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

10 Best Cooling Dog Beds in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

A good dog bed is something that every pouch needs. However, it can be frustrating when your dog avoids their comfy bed, opting...

Can Golden Retrievers Be Aggressive? Facts & FAQ

Perhaps you’ve had a run-in with an aggressive Golden Retriever or are just curious about the idea. How on earth does one of...

7 Health Benefits of Walking Your Dog: Vet-Verified Well-Being Facts

Walking is about so much more than just getting your dog out for “potty breaks.” It provides exercise, mental stimulation, a chance to...

How Often Should I Bathe My Shih Tzu? Vet-Approved Advice

Most dogs don’t require bathing that often. However, the Shih Tzu is an exception to this rule. They need bathing at least every...

More related

Phantom Cockapoo: Info, Pictures, Origin & History

Cockapoos are known worldwide for their friendly, even-tempered natures. They are always willing to play and are intelligent enough to be easily trained....

Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog Breed: Info, Pictures, Facts & Traits

The name of the Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog may automatically make you think of the Australian Cattle Dog. However, these are two...

La-Pom (Lhasa Apso & Pomeranian Mix) Dog Breed: Info, Pictures, Care & More

The La Pom is a cross between a Lhasa Apso and a Pomeranian. It’s uncertain when the first La Pom was bred, but...

10 Fascinating Facts About Guide Dogs (Vet-Approved)

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), roughly 12 million people aged 40 years or older in the US live...

Keep reading

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

Our canine companions are pros at begging our food off us, and they aren’t picky either. Our pups are more than interested in eating everything we eat. But not all people foods are healthy for dogs; in fact, some foods...

Dogster-Can-Dogs-Eat-Syrup

How Often Should Puppies Eat? Vet-Approved Guide & Scheduling

Raising puppies is not for the faint of heart. It’s a tough gig, not unlike raising a newborn baby, but it is extremely gratifying, rewarding, and a whole lot of fun. One of the most important parts of successfully caring...

puppies eating from bowls together

10 Best Soft Dry Dog Foods in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

Choosing a new brand of dog food for your pup can feel like a daunting task. There are so many factors to consider, from ingredients to texture. Soft, dry dog food is easier for some dogs to chew, especially those...

happy jack russell terrier dog with bowl full of food in front

8 Best Grain-Free Dog Foods for Skin Allergies in 2025: Reviews & Top Picks

Choosing the right dog food means taking into account your dog’s preferences when it comes to taste and texture, while also acknowledging any allergies that they might have. Many ingredients in dog food can set off skin allergies, including chicken...

pouring dog food

Pooch Perks Dog Food Subscription Review 2025: Our Expert’s Opinion

Review Summary What Is Pooch Perks? How Does It Work? Pooch Perks is a subscription dog box service that delivers dog toys, treats, and accessories directly to your home. You’ll receive themed boxes that change every month, and each box...

Pooch Perks Dog Subscription Box

How to Cook Eggs for Dogs: 3 Vet-Approved Recipes & Facts

Eggs are a nutritious (and tasty) part of most people’s breakfasts, so you might wonder if they can be a part of your dog’s diet too. The answer is yes, they can! However, you need to purchase pasteurized in-shell eggs...

hard boiled eggs

Can Dogs Eat Goat Meat? Vet-Approved Facts & FAQ

Dogs are facultative carnivores, meaning they can be quite adaptable when it comes to food. Although their ancestors evolved to eat a primarily carnivorous diet, dogs can do well on diets that have a lot of, a little of, or...

Can Dogs Eat Goat Meat

Simply Nourish Dog Food Review 2025: Pros, Cons, Recalls & FAQ

Is Simply Nourish dog food a good choice for your pet? That’s what we’ll be exploring in this article. We’ll take a look at the pros and cons of this brand, as well as any recalls that have been issued...

Simply Nourish Dog Food - Featured Image