10 Dog-Friendly Beaches in Maryland to Visit in 2026
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.
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
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.
Related Read: Beautiful Dog-Friendly Beaches Near Panama City, Florida
Sources
Featured Image Credit: Kampus Production, Pexels
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Nicole has loved animals of all sizes her whole life so it's no wonder she has dedicated her career to helping them through what she loves best: learning, writing, and sharing knowledge with others. She’s the proud mom of two dogs, a cat, and a human. With a degree in Education and 15+ years of writing experience, Nicole wants to help pet parents and pets around the planet to live happy, safe, and healthy lives.
