Sandy Point State Park —
Your Complete Guide
786 acres on the Chesapeake Bay at the foot of the Bay Bridge: a mile of beach, 22 boat ramps, fishing jetties and the Sandy Point Shoal Lighthouse offshore.
What is Sandy Point State Park?
Sandy Point State Park is a 786-acre Maryland state park in Annapolis on the Chesapeake Bay, at the western end of the Bay Bridge. It has about a mile of sandy beach with lifeguards at South Beach from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Memorial Day to Labor Day, plus 22 boat ramps, fishing jetties and 12 rentable pavilions. It is open 7 a.m. to sunset. Summer entry is $5 a person on weekends and $4 on weekdays, and summer weekends need a reservation.
The Maryland Park Service runs the park. It opened in 1952 as the first bayside state park near Annapolis, Baltimore and Washington, D.C., and its segregated beaches were the subject of a federal court case that helped end segregation at public beaches (history). Offshore stands the Sandy Point Shoal Lighthouse, built in 1883.
Two things to plan for. On Saturdays, Sundays and holidays from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day there are no drive-ups: book at parkdayuse.maryland.gov up to 7 days ahead (fees and reservations). And from mid-November to January 2 the park closes to day visitors at 4 p.m., when the Lights on the Bay holiday drive-through takes over the park roads at night.
Sandy Point State Park at a Glance
What to Do at Sandy Point State Park
Maryland DNR lists swimming, boating, fishing and crabbing, picnicking, windsurfing, hiking and birding.
The Beach
About a mile of sand on the Bay. Lifeguards at South Beach 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Lifeguards & Rules →
Lights on the Bay
A two-mile holiday drive-through with about 70 displays, November 23, 2026 to January 3, 2027. $25 a car.
2026 Dates & Tickets →
Fishing & Crabbing
Rock jetties, signed shoreline and a crabbing pier by the ramps. Fishing access around the clock.
Where to Fish →
Pavilions
12 pavilions at East Beach for groups of 140 to 300, plus first-come picnic areas.
Rent a Shelter →
The Lighthouse
The 1883 Sandy Point Shoal Light stands about 1,000 yards offshore. See it from the beach.
History & Views →Trails at Sandy Point
Two short self-guided trails, plus the Corcoran Woods trails on the park's northwest side.
Starts behind the Tollgate picnic area near the entrance.
Near the small craft lot, between East Beach and South Beach.
A forest preserve on the park's northwest side.
How to Get to Sandy Point State Park
Off US 50/301 exit 32, at the western end of the Bay Bridge.
Entrance
1100 East College Parkway, Annapolis, MD 21409. Exit 32 off US 50/301, at the west end of the Bay Bridge. Parking guide.
Where to Go
South Beach at the end of the road; marina first right; East Beach pavilions first left. Beach guide.
Park Office
First building on the left at the entrance. Phone 410-974-2149.
Through the Year
January brings the Polar Bear Plunge for Special Olympics Maryland. June has the Great Chesapeake Bay Swim. September has the Maryland Seafood Festival and the Bay Bridge Paddle (all events). From late November into January, Lights on the Bay fills the park road with holiday displays.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to get into Sandy Point State Park?
From May 1 to September 30, $5 a person on weekends and holidays and $4 on weekdays. From October 1 to April 30, $3 per vehicle. The annual state park pass is $75 for Maryland residents.
Do you need a reservation for Sandy Point State Park?
Yes on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day. Book up to 7 days ahead at parkdayuse.maryland.gov.
What are Sandy Point's hours?
7 a.m. to sunset every day except Christmas; 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. from mid-November to January 2. Fishing and boating are 24 hours.
Can you swim at Sandy Point?
Yes, in designated areas. Lifeguards watch part of South Beach from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Are dogs allowed at Sandy Point?
Yes, on a leash, but not on the sandy beach areas from Memorial Day weekend until after Labor Day.
Can you camp at Sandy Point?
No public camping. Two youth group sites are for official youth groups only.
Is alcohol allowed at Sandy Point?
No, except in rented pavilions with a permit.