Downs Park

8311 John Downs Loop, Pasadena, MD 21122

A 236-acre park on the Bay in Pasadena with rocky beach, fishing pier, dog beach, walking trails, and a formal garden. Swimming is not permitted but it is one of the best dog beaches on the upper Bay.

Great day for a beach walk.

81°F water · 88°F air

Full NWS forecast for This Afternoon

Sunny, with a high near 88. South wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph.

Tonight

Mostly clear, with a low around 75. South wind 14 to 17 mph, with gusts as high as 26 mph.

Weather

  • 88°F air — ideal beach weather
  • Sunny skies — clear conditions

Water

  • 81°F water — warm — full-day swim weather
76 /100
great
81 Swim
74 Sunbathe
83 Walk
69 Fish
78 Photo

Best for walking today

Water level 0.8 ft above predicted

Observed water level is running higher than the astronomical tide prediction. Expect a narrower beach, faster-rising water, and stronger near-shore currents than the tide chart suggests.

NOAA station 8574680 · Observed 1.80 ft · Predicted 1.05 ft

Air Temp
88°F
Clear
Wind
15 mph
S
Rain
0%
This Afternoon
UV Peak
7 High
High 12 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
7:24 PM
Moon · 5%
Waning Crescent
Spring tides — bigger range
Time Type Height
5:49 AM High 2.0 ft
12:43 PM Low 0.7 ft
5:55 PM High 1.6 ft

High/low predictions from NOAA station 8574680, refreshed on every build. Times shown local.

Today Sep 9
88°

Sunny

0%
76
Thu Sep 10
90°

Slight Chance Rain Showers then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms

34%
27
Fri Sep 11
81°

Slight Chance Rain Showers then Partly Sunny

21%
77
Sat Sep 12
82°

Chance Rain Showers

50%
61
Sun Sep 13
83°

Showers And Thunderstorms Likely

56%
23
Mon Sep 14
83°

Mostly Sunny

4%
82
Tue Sep 15
83°

Mostly Sunny

8%
80
  • 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. $6 entry in season.

Dogs

Designated off-leash dog beach. Leash required elsewhere.

Entry Fee

$8/vehicle daily (AA County 2026 rate); annual pass $40 resident, $50 non-resident

Address

8311 John Downs Loop, Pasadena, MD 21122

dog beachfishing piertrailsplaygroundrestroomsgarden
Is it safe to swim at Downs Park today?

Downs 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 Downs Park dog-friendly?

Designated off-leash dog beach. Leash required elsewhere.

Is there an entry fee at Downs Park?

$8/vehicle daily (AA County 2026 rate); annual pass $40 resident, $50 non-resident

Are there lifeguards at Downs Park?

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

What amenities are at Downs Park?

Amenities at Downs Park include dog beach, fishing pier, trails, playground, restrooms, garden.

When is the water warmest at Downs 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 Downs Park located?

Downs Park is in Anne Arundel County, MD, at 8311 John Downs Loop, Pasadena, MD 21122.

Updated · Data from NOAA, NWS

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