87°
Sunny
0%
47
Anne Arundel County, MD · Chesapeake Bay
Sandy Point State Park
1100 E College Pkwy, Annapolis, MD 21409
A 786-acre state park on the Chesapeake Bay near the Bay Bridge. The swimming beach is the most popular day-use beach on the upper Bay, with lifeguards, bathhouse, boat ramps, and sweeping views of the Bay Bridge.
Today's Conditions
Great day for a beach walk.
High nettle risk · NWS alert active · 81°F water
Full NWS forecast for This Afternoon
Sunny, with a high near 87. South wind around 16 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph.
Tonight
Mostly clear, with a low around 75. South wind 13 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 26 mph.
Weather
- 87°F air — ideal beach weather
- Sunny skies — clear conditions
Water
- 81°F water — warm — full-day swim weather
- High nettle risk — 64% probability — reconsider swimming
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
47 /100
ok
18 Swim
73 Sunbathe
82 Walk
78 Photo
Best for walking today
Water level 0.6 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.
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
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.
Atmosphere
Air Temp
87°F
Sunny
Wind
16 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
89°F
Slight Chance Rain Showers then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Water
Water Temp
81°F
Swimming weather
Next Low Tide
10:38 PM
0.5 ft · in 3.4h
Sea Nettles
High nettle risk
64% probability · Annapolis buoy
Sun & Moon
Sunrise
6:41 AM
Sunset
7:24 PM
Moon · 5%
Waning Crescent
Spring tides — bigger range
Tides
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 4:32 AM | High | 1.8 ft |
| 10:53 AM | Low | 0.7 ft |
| 4:26 PM | High | 1.5 ft |
| 10:38 PM | Low | 0.5 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 5:16 AM | High | 1.7 ft |
| 11:33 AM | Low | 0.6 ft |
| 5:24 PM | High | 1.6 ft |
| 11:36 PM | Low | 0.5 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 5:55 AM | High | 1.7 ft |
| 12:11 PM | Low | 0.6 ft |
| 6:19 PM | High | 1.6 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 12:29 AM | Low | 0.6 ft |
| 6:32 AM | High | 1.6 ft |
| 12:48 PM | Low | 0.5 ft |
| 7:10 PM | High | 1.7 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 1:20 AM | Low | 0.7 ft |
| 7:07 AM | High | 1.5 ft |
| 1:25 PM | Low | 0.4 ft |
| 7:58 PM | High | 1.7 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 2:10 AM | Low | 0.8 ft |
| 7:42 AM | High | 1.5 ft |
| 2:02 PM | Low | 0.4 ft |
| 8:45 PM | High | 1.7 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 2:59 AM | Low | 0.8 ft |
| 8:19 AM | High | 1.4 ft |
| 2:40 PM | Low | 0.4 ft |
| 9:31 PM | High | 1.7 ft |
High/low predictions from NOAA station 8575512, refreshed on every build. Times shown local.
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
89°
Slight Chance Rain Showers then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
29%
36
81°
Chance Rain Showers then Partly Sunny
29%
75
82°
Chance Rain Showers
49%
60
82°
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
57%
27
82°
Mostly Sunny
3%
87
83°
Mostly Sunny
7%
83
What to Bring Today
- recommended SPF 30 sunscreen UV index 7 — high
- recommended Sturdy umbrella + sand anchor 16 mph wind
- optional Swimsuit - water is swimmable Water is 81°F
Always remember water bottle, trash bag (leave no trace).
Beach Info
Parking
Large paved lot. Fills up by 10 AM on summer weekends — arrive early.
Dogs
Dogs not permitted on the swimming beach. Permitted elsewhere in the park on 6-ft leash.
Entry Fee
$5/person MD resident, $7/person out-of-state (May-Sep); $3/vehicle off-season. Advance day-use reservation required weekends & holidays Memorial Day–Labor Day.
Address
1100 E College Pkwy, Annapolis, MD 21409
Amenities
Frequently Asked
Is it safe to swim at Sandy Point State Park today?
Sandy Point State 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. Seasonal lifeguards patrol the swim area in summer — follow their flags. Always review the current advisories, surf, and rip-current notes before getting in the water.
Is Sandy Point State Park dog-friendly?
Dogs not permitted on the swimming beach. Permitted elsewhere in the park on 6-ft leash.
Is there an entry fee at Sandy Point State Park?
$5/person MD resident, $7/person out-of-state (May-Sep); $3/vehicle off-season. Advance day-use reservation required weekends & holidays Memorial Day–Labor Day.
Are there lifeguards at Sandy Point State Park?
Yes. Seasonal lifeguards patrol Sandy Point State Park during the summer swim season (typically Memorial Day through Labor Day). Outside that window, swim at your own risk.
What amenities are at Sandy Point State Park?
Amenities at Sandy Point State Park include lifeguards, bathhouse, restrooms, snack bar, boat ramp, playground, picnic area.
When is the water warmest at Sandy Point State 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 Sandy Point State Park located?
Sandy Point State Park is in Anne Arundel County, MD, at 1100 E College Pkwy, Annapolis, MD 21409.
Nearby Beaches
Updated · Data from NOAA, NWS