As summer heats up, finding the perfect spot to cool down becomes a top priority. Baltimore and its surrounding areas offer a variety of swimming destinations that cater to every preference—from pools to amusement parks, lakes, and swimming holes. Here’s a roundup of some of the best places to swim near Baltimore, complete with pricing information to help you plan your perfect day in the water.
Lakes, Beaches, and Swimming Holes
1. Gunpowder Falls State Park: Hammerman Area
Location: 7200 Graces Quarters Rd, Middle River, MD 21220
Features: Sandy beach, shallow waters, lifeguards on duty
Pricing: $3 per person on weekdays, $5 per person on weekends and holidays
Features: Sandy beach, shallow waters, lifeguards on duty
Pricing: $3 per person on weekdays, $5 per person on weekends and holidays
Gunpowder Falls State Park’s Hammerman Area is a fantastic spot for a family-friendly swim. The park features a sandy beach along the Gunpowder River, offering shallow waters perfect for kids. With lifeguards on duty, picnic areas, and scenic views, it’s a great place to spend a summer day.
2. Rocky Point Park and Beach
Location: 2200 Rocky Point Rd, Essex, MD 21221
Features: Beachfront on the Chesapeake Bay, playgrounds, picnic areas, boat ramps
Pricing: $5 per vehicle
Features: Beachfront on the Chesapeake Bay, playgrounds, picnic areas, boat ramps
Pricing: $5 per vehicle
Rocky Point Park and Beach in Essex offers a serene beach setting on the Chesapeake Bay. The park includes playgrounds, picnic areas, and boat ramps. It’s an excellent spot for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying a day by the water.
3. Sandy Point State Park
Location: 1100 E College Pkwy, Annapolis, MD 21409
Features: Beachfront on the Chesapeake Bay, picnic areas, fishing, boating
Pricing: $4 per person on weekdays, $5 per person on weekends and holidays
Features: Beachfront on the Chesapeake Bay, picnic areas, fishing, boating
Pricing: $4 per person on weekdays, $5 per person on weekends and holidays
Located about an hour from Baltimore, Sandy Point State Park provides a beautiful beach on the Chesapeake Bay. Enjoy swimming, picnicking, or even fishing and boating. The panoramic views of the Bay Bridge make this a popular destination for both relaxation and recreation.
4. Beaver Dam Swim Club
Location: 10820 Beaver Dam Rd, Cockeysville, MD 21030
Features: Freshwater quarry, rope swing, diving board, picnic areas
Pricing: $15 for adults, $13 for children on weekdays; $18 for adults, $15 for children on weekends
Features: Freshwater quarry, rope swing, diving board, picnic areas
Pricing: $15 for adults, $13 for children on weekdays; $18 for adults, $15 for children on weekends
Beaver Dam Swim Club offers a unique swimming experience in a freshwater quarry. With a rope swing, diving board, and ample picnic areas, it’s a perfect spot for a summer adventure. The quarry’s natural setting provides a refreshing escape from the city.
5. Cascade Lake
Location: 2844 Snydersburg Rd, Hampstead, MD 21074
Features: Swimming lake, waterslides, picnic areas, concession stand
Pricing: $15 per person
Features: Swimming lake, waterslides, picnic areas, concession stand
Pricing: $15 per person
Cascade Lake, about an hour northwest of Baltimore, offers a refreshing swimming experience in a natural lake setting. The lake features waterslides, floating platforms, and designated swimming areas. With picnic spots and a concession stand, it’s an ideal location for a family outing.
6. Hillbilly Beach
Location: 17910 York Rd, Parkton, MD 21120, Near Gunpowder Falls State Park
Features: Natural swimming hole, secluded, scenic surroundings
Pricing: Free
Features: Natural swimming hole, secluded, scenic surroundings
Pricing: Free
Hillbilly Beach is a local favorite for those seeking a more rustic and secluded swimming experience. Located near Gunpowder Falls State Park, this natural swimming hole offers a scenic and peaceful setting, perfect for a quiet day in nature. Also a great spot for tubing!
Pools and Water Parks
7. Riverside Park Pool
Location: 1800 Covington St, Baltimore, MD 21230
Features: Outdoor pool, lap swimming, family-friendly environment
Pricing: Free for residents with a Recreation and Parks Department Pool Pass
Riverside Park Pool is a popular spot in the Federal Hill area. The outdoor pool is great for lap swimming and family fun. Access is free for residents with a pass, making it an affordable option for city dwellers.
