Sandy Point State Park Travel Guide - Free Web & App

Your ultimate guide to Sandy Point State Park. Discover top landmarks, proposed trips, and local tips. Free on the web or via the Evendo companion app.

Download the Free PDF guide

All photos

Sandy Point State Park in Maryland offers Chesapeake Bay beaches, swimming, boating, fishing, picnics and bay views beside historic Annapolis.

Bay Beaches and Coastal Landscapes

Sandy Point State Park occupies approximately 786 acres on a peninsula at the western end of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge, just east of Annapolis in Maryland. Its setting combines broad sandy beaches, tidal shoreline, wooded areas, marshy habitats and open views across the upper Chesapeake Bay. South Beach is the park's best-known recreational shore, while East Beach offers another stretch of waterfront where conditions and facilities vary by season. The park is shaped as much by the water as by the land: tides, wind, boat traffic and changing light give the shoreline a shifting character throughout the day.

Recreation and Wildlife

Swimming, sunbathing, picnicking, fishing, boating and walking are central to the park experience, with boat ramps and marina facilities supporting access to the bay. The calm-looking water can still be affected by wind, currents and changing weather, so visitors should follow local notices and use designated areas where provided. Birds are a familiar presence around the shoreline, marshes and wooded edges, while the bay supports a wider estuarine ecosystem that includes fish, crabs and other aquatic life. Sandy Point is primarily a day-use destination, although its spacious picnic grounds and waterfront setting encourage a longer, unhurried visit.

A Gateway Beside Annapolis

The park's proximity to Annapolis makes it easy to combine a coastal outing with the Maryland capital's colonial streets, museums and waterfront. Sandy Point itself is more recreational than historic, but its location places visitors within the working cultural landscape of the Chesapeake, where maritime travel, fishing and boating remain important parts of regional life. The Chesapeake Bay Bridge is the dominant nearby structure, stretching eastwards over the water and adding an unmistakable modern landmark to the park's views.

When is the best time to visit Sandy Point State Park?

Best: May, September–October · 21–27°C

6° Temperature Range for JanuaryLow: -2.1°C, High: 6.3°C Precipitation Range for JanuaryLow: 70 mm, High: 90 mm J

8° Temperature Range for FebruaryLow: -1.1°C, High: 7.8°C Precipitation Range for FebruaryLow: 70 mm, High: 90 mm F

13° Temperature Range for MarchLow: 2.4°C, High: 13.2°C Precipitation Range for MarchLow: 80 mm, High: 100 mm M

19° Temperature Range for AprilLow: 7.8°C, High: 18.8°C Precipitation Range for AprilLow: 80 mm, High: 100 mm A

Best 24° Temperature Range for MayLow: 13.3°C, High: 24.4°C Precipitation Range for MayLow: 90 mm, High: 110 mm M

29° Temperature Range for JuneLow: 18.3°C, High: 29.4°C Precipitation Range for JuneLow: 90 mm, High: 110 mm J

32° Temperature Range for JulyLow: 21.1°C, High: 32.2°C Precipitation Range for JulyLow: 100 mm, High: 120 mm J

31° Temperature Range for AugustLow: 20.6°C, High: 30.6°C Precipitation Range for AugustLow: 100 mm, High: 120 mm A

Best 27° Temperature Range for SeptemberLow: 16.7°C, High: 26.7°C Precipitation Range for SeptemberLow: 90 mm, High: 110 mm S

Best 21° Temperature Range for OctoberLow: 10.6°C, High: 20.6°C Precipitation Range for OctoberLow: 80 mm, High: 100 mm O

14° Temperature Range for NovemberLow: 4.4°C, High: 14.4°C Precipitation Range for NovemberLow: 80 mm, High: 100 mm N

8° Temperature Range for DecemberLow: -0.6°C, High: 8.3°C Precipitation Range for DecemberLow: 80 mm, High: 100 mm D

Average daytime high and rainfall by month
Month	High (°C)	Rainfall (mm)
January	6	80
February	8	80
March	13	90
April	19	90
May (best)	24	100
June	29	100
July	32	110
August	31	110
September (best)	27	100
October (best)	21	90
November	14	90
December	8	90

Getting to and around Sandy Point State Park

How to get there

Sandy Point State Park is reached by road from the Annapolis area via US Route 50 and the Chesapeake Bay Bridge approach, with the park entrance signed from the highway. It lies on the western side of the bridge, making it a practical destination for visitors travelling from Annapolis, Baltimore or Washington, DC. Annapolis is the principal nearby urban gateway, with wider rail, coach, taxi and rideshare connections than the park itself. There is no railway station inside the park, and visitors relying on public transport should verify the complete route and final connection before travelling. Drivers should allow for bridge and summer-weekend traffic.

