86°
Mostly Cloudy
9%
75
Baltimore County, MD · Chesapeake Bay
Cox's Point Park
550 Riverside Dr, Essex, MD 21221
A 20-acre Baltimore County park at the mouth of Back River in Essex, with small sandy shoreline, fishing pier, and pavilions. Back River water quality limits swimming appeal, but it's a solid spot for sunset views, crabbing, and a quick waterfront stroll.
Today's Conditions
Ideal for fishing.
82°F water · 86°F air
Full NWS forecast for Today
Mostly cloudy, with a high near 86. East wind 8 to 12 mph.
Tonight
Partly cloudy, with a low around 69. East wind 2 to 10 mph.
Weather
- 86°F air — ideal beach weather
- Cloud cover — overcast reduces uv exposure but the vibe too
Water
- 82°F water — warm — full-day swim weather
79 /100
great
75 Swim
66 Sunbathe
78 Walk
85 Fish
84 Photo
Best for fishing today
Atmosphere
Air Temp
86°F
Mostly Cloudy
Wind
8 to 12 mph
E
Rain
9%
Today
UV Peak
8 Very High
High 11 AM–03 PM · burn in ~25m
Burn-free before 09 AM & after 06 PM
Tomorrow
87°F
Mostly Sunny
Water
Water Temp
82°F
Swimming weather
Next High Tide
5:26 PM
1.1 ft · in 2.2h
Sea Nettles
Low nettle risk
30% probability · Baltimore Harbor buoy
Water Quality
Clean
10 MPN/100mL · Enterococcus
USGS · sampled 10mo ago
Sun & Moon
Sunrise
5:49 AM
Sunset
8:33 PM
Moon · 5%
Waning Crescent
Spring tides — bigger range
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
87°
Mostly Sunny
0%
85
91°
Sunny
0%
80
100°
Sunny
2%
64
93°
Sunny
3%
76
92°
Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
15%
42
93°
Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
23%
36
What to Bring Today
- critical SPF 50 sunscreen UV index 8 — very high
- recommended Sturdy umbrella + sand anchor 8 to 12 mph wind
- optional Swimsuit - water is swimmable Water is 82°F
Always remember water bottle, trash bag (leave no trace).
Best Fishing Times Today
Solunar theory: fish activity peaks at moon transits (major) and moonrise/moonset (minor). All times local.
Major
10:00 PM - 12:00 AM
Minor
3:00 AM - 4:00 AM
Major
10:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Minor
7:10 PM - 8:10 PM
Beach Info
Parking
Free lot.
Dogs
Dogs permitted on leash.
Entry Fee
Free
Address
550 Riverside Dr, Essex, MD 21221
Amenities
Frequently Asked
Is it safe to swim at Cox's Point Park today?
Cox's Point Park shows a live water-quality reading (bacteria levels) and today's swim-safety score at the top of this page, refreshed on every update. No lifeguards are on duty, so check the day's conditions and swim with caution. Always review the current advisories, surf, and rip-current notes before getting in the water.
Is Cox's Point Park dog-friendly?
Dogs permitted on leash.
Is there an entry fee at Cox's Point Park?
Entry to Cox's Point Park is free.
Are there lifeguards at Cox's Point Park?
No lifeguards are stationed at Cox's Point Park. Swim at your own risk and keep close watch on children.
What amenities are at Cox's Point Park?
Amenities at Cox's Point Park include fishing pier, pavilions, playground, restrooms, picnic area, boat ramp nearby.
When is the water warmest at Cox's Point Park?
The Chesapeake warms quickly — water temperatures peak in late July and August, typically 78-82°F. Swimming comfortable from mid-June through September.
Where is Cox's Point Park located?
Cox's Point Park is in Baltimore County, MD, at 550 Riverside Dr, Essex, MD 21221.
Nearby Beaches
Updated · Data from NOAA, NWS