Mostly Sunny
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
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
Best for walking today
Atmosphere
Water
Sun & Moon
Tides
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 6:01 AM | High | 1.9 ft |
| 12:47 PM | Low | 0.7 ft |
| 6:07 PM | High | 1.5 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 12:30 AM | Low | 0.5 ft |
| 6:47 AM | High | 1.8 ft |
| 1:28 PM | Low | 0.7 ft |
| 7:02 PM | High | 1.6 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 1:31 AM | Low | 0.6 ft |
| 7:31 AM | High | 1.7 ft |
| 2:06 PM | Low | 0.6 ft |
| 7:56 PM | High | 1.8 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 2:30 AM | Low | 0.6 ft |
| 8:13 AM | High | 1.6 ft |
| 2:42 PM | Low | 0.5 ft |
| 8:45 PM | High | 1.8 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 3:23 AM | Low | 0.7 ft |
| 8:52 AM | High | 1.6 ft |
| 3:15 PM | Low | 0.5 ft |
| 9:31 PM | High | 1.9 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 4:14 AM | Low | 0.8 ft |
| 9:31 AM | High | 1.5 ft |
| 3:47 PM | Low | 0.5 ft |
| 10:15 PM | High | 1.9 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 5:07 AM | Low | 0.9 ft |
| 10:10 AM | High | 1.4 ft |
| 4:17 PM | Low | 0.6 ft |
| 11:00 PM | High | 1.8 ft |
High/low predictions from NOAA station 8574857, refreshed on every build. Times shown local.
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
Slight Chance Rain Showers then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Partly Sunny
Chance Rain Showers
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Mostly Sunny
Mostly Sunny
What to Bring Today
- recommended SPF 30 sunscreen UV index 7 — high
- recommended Sturdy umbrella + sand anchor 14 mph wind
- optional Swimsuit - water is swimmable Water is 81°F
- critical Extra water / electrolytes 88°F - heat risk
- recommended Cooling towel or hat sustained heat
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.
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