Dog Beaches in Mid Maryland
I love dog beaches. Between dogs playing and sand on my toes, this is my happy place. Since I live and work in Columbia, Maryland, I have been exploring a number of dog beaches in the Mid-Maryland area either with my own dog or with other dogs during photo sessions. Here are some organized by area. I encourage you to try them all out! I have updated this list to include links to Google Maps.
Anne Arundel County
Anne Arundel has a number of dog beaches. There are several I have not yet explored, but here are two I have been to multiple times and love.
Quiet Waters Park
This is a great park as I have discussed before (here). It is located in the greater Annapolis area. To get to the dog beach you have to drive all the way to the back of the park and then make a 1/3 mile walk on a nice paved path. When you get to the end, you will see a gazebo and benches and steps down to a dock area. Walk down to the water and turn left. Walk around the corner and there you will find the dog beach. It is on a nice cove that opens out towards the Chesapeake. There is plenty of sand and places for dogs to run and doggy bags are available if needed.
https://goo.gl/maps/3bVKDCGkYsSB3nSb8
Downs Park
This is another wonderful park near Pasadena. The park is quite large and has a garden and lots of shore line, as well as a beach for humans and a gated and fenced dog beach. The beach here isn’t as big as the one at Quiet Waters, but the fence and abundant rocks to sit on more than make up for it. If you go on a nice weekend it could be crowded. The views of the water are great here,and your dog is sure to have a good time.
https://goo.gl/maps/3X8Fqj73D8VGNtaM8
Kent Island
Kent island is so dog friendly that I fantasize about moving there. I have been to three dog beaches on Kent Island and enjoyed them all.
Matapeake State Park
This park has a beach for humans and for dogs separated by a short distance. When you park in the parking lot and start walking towards the fence, you will take the trail to the right to get down to the dog beach. There is plenty of sand and some trees if you want to retreat to shade. The dog beach is fairly large with lots of room to run. You can throw a stick to your dogs while watching the sunset and the Chesapeake Bay Bridge. This park is a winner.
https://goo.gl/maps/m9Ee3kGBE3xeArte6
Sunset at Matapeake Dog Beach
Ferry Point Park
This park is on the other side of 50 from Matapeake. Near the parking lot you will find some grassy areas and picnic tables and a small museum that never seems to be open when I am there so I can’t comment on the quality of it. You will take a road/path about a third of a mile out to Ferry Point. This was the area the ferries landed before the Bay Bridge was built. You come to a nice cove with grassy areas and tables and a sandy beach. You can follow paths to the left or right from there to get to different areas. I prefer to go left and go around the corner from the cove to an area where there are fewer people. Here you can enjoy the salt grasses and views of the bay while your dog digs for clams or go for a splash.
This was taken at Ferry Point Park on Kent Narrows
Terrapin Nature Park
This park is on the same side of 50 as Ferry Point, and it is quite large and has a number of trails. When I went last September, there were fields of wildflowers teaming with butterflies, especially Monarchs that were migrating. It was absolutely gorgeous. Look at the map or ask questions to find the trails that lead to the beach. The sandy part of the beach is not very wide, but there are salt grasses, logs to sit on, and great views of the Chesapeake and the Bay Bridge.
https://goo.gl/maps/ZsZagEzNVdxuSmRc6
Nearer to Baltimore
The state parks that have beaches in this area only allow dogs on the beaches off season, meaning between Labor Day and Memorial Day.
North Point State Park
This beautiful par commemorates the War of 1812, but I enjoy it for the abundance of nature and the beaches and long fishing pier. It is large (1320 acres) and includes tidal marsh land. Interestingly, it was formerly the home of an amusement park that closed in the 1940s. You can enjoy walking the trails with your dog while observing the wildlife, and then hit the beach for some R&R. The beach area is rocky, so this isn’t the best park for sunbathing, but you and your dog can enjoy it all the same.
https://goo.gl/maps/LkoKdcrxck5CfgP48
Gunpowder Falls State Park: Hammerman Area.
I have not yet been to this park but it is on my list. It has a large sandy beach that is only for humans in summer, but which welcomes dogs off season. The photos I have seen of it online are quite beautiful, so if you live near here, you might want to give it a try.
https://goo.gl/maps/5U1wAf2JVcBDdShd8
Remember if you are taking your dog to any of these beaches, your dog must be up to date on vaccinations and you are expected to clean up after your dog, so bring bags with you. These parks require entrance fees ranging from $3-6, but that is a small price to pay for a lot of fun. get out and make some memories with your dog, and if you want to remember these great times, contact me to schedule a photo session at any of these great beaches. If you know of a dog beach I missed, please comment and let me know!
