90°
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
62%
16
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
Skip the beach today.
Thunderstorms · 62% 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 90. Heat index values as high as 102. Southwest wind around 13 mph, with gusts as high as 21 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 11pm. Some of the storms could be severe. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 76. Southwest wind 7 to 12 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.
Weather
- 90°F air — hot — hydrate and seek shade
- 62% rain — rain likely at some point
Water
- 84°F water — warm — full-day swim weather
- High nettle risk — 69% probability — reconsider swimming
Safety
- Thunderstorms — stay off the water when storms approach
- NWS alert active — special marine warning issued july 18 at 4:44pm edt until july 18 at 5:45pm edt by nws baltimore md/washington dc
8 /100
skip
0 Swim
25 Sunbathe
0 Walk
22 Photo
Best for sunbathing 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
Special Marine Warning issued July 18 at 4:44PM EDT until July 18 at 5:45PM EDT by NWS Baltimore MD/Washington DC
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
90°F
Clear
Wind
13 mph
SW
Rain
62%
This Afternoon
UV Peak
9 Very High
High 11 AM–03 PM · burn in ~22m
Burn-free before 09 AM & after 05 PM
Tomorrow
90°F
Mostly Sunny
Water
Water Temp
84°F
Swimming weather
Next High Tide
9:45 PM
1.5 ft · in 51m
Sea Nettles
High nettle risk
69% probability · Annapolis buoy
Water Quality
Clean
10 MPN/100mL · Enterococcus
USGS · sampled 10mo ago
Sun & Moon
Sunrise
5:54 AM
Sunset
8:28 PM
Moon · 18%
Waxing Crescent
Neap tides — smaller range
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
90°
Mostly Sunny
6%
79
89°
Sunny
4%
81
92°
Showers And Thunderstorms
76%
8
84°
Rain Showers Likely
67%
44
79°
Slight Chance Rain Showers
18%
75
81°
Sunny
7%
86
What to Bring Today
- critical SPF 50 sunscreen UV index 9 — very high
- recommended Sturdy umbrella + sand anchor 13 mph wind
- optional Swimsuit - water is swimmable Water is 84°F
- recommended Rain cover + dry bag 62% chance of rain
- critical Extra water / electrolytes 90°F - heat risk
- recommended Cooling towel or hat sustained heat
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