Most dogs and their owners love a trip to the beach. There are lots of great smells and swimming where allowed. Maryland has some great dog-friendly beaches.
A member of the Facebook group Things to Do in Maryland asked, āIām looking for a dog-friendly beach within 2-3 hours from Silver Spring, MD, for a quick weekend trip. We will have our 2-month-old with us as well, so the closer, the better.ā
Recommended Dog-Friendly Beaches
Assateague Island
Assateague Island. Dogs are permitted in the Maryland portion of the National Seashore only. All pets must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet at all times. Pets are not allowed in the Virginia portion, not even in a car.Ā āThe beach without the lifeguards is dog-friendly. When we take our dogs on vacation with us, we always go there. Itās a bit far, but always fun for everyone.ā
Know before you go: 7 day pass is $25
assateagueisland.com
Calvert Cliffs State Park
Lusby. The shortest trail to the beach is a winding and shady 1.8 miles through the woods. Once on the beach, you can explore the quarter-mile shoreline for fossils and shells. Dogs must remain on a leash at all times.Ā
Know before you go: Memorial Day – Labor Day $5/person. Other times $5/vehicle
dnr.maryland.gov
Dewey Beach
Dewey Beach, DE. Imagine taking your dog to the ocean with you on a sunset walk. Dewey Beach loves dogs. They are allowed to run on the beach without a leash year-round. Memorial Day through Labor Day dog hours are limited to before 9:30am and after 5:30pm. āDewey Beach is amazing, dogs are allowed off-leash all day during off-season.ā
Know before you go: Dogs must have a license which can be purchased online. A 3-day license is $5.Ā
townofdeweybeach.com
Downs Park Dog Beach
Pasadena. A small section of Downs Park in Anne Arundel County has a little dog beach where dogs can swim off-leash. The park also has a wonderful playground for kids, five miles of trails and a kayak launch as well.
Know before you go: Dogs must be on a leash outside of the dog beach. $6/car.
https://www.aacounty.org
Fenwick Island State Park
Fenwick Island, DE
Know before you go: Dogs are allowed on the beach from October 1 through April 30, but not during warmer months at any Delaware swimming or sunbathing beach.
destateparks.com
Dog Beach at Matapeake Clubhouse and Public Beach
Stevensville. The Dog Beach at Matapeake is at the end of a wooded trail that begins behind the rear of the clubhouse.Ā
Know before you go: Keep in mind that dogs are not allowed at the clubhouse, the lawn, or the public beach. Free
qac.org
Quiet Waters Park
Annapolis. This park in Annapolis has a small beach for dogs and a larger dog park.
Know before you go: Once off of the beach, dogs must remain on a leash.Ā $6/car
aacounty.org
Terrapin Nature Park
Stevensville. A walking trail at Terrapin Nature Park winds through the trees to a beach overlooking the Chesapeake Bay Bridge.
Know before you go: Dogs are allowed on the beach but must remain on leash. Bring water.Ā
qac.org
