I ‘dragged’ the family to Kent Island to check out Matapeake’s beach offering on a summer feeling spring day. This was the middle of the week, (although during spring break) so I anticipate crowds to be significantly larger in a couple of months.

Driving in may leave you a bit confused as you pass a CrossFit and dogboarding business, but keep going until you arrive at a small parking lot, walk through the gate and head towards the water. Your small babes can crawl under and ring the bell. You will see the Clubhouse which was closed when we were there, but during the regular season has a cafe. The restrooms available to us were portables up on a hill between the beach and clubhouse. Better than a port-a-potty, but still manage your expectations. Right outside the sandy area is a place to rinse off. Word of caution on walking from the parking lot to the beach- its not a smooth ride and quite hilly. It was not super fun navigating with the cart so much I felt better when we made it to the sand.

The beach itself is a pretty good size. Not large, but also not super narrow like many of the beaches in the area. We had enough distance where we didn’t feel like we would be on top of people. There were some areas saturated with sticks though and the flies were not pleasant. Probably best to come on a slightly windy day to keep them off. I felt best with my feet in the cold water or sitting by the water away from the flies.

What we liked:

• A good amount of soft sand
• Somewhat secluded
• Shallow, calm water
• Free!
• I like the basic amenetities of a functioning basic bathroom, place to rinse off, and the cafe when that is open

Not a fan of:

• Probably too crowded during summer weekends which may mean no parking
• The path to get to the beach was rough
• Flies
• Water had a bit of ick.. I’ve seen it before with the natural debris giving it a cloudy and green look to it. Just not inviting
• Have to cross the bridge to get here… could be a major turnoff if there is any traffic

Concluding Thoughts…

I am very torn on this one. It’s a nice beach! But to return I definitely think it would need to be a windy day to keep the flies away, and if a weekend I would come early and maybe leave around lunchtime. I’m glad we visited but I am hopeful to keep from crossing the bridge for ad hoc trips to the beach.