We came to Sandy Point State Park on an off season day. When you look at the photos on social media, you create a visual in your mind. On this day, the weather was less than ideal. Hence, there were very few visitors in the park. When we pulled up, no one was at the toll booth. You just made your payment to park and you were on your way. If you use my photos as a reference, you can see exactly what type of day it was. It was no more than 50 degrees with low clouds and light rain. Visibility wasn't the best. After we parked our car, we started to walk around the property. The booths were closed and the only people that we saw were a family playing on the playground and a parent taking his son fishing. A park ranger came by and parked next to our car but when we came back, he drove off. He was trying to figure out why we were there. When you walk down the path, you'll notice that the sand is a rusty color. I've seen wet sand in California, but the sand at this state park was different in color. All of the sand was also soaking wet due the rising tides. You can see bridge across the water and a boat or two on the water. The winds were blowing and the water was choppy. You definitely weren't out on the water unless it was work-related. Sandy Point has a plaque in which it outlines the history of this area. It was once a segregated beach. Things have changed for the better and now everyone gets to enjoy the area. When I saw photos from summer months in this area, Sandy Point is the place to be.Maybe we will come back during the summer months for a different experience, so that we can enjoy it, just like the locals. read more

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BLUF: Lights on the Bay is a fun experience but I'm otherwise not a fan of this park. Truth be told, I have not been to Sandy Point State Park during the day in over 25 years. It didn't leave a good impression back then so now I stick to visiting at Christmas time to see Lights on the Bay. Lights on the Bay is fun and I would give it five stars so my three-star review reflects the overall experience of Sandy Point State Park. For $20, you can drive a car full of friends and family through the park to see the lights. I feel like they really stepped it up in 2025 and I was more than glad to make that donation, via the $20 entrance fee, to the SPCA. Another fun way to see Lights on the Bay is via bike. There is a local club that organizes a ride in early December - they deck out their bikes and take a leisurely, albeit chilly, ride through the grounds. read more

Sandy Point State Park - Parks Near Me - Annapolis, Maryland

This place is great in the off season!!!!! no one goes there in the winter and you can bring a dog/dogs. and they can walk on the beach. I just visited and already have great memories with my dogs read more

After returning from vacation abroad, the vacation continued and to my surprise at a local beach. My significant other always has a plan and this was the coolest day getaway to finish our vacation stateside. I'm shocked that I never knew about this beach. Clean, close by the DMV, and big! Romantic too. There's nothing like enjoying time with the people you love by the water. If you want to sun bathe this is the place to go! Can't get over how close it is to DC. I would recommend that you look online before getting into the water as the State of Maryland had recommended people not to get in the water due to bacteria but they were in there, bacteria and all. There is food for purchase and beach rentals which is cool to have as an option. Definitely returning to this gem! Note: they will be closed for a renovation later this year. Can't wait to see the changes. read more

Sandy Point State Park - Sandy Point - Who knew that the DMV had a beach close by. Lived here for over 25 years and never knew. Shameful. - Parks Near Me - Annapolis, Maryland

We arrived to Sandy Point Park at 8am to have a beach day. It was a sunny Saturday, and the park was already filling up. We got a great spot on the beach and enjoyed swimming in the refreshing water. The beach and park area is super family-friendly! There were so many families grilling out and lots of kids running around. The beach has a shop with floaties and beach toys. We did watch a floaty get swept out to sea, though, so be careful! There is also a concessions stand for snacks. We will definitely come back here again! read more

Sandy Point State Park - Parks Near Me - Annapolis, Maryland

While in Maryland area, we went to Sandy Point State Park. We paid $8 to enter the park. There is a nice beach area, restrooms for changing clothes, picnic tables, fire pits, grills, and tons of trees and Geese!!! There are some public docks available. read more

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Came here with my job. I haven't been to Sandy Point in over a decade. The dude in want too bad and it cost $4 to get into the park. We had a really good time. The pavilion we had was a great size and very close to the water. I didn't swim because I was at a job event but I did walk the beach barefoot. The water was nice and clear too. I might have to give Sandy point a visit with my family read more

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I can say a thousand things about this place, but even then you won't be able to enjoy it. You better go to experience it yourself. Many grills are available, bathrooms, etc. In order to get in, you will need to pay a lower fee of $4.00 (please check their official website before heading there, for hours, fees and rules) Please keep in mind that there's no pets allowed. read more

