Are you planning a visit to Ferry Point Park Beach? This is what you need to know!
Ferry Point Park is a 41-acre park in Kent Narrows with tidal and non-tidal wetlands that sits along the Chester River. Visitors can see several species of birds and other wildlife as they walk along the unpaved and sandy trails at the point.
One of the best features of Ferry Point Park is the beautiful and quiet beach front along the river. Here, you’ll find some benches and picnic table to enjoy the calm scene. The beach is only 1/3-mile walk from the parking lot, along a mostly paved and boardwalk path.
Of course, if you have kids with you, they’ll want to dip their toes in the water! Ferry Point Park Beach is a great place to do that, as the water is pretty shallow as it heads out to the river.
On our visit to Ferry Point Park Beach, the kids enjoyed finding driftwood, playing with the muddy/sandy shore, and watching the birds fly above.
If you’re thinking about visiting Ferry Point Park, the guide below shares all the details you’ll need, including parking and other things to do on Kent Narrows. Let’s dive in!
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Location and Parking for Ferry Point Park
Ferry Point Park beach is located at the end Swan Cove Lane in Kent Narrows, Maryland. It’s a quick drive from Annapolis if you are visiting the area.
Visitor’s Tip: Swan Cove Lane is a private road. You cannot drive down to the beach at Ferry Point Park.
There is plenty of parking at the Chesapeake Heritage and Visitor Center on Piney Narrows Road. From there, it is a short walk to Ferry Point Park Beach.
How to Get to Ferry Point Park Beach
The easiest way to get to Ferry Point Park Beach is to take the boardwalk path behind the Chesapeake Heritage and Visitor Center.
The path ends at Swan Cove Road. You’ll want to turn right and continue down the road until you reach the beach.
Overall, it’s not more than 10-minute walk, and just about 1/3-mile from the parking lot to the beach. And since it is a mostly flat and paved (or boardwalk) path, it’s easy to bring a stroller or wagon to carry your child or any belongings you might have with you.
What to Expect at Ferry Point Park Beach
We didn’t know what to expect at Ferry Point Park’s beach, but we were impressed when we arrived! It feels like your own private island even though you see reminders of civilization in the distance.
The Beach
The beach itself is rather small, but it is filled with beautiful driftwood, rocks, shells, and other natural treasures.
We didn’t bring any sand toys, but the kids found different ways to dig and play in the sand.
A pleasant surprise was the picnic table under the tree. It would be a perfect place to eat lunch or dinner and enjoy the view.
The Water
Ferry Point Park beach is not made for swimming. The water is rather shallow for at least 10 yards, if not more.
But kids will have fun running around in the water and looking for fish. It is an excellent place for young kids who may not be strong swimmers, as they can walk and play for a reasonable distance before the water even hits their knees.
The Sand
Those who have visited a beach on the Chesapeake Bay may know what to expect of the sand. But we were surprised by its texture and color!
The best way to describe the sand is a hybrid of sand and dirt. It was incredibly soft on the feet and very squishy in the water.
Some Things to Know Before Visit Ferry Point Park
- There are no bathrooms or changing rooms at Ferry Point Park. However, there are bathrooms at the visitor center.
- Check to see if there is a ban on swimming in the area. Excessive rainfall can cause an uptick in bacteria in the water.
- Dogs are allowed at the park and on the beach but must remain leashed.
- The boardwalk and paved path are both stroller and wheelchair accessible. However, the stone/shell path leading the boardwalk entrance may be difficult for a wheelchair to maneuver over.
Chesapeake Heritage and Visitor Center
While you are parked at the Chesapeake Heritage and Visitor Center, make sure to go inside! They have a small, interactive exhibit inside that gives a visual history of the area.
In addition to the to exhibit, the Chesapeake Heritage and Visitor Center also gives you a beautiful view of the northern side of Kent Narrows.
Two tall spiral staircases access the lookout. There was an elevator to the first level (the lookout is on the second level), but it was not working at the time of our visit.
The climb up is worth the view, though! From the lookout, you can see the boardwalk that leads toward Ferry Point Park. You will also get great views of the Blue Star Memorial Highway, and the various marinas in the area.
Hotels in Kent Narrows
If you are planning to spend more time in Kent Narrows, you have a few options for hotels.
Best Western
We stayed at the Best Western in Kent Narrows. The hotel is within walking distance of many delicious restaurants.
This hotel has an indoor pool and sauna. Hot breakfast is included in the cost of the stay. Overall, the hotel was a good option for an overnight stay.
Holiday Inn Express
The Holiday Inn Express has a private dock that leads to one of the inlets off of the Chester River. An outdoor pool and a free breakfast buffet round out the amenities of this moderate hotel.
Hilton Garden Inn
The Hilton Garden Inn has the best views of the three hotels. Every room has a balcony that overlooks Wells Cove or the restaurants of the area. The hotel also has an indoor pool and fitness center.
Restaurants in Kent Narrows
There are no lack of options when it comes to restaurants in Kent Narrows. For any crab lover, you are in the right place! Some of the recommended restaurants are the Fisherman’s Inn, Bridges, and the Jetty.
We ate at the Jetty and would highly recommend it to anyone! It is a laid back restaurant with outside seating on the “deck” and “beach”.
We ate on the beach, and it was a hit with the kids! It is a sand-bottomed area with picnic-style tables. They also had a fun sandbox for the kids to dig and play in while they wait for their meal.
The food was delicious, and everything was priced reasonably, especially considering the area. And the view just couldn’t be beat!
Other Fun Things to Do in Maryland
Maryland offers so many fun things to do, especially on the eastern shore. While we were in the area, we explored Annapolis and took a fun pirate boat ride. Baltimore is also a short drive away.
We Loved Ferry Point Park
The kids enjoyed themselves at Ferry Point Park beach. Between the shallow waters and the interesting finds on the beach, it was one of their favorite things to do while we were visiting the Annapolis area.
If you are planning a visit to the area, or you live nearby, make a point to visit Ferry Point Park!
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