Photo: North Point State Park
Photo: Oscar Ascencio
Photo: Erik Nilson
North Point State Park
★4.5(1,797 reviews)FreePark
🕑 3-5 hours👶 Best for ages 3-12. Younger children love the playgrounds and shallow water access, while elementary and middle schoolers enjoy the hiking trails, fishing opportunities, and exploring historic sites. The flat terrain makes it manageable for families with toddlers in strollers on paved sections.🧡 Saved by 100+ families
About
North Point State Park offers families 1,310 acres of waterfront adventure on the Chesapeake Bay with something for everyone. Kids can explore multiple playgrounds, fish from the pier, hike scenic trails, and discover the historic Defenders Day lighthouse and fort ruins while parents enjoy picturesque bay views and plenty of open space for picnicking.
Highlights
- ✓1,200-foot fishing and crabbing pier extending into the Chesapeake Bay
- ✓Multiple playgrounds including a newer accessible playground near the main pavilion
- ✓Defenders Day Lighthouse and Civil War-era Fort Howard historic sites to explore
- ✓Over 6 miles of trails including easy Bay-side walks and wooded hiking paths
- ✓Sandy beach areas for wading and bay access (though no designated swimming area)
Pro Tips
- 1.Arrive early on weekends (before 10am) to snag a waterfront picnic pavilion and avoid the parking lot filling up during peak summer months
- 2.Bring fishing gear year-round - the pier doesn't require a Maryland fishing license for kids under 16, and you can catch perch, catfish, and rockfish
- 3.Pack bug spray for trails, especially near wooded areas in warmer months, and bring bikes or scooters to cover more ground on the paved paths
- 4.Don't miss the short walk to the historic Defenders Day Lighthouse - it's kid-friendly and offers great photo ops with the bay in the background
- 5.Download a trail map from the Maryland Park Service website beforehand, as cell service can be spotty in some areas of the park
Best Time to Visit
Visit on weekday mornings or late afternoons in spring (April-May) or fall (September-October) for comfortable temperatures, fewer crowds, and beautiful foliage. Summer weekends get busy, but the bay breeze keeps it pleasant. Sunset visits offer spectacular views over the Chesapeake.
What to Know
Park admission is free, though there's a $5 per vehicle service charge on summer weekends and holidays (Memorial Day through Labor Day). Restrooms and water fountains are available near the main areas, and while there's no food concession, numerous covered pavilions and picnic areas make it perfect for bringing your own lunch.
Seasonal Notes
The park is open year-round from sunrise to sunset. Fall brings beautiful foliage along the trails, while spring and summer are ideal for water activities. The annual Defenders Day celebration in September features living history demonstrations and family activities. Winter visits can be peaceful but dress warmly for bay winds.
Nearby Eats
Head to Double T Diner (10 minutes away) for classic family-friendly comfort food and huge portions, or try Red Brick Station (15 minutes) in North Point Village for pizza, burgers, and a casual atmosphere with outdoor seating.
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