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Sometimes I forget that a pleasant beach is less than an hour away. Went today on a beautiful late afternoon. Enjoyed the sand on my feet, the views, and just hanging with family. If you haven't been there: It's $5/person. You can grill. Lots of folks hang hammocks between the trees that boarder the beach. Kids swim despite red signs saying no swimming. Lots of fishing. A few others kayak. There are rest rooms and a place to wash your feet. Stop by and spend time. I think you will enjoy. read more

Sandy Point State Park - Sandy Point State Park - Parks Near Me - Annapolis, Maryland

I have been going here for decades, and it never dissapoints; this is a great spot to take the family and a even better place if you want to take a day-trip for some "ALONE TIME" you have to get here early, because it does fill up fast and they are open 24hrs so it's jammed packed , but well worth it. read more

There is really nothing bad to say about this beach. Last year the jellyfish were overwhelming, but there weren't any this visit. It was more crowded than I'm used to, but it was a beautiful experience. The sand is great, water was warm and much cleaner than North Beach. It's much larger than North Beach as well. Their umbrellas are nice. Although, north beach would assist you in placing your umbrella. My husband had to help someone with theirs when their family's umbrella blew away which was very dangerous. He walked over and dug a hole for the umbrella for them. read more

Closest beach to DC. 45-60 minutes from the city, with gentle waves on Chesapeake Bay, and distinctive orange sand for the kiddos to play in. Good value for an easy day trip, at $4/$5 per adult to get in (weekday/holiday.) Speaking of kids: Sandy Point recently made some great improvements, by building a sweet nautical/ oceanic-themed playground with separate features for younger and older kids, adding a nature center, and rebuilding the snack bar/ beach supply shop building. Delightful to have food and treats right there -- also umbrella rental and beach toys for sale. The snack bar operates 11-7 weekdays, and 9-8 weekends. Weekday afternoons or early mornings are your best bet, as this beach gets crowded in the summer. Still beats sitting in traffic on the Bay Bridge! Minus one star because some lazy patrons litter, and the state park staff can't keep up. So I always bring a bag to clean up caps, wrappers, cups etc. near our spot, and leave things better than I found 'em. Have been to this little beach a dozen times in as many years. Like Cadre Cola, "It hits the spot!" read more

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Came here for the hottest day in the area since last October. Great beach for those looking for less travel/ road traffic from the DMV and calm waves. Plenty of foot traffic in the beach after about 10am on a weekend since everyone had the same idea. If you don't like kids and crowded beaches, this is not the place for you. Since there are calmer waves and not dangerous out by the water, families come out with kids more often. Some kids are roaming wild with no parental guidance so you may get sprayed with water and sand like we did . Get here earlier than 8:30 and you should have plenty of space to post your umbrella and the calm before everyone else joins. The price for weekends were $5/person and weekdays $4/ person. read more

Sandy Point State Park - Parks Near Me - Annapolis, Maryland

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Perfect place to put the kayak or paddle board in at, to take a morning run on the beach or even to let the dog roam free (seasonal on the dog allowance). The park is packed with deer so be sure to watch your dog. read more

7/16/22 This park really fills up quickly. Nevertheless, we made it before the park closed, because the place is packed. Oh, speaking of parking, the ticket fare on weekends through this summer is $5.00 per person. If you served in the military, there is a discount. You will need to show proof. There might be a discount for law enforcement and fire and rescue too. I will try and find out. Okay, calling the state park is getting me nowhere. I think it is best to ask, before you a pay. The native language on the beach today is Spanish....I feel right at home. The beach water is warm, but feels refreshing. The water drops off quickly, but some people are going far out. I saw a woman dancing with a banner to the music of reggaeton. One of the songs that got the woman really dancing and moving like a marital arts master was the song Oye Mi Canto. The water of the bay felt nice on my skin; however, I chose not to go swimming. My wife won't go in the water where she can't see her feet. How many other people are like this I wonder? The bathroom I saw was fairly clean, but if one has a fear of spiders like a little girl did of a Daddy Long Legs, then you might stay clear of the bathroom by the docks. Yes, I know some people would say.."the daddy long legs are not spiders." "They are not spiders, but belong to a group with many different species, called Opiliones. The common name, daddy-longlegs, likely came about because of their small oval body and long legs, and the name harvestman because they are most often seen in large numbers in the fall around harvest time.Oct 6, 2004."https://www.burkemuseum.org/collections-and-research/biology/arachnology-and-entomology/spider-myths/myth-daddy-longlegs-kind-spider#:~:text=Fact%3A%20This%20is%20a%20tricky,are%20ground%2Ddwelling%20outdoor%20creatures. I did catch the sight of a nice full moon at the beach. The day was scorching hot, and the moon made it worth it. Believe it or not, there was a lot of public mooning at the beach, whether the person knew it or not. Enough of that. We stayed at the beach for about an hour, but never ventured over to the snack bars or gift shops. We also learned that the park closes earlier if the park becomes overly crowded. We just made it in before the park closed for the day. This is on a Saturday around 11am. Get there early and avoid a huge disappointment. read more

