21 beaches

Best Dog-Friendly Beaches in Maryland

Maryland is not generous to dog owners at the beach. Most state parks ban dogs from swimming areas entirely, and Ocean City only allows dogs on the beach between October 1 and April 30. That said, there are bright spots: Matapeake Beach has a dedicated off-leash dog beach, Downs Park in Anne Arundel County has separate dog-beach access, and several smaller Chesapeake community beaches welcome leashed dogs year-round. Always call or check posted signs — dog rules shift year to year with complaints and county-council decisions.