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.

Eats & Drinks 12 Charters & Tours 6 Rentals 2

Great day for a beach walk.

81°F water · 88°F air

Full NWS forecast for This Afternoon

Mostly sunny, with a high near 88. South wind around 14 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph.

Tonight

Mostly clear, with a low around 75. Southwest wind 8 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.

Weather

  • 88°F air — ideal beach weather
  • Sunny skies — mostly sunny

Water

  • 81°F water — warm — full-day swim weather
77 /100
great
82 Swim
75 Sunbathe
83 Walk
70 Fish
79 Photo

Best for walking today

Air Temp
88°F
Mostly Clear
Wind
14 mph
S
Rain
0%
This Afternoon
UV Peak
7 High
High 02 PM–03 PM · burn in ~29m
Burn-free before 09 AM & after 05 PM
Tomorrow
90°F
Slight Chance Rain Showers then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Water Temp
81°F
Swimming weather
Sea Nettles
Low nettle risk
33% probability · Baltimore Harbor buoy
Sunrise
6:41 AM
Sunset
7:25 PM
Moon · 5%
Waning Crescent
Spring tides — bigger range
Time Type Height
6:01 AM High 1.9 ft
12:47 PM Low 0.7 ft
6:07 PM High 1.5 ft

High/low predictions from NOAA station 8574857, refreshed on every build. Times shown local.

Today Sep 9
88°

Mostly Sunny

0%
77
Thu Sep 10
90°

Slight Chance Rain Showers then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms

38%
27
Fri Sep 11
82°

Partly Sunny

10%
81
Sat Sep 12
82°

Chance Rain Showers

49%
61
Sun Sep 13
86°

Chance Showers And Thunderstorms

54%
23
Mon Sep 14
85°

Mostly Sunny

4%
81
Tue Sep 15
85°

Mostly Sunny

9%
81
  • optional Swimsuit - water is swimmable Water is 81°F
  • critical Extra water / electrolytes 88°F - heat risk

Always remember water bottle, trash bag (leave no trace).

Solunar theory: fish activity peaks at moon transits (major) and moonrise/moonset (minor). All times local.

Major
10:40 PM - 12:40 AM
Minor
4:30 AM - 5:30 AM
Major
10:50 AM - 12:50 PM
Minor
6:20 PM - 7:20 PM

Parking

Free lot.

Dogs

Dogs permitted on leash.

Entry Fee

Free

Address

550 Riverside Dr, Essex, MD 21221

fishing pierpavilionsplaygroundrestroomspicnic areaboat ramp nearby
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.

Updated · Data from NOAA, NWS

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