Transportation

A car is the most practical way to reach Sandy Point's beaches, picnic areas, marina and boat ramps, which are spread across a sizeable park landscape rather than concentrated in one walkable centre. Internal roads and parking areas provide access to the principal recreational zones, while walking is suitable for exploring shorelines and park grounds where paths and surfaces permit. Cycling may be possible on park roads, but visitors should account for vehicle traffic and limited shade. Public transport options inside the park are limited, so those arriving in Annapolis should plan the final journey carefully rather than assume that attractions are connected by regular local services.

Best attractions in Sandy Point State Park

Sandy Point State Park's principal attraction is its Chesapeake Bay waterfront, with South Beach providing the best-known setting for swimming, sunbathing and family picnics and East Beach offering another shore-facing area within the park. The peninsula's mixture of sandy shoreline, tidal marsh, wooded ground and open water supports relaxed walking and seasonal bird observation, while the marina and boat-launch facilities bring the working character of recreational boating into the landscape. Fishing is another established use of the park, subject to Maryland regulations and local restrictions. Views towards the Chesapeake Bay Bridge give the waterfront a strong sense of place, particularly from open beach and bay-facing areas. The park also provides a convenient base for combining outdoor recreation with a visit to nearby Annapolis, whose historic district, waterfront and maritime heritage lie outside the park. Offshore features such as Sandy Point Shoal Lighthouse belong to the wider bay setting rather than the park itself.

Park 4.6 (37 reviews)

Flounder Pavilion Beach Front - Sandy Point State Park

Experience the beauty of Flounder Pavilion Beach Front at Sandy Point State Park, a perfect blend of nature, relaxation, and outdoor adventure in Maryland.
Campground 4.5 (22 reviews)

Sandy Point State Park Youth Group Camp Ground

Discover the beauty of Sandy Point State Park Youth Group Camp Ground, a haven for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.
Historical landmark 4.8 (9 reviews)

Sandy Point Shoal Light

Explore Sandy Point Shoal Light, a historic lighthouse in the Chesapeake Bay, showcasing maritime heritage and stunning bay views.
Park 4.0 (13 reviews)

Sandy Point Park Maintenance

Experience the natural beauty and recreational offerings of Sandy Point Park, a serene escape on the Chesapeake Bay in Annapolis, Maryland.

Show more attractions

Best landmarks in Sandy Point State Park

The Chesapeake Bay shoreline is Sandy Point State Park's defining natural landmark, combining sandy beaches, tidal edges, marsh habitat and broad water views within a single peninsula. The Chesapeake Bay Bridge is the dominant built feature in the surrounding landscape, running east from the park across the bay and embodying the transport connection that helped make Sandy Point a major public recreation site. Sandy Point Shoal Lighthouse, an offshore navigational structure associated with the bay's shoals and shipping routes, is part of the wider maritime setting rather than an onshore park monument. The marina, boat ramps and open beach areas express the park's continuing relationship with recreational boating and water access. Together these features distinguish Sandy Point from inland parks and connect its modern recreational identity with the Chesapeake's working, navigational and ecological history.

Historical landmark 4.8 (9 reviews)

Sandy Point Shoal Light

Explore Sandy Point Shoal Light, a historical landmark in the Chesapeake Bay, and immerse yourself in maritime history and scenic views.

Show more landmarks

Explore Sandy Point State Park on the map

Plan your trip on one map. See where the top attractions, landmarks, restaurants and hotels are, and book hotels and experiences in a few clicks.

Best restaurants in Sandy Point State Park

Dining inside Sandy Point State Park is centred on the practical needs of a day-use recreation area rather than a substantial restaurant scene, so visitors commonly bring a picnic or arrange food before entering. Picnic tables and waterfront settings make informal meals part of the park experience, but visitors should check current information for any seasonal concessions or changes in facilities. Annapolis, immediately to the west, is the nearest major dining centre and offers a much broader range of restaurants, cafés, bakeries, pubs and seafood-oriented menus. The city's food culture reflects Maryland's Chesapeake setting through regional seafood traditions, including crab-based dishes, oysters and locally familiar Old Bay seasoning, although menus vary by establishment. Smaller communities and roadside businesses around Anne Arundel County may provide additional options, but the park itself should not be approached as a restaurant district.

Restaurant 4.0 (6 reviews)

The Bayside Grill

Experience coastal charm and culinary excellence at The Bayside Grill in Annapolis – where local flavors meet breathtaking views.

