Sandy Point State Park

If you’ve ever driven across the Chesapeake Bay bridge then you have seen this state park,  at least part of it. Sandy Point State Park (aptly named) is located along the westbound side of rt 50 once you’ve crossed the bay bridge. It is most well known for the beach area, but there’s much more to this place than you can see from the bridge. Located about an hour from Dover, it’s a reasonable drive to do for us and could be a great, kid friendly beach for those of us who hate fighting through traffic at the Delaware beaches. Instead of waves crashing, you get to hear the peaceful sound of cars flying by overhead on the bridge, but that’s the only downside that I found. Since there are no waves, this beach is great for toddlers to splash at and play in the sand and it is much larger in person than it looks from the road.

We visited on a relatively chilly day, so we were trying to avoid the sand and water as much as possible because our kids have a way of diving right in. Literally. So we started out walking on the trails near the beach area, which is totally different than what we are used to because there are seashells in the sandy soil along the way for the littles to pick up. There were beautiful trees blooming, including the block locust whose blossoms are edible!

Black Locust Blossoms

We crossed bridges, passed a bunker and ended up stumbling upon a stand up paddleboarding competition which worked out perfectly for getting lunch from the vendors. We also found the playgrounds and the bathrooms, both equally important park features. The playgrounds, of which there are two, are identical and fairly basic but the boys loved them and one of them was right next to the water so Mommy and Daddy could have a nice view while they played.

When we started getting hungry we headed back on the blue crab trail to the picnic area, which is in this gorgeous, peaceful grove of trees. D is constantly asking to do a picnic when he sees the tables during our adventures, but I am never prepared for it so this time I was finally able to say yes! All Maryland state parks are “trash free” so you will need to make sure you bring a bag to collect your trash to take with you. During the summer, there is a concession stand so if you forget to pack a picnic lunch, or don’t want to, you can get the basics there without leaving the park.

If you visit this park, make sure you plan on bringing sand toys (and a change of clothes) no matter what time of year it is, because it is nearly impossible for any kid to pass up a beach and not play in the sand!

P.S.

You will have to pay the toll to come back across the bridge and there is a fee to get in to the park, $7 per person for out of state visitors.