8. Patterson Park Pool
Location: 148 S Linwood Ave, Baltimore, MD 21224
Features: Outdoor pool, splash features, adjacent playground
Pricing: Free for residents with a Recreation and Parks Department Pool Pass
Patterson Park Pool is located in one of Baltimore’s most beloved parks. The pool features splash areas for kids and is situated next to a playground, making it a great spot for a family outing.
9. Druid Hill Park Pool
Location: 800 Wyman Park Dr, Baltimore, MD 21211
Features: Olympic-sized pool, diving boards, spacious deck
Pricing: Free for residents with a Recreation and Parks Department Pool Pass
Druid Hill Park Pool offers an Olympic-sized swimming experience with diving boards and plenty of space for sunbathing. The historic park setting adds to the charm of spending a day at this pool.
10. Cherry Hill Splash Park
Location: 2600 Giles Rd, Baltimore, MD 21225
Features: Outdoor pool, splash pad, water slides
Pricing: Free for residents with a Recreation and Parks Department Pool Pass
Cherry Hill Splash Park is a fantastic destination for families, offering both a traditional pool and a splash pad with water slides. It's a fun and interactive place for kids and adults alike to cool off during the summer.
11. Merritt Clubs Outdoor Pools
Location: Various locations in Baltimore
Features: Outdoor pools, cabanas, swim lessons, family-friendly amenities
Pricing: Membership required; rates vary
Features: Outdoor pools, cabanas, swim lessons, family-friendly amenities
Pricing: Membership required; rates vary
Merritt Clubs offer outdoor pool facilities across multiple locations in Baltimore. These pools are great for those looking to combine fitness and fun. With cabanas, swim lessons, and family-friendly amenities, Merritt Clubs provide a resort-like experience right in the city.
12. Weinberg Park Heights Jewish Community Center (JCC)
Location: 5700 Park Heights Ave, Baltimore, MD 21215
Features: Splash pad, outdoor pool, fitness facilities
Pricing: Membership required; guest passes available
Features: Splash pad, outdoor pool, fitness facilities
Pricing: Membership required; guest passes available
The JCC in Park Heights has a comprehensive outdoor pool area as well as a splash pad and large playground. The community center offers various amenities, making it a popular spot for families in the area.
13. Padonia Park Club
Location: 12006 Jenifer Rd, Cockeysville, MD 21030
Features: Splash pad, multiple pools, water slides, picnic areas
Pricing: Membership required; guest passes available
Features: Splash pad, multiple pools, water slides, picnic areas
Pricing: Membership required; guest passes available
Padonia Park Club in Cockeysville offers an extensive range of water activities, including a dedicated splash pad for children. With multiple pools and picnic areas, it’s an ideal location for a family day out.
Splash Pads and Water Parks
14. Walter Sondheim Fountain (West Shore Park)
Location: 401 Light St, Baltimore MD 21202
Features: Interactive water fountain, playground, sculptures
Pricing: Free
Features: Interactive water fountain, playground, sculptures
Pricing: Free
Located in the Inner Harbor, Walter Sondheim Fountain located next to West Shore Park features an interactive musical water fountain that functions as a splash pad complete with colored lights that illuminate the streams of water from the pop jets.
15. The Mount Vernon's Children's Park
Location: 800 N Calvert St, Baltimore, MD 21202
Features: Playground, slides, splash pad
Pricing: Free
Features: Playground, slides, splash pad
Pricing: Free
This small but mighty park is located at the northeast corner of Calvert & Madison Streets with the park open 7 days a week from 9 am-8 pm. It features a playground and splash pad for ultimate summer fun!
16. Great Wolf Lodge
Location: 1240 Chesapeake Overlook Pkwy, Perryville, MD 21903
Features: Indoor water park, wave pool, water slides, lazy river
Pricing: Rates vary
Features: Indoor water park, wave pool, water slides, lazy river
Pricing: Rates vary
Although a bit of a drive, Great Wolf Lodge’s indoor water park is worth the trip for an unforgettable swimming adventure. The park boasts a wave pool, numerous water slides, and a lazy river, ensuring fun for all ages. It’s a great option for a day trip or a weekend getaway.
Conclusion
Whether you’re looking for a beach day, a lake adventure, a fun-filled water park experience, or a simple splash pad, the Baltimore area has plenty of swimming spots to offer. From state parks and lakes to indoor aquatic centers and hidden swimming holes, there’s a perfect place for everyone to make a splash this summer. So pack your swim gear, gather your family and friends, and dive into the best swimming spots near Baltimore!