Show more restaurants

Best shops in Sandy Point State Park

Shopping within Sandy Point State Park is limited and geared towards practical visitor needs rather than souvenirs or retail browsing. Visitors should obtain food, drinks, sun protection, beach supplies and other essentials before arrival or in nearby Annapolis, where the historic centre, waterfront and surrounding commercial areas provide the broadest choice of independent shops, galleries, food retailers and everyday services. Annapolis is also a useful place to look for Chesapeake-themed gifts, maritime goods, regional food products and locally made art, although individual stock and opening arrangements change. Larger shopping areas are available farther afield in Anne Arundel County. The park's own appeal lies in its shoreline and recreation grounds, so it is best treated as a destination for outdoor time rather than a place with a dedicated shopping district or permanent craft market.

State park 4.4 (9,407 reviews)

Sandy Point State Park

Explore Sandy Point State Park, a stunning Maryland destination with sandy beaches, scenic trails, and endless outdoor adventures along the Chesapeake Bay.
Park 4.6 (37 reviews)

Flounder Pavilion Beach Front - Sandy Point State Park

Experience the natural beauty and recreational activities at Flounder Pavilion Beach Front in Sandy Point State Park, a serene escape in Maryland.

Show more shops

Get your free copy of our complete guide to Sandy Point State Park, delivered straight to you.

Everything on this page, from attractions and restaurants to essentials and local phrases, in one PDF you can read offline, print or share.

Already have an account? Sign in

Sandy Point State Park essentials

Currency and Payment

The currency is the US dollar (USD). Card payments are widely used in the United States, but visitors should not rely exclusively on contactless or mobile payment at every park facility, entrance point or small concession. Carrying some cash is sensible for incidental purchases, particularly when travelling through a large recreational area or continuing to smaller Chesapeake communities. Annapolis has the broadest selection of banks, cash machines, shops and services near the park. International visitors should check whether their card issuer applies foreign-transaction fees and select US dollars, rather than a home-currency conversion, when a payment terminal offers that choice.

Safety

Chesapeake Bay conditions can change quickly with wind, storms, tides and boat traffic, even when the water appears calm from shore. Swim only in designated areas where provided, supervise children closely and follow Maryland State Parks notices concerning water quality or beach conditions. Beaches, picnic grounds and paths may become hot, slippery or uneven, while exposed areas offer limited shelter during severe weather. Boaters and anglers should use appropriate equipment and observe local regulations. Keep food secured, avoid approaching wildlife and remain clear of marina operations, boat ramps and any restricted shoreline or conservation areas.

Emergency Situations

Call 911 in the United States for police, fire or medical emergencies and state clearly that you are at Sandy Point State Park in Anne Arundel County, Maryland. Give the nearest beach, picnic area, marina, boat ramp or road access point, and use a precise map location if available. Mobile reception and response times can vary around waterfront areas, so do not depend on a phone signal for navigation or delay seeking help when an emergency is evident. For non-urgent questions about conditions, facilities or park management, consult current information from Maryland State Parks before setting out.

Do's and Don'ts

Do follow posted park rules, use bins or take rubbish away, keep dogs and other animals under control where permitted, and stay on established paths around sensitive shoreline and marsh habitats. Do respect beach, boating and fishing regulations, other visitors and the privacy of nearby communities. Do not feed wildlife, climb over barriers, enter closed areas or leave fishing line and other waste on the shore. Avoid blocking boat ramps or access roads, and never assume that swimming, launching, fishing or other activities are allowed outside their designated areas. Local rules and seasonal restrictions take precedence over general custom.

Local Tips

Sandy Point works well as a half-day or full-day outing from Annapolis, but the park's character changes between busy summer beach periods and quieter, cooler seasons suited to walking and bird observation. The Chesapeake Bay Bridge provides a memorable backdrop, although visitors should choose viewpoints and parking areas without obstructing traffic or operational spaces. Pack food and water if planning to remain in the park for several hours, while Annapolis provides the widest choice of restaurants and supplies nearby. Check the weather, park notices, entrance arrangements and any beach or swimming advisories on the day of travel.

