Calvert County, MD · Chesapeake Bay

Dares Beach Park

901 Dares Beach Rd, Prince Frederick, MD 20678

A small Calvert County public beach — roughly 300 feet of soft sand on the Bay just north of Prince Frederick. Quiet, understated, and a welcome break from the more-known Bay beaches a few miles in either direction.

Today's Conditions

Ideal for fossil hunting.

NWS alert active · 82°F water · 83°F air

Full NWS forecast for This Afternoon

Sunny, with a high near 83. South wind around 17 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph.

Tonight

Mostly clear, with a low around 76. South wind 15 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 29 mph.

Weather

83°F air — ideal beach weather
Sunny skies — clear conditions

Water

82°F water — warm — full-day swim weather
Moderate nettle risk — 59% probability — expect some stings

Safety

NWS alert active — small craft advisory issued september 9 at 12:18pm edt until september 10 at 7:00am edt by nws baltimore md/washington dc

79 /100

great

37 Swim

72 Sunbathe

83 Walk

87 Fossils

78 Photo

Best for fossil hunting today

Small Craft Small Craft Advisory

Small Craft Advisory issued September 9 at 12:18PM EDT until September 10 at 7:00AM EDT by NWS Baltimore MD/Washington DC

NWS · In effect through Sep 10, 7:00 AM

Full NWS statement

* WHAT...South winds 15 to 25 kt with gusts up to 30 kt expected. * WHERE...Chesapeake Bay and adjoining estuaries north of Drum Point MD. * WHEN...Until 7 AM EDT Thursday. * IMPACTS...Conditions will be hazardous to small craft.

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Atmosphere

Air Temp

83°F

Sunny

Wind

17 mph

Rain

This Afternoon

UV Peak

8 Very High

High 12 PM–03 PM · burn in ~25m

Burn-free before 09 AM & after 05 PM

Tomorrow

86°F

Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms

Water

Water Temp

82°F

Swimming weather

Next Low Tide

8:32 PM

0.9 ft · in 1.3h

Sea Nettles

Moderate nettle risk

59% probability · Gooses Reef buoy

Sun & Moon

Sunrise

6:42 AM

Sunset

7:24 PM

Moon · 5%

Waning Crescent

Spring tides — bigger range

Tides

Time	Type	Height
1:55 AM	High	2.9 ft
8:49 AM	Low	1.2 ft
2:01 PM	High	2.4 ft
8:32 PM	Low	0.9 ft

Time	Type	Height
2:41 AM	High	2.9 ft
9:30 AM	Low	1.1 ft
2:56 PM	High	2.6 ft
9:33 PM	Low	1.0 ft

Time	Type	Height
3:25 AM	High	2.7 ft
10:08 AM	Low	1.0 ft
3:50 PM	High	2.8 ft
10:32 PM	Low	1.1 ft

Time	Type	Height
4:07 AM	High	2.6 ft
10:44 AM	Low	0.9 ft
4:39 PM	High	2.9 ft
11:25 PM	Low	1.2 ft

Time	Type	Height
4:46 AM	High	2.5 ft
11:17 AM	Low	0.8 ft
5:25 PM	High	2.9 ft

Time	Type	Height
12:16 AM	Low	1.3 ft
5:25 AM	High	2.3 ft
11:49 AM	Low	0.9 ft
6:09 PM	High	2.9 ft

Time	Type	Height
1:09 AM	Low	1.5 ft
6:04 AM	High	2.2 ft
12:19 PM	Low	0.9 ft
6:54 PM	High	2.9 ft

High/low predictions from NOAA station 8579135, refreshed on every build. Times shown local.

7-Day Beach Day Forecast

Today Sep 9

83°

Sunny

Thu Sep 10

86°

Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms

24%

Fri Sep 11

79°

Chance Rain Showers then Partly Sunny

46%

Sat Sep 12

79°

Showers And Thunderstorms Likely

56%

Sun Sep 13

82°

Chance Showers And Thunderstorms

54%

Mon Sep 14

81°

Mostly Sunny

Tue Sep 15

82°

Mostly Sunny

What to Bring Today

critical SPF 50 sunscreen UV index 8 — very high
recommended Sturdy umbrella + sand anchor 17 mph wind
optional Swimsuit - water is swimmable Water is 82°F

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

Beach Info

Parking

No dedicated lot — street parking near the entrance.

Dogs

Dogs permitted on leash.

Entry Fee

Free

Address

901 Dares Beach Rd, Prince Frederick, MD 20678

Amenities

restroomsbeach

Frequently Asked

Is it safe to swim at Dares Beach Park today?

Dares Beach 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 Dares Beach Park dog-friendly?

Dogs permitted on leash.

Is there an entry fee at Dares Beach Park?

Entry to Dares Beach Park is free.

Are there lifeguards at Dares Beach Park?

No lifeguards are stationed at Dares Beach Park. Swim at your own risk and keep close watch on children.

What amenities are at Dares Beach Park?

Amenities at Dares Beach Park include restrooms, beach.

When is the water warmest at Dares Beach 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 Dares Beach Park located?

Dares Beach Park is in Calvert County, MD, at 901 Dares Beach Rd, Prince Frederick, MD 20678.