Plizio Visual Lab
Highland Beach
ℹ️Practical info — Highland Beach
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🌤 Weather — 5 days
📍 Nearby
Sights nearby
💡 Tips
- As a primarily residential and historic community, please respect private property and local residents when walking around.
- Visit the Frederick Douglass Museum and Cultural Center (Twin Oaks), but check ahead as viewing hours or appointments may be required.
- The town is very small, making walking or biking the best way to navigate its quiet streets.
- Bring your own beach essentials and snacks, as commercial facilities are limited due to its residential nature.
🍽 Food
Head to nearby Annapolis to enjoy authentic local crab cakes at renowned waterfront restaurants.
Try freshly shucked oysters at seafood eateries in the surrounding towns.
Bring your own lunch to enjoy near the water, as dining options within the beach town itself are minimal.
🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots
Look for literature on the area's rich African American heritage at local museum shops.
While Highland Beach is residential, neighboring Annapolis features a wide range of boutique shopping.
Enjoy a peaceful morning walk along the calm waters of the bay.
Experience the tranquil atmosphere around the historic Frederick Douglass summer home.
Water temperature…
Highland Beach, located just south of Annapolis in Anne Arundel County, is a community of immense historical and cultural significance. Founded in 1893 by Charles Douglass, son of the famed abolitionist Frederick Douglass, it was the first summer resort in the United States created specifically for African Americans. Today, it remains an incorporated town that fiercely protects its unique heritage and quiet, residential character. Many of the historic cottages still stand, reflecting the elegance of a bygone era. The town's shoreline provides spectacular vistas of the Chesapeake Bay. North Beach is the primary local stretch of sand, while Bay Ridge Beach is located just to the north. These areas provide a serene environment for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying the gentle bay breezes. Unlike the commercial boardwalks of Maryland's larger ocean resorts, Highland Beach features a private and dignified escape focused on community and natural beauty. History enthusiasts should not miss the Frederick Douglass Museum and Cultural Center, housed in 'Twin Oaks,' the summer home built for Frederick Douglass. The town's proximity to Annapolis makes it an easy trip for those exploring the state's capital. Accessible via Bay Ridge Road, Highland Beach is for anyone interested in African American history and the enduring allure of the Maryland waterfront.
- Location: United States
- Top sights: Chesapeake Bay Foundation Conservation Easement · Bay Ridge Beach
- Nearby: Arnold (5 km)
- Population: ~2.872 (2010)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Sep.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 1 | 2 | 6 | 12 | 18 | 23 | 26 | 25 | 22 | 15 | 9 | 4 |
| Rain mm | 68 | 70 | 86 | 91 | 101 | 116 | 115 | 118 | 107 | 107 | 81 | 97 |
Geography
Facts
- Founded in 1893
- First African American resort
- Near Annapolis, MD
- North Beach on-site
- Bay Ridge Beach nearby
- Frederick Douglass heritage
- Historic 'Twin Oaks' cottage
- Anne Arundel County
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Highland Beach (2)
Frequently asked questions
What is the history of the place?
Who lived here?
Can you visit the beach?
Are there museums?
Is it far from Annapolis?
Highland Beach: where is it located?
Highland Beach: what is there to see?
Highland Beach: when is the best time to visit?
Highland Beach: why is it worth visiting?
Nearby cities
