Get

In Your Inbox

Dogster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

10 Dog-Friendly Beaches in Maryland to Visit in 2025

person sitting on the beach with their dogs

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.

divider dog faces oct 2024

The 10 Dog-Friendly Beaches in Maryland

1. Downs Memorial Park Dog Beach

️ 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

️ 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


3. Terrapin Nature Park

️ 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


4. Assateague National Seashore

️ 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


5. North East Park

️ 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 Point lighthouse (dogs not allowed)


6. Calvert Cliffs State Park, Lusby, MD

️ 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)


7. Quiet Waters Park

️ 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


8. Ocean City Beach

️ 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


9. North Point State Park, Edgemere MD

️ 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

️ 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

divider dog faces oct 2024

Conclusion

Not every beach is pet friendly. But you can bring your furry friend for a swim in any of the 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.


Featured Image Credit: Kampus Production, Pexels

Want content like this delivered to you?

Sign Up For Our Newsletter

News, insights, expert advice, and everything dog

* By submitting, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy & Cookies Policy.

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate (you can leave written feedback after clicking submit)

Help us improve Dogster for pet parents!

Your feedback really matters.

What did you like about this post? Also how can we improve it?

Join the conversation

Leave a Reply

You’re very welcome to leave a comment or question. Please know that all comments must meet our community guidelines, and your email address will NOT be published. Let’s have a positive and constructive conversation.

Talk With A Vet Online

Peace of mind,
anywhere, anytime

Affordable vet advice

National Dog Walker Appreciation Day 2025: When & What Is It?

The job may sound simple, but many people couldn’t manage their day without the help of a dependable dog walker. Dog walkers go...

Truffle Hunting Dogs: How Do They Work? Facts & FAQ

As far back as the 15th century, pigs have traditionally been used to hunt truffles. Pigs are natural foragers with a strong sense...

7 Best Dog Training Courses in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks 

Dog training is the most important thing you need to do to maintain your pup’s behavior, but it can be overwhelming to search...

Why Is My Dog Gaining Weight But Not Eating More? 10 Vet-Reviewed Reasons

Did you know that 59% of dogs in the United States are considered overweight or obese1? It’s true, and extra pounds put dogs...

More related

Cava Tzu (Cavalier King Charles Spaniel & Shih Tzu Mix): Info, Pictures & Care

The cute and cuddly Cava Tzu brings together the best characteristics of both their parent breeds, the Shih Tzu and the Cavalier King...

9 Best Dog Advent Calendars for 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

The holiday season comes with many traditions. If advent calendars are a part of your family’s festive celebrations, you may be looking for...

Dog Ear Mites vs Yeast Infections: Vet Tips to Tell the Difference

Ear mites and yeast infections are common problems for dogs, especially those with long floppy ears that hold heat and moisture, creating a...

10 Amazing Off-Leash Dog Parks in the UK in 2025 You Won’t Want to Miss

Off-leash parks are a great place to give your dog the freedom to run, explore, and socialize with other dogs and people. These...

Keep reading

Can Dogs Eat Licorice? Vet-Verified Nutrition Facts & Info

Our pets can eat all sorts of goodies that we can prepare from the comfort of our own kitchens. However, when it comes to sweets, it isn’t always the best idea to share with our four-legged friends. Licorice is not...

twizzlers licorice candies

Is Insect-Based Dog Food Safe for My Pet? Vet Approved Facts & FAQ

Does the thought of eating a cricket or grasshopper make your stomach churn? Despite the “yuck” factor, many bugs are protein-rich. While you may not be interested in eating bugs, your dog might be! Insect-based pet food has hit the...

French bulldog eating from a bowl

Can Dogs Have Cumin? Vet-Reviewed Nutrition Facts & FAQ

When you think about giving your dog a bite of your food as a treat, you probably don’t think about what spices the food contains. You should, though, as some spices are toxic to our canine companions, so even a...

Dogster-Can-Dogs-Have-Cumin

Blackwood Dog Food Review 2025: Recalls, Pros & Cons

link Review Summary Blackwood is a pet food company founded on the premise that slow-cooking food in small batches preserves the most nutrients, to give your pets nutritionally dense food for energy and stamina. In every bowl of Blackwood pet...

Dogster_Blackwood Dog Food Review

How to Calculate Pet Food Dry Matter Basis (With Calculator)

What is dry matter basis and why is it important for pet food? We’ve got the answers—and a calculator—to help you determine the ratio of nutrients to moisture content. When looking at the nutritional values of pet food, the guaranteed...

dry dog food in plastic bag and dog head

Canidae vs. Blue Buffalo Dog Food: Pros, Cons & What to Choose

Staring at the solid wall of pet food offerings in a store is overwhelming and confusing all at the same time. Maybe you have passed the pet food aisle during a grocery trip and found yourself mesmerized by the sheer...

Dogster_Dog Food Canidae VS Blue Buffalo

5 Best Dog Foods for Bernedoodles in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

If you’re lucky enough to be the pet parent of an adorable Bernedoodle (also known as Bernese Mountain Poo, Bernesepoo, or Bernepoo), it’s only fitting that you’re looking to feed them the best dog food available. Your loving and loyal...

Bernedoodle Puppy lying on the ground

Can Dogs Have Pumpkin Spice? Vet-Verified Health & Nutrition Guide

Fall brings with it the advent of pumpkin spice everything—pumpkin spice lattes, pumpkin spice cookies and bread, pumpkin spice scented candles, and more! There’s really no better way to get into the fall season than with some pumpkin spice. But...

pumpkin spice