@floofy.yuuki)
- Beautiful center fountain
- Acres of hiking paths
- Swim in the cool waters
- Exciting attractions along the way -amusement park, black marsh
- Out-of-state visitors pay an extra dollar
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by D.B. Ebenezer (@dbebenezer)
A post shared by D.B. Ebenezer (@dbebenezer)
- Closed Tuesday through Thursday
- Experience great weather days
- Old fossils buried in the sand
- Allowed to take a dip in the cool waters
- Great view of the landscape atop nearby observation platforms
Conclusion
Not every beach is pet friendly. But you can bring your furry friend for a swim in any of the 10 dog-friendly beaches in Maryland listed above. You will have a lot of fun swimming and playing in the sand, and there are many restaurants and pet-friendly stores nearby where you can wind up your day.
There are a few things to keep in mind: Carry drinking water and other essentials needed for the trip. Also, familiarize yourself with the leash laws wherever you visit to avoid penalties. Remember, whether the law explicitly says so or not, it is polite to clean up after your dog.
Sources
https://baydog.com/blogs/baydog-blog/7-best-dog-beaches-in-maryland https://www.dogsofcharmcity.net/post/12-places-for-your-dog-to-go-swimming-in-maryland https://twodaystrip.com/best-dog-friendly-beaches-in-maryland/ https://www.veterinarians.org/dog-friendly-beaches-in-maryland/ https://www.hepper.com/dog-friendly-beaches-in-maryland/
- https://baydog.com/blogs/baydog-blog/7-best-dog-beaches-in-maryland
- https://www.dogsofcharmcity.net/post/12-places-for-your-dog-to-go-swimming-in-maryland
- https://twodaystrip.com/best-dog-friendly-beaches-in-maryland/
- https://www.veterinarians.org/dog-friendly-beaches-in-maryland/
- https://www.hepper.com/dog-friendly-beaches-in-maryland/
Featured Image Credit: Kampus Production, Pexels