Myrtle Point Park
California, MD
Myrtle Point Park has a rougher, more natural character than nearby Elms Beach, a waterfront park along the Patuxent River in St. Mary's County with shoreline access more than a manicured swim beach. Locals looking for a quiet spot to sit by the water without much company tend to end up here.
A quieter, more natural alternative to Elms Beach for the same stretch of river, the trade-off being less of an actual beach to work with.
How we score beachesThis isn't a groomed sand beach like Elms or Point Lookout, so come expecting a natural, undeveloped shoreline rather than a resort-style setup.
A lot off Patuxent Boulevard (Route 4) serves the park, free to use.
Paths lead from the lot to the shoreline, natural ground rather than a paved beach approach.
Water reaches the mid 70s by August, on par with the rest of the Patuxent River side of the county. The park stays usable well outside swim season for anyone just wanting river views.
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