Perfect Day Trip to North Beach, MD: Scenic Walking Tour of a Charming Chesapeake Bay Town
- nancy9487
- 10 hours ago
- 5 min read
Welcome to North Beach: Maryland's Hidden Gem on the Bay
Known as "The Jewel of the Chesapeake", North Beach is a charming walkable waterfront town worth a visit! This delightful little town has it all: a scenic bay front boardwalk, fun swimming beach, large fishing pier, delicious restaurants, cute boutiques and beautiful nature areas.
North Beach on Chesapeake Bay North Beach Maryland Boardwalk
Just under an hour's drive from Washington DC, you will feel like you've discovered a relaxing oasis far removed from the hustle bustle of DC and its surrounding suberbs. This adorable beach town feels like you've stepped back in time. In the early 1900s it was the premier go-to weekend and summer resort destination for Washingtonians. My mother's family owned a house in North Beach during this timeframe and she shared many fond memories of her summers here.
A day trip to North Beach is perfect for everyone! Families will love it for the safe swimming beach their children will enjoy. Seniors will love it for the stunning waterfront strolling spots on the boardwalk and throughout the town. Couples will love it as a quick romantic get-away for soaking up some sunshine and sharing a delicious meal at one of the quaint restaurants.
Planning Your North Beach, MD Day Trip
North Beach is a beautiful destination with its panaramic bay views any time of year. It's most popular in the warmer months because of the opportunity to enjoy the swimming beach, fish off the pier and stroll the boardwalk.
Here are some helpful details to make your visit to North Beach a success!
Location:
North Beach is located on the Chesapeake Bay in Calvert County, MD. It's about 30 miles southeast of Washington DC and 30 miles south of Annapolis, MD.
Address for GPS:
Sally Donaldson Welcome Center
9023 Bay Ave
North Beach, MD 20714
Parking:
There are several parking options in North Beach including 2 free town-owned parking lots, 1 private pay lot & on-street parking (pay close attention to all signage regarding street parking)
Free Town Parking Lots:
North Beach Municipal Parking Lot: 9125 Chesapeake Ave, North Beach, MD 20714
Calvert Library Parking Lot: 9023 Bay Ave, North Beach, MD 20714 (behind Calvert Library on corner of Bay Ave & 5th St)
Private Pay Parking Lot:
9060 Chesapeake Ave, North Beach, MD 20714 (located directly in front of Welcome Center on Bay Ave.)
Cost: $3 - $7 per day (I believe the rates vary - it was $5 the day I visited)
Beach Admission:
Beach open from 8am - Dusk daily
Fees:
North Beach Property Owners: No Fee
Calvert County Residents:
Adults (12 - 54) $9
Children (3 - 11) $6
Under 3 years old - Free
Seniors (55+) $6
Out of County Visitors:
Adults (12 - 54) $25
Children (3 - 11) $10
Under 3 years old - Free
Seniors (55+) $9
Visit North Beach Government for additional details on guidelines and fees for the beach and boardwalk.
Must-See Attractions in North Beach
This lovely small town has plenty to offer for day visitors! Below, I've highlighted the top must-see attractions for your perfect day by the bay.
North Beach Pier
I suggest you start your day at North Beach Pier. It's a public fishing pier and a great spot to take in the spectacular views of the Chesapeake Bay. With plenty of benches available, it's a perfect spot to take a moment to enjoy the waterfront scenery.
North Beach Swimming Area & Beach
Perfect for families, North Beach swimming area offers a relaxing beach and calm waters for enjoying the Chesapeake Bay. If possible, the best time in the summer to visit the beach is mid-week. Because it's such a great mini get-away, it tends to get crowded on the weekends.
North Beach Boardwalk
Make sure to stroll the North Beach Boardwalk! This stunning half-mile waterfront walkway is not too be missed. Newly renovated, this boardwalk offers a nice wide walkway with numerous wooden benches and sitting areas to enjoy the scenery. The new flower beds and planters are overflowing with gorgeous plants and flowers adding to the charm of this town.
North Beach Shops & Restaurants
Don't miss out on the shopping and dining North Beach has to offer. Most of the shops in North Beach are located on Bay Ave between 5th and 7th Street. And a majority of the restaurants are located on 7th Street between Bay Ave and Chesapeake Ave. These two blocks offer many options and I consider this area the "main street" of North Beach.
North Beach Shops Plaza Mexico - North Beach The Wheelhouse Beer Garden - North Beach
When I visited, I grabbed lunch at The Bakist and highly recommend it! Very cool vibe both inside and out. They offer breakfast all day and a large variety of coffee and tea drinks. I chose one of their breakfast sandwiches and it was delicious.
The Bakist - North Beach MD Interior of The Bakist
Wetlands Overlook Park
Wetlands Overlook Park is a small nature park on the north side of North Beach and worth visiting. Just a short walk from the main area, this park is well maintained lets you view the beautiful wetland area and its wildlife from the pier and two gazebos.
The North Beach Nature Center, located within the park, offers additional information on the wetlands and woods that surround the park. This center is open Tuesday 11am - 6pm and Weds thru Sat 10am - 6pm.
Wetlands Overlook Park Entrance Wetlands Overlook Park Gazebo Wetlands Overlook Park Trails
Mark R. Frazer Sunrise Garden Park
What an absolute gem this park is! Located at the corner of 3rd Street and Bay Ave, it's so charming and quirky - my favorite combo. Sunrise Garden Park features lush colorful landscaping, a lovely koi pond filled with numerous large koi fish and goldfish that are eager to greet you, and unique art and sculptures scattered throughout the grounds.
Mermaid Sculpture at Sunrise Garden Park Sunrise Garden Park Art Sculptures
Bring your camera - this is a great spot for photos!
Entrance to Sunrise Garden Park Koi Pond at Sunrise Garden Park Lush Grounds at Sunrise Garden Park
Bayside History Museum
Unfortunately when I visited the Bayside History Museum wasn't open. The current summer hours are Weds thru Fri 9am - Noon and Sat to Sun 8:30am - 1pm. Be sure to check their website for updated hours.
The museum focuses on educating the public about the natural and cultural history of North Beach and the surrounding areas. Visitors describe the. museum as a hidden treasure. I'm going to make it a point to enjoy it the next time I'm in North Beach.
Perfect North Beach Walking Tour
I've created the perfect self-guided walking tour of North Beach. This route will take you past all of the must-see attractions and let you immerse yourself in this "jewel of the Chesapeake Bay".
North Beach Pier
Waterfront View on Atlantic Ave
Wetlands Overlook Park
Shops & Restaurants on 7th & Bay Ave
North Beach Boardwalk
Sunrise Garden Park
Bayside History Museum
Is North Beach Worth Visiting?
North Beach Waterfront Community North Beach Neighborhood Cute North Beach Houses
ABSOLUTELY - a North Beach MD day trip is a wonderful experience! You will begin your journey with a pretty drive through country roads and sprawling meadows on your way to North Beach. Once you've arrived, you can soak up that old bay charm walking past panaramic waterfront scenery, enjoying the "downtown" area and strolling through charming neighborhoods of quirky little beach houses. You will feel a world away from the city - not just an hour.
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