So cute! A darling little beach with good nature trails just an hour from DC. Make sure that you…read morereserve your day pass in advance as you can't get in without one on busy weekends. It's free right now but the gate attendant said eventually it will be $6. They are currently building bathrooms and a rinse-off station, but they have porta potties for now. Nicely paved roads to get there, a Safeway en route (coming from DC), and an easy walk to the beach from the parking lot. Entering the park via the gatehouse, the beach is to the right. Follow the trail and signs past the small playground on the right and past the pond on the left. I recommend going to the right once you get to the beach itself as it was less crowded the day I was there. A couple rules important to know before you go. You can drive up closer to the beach to unload, but no parking there unless you have a handicapped sticker/plate. Also, no dogs on the beach unless it's a service dog. There is a ranger walking around so don't try it as you'll be disappointed (as I saw two families have to leave). And no climbing on the break wall rocks. Seems fun, so why not? The ranger said that very aggressive (but non-poisonous) water snakes live there, eek! Also, since I went in August, beware of the jellyfish--they were everywhere. But I also saw huge schools of tiny fish and lots of birds (seagulls, pelican, etc). The beach does not have any natural shade. I had read on the website no umbrellas or tents but I saw tons of families with them and they didn't get in trouble. Bring your snacks and drinks and beach comforts as there are no concessions, just the beach! And the water itself was clear to start but then got more cloudy and had seaweed as the day went on. It's nice and shallow, so I think we will come back when the jellyfish aren't so numerous.

45-minutes from Washington, D.C. Beverly Triton Nature Park is one of the closest beaches to the…read morecity. On top of that, it's a protected park with trails and views. Here's why you should visit: 1) Parking: There's a small lot that fills up fast during the summer. My daughter and I went on an August Friday morning and had to wait a few minutes for someone to leave. There is a lot across the street, but it also fills up too. Parking is free. 2) Trails: There are several short hikes perfect for toddlers. My four-year-old daughter was able to hike the Triton Trail on her own without a stroller or asking to be carried. 3) Beach: The fastest way to the beach is down the paved trail by the main parking lot. It takes 1-2 minutes to walk to the long, but narrow public beach. Bring sunscreen and bug spray. There's no shade at all. 4) Outhouses: There are two outhouses at the main parking lot AND another one at the beach entrance. Unless you want to change in a dirty outhouse, put on your swimsuit before you arrive.

George Washington Davis Park, known as Davis Park, is a small pocket park in Annapolis. It is…read morelocated in the scenic Eastport neighborhood, next to Butler's Marina and gives beautiful views of Back Creek, boats & yachts in the marina, and occasionally some waterfowl. While visiting the park, imagine the watermen of yesteryear preparing for the day. Sit on a bench, some which have been dedicated to loved ones, and relax, read a book, or chat with friends. Should you want to hear some music, get a drink or food, cross the street and enter Davis' Pub. This pub was originally a confections and general store in the 1920s and became Davis' Lounge in the 1940s. In 1986, it became Davis's Pub and is still providing a gathering place for the neighborhood and locals. The park is easily accessible for most.

Beautiful park, I had no idea this existed had the park not hosted Kids to Park day. There is a…read morelarge field, pickle and tennis courts and a skate park. There are pavilions to rent and trails too. The best part is an area on the water! I am so happy that I found out about this park, my family will definitely be returning!

Nice place to launch your kayaks into spa creek and very convenient parking. Love this placeread more

The Susan Campbell Park is a minute park inclusive of the Annapolis City Dock along the Waterfront…read more On some mornings, you can join the outdoor yoga classes offered. Special events are also held here. For those who just want a leisurely stroll along the Annapolis Harbor and look out into the Chesapeake Bay, this is a perfect spot. There is paid parking and once you stroll around the park or sit and enjoy the view, you can choose one of many bars / restaurants in the nearby proximity. In three minutes, you can walk to the U.S. Naval Academy. Along the outskirts of the park, you can take a water tour aboard the Harbor Queen. As the park is in the heart of Annapolis, it is worth seeing.