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics

English	Local	Say it
Hello	Howdy	[haw-dee]
Goodbye	See ya	[see yah]
Yes	Yup	[yuhp]
No	Nah	[nuh]
Please/You're welcome	Please/No problem	[pleez / no problem]
Thank you	Thanks	[thanks]
Excuse me/Sorry	Pardon me/My bad	[par-dun me / my bad]
How are you?	How ya doin'?	[how yuh doin]
Fine. And you?	Good. You?	[good. yuh?]
Do you speak English?	Ya speak English?	[yah speak english?]
I don't understand	I don't get it	[I don't get it]

Eating & Drinking

English	Local	Say it
I'd like to see the menu, please	Menu, please	[menu, please]
I don't eat meat	No meat for me	[no meat for me]
Cheers!	Cheers!	[cheers!]
I would like to pay, please	Check, please	[check, please]

Emergencies

English	Local	Say it
Help!	Help!	[help!]
Go away!	Get lost!	[get lost!]
Call the Police!	Police!	[police!]
Call a doctor!	Doctor!	[doctor!]
I'm lost	Lost	[lost]
I'm ill	Sick	[sick]

Shopping

English	Local	Say it
I'd like to buy...	I wanna buy...	[I wanna buy...]
I'm just looking	Just browsing	[just browsing]
How much is it?	How much?	[how much?]
That's too expensive	Too pricey	[too pricey]
Can you lower the price?	Can you do better?	[can you do better?]

Time & Numbers

English	Local	Say it
What time is it?	What's the time?	[whats the time?]
It's one o'clock	It's one	[its one]
Half past (10)	Ten thirty	[ten thirty]
Morning	Morning	[morning]
Afternoon	Afternoon	[afternoon]
Evening	Evening	[evening]
Yesterday	Yesterday	[yesterday]
Today	Today	[today]
Tomorrow	Tomorrow	[tomorrow]
1	One	[one]
2	Two	[two]
3	Three	[three]
4	Four	[four]
5	Five	[five]
6	Six	[six]
7	Seven	[seven]
8	Eight	[eight]
9	Nine	[nine]
10	Ten	[ten]

Transport & Directions

English	Local	Say it
Where's a/the...?	Where's the...?	[wheres the...?]
What's the address?	Address?	[address?]
Can you show me (on the map)?	Show me (on map)?	[show me (on map)?]
When's the next (bus)?	Next (bus)?	[next (bus)?]
A ticket (to ....)	Ticket (to ...)	[ticket (to ...)]

History of Sandy Point State Park

A Chesapeake Bay Peninsula

Sandy Point forms part of the long human and environmental history of the Chesapeake Bay, an estuary shaped by tidal exchange between rivers and the Atlantic Ocean. Long before the modern park existed, the shore was part of a wider landscape used by Indigenous communities and later transformed by European settlement, farming, fishing and maritime travel. The peninsula's value has always been linked to its position at the meeting point of land and water, where sheltered shorelines provided access to the bay while wetlands and wooded ground supported a varied natural environment.

The Maritime Landscape

During the colonial and early modern periods, the Chesapeake was an important region for agriculture, trade, fishing and waterborne transport. Sandy Point did not develop into a major town, but its waterfront belonged to this broader maritime network. The bay around the park was navigated by commercial and working vessels, while nearby settlements, including Annapolis, became centres of government, trade and seafaring. Offshore navigational structures such as Sandy Point Shoal Lighthouse reflect the hazards of the bay and the efforts made to guide vessels through its shoals and channels.

The Park and the Bay Bridge

Sandy Point State Park was established in 1952, the same year that the original Chesapeake Bay Bridge opened and transformed travel between Maryland's western and eastern shores. The bridge made the peninsula more accessible to visitors from the Baltimore-Washington region and helped establish Sandy Point as a significant public recreation area. Its beaches and picnic grounds offered urban and suburban residents a readily reachable experience of the Chesapeake, while its marina and boat ramps connected the state park to the continuing recreational use of the bay.

Public Recreation and Stewardship

Since its establishment, Sandy Point has developed as a managed public landscape rather than an untouched shoreline. Facilities for swimming, picnicking, boating, fishing and organised recreation have been balanced with the need to protect tidal waters, beach habitats, marsh edges and woodland. Modern management by Maryland's state park system reflects the pressures faced by heavily visited Chesapeake Bay sites, including seasonal crowding, water-quality concerns, shoreline change and the protection of wildlife. The park's continuing importance lies in keeping accessible waterfront recreation within a landscape that remains ecologically connected to the bay.

Sandy Point State Park in Photos

Browse through our photo collection highlighting the charm and character of the destination.

Neighbouring destination travel guides

The closest destinations to Sandy Point State Park, if you have time for more than one.

Explore more

More of the region

Explore more of Chesapeake Bay Area

Explore Maryland’s Chesapeake Bay Area for historic ports, sailing towns, tidal marshes, seafood traditions and distinctive waterfront landscapes.

Explore Chesapeake Bay Area

More of the country

Explore more of Maryland

Discover Maryland, where coastal charm meets rich history and outdoor adventure. Experience the best of the East Coast in this small but diverse state.

Explore Maryland