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A great day trip from northern va, this spot gets packed on the summer weekends and they can close off entry sometimes as early as 1030. I recommend following them on twitter to make sure you get the alerts if you are headed out there. This is the "good enough" beach when we don't want to go all the way to Buckroe, Rehoboth, OC or any other of the major beaches. It can get really crowded, both on the beach and in the fields. There are many people who set up tents for the whole day. The water is known to have jelly fish so be careful as there aren't lifeguards. I do still enjoy visiting so the kids can get some sun and sand and a little bit of splashing. Food option is limited to a stand that sells funnel cakes and hot dogs and pizzas, so bring a picnic! read more

As of October 1 ( the start of off-season), leashed dogs are allowed in the park. Large beach with dirty sand, lots of picnic tables, portable toilets,. Well organized and laid out for social distancing. But.... there is absolutely nothing special about this park. Proximity to the bridge comes with a constant sound of traffic noise. Huge parking lots. We went around 4 pm in October for a walk with the dog. Paid $3 per car to enter. Infor at the entrance said the park closes at dusk. Not a good spot for watching sunset. Glad we have checked it out but I have no desire going back read more

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Being a native Marylander, I'm pretty shocked to say that I've never been to Sandy Point State Park. What can I say, I've never had the occasion to visit. That changed this past weekend because my cousin had her engagement party at one of the pavilions at the park. What a wonderful idea! The man made beach in the backdrop and the Chesapeake Bay cascading in the distance was a lovely backdrop for a sweet and family filled afternoon of fun! The pavilion is set-up with picnic style tables/chairs and portable bathrooms equipped with water running sinks were adjacent to the pavilions. A little distance away were buildings equipped with other restrooms. Plenty of parking is available and it's a spacious area for all to enjoy! Parking for that day was $3, not sure what it is during busier summer months. I could see how this would be a a nice and quick get away for the kids. I personally am not into man made beaches, but to each his own. Again, a wonderful state park for events, beach excursions, fun in the sun, and just some rest and relaxation! read more

$4 per person for entry into the park on weekdays. $5 on weekends. Really lovely stretch of beach with public restrooms/showers, a nature center, plenty of beach space and a food with prices that are expectedly at a markup. Bring snacks, sunscreen and a chair or two! They do have beach rentals, but we brought our own things and didn't utilize it. The women's side of the restrooms had standing water at the literally toilets base so maybe come already dressed in your swimsuit! read more

Sandy Point State Park - Parks Near Me - Annapolis, Maryland

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Local beach great for strolling, kids love it, nice breeze for flying kites and not overly crowded. Good views of the Chesapeake bay. They also hold awesome summer camps! read more

Sandy Point State Park - Flying the SQUID kite - Parks Near Me - Annapolis, Maryland

Great Thursday in the books, October 21st 80° & a breeze. Hadn't been to Sandy point in awhile... I tend to avoid large crowds but today was perfect: Ample room to stretch out and find your zen, unscathed with glorious views of the Bay bridge. Note: Dogs *are allowed* after official summer season ends (see: posted date on website for specifics) --On leash; good to know. Concession is closed off season. read more

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I haven't been to Sandy Point in YEARS! I'm mad that I haven't. I've passed this park to drive to VA Beach, Myrtle Beach and Ocean City numerous times, but I will definitely make it my business to visit more. Everything about Sandy Point looks different than it did when I was a child, I'm not a fan of the funny looking dark sand, but it was a great beach experience and my little ones had fun. We'll be back! read more

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Yay drove three hours to go to a closed beach that didn't even say it was closed on website worst place ever and it was the hottest day of the year. The lifeguards don't even care about you. They just want money. This place sucks don't go here. read more

