86°
Sunny
0%
76
Calvert County, MD · Patuxent River
Jefferson Patterson Park & Museum
10515 Mackall Rd, St Leonard, MD 20685
560-acre archaeological park on the Patuxent River with a sandy beach, museum of Maryland archaeology, and 3+ miles of trails. The beach is quiet, dog-friendly, and one of the better spots to wade and look for Native American artifacts (which must be left in place if found).
Today's Conditions
Great day 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 14 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph.
Tonight
Mostly clear, with a low around 74. South wind 10 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 — 59% probability — expect some stings
76 /100
great
73 Swim
78 Sunbathe
84 Walk
72 Fish
80 Photo
Best for walking today
Water level 0.5 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.
Atmosphere
Air Temp
86°F
Sunny
Wind
14 mph
S
Rain
0%
This Afternoon
Tomorrow
90°F
Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Water
Water Temp
82°F
Swimming weather
Next Low Tide
7:44 PM
0.3 ft · in 27m
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 |
|---|---|---|
| 1:11 AM | High | 1.8 ft |
| 7:36 AM | Low | 0.6 ft |
| 1:14 PM | High | 1.7 ft |
| 7:44 PM | Low | 0.3 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 1:57 AM | High | 1.8 ft |
| 8:22 AM | Low | 0.5 ft |
| 2:07 PM | High | 1.8 ft |
| 8:35 PM | Low | 0.4 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 2:41 AM | High | 1.8 ft |
| 9:05 AM | Low | 0.4 ft |
| 2:58 PM | High | 1.8 ft |
| 9:24 PM | Low | 0.4 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 3:23 AM | High | 1.8 ft |
| 9:47 AM | Low | 0.4 ft |
| 3:47 PM | High | 1.8 ft |
| 10:11 PM | Low | 0.5 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 4:05 AM | High | 1.7 ft |
| 10:29 AM | Low | 0.4 ft |
| 4:34 PM | High | 1.8 ft |
| 10:58 PM | Low | 0.5 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 4:46 AM | High | 1.7 ft |
| 11:11 AM | Low | 0.4 ft |
| 5:21 PM | High | 1.7 ft |
| 11:46 PM | Low | 0.6 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 5:29 AM | High | 1.6 ft |
| 11:54 AM | Low | 0.4 ft |
| 6:08 PM | High | 1.7 ft |
High/low predictions from NOAA station 8577330, refreshed on every build. Times shown local.
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
90°
Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
18%
37
80°
Chance Rain Showers then Partly Sunny
51%
63
81°
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
60%
21
84°
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
53%
24
84°
Mostly Sunny
5%
81
84°
Mostly Sunny
7%
81
What to Bring Today
- recommended SPF 30 sunscreen clear day + warm temps
- recommended Sturdy umbrella + sand anchor 14 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
Free park lot.
Dogs
Dogs permitted on leash.
Entry Fee
Free
Address
10515 Mackall Rd, St Leonard, MD 20685
Amenities
Frequently Asked
Is it safe to swim at Jefferson Patterson Park & Museum today?
Jefferson Patterson Park & Museum 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 Jefferson Patterson Park & Museum dog-friendly?
Dogs permitted on leash.
Is there an entry fee at Jefferson Patterson Park & Museum?
Entry to Jefferson Patterson Park & Museum is free.
Are there lifeguards at Jefferson Patterson Park & Museum?
No lifeguards are stationed at Jefferson Patterson Park & Museum. Swim at your own risk and keep close watch on children.
What amenities are at Jefferson Patterson Park & Museum?
Amenities at Jefferson Patterson Park & Museum include museum, trails, restrooms, picnic areas, fishing pier.
When is the water warmest at Jefferson Patterson Park & Museum?
The Patuxent warms through July to highs around 78-82°F. Best swimming window is late June through early September.
Where is Jefferson Patterson Park & Museum located?
Jefferson Patterson Park & Museum is in Calvert County, MD, at 10515 Mackall Rd, St Leonard, MD 20685.
Nearby Beaches
Updated · Data from NOAA, NWS