One of the advantages of going to beaches on the western side of the Chesapeake Bay is that you can usually get to them without encountering the bumper-to-bumper beach traffic on Route 50 as you approach the Bay Bridge. Sadly, you can’t avoid the weekend traffic when going to Sandy Point State Park, which sits just north of the foot of the bridge. Still, as you inch forward toward the exit for Oceanic Drive, just remind yourself that you’re not far away from spreading your blanket by the water, while the poor saps in the car next to you will be spending another few hours on the way to Ocean City or Rehoboth.
Sandy Point is one of the best-known beaches on the Western Shore, thanks to roughly one mile of sand facing the Chesapeake Bay. There are designated swimming areas, with lifeguards on duty from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Ball games are permitted at the beach, though not in “crowded areas,” and families are allowed to set up small, open-sided sunshades. Also, in contrast to smaller beach areas, Sandy Point offers a bathhouse with showers, plus concession stands. All this makes Sandy Point very popular and crowded on weekends — the stretch near the parking lot and Bayside Grill tends to fill up fast, so move toward the fishing piers or the “East Beach” closer to the lighthouse if you want more room.
Beyond the beach, Sandy Point allows fishing and crabbing from long rock jetties that extend into the bay (licenses required), multiple hiking trails, a nature center with family activities, and excellent views of the Bay Bridge and historic Sandy Point Shoal Lighthouse.
1100 East College Pkwy., Annapolis. dnr.maryland.gov. $5 per person on weekends and holidays; $4 per person on weekdays.
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