Looking For Dog-Friendly Outdoor Activities? Check Out These Dog Beaches In Southern Maryland

PRINCE FREDERICK, Md. — As summer heats up and with a holiday weekend around the corner, many families in Southern Maryland are searching for outdoor activities where they can bring one additional family member: the dog.

Finding dog-friendly activities isn’t always easy. Some restaurants and stores do accommodate dogs, but families are often challenged to find things to do that keep dogs cool and occupied — while also entertaining the two-legged members of the family.

Cue the dog beach. Dog beaches are an extra fun treat for your pup, giving them a chance to swim, run and play, and interact with other dogs.

We’ve put together a list of some of our favorite dog beaches in Maryland. Before you go, make sure to check the regulations and hours for each park because they can change seasonally. Of course, please have fun and be responsible for your pet and others.

Quiet Waters Dog Park

Quiet Waters is an excellent, off-leash dog park located in Annapolis. Quiet Waters is a large park and has a designated area for dogs to enjoy the beach and the water. It’s notable for being one of the only true off-leash dog beaches in the area. It is a dog-only beach, and humans are not allowed to swim here.

This beach is most crowded in the mornings and around dusk when it’s not too hot for the pups and their humans. Note that as an Anne Arundel County park, there is a $6 entrance fee for anyone who is not a county park pass holder.

The dog beach is open year-round during regular park hours.

Newtowne Neck State Park

Located in Leonardtown, Newtowne Neck is known for being all-around pet-friendly with plenty of walking trails and dog bowls placed around the park. The rules say that dogs must be on a leash at all times unless in the designated dog swimming area, but that seems like it will be plenty of freedom for most pups.

As a state park, officials ask that you clean up after your pet (of course) and also follow the “leave no trace” policy for state and national parks. That means anything you bring in, you take out — so be careful not to leave behind any dog toys or treats when you visit. Dogs are also not allowed in any buildings or on playgrounds.

Overall, this family-friendly park lives up to its reputation as being fun for the whole family — with picnic tables, trails, playgrounds and a dog swimming area, there’s truly something for everyone.

Elm’s Beach

Located in the southernmost part of St. Mary’s County, this county park welcomes your pets. The park is dog-friendly, though dogs must be on a leash unless specifically in the water at the designated dog swimming area.

Elm’s Beach is best known for its views and its crabbing and is a great spot for families looking to get some sun. The park has changing rooms, picnic areas and an accessible playground for all to enjoy.

As a St. Mary’s County park, there’s an $8 per-vehicle entry fee for residents and a $30 per-vehicle entry fee for nonresidents.

Beverly Triton Park

Beverly Triton Park is located in Mayo in Anne Arundel County and is best known as a nature park with five miles of walking trails. The park itself is dog-friendly, and there is a designated dog beach within the park. Humans are not allowed in the water at the dog beach.

However, pets must remain leashed at all times at this park, including on the beach and in the water.

In addition to the dog beach, locals love this park for its walking trail with incredible bay views, so you’ll be able to work up your appetite, or your need for a quick swim, at this park.

Calvert Cliffs State Park

Calvert Cliffs in Lusby is a beloved spot in the area for dog walkers, who love the scenery and the peaceful walks along the beach. This is a pet-friendly state park that welcomes leashed dogs on the trails and on the beach. There’s no designated dog swimming area.

This park is also known for fossil hunting, so officials advise pet owners to make sure dogs are under control at all times as people are going in and out of the water and combing through it.

The entry fee is $5 for Maryland residents and $7 for nonresidents.

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