This park is a wonderful place to sit and eat and it's one of my favorite spots in Annapolis.read more

Beautiful trails. Only wish people wouldn't litter. The…read morewalk with the kids was fun and educational.

Hate it if you want, but I consider this park a gem! In part because it's often empty, so please…read morefeel free to stay away ;) I have an older dog who struggles to walk very far at all, but she loves to smell and hunt in the woods and brush. Patuxent Ponds Park had all of that in a little trail in a little park that was just the perfect tiny package for my darling pup. There are benches around a pond and it has pretty scenery... not sure what more you're looking for to relax in a park but I was definitely happy. Still, in the summer, the pond is just a bunch of still water and I imagine it is a mosquito and tick (if that's also a Maryland thing?) haven. But for winter and fall it is great. The path winds around to another part of the pond, the only bummer is it doesn't circle fully so you have to turn back around. Still, very pretty and calm. If I had to really come up with a complaint, it's that there is no garbage can. Had to bring both of my dogs' poop bags in the car with me and drive it up the road to the walking trail to get a garbage. Either way, I'll be back.

Great park nestled in between 97 and Crofton. I never knew it was there but it offers great trails…read morewith lots of incline. It's a bit small but great for being right in the middle of everything

September is a great time of year to visit Bacon Ridge. The trails are well marked. Had a fun walk…read moreenjoying the park and the nature it provides.

The Chesapeake Bay Critical Area Driving Tour is a must see if you live in and/or visit Maryland…read more Located in Prince Georges County, the driving tour is a four mile tour along the Patuxent River. The one-way only tour begins in the Patuxent River Park (Jug Bay Natural Area) and ends in the Merkle Wildlife Sanctuary giving you a two-for-one access. There is an observation deck as you cross Mataponi Creek. Once you cross the wooden bridge, you leave the Patuxent River Park managed by the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission and begin to enter the Merkle Wildlife Sanctuary managed by the Maryland Park Service. If you love nature, enjoy birding, spotting wildlife, looking for local floral and fauna, enjoy cycling or hiking do not miss this. Note: since the Covid-19 pandemic started, the driiving tour is closed to vehicles. You can access by hiking or bicycling only.

Updated review. I…read moreabsolutely love Piney Orchard Nature Trail! It's my go-to jogging destination because of how peaceful and serene it is. On any given day, you can spot a wide variety of bird species, which adds to the tranquility of the surroundings. The trails through the woods are well-maintained and offer a wonderful escape into nature. I especially enjoy the paths that lead to the fresh water ponds, where you can admire the beauty of the area while getting some exercise. If you're looking for a relaxing and scenic place to jog or simply unwind, Piney Orchard Nature Trail is the perfect spot!

This is such a sweet little enclave of trees and flowers and birds and people walking dogs and…read morecrackling leaves. I've been here to walk 4-5 times, in different seasons, and each has its charm. In the spring, you will see myriad flowers in bloom, hear the lovely song of little streams and birds trilling. Winter is very different, with frosty pine cones and leaves to photograph, and everything so still. Fall is lovely! I saw two does with their mostly grown fawns, and encountered a baby rattlesnake! That surprised me greatly as I've never seen or heard of them around here. I confess that fall is my favorite season; I love the bluest skies and the aroma of leaves. I prefer not walking on asphalt too much, so as soon as I can (where the duck loop cuts off and so does the vernal trail) I cut down to the sand/dirt path along the water. Both trails, asphalt and dirt, eventually end up at a sort of trail end. The other day when I was here, since there was no water in the stream, I crossed over to see if I could go any farther - ermmm not really. There are numerous access points from the neighborhood that borders the preserve, so lots of folks seem to walk their dogs close to home. The water was extremely low since we've had very little rain; I was surprised at how far the mud banks extended into the lake. There are NO services whatsoever! Go potty before you get out to walk!