86°
Sunny
0%
76
St. Mary's County, MD · Chesapeake Bay
Elms Beach Park
19350 Back Door Rd, Lexington Park, MD 20653
Over 500 feet of Chesapeake shoreline in southern St. Mary's with unsupervised swimming, crabbing, and fishing. Large playground, picnic pavilions, floating kayak/canoe pier, and nature trails. Daily-pass fees apply on weekends and holidays.
Today's Conditions
Ideal for a beach walk.
82°F water · 86°F air
Full NWS forecast for This Afternoon
Sunny, with a high near 86. South wind around 13 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph.
Tonight
Mostly clear, with a low around 70. South wind 9 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 26 mph.
Weather
- 86°F air — ideal beach weather
- Sunny skies — clear conditions
Water
- 82°F water — warm — full-day swim weather
- Moderate nettle risk — 41% probability — expect some stings
76 /100
great
72 Swim
78 Sunbathe
85 Walk
72 Fish
80 Photo
Best for walking today
Atmosphere
Air Temp
86°F
Clear
Wind
13 mph
S
Rain
0%
This Afternoon
UV Peak
7 High
Peaks 12 PM · burn in ~29m
Burn-free before 09 AM & after 05 PM
Tomorrow
91°F
Sunny
Water
Water Temp
82°F
Swimming weather
Sea Nettles
Moderate nettle risk
41% probability · Potomac buoy
Sun & Moon
Sunrise
6:42 AM
Sunset
7:24 PM
Moon · 5%
Waning Crescent
Spring tides — bigger range
Tides
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 1:07 AM | High | 1.7 ft |
| 7:01 AM | Low | 0.2 ft |
| 1:40 PM | High | 1.7 ft |
| 7:15 PM | Low | 0.2 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 2:00 AM | High | 1.7 ft |
| 7:48 AM | Low | 0.2 ft |
| 2:29 PM | High | 1.7 ft |
| 8:07 PM | Low | 0.2 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 2:49 AM | High | 1.7 ft |
| 8:32 AM | Low | 0.2 ft |
| 3:14 PM | High | 1.8 ft |
| 8:55 PM | Low | 0.2 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 3:35 AM | High | 1.7 ft |
| 9:13 AM | Low | 0.2 ft |
| 3:57 PM | High | 1.8 ft |
| 9:42 PM | Low | 0.2 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 4:20 AM | High | 1.7 ft |
| 9:53 AM | Low | 0.2 ft |
| 4:40 PM | High | 1.8 ft |
| 10:29 PM | Low | 0.3 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 5:05 AM | High | 1.6 ft |
| 10:32 AM | Low | 0.3 ft |
| 5:23 PM | High | 1.7 ft |
| 11:16 PM | Low | 0.3 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 5:52 AM | High | 1.5 ft |
| 11:09 AM | Low | 0.3 ft |
| 6:08 PM | High | 1.7 ft |
High/low predictions from NOAA station 8578240, refreshed on every build. Times shown local.
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
91°
Sunny
11%
77
81°
Chance Rain Showers then Partly Sunny
49%
65
82°
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
63%
21
85°
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
56%
28
84°
Mostly Sunny
6%
86
85°
Mostly Sunny
7%
84
What to Bring Today
- recommended SPF 30 sunscreen UV index 7 — high
- recommended Sturdy umbrella + sand anchor 13 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
10:40 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
Beach Info
Parking
Lot at entrance.
Dogs
Dogs permitted on leash.
Entry Fee
$7/day county resident, $25/day non-resident (weekends & holidays)
Address
19350 Back Door Rd, Lexington Park, MD 20653
Amenities
Frequently Asked
Is it safe to swim at Elms Beach Park today?
Elms 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 Elms Beach Park dog-friendly?
Dogs permitted on leash.
Is there an entry fee at Elms Beach Park?
$7/day county resident, $25/day non-resident (weekends & holidays)
Are there lifeguards at Elms Beach Park?
No lifeguards are stationed at Elms Beach Park. Swim at your own risk and keep close watch on children.
What amenities are at Elms Beach Park?
Amenities at Elms Beach Park include beach, playground, picnic pavilions, kayak launch, nature trails, portable restrooms.
When is the water warmest at Elms 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 Elms Beach Park located?
Elms Beach Park is in St. Mary's County, MD, at 19350 Back Door Rd, Lexington Park, MD 20653.
Nearby Beaches
Updated · Data from NOAA, NWS