North Beach
Hollywood, MD – The middle of summer is made for serious beach time. If you can’t spare the cash for a flight to the Caribbean or even a long drive to the ocean, you can still enjoy the beach right here in Southern Maryland.
Although the big complaint has always been that there is hardly any beach access along the shores of the Chesapeake Bay, there are a few options. There are fees involved but remember, this is the discount beach fix.
Point Lookout State Park – Located at the southern tip of St. Mary’s County at the confluence of the Chesapeake Bay and Potomac. The park is managed by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. It is one of Maryland’s most popular state parks and often reaches capacity with campers. The beach has a lifeguard on duty and beach-goers are asked to swim in the designated area.
On weekends and holidays the charge is $5 per person for Maryland residents, $7 for non-Maryland residents. On weekdays the cost of admission is $3 per vehicle for Maryland residents, $5 per vehicle for non-Maryland residents.
Breezy Point Beach and Campground – Located north of Huntingtown and south of Chesapeake Beach. Accessible via Route 261. Another campsite that is frequently booked to capacity, especially on weekends. Its amenities include a one-half mile sandy beach plus a netted swimming area. There is also a picnic area, 200-foot fishing pier and volleyball nets. Despite the netted swimming area, dippers are still advised to use caution due to jellyfish.
Admission prices (cash only), weekends and holidays, Memorial Day Weekend to Labor Day – Adult (ages 12 and up) $10; child (ages 3 to 11) $6; senior (ages 60 and up) $6 children (2 and under) free.
Weekdays and off-season weekends, adult (ages 12 and up): $6; child (ages 3 to 11): $4; senior (ages 60 and up): $4, children (2 and under): free.
Season Passes, $140 individual, $200 family (up to 5 people). Each additional family member is $25 each.
Brownie’s Beach (aka Bay Front Park) – Located one-half mile south of Chesapeake Beach. Open daily 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. through Labor Day. There is a fee for non-town residents. Fees are waived for active duty military personnel and veterans on Federal holidays. There is no lifeguard, so swim at your own risk.
North Beach – Public beach managed by the town with a fee schedule and a list of regulations that are available on the town web site. There are no lifeguards so you swim at your own risk.
Elm’s Beach Park – In the Lexington Park area, off Route 235 to Bay Forest Road to Back Door Road. Five hundred feet of bay shoreline with unsupervised swimming, picnicking and fishing. The park has a picnic pavilion, playground, portable restrooms, changing area and parking. The park is open 7 a.m. to sunset. No evening or nighttime activities are permitted. There is a fee.
Myrtle Point Park – Patuxent Boulevard, California. Nearly two miles of Patuxent River shoreline including beach areas (no lifeguard), picnic tables, informal canoe/kayak launching, three miles of hiking trails, parking and portable restroom facilities. There is a fee.
Flag Ponds Nature Park – Located off Route 2/4 via Flag Pond Parkway in Lusby. Operated by the Calvert County Division of Natural Resources. The beach has no lifeguard. Fee is per vehicle. Through October $4 for in-county residents, $6 for nonresidents.
Contact Marty Madden at marty.madden@thebaynet.com