89°
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
63%
11
Calvert County, MD · Chesapeake Bay
Dares Beach Park
901 Dares Beach Rd, Prince Frederick, MD 20678
A small Calvert County public beach — roughly 300 feet of soft sand on the Bay just north of Prince Frederick. Quiet, understated, and a welcome break from the more-known Bay beaches a few miles in either direction.
Today's Conditions
Skip the beach today.
Thunderstorms · 63% rain · High nettle risk
Full NWS forecast for This Afternoon
A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Some of the storms could be severe. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 89. Southwest wind around 18 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.
Tonight
A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1am. Some of the storms could be severe. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 77. Southwest wind 9 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
Weather
- 89°F air — hot — hydrate and seek shade
- 63% rain — rain likely at some point
- 18 mph wind — breezy — anchor everything
Water
- 84°F water — warm — full-day swim weather
- High nettle risk — 80% probability — reconsider swimming
Safety
- Thunderstorms — stay off the water when storms approach
- NWS alert active — tornado watch issued july 18 at 4:33pm edt until july 18 at 9:00pm edt by nws baltimore md/washington dc
12 /100
skip
0 Swim
17 Sunbathe
0 Walk
19 Fossils
19 Photo
Best for fossil hunting today
Small Craft Small Craft Advisory
Small Craft Advisory issued July 18 at 7:48AM EDT until July 18 at 11:00PM EDT by NWS Baltimore MD/Washington DC
Full NWS statement
* WHAT...Southwest winds 10 to 15 kt with gusts up to 20 kt. * WHERE...Tidal Potomac River from Key Bridge to Cobb Island MD, and Chesapeake Bay and adjoining estuaries north of Drum Point MD. * WHEN...From 11 AM this morning to 11 PM EDT this evening. * IMPACTS...Conditions will be hazardous to small craft.
Weather alert in effect
Tornado Watch issued July 18 at 4:33PM EDT until July 18 at 9:00PM EDT by NWS Baltimore MD/Washington DC
Atmosphere
Air Temp
89°F
Partly Cloudy
Wind
18 mph
SW
Rain
63%
This Afternoon
UV Peak
9 Very High
High 11 AM–03 PM · burn in ~22m
Burn-free before 09 AM & after 04 PM
Tomorrow
82°F
Mostly Sunny
Water
Water Temp
84°F
Swimming weather
Sea Nettles
High nettle risk
80% probability · Gooses Reef buoy
Water Quality
Clean
10 MPN/100mL · Enterococcus
USGS · sampled 10mo ago
Sun & Moon
Sunrise
5:55 AM
Sunset
8:28 PM
Moon · 18%
Waxing Crescent
Neap tides — smaller range
Tides
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 12:43 AM | Low | 0.9 ft |
| 6:30 AM | High | 2.6 ft |
| 1:26 PM | Low | 0.8 ft |
| 7:11 PM | High | 2.5 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 1:48 AM | Low | 1.2 ft |
| 7:16 AM | High | 2.3 ft |
| 2:04 PM | Low | 0.7 ft |
| 8:13 PM | High | 2.6 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 2:53 AM | Low | 1.3 ft |
| 8:04 AM | High | 2.1 ft |
| 2:42 PM | Low | 0.7 ft |
| 9:11 PM | High | 2.7 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 3:56 AM | Low | 1.5 ft |
| 8:54 AM | High | 1.9 ft |
| 3:17 PM | Low | 0.8 ft |
| 10:04 PM | High | 2.7 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 5:06 AM | Low | 1.6 ft |
| 9:43 AM | High | 1.8 ft |
| 3:54 PM | Low | 0.9 ft |
| 10:58 PM | High | 2.7 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 6:20 AM | Low | 1.6 ft |
| 10:36 AM | High | 1.7 ft |
| 4:34 PM | Low | 0.9 ft |
| 11:53 PM | High | 2.7 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 7:19 AM | Low | 1.5 ft |
| 11:35 AM | High | 1.7 ft |
| 5:25 PM | Low | 1.0 ft |
High/low predictions from NOAA station 8579135, refreshed on every build. Times shown local.
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
82°
Mostly Sunny
7%
85
81°
Mostly Sunny
11%
84
84°
Showers And Thunderstorms
79%
9
83°
Rain Showers Likely
70%
39
78°
Slight Chance Rain Showers
18%
74
79°
Sunny
7%
86
What to Bring Today
- critical SPF 50 sunscreen UV index 9 — very high
- recommended Sturdy umbrella + sand anchor 18 mph wind
- optional Swimsuit - water is swimmable Water is 84°F
- recommended Rain cover + dry bag 63% chance of rain
- critical Extra water / electrolytes 89°F - heat risk
- recommended Cooling towel or hat sustained heat
Always remember water bottle, trash bag (leave no trace).
Beach Info
Parking
No dedicated lot — street parking near the entrance.
Dogs
Dogs permitted on leash.
Entry Fee
Free
Address
901 Dares Beach Rd, Prince Frederick, MD 20678
Amenities
Frequently Asked
Is it safe to swim at Dares Beach Park today?
Dares 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 Dares Beach Park dog-friendly?
Dogs permitted on leash.
Is there an entry fee at Dares Beach Park?
Entry to Dares Beach Park is free.
Are there lifeguards at Dares Beach Park?
No lifeguards are stationed at Dares Beach Park. Swim at your own risk and keep close watch on children.
What amenities are at Dares Beach Park?
Amenities at Dares Beach Park include restrooms, beach.
When is the water warmest at Dares 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 Dares Beach Park located?
Dares Beach Park is in Calvert County, MD, at 901 Dares Beach Rd, Prince Frederick, MD 20678.
Nearby Beaches
Updated · Data from NOAA, NWS