SOUTHERN MARYLAND — Water is a Marylander’s best friend, and there’s no better way to relax on a hot day than taking a dip in one of our state’s relaxing swimming spots. From splashtastic pools to beautiful public beaches on the Chesapeake Bay, there’s an exciting variety of locales to visit in Maryland if you want to go for a swim with the entire family. These are a few of the best places to swim in Southern Maryland, along with where you’ll find each hidden gem.
The Best Swimming Pools in the Southern Maryland Area
Edward T. Hall Aquatic Center (Calvert County)
Get your pass to relax at Calvert County’s most notable indoor swimming complex this summer. The Edward T. Hall Aquatic Center features diving boards, small children’s slides and a huge open area for recreational swimming. Though reservations aren’t required to enjoy the aquatic center, a schedule is in place that details opening times and when certain pool equipment is available to the public. The Edward T. Hall Aquatic Center even hosts classes, making it the perfect indoor pool for all your swimming needs in Calvert County.
Address: 130 Auto Drive, Prince Frederick, MD 20678
Cove Point Pool (Calvert County)
Cove Point Pool in Lusby is a popular outdoor swimming destination featuring a lap pool with diving boards, a zero-entry wading pool for young children, and a leisure pool with slides and spray features. It’s a family-friendly spot perfect for both relaxing and staying active during the summer. Click here for admission and pass information.
Address: 750 Cove Point Road, Lusby, MD 20657
Great Mills Swimming Pool (St. Mary’s County)
If you’re seeking a fun day in the sun, then the Great Mills Swimming Pool will scratch your itch. Open June to August, this locale offers entry to St. Mary’s County residents for $8 per day, while younger residents can visit for $6. The deepest section of the Great Mills Swimming Pool is nine feet, so even seasoned swimmers can enjoy themselves in St. Mary’s County this summer.
Address: 21100 Great Mills Road, Great Mills, MD 20634
Donald M. Wade Aquatic Center (Charles County)
A year-round indoor pool, the Donald M. Wade Aquatic Center is located in the heart of Charles County. The facility is typically open every day of the week, though hours may vary for holidays. People aged 13–59 can pay $6 to enjoy the recreational pool for a day, while preteens and younger children enter at only $5 per child. If you plan to bring eight or more people, you’ll need to make a reservation by calling the Donald M. Wade Aquatic Center at 301-934-7474.
Address: 5305 Piney Church Road, Waldorf, MD 20602
Southern Area Aquatic and Recreation Complex (Beyond Southern Maryland – Prince George’s County)
Open to all ages Monday through Thursday, the Southern Area Aquatic and Recreation Complex is one of the best indoor swimming spots in Prince George’s County. With an expansive pool and a fun slide, Marylanders of all ages will have a blast exploring this aquatic wonderland. The Southern Area Aquatic and Recreation Complex can be used to host events as well, making it a haven for birthday bashes.
Address: 13601 Missouri Ave., Brandywine, MD 20613
North Arundel Aquatic Center (Beyond Southern Maryland – Anne Arundel County)
For those located in Anne Arundel County, the North Arundel Aquatic Center checks all the boxes for a perfect indoor swimming spot. This space features a leisure pool and a competition pool, plus a few slides for extra fun. If you have children, consider the swimming classes hosted by the North Arundel Aquatic Center — it’s the perfect way to introduce young kids to the wonders of water.
Address: 7888 Crain Highway, Glen Burnie, MD 21061
The Best Beaches for Swimming in the Southern Maryland Area
Flag Ponds Nature Park (Calvert County)
Flag Ponds Nature Park in Lusby is a favorite summer spot for swimming along the Chesapeake Bay. The wide, sandy beach offers calm waters ideal for wading and relaxing, with scenic views and plenty of space for families to spread out. While enjoying the water, visitors can also explore the shoreline for ancient shark teeth and fossils—a unique bonus that sets this beach apart. When the park gets crowded and reaches its maximum capacity, it will close temporarily and vehicles will be turned away at the entrance. Updates about closures are shared on the CCPR Facebook page.
Address: 1525 Flag Ponds Parkway, Lusby, MD 20657
North Beach (Calvert County)
North Beach is one of the most popular swimming spots in Calvert County. Open to the public 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. most days, visitors can swim or enjoy the local boardwalk, though lifeguards aren’t usually present. Visitors aged 12–54 from Calvert County can enter North Beach for $9 with proof of residency, while younger children only require a $6 entrance fee. Though pets aren’t permitted on the beach, you can bring your canine friend on a leash to enjoy a stroll down North Beach’s exciting boardwalk.
Address: 9023 Bay Ave., North Beach, MD 20714
Elms Beach Waterfront Park (St. Mary’s County)
The Chesapeake Bay is the perfect swimming destination to visit if you live in Southern Maryland, especially for St. Mary’s County residents. The Elms Beach Waterfront Park is located right on the Chesapeake and includes a wealth of amenities, like a playground for children. Resident vehicles enter at $8 for the day, so whether you want to sunbathe or swim, Elms Beach Park is an affordable choice. There aren’t any lifeguards on duty, so swimming is allowed at the personal risk of each visitor.
Address: 19350 Back Door Road, Lexington Park, MD 20653
Breezy Point Beach & Campground (Calvert County)
Yet another beautiful swimming spot in Calvert County, Breezy Point Beach is a winning choice for summer adventurers. The park allows camping and swimming — perfect for a weekend getaway in nature with your entire family. Breezy Point is very popular in the summer and may reach full capacity on certain days, so be sure to call 410-535-0259 before your visit to plan your family fun day in advance.
Address: 5300 Breezy Point Road, Chesapeake Beach, MD 20732
Point Lookout State Park (St. Mary’s County)
For a day of hiking and splashing, you can visit Point Lookout State Park to enjoy picnic tables and a large swimming area. Visitors will find showers on-site to wash off after a day in the water, so Point Lookout has everything you need to enjoy an exciting day at the local beach. Between April and September, the beach opens at 7 a.m. and closes at sunset, while lifeguards are only available under certain circumstances. For a beach day at one of Maryland’s natural gems, visit Point Lookout this summer. You may need to reserve a spot if you plan to visit Point Lookout this summer. Read more about the new reservation system here.
Address: 11175 Point Lookout Road, Scotland, MD 20687
Quiet Waters Dog Beach (Beyond Southern Maryland – Anne Arundel County)
Anne Arundel County has plenty of natural water, and the Quiet Waters Dog Beach is a dream destination for your loyal canine companion. Dogs and humans can both dive into the beautiful water for a beach day — just make sure to keep an eye on your pet at all times. There aren’t many beaches near Annapolis that are specifically geared toward dogs, but you won’t have to leave behind your furry family members when you visit the Quiet Waters Dog Beach.
Address: 1701–1799 Quiet Waters Park Road, Annapolis, MD 21403
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Shouldn’t roaring point be listed on this list. And I’m not just asking because I used to live there!