Rocky Point Park and Beach
Essex, MD
Rocky Point sits at the mouth of the Back and Middle Rivers, with an open view across the water to Hart-Miller Island and the Craighill Channel Range Lights. Locals rate this among the better sand beaches on the upper Chesapeake, wide enough that it rarely feels as packed as Baltimore County's smaller spots.
One of the better sand beaches on the upper Chesapeake with real elbow room and a good view, the main downside is a lot that fills fast once word gets around on a hot day.
How we score beachesThe view of Hart-Miller Island and the shipping channel lights is worth the trip even outside swim season, when the beach itself is quiet.
A county lot at the park entrance, free to use, though it fills by late morning on hot weekends.
A paved path runs from the parking area to the beach, flat and stroller-friendly.
Lifeguards work the beach 10am to 6pm from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, with water in the mid to upper 70s by August. Outside those months the beach is open but unguarded.
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