The park was established in 1952, the same year the original Chesapeake Bay Bridge opened.
The beach is home to one of the largest annual Polar Bear Plunge events in the United States, raising funds for Special Olympics Maryland.
The park’s shoreline serves as a critical stopover point for migratory bird species moving along the Atlantic Flyway.
The park contains the Sandy Point Shoal Lighthouse, which is visible offshore and dates back to the late 19th century.
The facility was originally designed to provide public access to the bay, which had become increasingly privatized after the bridge construction.
Sandy Point State Park serves as the primary public beach and recreation area on the western shore of the Chesapeake Bay. The park is uniquely positioned directly beneath the western approach of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge, offering unobstructed views of the multi-span structure. The facility spans 786 acres, featuring over a mile of sandy coastline for swimming and sunbathing. Inland areas provide picnic pavilions, hiking trails, and a dedicated marina. The park serves as a frequent launch point for seasonal events, including the Maryland Polar Bear Plunge and various sailing regattas. Ecological features include salt marshes and forested buffers that support local wildlife. The beach area is monitored by seasonal lifeguards during peak months. Visitors can access multiple bathhouses and concession stands located adjacent to the primary swimming beach.
The East Beach area, which provides a direct, low-angle perspective of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge spans.
Parking lots frequently reach capacity on summer weekends; arrive early or check the state park website for status updates.
Bring water shoes, as the bay floor can contain shells and stones.
Check the park's social media channels for real-time closure alerts during high-traffic holidays.
Attempting to visit on a summer Saturday afternoon without checking for 'park full' status, as the park often closes to new traffic.
The swimming beach is strictly seasonal; park access remains open year-round for hiking and fishing, though some facilities may close during winter months.
No alcohol is permitted on the beach; pets are restricted from the swimming beach area between May and September.
