Best Places To Sunbathe In Baltimore
Sunbathing is a great summertime pursuit, so long as it is done safely. As long as you apply sunscreen at the highest possible SPF and avoid peak sun hours, you may enjoy your time under the sun guilt-free. Here are a diverse variety of locations in the Baltimore area that afford some great sunbathing in beautiful surroundings.
(Photo Credit: http://www.nps.gov)
Fort McHenry
2400 E. Fort Ave.
Baltimore, Md. 21230
(410) 962-4290
www.nps.gov/fomc
Fort McHenry is the well-known birthplace of the our National Anthem. Those interested in touring the Fort may pay a $7 admission fee and explore the historical landmark on their own, or receive a guided tour. Fort McHenry Park, however, includes the expansive, well-maintained lawns that surround the Fort proper. These lawns afford a beautiful view of Baltimore on one side and the Chesapeake on the other, and are completely free for access. Not many people think of it, but this is a perfect place to roll out a blanket and soak up some rays. The lawns are relatively free of foot traffic, and the view cannot be beat. After you've enjoyed your sunbath, feel free to shell out a few dollars and learn all about the history of the area.
(Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)
Beaver Dam Swim Club
10820 Beaver Dam Road
Cockeysville, Md. 21030
(410) 785-2323
www.beaverdamswimmingclub.com
Beaver Dam Swim Club is a sprawling, natural water park that includes pools, recreational areas and a fantastic quarry with rope swings and platforms for the whole family to enjoy. Not to be understated, however, are the lawns and pool-side lounge areas that afford a relaxing view of the gorgeous quarry area while still giving the lounger the opportunity to doze and tan all at the same time. Make a day of it and enjoy the picnic areas for lunch, a quick dip in any of the swimming areas and then a nice, relaxing sunbath before heading home. Summer doesn't get much better than this.
(credit: Sandy Point)
Sandy Point State Park
1100 E. College Parkway
Annapolis, Md. 21409
(410) 974-2149
www.dnr2.maryland.gov/sandypoint.aspx
On the northwestern shore of the Chesapeake sits a sunny beach that remains open for visitors year round. Affording one of the most scenic views of the Chesapeake, Sandy Point's many draws include – according to its website – "swimming, picnicking, fishing, crabbing, boating, hiking, youth group camping, areas of historical interest and wildlife viewing." Conspicuously absent in this list, however, is one of the favorite activities of beach-lovers everywhere: sunbathing. For a state that sits directly on the Atlantic, Maryland has a relative scarcity of beaches. Sandy Point is one of the few exceptions, and the beauty and diversity of this park more than compensates for the overall lack of many sandy shores in Maryland. Visit Sandy Point for any of the listed activities, but be certain to pack a blanket or beach chair and take some time on a sunny afternoon to just relax, enjoy the gentle lapping of the Chesapeake and perfect your tan.
Related: Best Baltimore Beaches
Carroll Park
Bayard St. and Washington Blvd.
Baltimore, Md. 21223
(410) 396-7900
Carroll Park is a beautiful Victorian Garden park that includes a golf course, playground, skate park, athletic fields and spacious lawns perfect for the blanket sunbather. When most people think of sunbathing, they picture a day on the beach. This is why an afternoon lying out in a Victorian Garden makes the sunbathing experience of Carroll Park all the more unique. The park is never crowded or noisy, a fact that perfectly complements the experience of drifting off to the murmuring of a cozy garden park.
(Photo Credit: WJZ)
Canton Waterfront Park
3001 Boston St.
Baltimore, Md. 21224
(410) 396-7931
Canton Waterfront Park sits across the Bay from Fort McHenry – which can be clearly seen along with lumbering naval vessels passing along the Chesapeake waters. The park offers fishing (no license needed), boating and 7.5 miles of meandering, red-bricked trails. There are spacious lawn areas, both in and out of the shade, where anyone who chooses may lay out, relax and slowly perfect that golden tan under the rays of a Baltimore sun. Its spot on the Bay makes it accessible by water taxi, and the park is a popular place for street performers and small Baltimore events and festivities. After tanning, try any of the top-quality Baltimore restaurants that sit on the borders of the park itself.
Joel Furches is a freelance writer and researcher for The Examiner and Logos Software, and also manages his own catalog of writing on Hub Pages. Joel is on the board of directors for Ratio Christi. He has a bachelors in Psychology and a Masters in Education.
