91°
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
65%
15
Anne Arundel County, MD · Chesapeake Bay
Downs Park
8311 John Downs Loop, Pasadena, MD 21122
A 236-acre park on the Bay in Pasadena with rocky beach, fishing pier, dog beach, walking trails, and a formal garden. Swimming is not permitted but it is one of the best dog beaches on the upper Bay.
Today's Conditions
Skip the beach today.
65% rain · Thunderstorms · NWS alert active
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 91. Southwest wind around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 18 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.
Tonight
A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 11pm. Some of the storms could be severe. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 77. Southwest wind around 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.
Weather
- 91°F air — hot — hydrate and seek shade
- 65% rain — rain likely at some point
Water
- 84°F water — warm — full-day swim weather
- Moderate nettle risk — 40% probability — expect some stings
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
6 /100
skip
0 Swim
24 Sunbathe
0 Walk
0 Fish
22 Photo
Best for sunbathing today
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
Flood Watch issued July 18 at 11:43AM EDT until July 18 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Baltimore MD/Washington DC
Heat Advisory issued July 18 at 7:50AM EDT until July 18 at 7:00PM EDT by NWS Baltimore MD/Washington DC
Air Quality Alert issued July 17 at 4:40PM EDT by NWS Baltimore MD/Washington DC
Atmosphere
Air Temp
91°F
Clear
Wind
10 mph
SW
Rain
65%
This Afternoon
UV Peak
9 Very High
High 11 AM–03 PM · burn in ~22m
Burn-free before 09 AM & after 05 PM
Tomorrow
91°F
Mostly Sunny
Water
Water Temp
84°F
Swimming weather
Next High Tide
11:05 PM
1.7 ft · in 2.2h
Sea Nettles
Moderate nettle risk
40% probability · Baltimore Harbor buoy
Water Quality
Clean
10 MPN/100mL · Enterococcus
USGS · sampled 10mo ago
Sun & Moon
Sunrise
5:54 AM
Sunset
8:29 PM
Moon · 18%
Waxing Crescent
Neap tides — smaller range
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
91°
Mostly Sunny
5%
78
89°
Sunny
4%
81
92°
Showers And Thunderstorms
77%
8
86°
Rain Showers Likely then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
65%
18
81°
Slight Chance Rain Showers
18%
76
83°
Sunny
7%
85
What to Bring Today
- critical SPF 50 sunscreen UV index 9 — very high
- recommended Umbrella or shade warm day, light wind
- optional Swimsuit - water is swimmable Water is 84°F
- recommended Rain cover + dry bag 65% chance of rain
- critical Extra water / electrolytes 91°F - heat risk
- recommended Cooling towel or hat sustained heat
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.
Minor
10:20 PM - 11:20 PM
Major
3:40 AM - 5:40 AM
Minor
10:10 AM - 11:10 AM
Major
3:50 PM - 5:50 PM
Beach Info
Parking
Free lot. $6 entry in season.
Dogs
Designated off-leash dog beach. Leash required elsewhere.
Entry Fee
$8/vehicle daily (AA County 2026 rate); annual pass $40 resident, $50 non-resident
Address
8311 John Downs Loop, Pasadena, MD 21122
Amenities
Frequently Asked
Is it safe to swim at Downs Park today?
Downs 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 Downs Park dog-friendly?
Designated off-leash dog beach. Leash required elsewhere.
Is there an entry fee at Downs Park?
$8/vehicle daily (AA County 2026 rate); annual pass $40 resident, $50 non-resident
Are there lifeguards at Downs Park?
No lifeguards are stationed at Downs Park. Swim at your own risk and keep close watch on children.
What amenities are at Downs Park?
Amenities at Downs Park include dog beach, fishing pier, trails, playground, restrooms, garden.
When is the water warmest at Downs 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 Downs Park located?
Downs Park is in Anne Arundel County, MD, at 8311 John Downs Loop, Pasadena, MD 21122.
Nearby Beaches
Updated · Data from NOAA, NWS