Day Trip Guide to Betterton Beach in Kent County
Betterton Beach in Kent County, Maryland is one of the best beaches on the Eastern Shore. This is a small community that in it’s hey day was a popular resort town. They call themselves the ‘Jewel of the Chesapeake’ because it’s where the Sassafras River meets the Susquehanna River to create the upper Chesapeake Bay. Check out this quick day trip guide to Betterton Beach.
Related: The Best Chesapeake Beaches for Swimming!
Betterton Beach
I was sooo impressed with this beach! It’s located near the mouth of the Sassafras River and boasts 300 ft. of sandy beach for swimming and an additional 700 ft. for shoreline access. This beach used to be a big deal when steamboats drew large tourist crowds. Now it is often overlooked, which makes it great for families.
There are a few other reasons to love this beach on the upper bay. For one, there is a high concentration of fresh water flowing into the area, which means that there is not much of a risk from sea nettles (jellyfish). Also, this is one of the few Chesapeake Bay beaches that does not charge an admittance fee. Yep, it’s free!
There is plenty of parking on site.. but this popular place will likely fill up on summer weekends. Next to the beach area there is a nice public restroom and shower facility, as well as port-a-potties. The official hours are dawn to dusk, but it’s basically open all the time.
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Betterton Community Park
I had no idea this lovely playground existed but it does exist and it’s lovely. After the beach stop here to extend your fun! If you drive through the town of Betterton to get to the beach, you will drive right by the park (on your right) at the top of the hill. This would be a great break in the afternoon once your kids are done playing in the sand and surf!
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The playground is great. There are multiple slides at varying heights and numerous climbing play features. Check out the two types of climbing walls and the balance steps.
This playground is forest themed and there are a number of fun imaginative play flourishes.
This is a smaller playground but it has a lot of fun details. There are a few ride on’s for younger kids, as well as swings for toddlers and older kids.
In addition to the main playground there is the Firefly Natural Play Area. This is a great area with a digger and sand box, musical play features, and a log tunnel.
If you aren’t really feeling the beach or if the beach is too crowded, there is a spray ground option at this park too! Isn’t this cute?
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This community park is really lovely, with lots of shade trees and areas to run around.
There is a picnic pavilion, public restrooms, and plenty of parking on site.
Where to eat in Betterton
Right across the street from the Betterton Community Park is Marzella’s By the Bay. This is a fantastic family pizzeria in Betterton. The owners are retired restaurant owners in Philly and they brought Philly’s excellent cheesesteaks and pizza to Kent County! They also offer burgers, sandwiches, and stromboli.
And if you are heading back over the Bay Bridge or continuing on to the coast, it’s always a great idea to stop at Lockbriar Farms in Chestertown.
There are many great reasons to visit Lockbriar’s Farm– pick your own fruit, flowers– including sunflowers, and in the fall loads of pumpkins, apple cider slushies, and a corn maze.
Of course they have an ice cream barn called Lockbriar & Daughter Ice Cream that serves delicious flavors as well. Check out some of these awesome flavors– lavender honey, briar berry lavender, vanilla honey, peach, blackberry, and double chocolate.
Related: Kid friendly Restaurants in Maryland with Play Areas
Related: The Ultimate Guide to the Best Ice Cream in Maryland!
FAQ
Yes! You can swim at Betterton Beach. There are no lifeguards on duty. Also dogs are not permitted at Betterton Beach.
Betterton Beach can get crowded at peak season. Fortunately though, it tends to not get as crowded as some of the more popular beaches in Maryland.
Betterton Beach is situated at the mouth of the Sassafras River.
Betterton Beach is on the shore of the Chesapeake Bay in the town of Betterton.
Google Map Directions click here.
Concessions are available for purchase most days during the summer months.
There is a picnic pavilion with 8 tables and a grill.
Restroom and bathhouse facilities are open from April 1 – June 15 (weekends only); June 16 – September 15 (daily); September 16 – October 31 (weekends only). Facilities will also be open during late fall special events.
Related: 100 FREE Maryland Activities for Kids!
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