We really liked this beach and will be back again. Somethings I was looking for in reviews in case they help anyone else: 1. It was crowded but we got there about 11am on a Saturday and had no trouble finding space on the beach. 2 parking lots were full and closed by the time we got there but we easily got parking in the third. When we left about 1:45 it was starting to fill as well. 2. There are bathrooms and they were pretty clean for being on the beach. 3. There is a beach shop where you can rent umbrellas and a few other beach items. We rented an umbrella for $25. 4. The sand is pretty rocky and gritty so I definitely recommend water shoes, especially for the littles. 5. Lots of tents and canopies. I know some beaches don't allow tents but I saw a ton here and it didn't seem to be a problem. All in all it was a decent beach and we will be back :) read more

I enjoyed my peaceful day at the beach, enjoying the sounds of the waves crashing, dipping in the water to cool off in the water from the blazing hot sun. I went in the middle of the week Wednesday getting there about 11am, not to many people there but by the time I left 3:30 the beach was full of people. They have a new stands with treats that you can purchase that wasn't there my last visit, but price are extremely high, I packed my treats.......entry to beach was $4 for weekday, $5 for the weekend.... FYI.......you do have to pay a re entry fee if you leave and come back. read more

Sandy Point State Park - Parks Near Me - Annapolis, Maryland

Paid admission in. Got to the beach and was kicked off immediately due to high winds. Disappointing day. On to crab eating outside the park. read more

Sandy Point State Park - Paid in but kicked off the beach! - Parks Near Me - Annapolis, Maryland

Perfect in every way. Waves were beautiful perfect sunshine and sand. Bridge is beautiful read more

Sandy Point State Park - Light house - Parks Near Me - Annapolis, Maryland

I have gone to Sandy Point several times over the last few years but typically during the off season. I brought my dog a few months back to run around and then go once a year for the Polar Bear Plunge. The employees are always friendly and the grounds are relatively clean. I have no complaints! read more

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I have looked over at the park every time I drive across the Bay Bridge. Today, on a sunny March Sunday, I decided to drive in, walk the beach, and take some pictures. It was great that it was warm enough that I did not need a coat. And the park was not too crowded--there were some families with kids on the beach and in the playground, some fishermen along the shore, and a couple of families having cookouts. The fee was $3.00 and you paid an automated machine at the entrance. The Bay Bridge views are great. The brown sandy beach is long enough to get in a good walk. You can see Sandy Point Lighthouse and all of the boat traffic in the Bay, including big cargo ships. I drove over to check out the fishing pier, which was deserted today. It is a great spot for a family day outing. read more

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We ventured to Sandy Point State Park to enjoy the SPCA Lights on the Bay event, bringing along baby & doggo. The event was extremely well-run showcasing lights among the gorgeous park. The bay as a backdrop was beautiful. The whole park was great for strolling; very spacious between the large light displays & the big crowd they used the space really well. It was also very clean, with ample trashcans for the doggos needs, and staff were so welcoming. We will definitely be back to explore the area outside of the event. read more

Sandy Point is supposedly a State park. But it's incredibly disappointing even if entry only costs $4. Sandy Point feels more like an oversized children park that you can find in the middle of a neighborhood. The beach is large, but gives a very prominent view of a bridge. Honestly, the bridge ruined the environment that the park was probably going for. The sand is dirty. The only other people on the beach with us were two kids chasing away the seagulls I was trying to lure toward me with food. No walking trails that are notable. Picnic tables are scattered in front of the sand. No one was using them of course. Using the picnic tables would've been nice if they weren't locked behind a $4 pay wall. All in all, Sandy Point is fun if you're just trying to get away from other people. Sandy Point is no good if you want a state park that has appealing scenary and places to hike. read more

We came in a long time ago for a family outing during the summer. But this time we came to see the Christmas lights. It was long line and wait to see the lights. The cost is not bad, about $15 per car/van and up for larger vehicles. Plus you can purchase 3D glasses, 1 for $3 and 2 for $5. This was my first time here. I never knew about this. It was an awesome little drive through. The 3D glasses were a nice touch as we drove around looking at the lights. Santa was giving out candy canes to the kids only (sorry big kids not included ) read more

