Sandy Point State Park

Sandy Point State Park is a natural area on the Chesapeake Bay in Maryland covering about 786 acres of land that combines beaches, forests, and wetlands. The park stretches along the shoreline and offers several swimming areas, a marina, and shaded picnic zones under trees.

The land was designated by Maryland as its first public recreation area in 1948 to provide citizens with access to the shoreline. Opening for visitors followed in June 1952 after roads and facilities were completed.

The name comes from the sandy point of the peninsula that extends into the bay and once served as a landmark for sailors. Today families and anglers use the beaches for swimming and picnicking, while birdwatchers explore the shoreline zones.

The park lies near Baltimore and is accessible via the Chesapeake Bay Bridge approach road, with ramps and restrooms designed for wheelchair users. Arrive early if you want a parking spot close to the beach in summer, as the grounds fill quickly on warm weekends.

Visitors can watch large cargo ships glide under the Chesapeake Bay Bridge from the beach while standing in shallow water. Over 200 bird species have been recorded here, with peregrine falcons and ospreys hunting along the shore in spring.

Location: Anne Arundel County

Inception: 1948

Official opening: June 25, 1952

Address: Sandy Point State Park | 1100 East College Parkway | Annapolis, MD 21409 (English)

Website: http://dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands/Pages/southern/sandypoint.aspx

GPS coordinates: 39.01998,-76.40770

Latest update: December 5, 2025 22:28