Beach Bumming

Maryland’s family-friendly Twin Beaches serve up gentle reminders to relax and take it easy

July 20, 2018 5:23 p.m.
Illustration by Laura Goode.

Where to Eat

Abner’s Crab House

Old Bay seasoning perfumes the air at this family-owned waterfront eatery. Grab a table outside so the kids can watch the ducks and boats while you munch on a crab-smothered pretzel or the signature steam pot full of crustaceans. abnerscrabhouse.net

Neptune’s Seafood Pub

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Located a few blocks from the beach, this neighborhood corner bar is a solid spot for seaside pub grub like excellent mussels and gooey crab dips. neptunesseafoodpub.com

Traders Seafood Steak & Ale

You’ll love the filling and reasonably priced plates at this diner-style venue known for its breakfast, where an egg, bacon, toast and home fries goes for a delightfully modest $5.29. traders-eagle.com

Westlawn Inn

It’s one of the few white-tablecloth restaurants in the area, where you’ll find upscale versions of down-home dishes such as cream of crab soup and pan-fried catfish. Friday and Saturday nights bring spirited live jazz. westlawninn.com

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Where to Swim

Bay Front Park

Situated just south of Chesapeake Beach, this strip of sand, known as prime territory for finding prehistoric shark teeth, is open year-round but only charges a fee ($5-$18) during summer months. chesapeake-beach.md.us/attractions_bayfrontpark.htm

Breezy Point Beach

With beach access, a fishing pier, a playground, grills and a concession stand, this is a great spot for families. Campsites fill up fast, so reserve as early as possible. The fee for beach access ranges from $4-$10, free for children ages 2 and younger. co.cal.md.us/facilities/facility/details/breezy-point-beach-and-campground-15

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North Beach

As with all the beaches in this area, bring water shoes since the bay floor can get rocky. It’s also a great idea to arrive with things to float on, plus cash or checks for antiquing later. Beach access fees for out-of-towners run from $9-$17, free for children ages 2 and younger. northbeachmd.org/welcome-center/pages/beach

 

Where to Learn

Bayside History Museum

Develop a deeper understanding of the region through fossils, old-timey recreation displays and exhibits showing the contributions of the African-American community. baysidehistorymuseum.org

Chesapeake Beach Railway Museum

The historic train station now serves as a small but fun gateway to the past, showcasing the people who used the railway during its years of operation from 1900-1935. chesapeakebeachrailwaymuseum.com

Summer Events

Farmers Market & Classic Car Cruise-In

May 4-Oct. 5

This outstanding market takes place each Friday evening from 6-9 p.m., when you can pick up flowers or handmade soaps to brighten your week, buy something for dinner or just hang out and people-watch. northbeachmd.org/friday-night-farmers-market-classic-car-cruise

 

Movies on the Beach

These free monthly screenings from May to August start at dusk and project family-friendly flicks on an inflatable screen. northbeachmd.org/special-events/pages/movies-beach

 

Rina Rapuano is a freelance food and travel writer based in Washington, D.C. She’s on Instagram @rinacucina and Twitter @rinarap.

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