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What's not to love here?! No it's not south beach but you shouldn't be expecting south beach in Maryland anyway! No the sand here isn't white, but it's sand which I enjoy stretching out on. So come without expecting the same style beach you'd get in the Caribbean or Florida and enjoy yourself. There's an abundance of parking and the military gets in free. We're a military family so we enjoyed that perk. There's a separate are for pavilions (coverings) if you plan on having a large party you can reserve. There's also plenty of benches steps from the beach that you can grab on a first come basis. There's also a playground area for the kiddies to run around on. Also, there are plenty of signs saying no alcohol so proceed at your own risk. I did see a woman get issued a citation on the beach for having alcohol. So police are keeping an eye out, and keeping everyone safe. Bring your beach towels, blankets, coolers and stretch out that summer! I'll certainly be back. Viewing the bay bridge in the background isn't bad either. read more

Sandy Point State Park - View from the beach - Parks Near Me - Annapolis, Maryland

Fun for a day in the sun and a beach like place! I love driving through during Christmas season to see the holiday lights! read more

Sandy Point State Park is a really lovely park with a beach located along the Chesapeake Bay. It gets pretty busy in the summer -- especially for the beach. It's a pretty big park, with lots of trails, picnic tables, walking along the beach, swimming, fishing, boats, etc. It's not comparable to an ocean beach but it's a quick getaway from the city if you're not looking to go as far as Ocean City / Rehoboth. read more

Sandy Point State Park - Parks Near Me - Annapolis, Maryland

Not the greatest place to get the beach feeling or vibe. It isn't really large either so if it is during a busy time, you have a ton of people wandering around and it just ruined the experience. First of all, bring cash. You have to pay to get inside and also, don't expect to get a sunrise shot because they do not open that early. I remembered coming here at 5:20 am and there were a bunch of cars waiting to get in while the ranger telling everyone to come back at 7. Most people just stayed off to the side to wait to get in. For me, I just drove on the bridge back and forth to watch the sunrise over the water. The Bridge view wasn't so bad. After driving back and forth for a while, we went to get some breakfast and coffee nearby and then come to the park. Not what I expected. I basically just wandered about and probably only stayed here around 20 or so minutes before I called it a day and went back home. Not the most productive use of my time and not that great of an experience. I probably should have just gone to Ocean City to actually experience the beach. read more

This is a beautiful park to spend a day with family and friends. I visited Sandy Point last weekend. It was a beautiful, sunny Saturday morning. I meta group of friends there and had a great time. There is plenty of parking BUT also plenty of walking. I arrived around 11, before the group to try to find a grill. The beach was PACKED! I was really nervous that we wouldn't find a grill, but lo and behold, I found one right next to the beach. The atmosphere was lovely. Families pitched tents, played ball, and ate. You honestly would have forgotten that we are in the middle of a pandemic. While everyone practiced social distancing, the beach seemed relaxed and welcoming. The bay bridge was the perfect landscape. We were near everything- the beach, parking and the bathrooms! It was the perfect spot. I hope to return next year. Perfect day trip to get away. read more

Sandy Point State Park - Perfect late summer day for a beach getaway! - Parks Near Me - Annapolis, Maryland

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Today we visited this beach for the first time and it's truly a hidden gem. It was $4 per person and clean. There is a well marked area for fishing and another area designated for swimming with a lifeguard patroling. There was room to spread out and comfortably practice social distancing. I didn't see any concessions on the side where we were but they do have a central structure with restrooms. There are a bunch of grills spread out and many people were taking advantage of firing them up. There's trees for hammocks too so if you have one, bring it! There were alot of beach tents and umbrellas too which are a very good idea. It gets pretty windy so you'll want to secure down anything lightweight. The beach area isn't the smooth sandy beach you'll find in places like South Florida and far from the baby powder sands of Siesta Key but I loved it here. It is very relaxing and the bay bridge as the backdrop makes for a pretty picture! read more

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A great place to relax and enjoy the beach. Get there early during the summer season it fills up quickly and gets crowded.

Quick day trip to a local beach. Fun times all around. Costs $5 per person to get in. Tons of parking. No dogs allowed. An amazing view of the Bay Bridge is picturesque. We had an umbrella with a blanket and a cooler and enjoyed the sun and the water for hours. Jellyfish were everywhere though. We saw two kids get stung and as I sat and waded the shoreline, I saw several of them but mostly they were small. Folks near us said larger ones were out further and it could be why there weren't many folks out in the water. There was only one washing station outside working so sadly we were in line for about 40 minutes to wash the sand off our feet but overall I had a great beach day here. read more