86°
Mostly Sunny
2%
85
Baltimore County, MD · Chesapeake Bay
Cox's Point Park
550 Riverside Dr, Essex, MD 21221
A 20-acre Baltimore County park at the mouth of Back River in Essex, with small sandy shoreline, fishing pier, and pavilions. Back River water quality limits swimming appeal, but it's a solid spot for sunset views, crabbing, and a quick waterfront stroll.
Today's Conditions
Ideal for a beach walk.
High nettle risk · 76°F water · 86°F air
Full NWS forecast for Today
Mostly sunny, with a high near 86. South wind 5 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.
Tonight
Mostly cloudy, with a low around 71. South wind 6 to 17 mph, with gusts as high as 26 mph.
Weather
- 86°F air — ideal beach weather
- Sunny skies — mostly sunny
Water
- 76°F water — warm — full-day swim weather
- High nettle risk — 2311% probability — reconsider swimming
71 /100
great
52 Swim
83 Sunbathe
87 Walk
66 Fish
80 Photo
Best for walking today
Atmosphere
Air Temp
86°F
Clear
Wind
5 to 16 mph
S
Rain
2%
Today
UV Peak
9 Very High
High 11 AM–03 PM · burn in ~22m
Burn-free before 09 AM & after 06 PM
Tomorrow
89°F
Mostly Cloudy then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Water
Water Temp
76°F
Swimming weather
Next High Tide
4:18 PM
1.0 ft · in 1.6h
Sea Nettles
High nettle risk
2311% probability · Baltimore Harbor buoy
Water Quality
Clean
10 MPN/100mL · Enterococcus
USGS · sampled 10mo ago
Sun & Moon
Sunrise
5:40 AM
Sunset
8:36 PM
Moon · 80%
Waxing Gibbous
Neap tides — smaller range
Today's Tides
7-day chart →| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 4:32 AM | High | 1.7 ft |
| 11:40 AM | Low | 0.8 ft |
| 4:18 PM | High | 1.0 ft |
| 10:13 PM | Low | 0.5 ft |
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
89°
Mostly Cloudy then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
23%
38
81°
Showers And Thunderstorms
86%
17
86°
Partly Sunny
11%
86
90°
Mostly Sunny
3%
77
94°
Mostly Sunny
10%
76
98°
Mostly Sunny
14%
69
What to Bring Today
- critical SPF 50 sunscreen UV index 9 — very high
- recommended Sturdy umbrella + sand anchor 5 to 16 mph wind
- optional Swimsuit - water is swimmable Water is 76°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
8:10 PM - 10:10 PM
Minor
1:50 AM - 2:50 AM
Major
8:40 AM - 10:40 AM
Minor
4:40 PM - 5:40 PM
Beach Info
Parking
Free lot.
Dogs
Dogs permitted on leash.
Entry Fee
Free
Address
550 Riverside Dr, Essex, MD 21221
Amenities
7-Day Tide Chart →
Full high/low predictions for the next week at Cox's Point Park.
7-Day Weather →
Extended forecast for Cox's Point Park from the National Weather Service.
Frequently Asked
Is Cox's Point Park dog-friendly?
Dogs permitted on leash.
Is there an entry fee at Cox's Point Park?
Entry to Cox's Point Park is free.
Are there lifeguards at Cox's Point Park?
No lifeguards are stationed at Cox's Point Park. Swim at your own risk and keep close watch on children.
What amenities are at Cox's Point Park?
Amenities at Cox's Point Park include fishing pier, pavilions, playground, restrooms, picnic area, boat ramp nearby.
When is the water warmest at Cox's Point 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 Cox's Point Park located?
Cox's Point Park is in Baltimore County, MD, at 550 Riverside Dr, Essex, MD 21221.
Nearby Beaches
Updated · Data from NOAA, NWS