An Hour From Washington, DC Is Maryland's Nature Park With A Swimming Beach And Scenic Trails

A visit to Washington, D.C. is synonymous with hoofing it through the National Mall and Smithsonian museums, and maybe spotting a motorcade or, at the very least, a gaggle of reporters. But only an hour east of the nation's capital, you can escape the concrete and Beltway traffic for the serene beauty of the Chesapeake Bay at Beverly Triton Nature Park, in Anne Arundel County, Maryland. 

Situated at the tip of the Mayo Peninsula near Edgewater, the park protects 344 acres of pine and oak forest and provides access to a mile of shore, including a long, sandy swimming beach. Further inland, brackish water fills Deep Pond, Beverly Lake, and three other small ponds, providing habitats for herons, egrets, and eagles. You'll find a kayak and canoe launch, bathrooms, picnic spots, and a fishing pier extending into Deep Pond. There's also a playground featuring an imaginative structure where children can climb over a giant toad and mushrooms.  

Opened to the public in 2013, the park was once the site of a beach resort complete with gambling and a dance floor. Today, the area attracts nature enthusiasts, with visitors describing the park as "an absolute oasis with a variety of landscapes" and "one of the best spots on the Chesapeake Bay". The park is open from 7 a.m. to dusk, and the parking fee is under $10 at the time of writing. Between May 23 and September 7, visitors must also apply for a reservation pass in advance via Anne Arundel Recreation and Parks to prevent overcrowding. 

For the chance to break a light sweat and lose yourself in the Chesapeake environment, head out on the park's 5-mile network of well-marked nature trails. Technically, there are only four trails (the Pond Trail, Heritage Trail, Beach Trail, and Trident Trail) and several service roads, but they crisscross in such a manner that you can easily extend your outing. 

The park is described as a destination for "passive recreation," so don't expect rugged hikes as you'd find at Maryland's mountainous Susquehanna State Park. However, hikers who value nature over intense exercise appreciate Beverly Triton, awarding 4.7 stars on AllTrails. A favorite among visitors, the 1.8-mile Pond Trail crosses several wooden boardwalks and offers wildlife spotting near Deep Pond. Those interested in fishing can throw in a line at five designated lake fishing spots, where anglers report catching stripers, perch, carp, and catfish, depending on the time of year. To finish the hike, you can either take the Heritage Trail back to the parking lot or walk along part of the beach.

For a longer walk (almost 3 miles), walk the length of the beach until you find the Heritage Trail. From here, follow the Heritage Trail until it connects with the Deep Pond Trail. This allows visitors to take in the park's full range of scenery, including woods, ponds, and beach. Visitors describe this route as "lovely, even in extreme heat and humidity," praising the quiet and shade. 

What is now known as Beverly Triton Nature Park has been a beach destination for a long time. In fact, during its resort heyday, the beach even had a net to keep out jellyfish. Back in 2023, a complete overhaul of the park's facilities turned the swimming beach into a place ideal for families. New additions include changing rooms, showers with cold water, and a picnic pavilion.

The beach itself requires a 0.2-mile walk from the parking lot, so bringing a wagon to transport and pack your gear for a successful beach trip is essential. Once you walk onto the sand, you'll be greeted by gentle waves lapping the shore. Visitors describe the water as shallow and calm, but the park still advises swimmers to proceed with caution. Those less interested in swimming can enjoy sunbathing, beachcombing, or simply soaking in the calm ambiance. Visitors can also see horseshoe crabs and other Chesapeake wildlife, while the forest grows right up to the shoreline.

The best time of year for swimming is between Memorial Day and Labor Day, when the county monitors the water quality. Check with the Department of Health for the all-clear to swim at Beverly Triton and other popular area beaches, such as Maryland's bayfront Sandy Point State Park. Jellyfish, especially sea nettles, are a concern during the warm summer months. However, you can use an online forecast tool to assess the sea nettle risk before swimming.