🏆 Official Guide: Sandy Point State Park — A 786-acre Maryland waterfront park on the Chesapeake Bay near Annapolis — featuring a mile-long swimming beach with views of the Bay Bridge, 22 public boat ramps, 24-hour fishing access, and crabbing from designated piers.
Sandy Point State Park sits on 786 acres along the western shore of the Chesapeake Bay, just minutes from Annapolis. It’s one of Maryland’s most popular outdoor destinations, offering a mile-long public swimming beach with dramatic views of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge, extensive boating facilities with 22 ramps, and year-round fishing and crabbing access. It’s the closest Chesapeake Bay beach to the Baltimore–Washington metro area.
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | 1100 East College Parkway, Annapolis, MD |
| Size | 786 acres |
| Beach | 1 mile of public swimming beach |
| Boat Ramps | 22 public ramps |
| Lifeguards | 10 AM–6 PM, Memorial Day–Labor Day |
| Pets | Not permitted May 1 – Sept 30 |
Fees
| Season | Fee |
|---|---|
| Peak (May 1 – Sept 30) | Day-use fee applies — reservations may be required |
| Off-Peak (Oct 1 – Apr 30) | Lower vehicle fee |
| Fishing Areas | Open 24 hours (active fishing required after hours) |
Activities
| Activity | Details |
|---|---|
| Swimming | Mile-long Chesapeake Bay beach — Bay Bridge views |
| Boating | 22 ramps — direct Chesapeake Bay access |
| Kayaking / SUP | Small craft launch at South Beach — bring your own |
| Fishing | Beach, jetties, pier — 24-hour access |
| Crabbing | Designated areas — a Chesapeake Bay tradition |
| Picnicking | Shelters and open areas with Bay views |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a fishing license at Sandy Point?
Yes — anyone 16 years and older needs a Chesapeake Bay Sport Fishing License to fish at Sandy Point. Licenses can be purchased online through the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. Crabbing also requires adherence to Maryland’s catch limits and seasonal regulations.
Can I bring my dog to Sandy Point?
Pets are not permitted anywhere in the park from May 1 through September 30 (peak season). During the off-season (October through April), leashed pets may be allowed — check current park rules before visiting.
How do I get to Sandy Point?
Sandy Point is located at 1100 East College Parkway in Annapolis, Maryland — just off Route 50 near the western approach to the Chesapeake Bay Bridge. It’s approximately 30 miles east of Washington, D.C., and 30 miles south of Baltimore, making it the most accessible Chesapeake Bay beach for the metro area.
More parks nearby: Matapeake State Park is a short drive away, while Love Point State Park lies a short drive away.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Sandy Point State Park
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Maryland state parks welcome leashed pets, but where they may go is set park by park under the Maryland Park Service Pet Policy — check each park's designated pet areas.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- 6 ft maximum in designated pet areas and 10 ft in undeveloped areas; off-leash under voice control only while swimming in designated areas
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- At most parks pets are barred from sandy swim beaches from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day; many parks allow shoreline swimming outside the swim beach
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Most cabins are pet-free, but select parks designate pet-friendly cabins (e.g. Herrington Manor cabins 1-10, New Germany cabins 3-7)
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Pets not allowed in park buildings or playgrounds; pets must be licensed and vaccinated
Are dogs allowed at Sandy Point State Park?
Maryland state parks welcome leashed pets, but where they may go is set park by park under the Maryland Park Service Pet Policy — check each park's designated pet areas. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via dnr.maryland.gov. More: Maryland state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Location
Plan your gear for Sandy Point State Park
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
