Current closure: Anne Arundel County says the Downs Park dog beach and Chesapeake Bay shoreline water access are closed for shoreline repairs. The wider park remains open. Check the county closure page before driving to the park.
Downs Park Dog Beach is the designated off-leash waterfront area inside Downs Park in Pasadena, Maryland. When open, dogs may play on the sandy beach and in the water directly in front of it. The county is rebuilding the shoreline and plans to relocate and expand the dog beach as part of the project.
Plan your visit
- Address: 8311 John Downs Loop, Pasadena, MD 21122.
- Dog-beach status: Closed for shoreline construction as of September 1, 2026. No reopening date is posted on the county closure page.
- Park hours: 7:00 a.m. to dusk, seven days a week. The park is closed on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
- Admission: The standard daily vehicle pass is $8. Annual and discounted passes are also available.
- Off-leash boundary: Only inside the designated dog-beach area and the water immediately in front of it. Dogs must be leashed everywhere else in Downs Park.
- Separate size areas: The county does not list separate small- and large-dog sections at this beach.
- Human swimming: Swimming and wading by people are prohibited in the dog-beach water.
Find the dog beach entrance
The official park map places the dog beach on the northeastern Chesapeake Bay shoreline, north of the fishing pier and beside the North Overlook. From the parking areas along Chesapeake Bay Drive, follow the paved perimeter trail toward Brightwater and the North Overlook. Keep your dog leashed until you are inside the designated dog-beach area.
Get directions to Downs Park. Construction fencing and the planned relocation may change the final approach, so use posted signs and the county closure notice during the project.
What to expect when the beach reopens
The existing dog beach is a compact sandy area on the Chesapeake Bay rather than a large inland dog run. County rules allow dogs in the designated beach and the water immediately in front of it, but prohibit dogs from entering the woods behind the beach. The shoreline fence ends near the water, so handlers should stay close to dogs that may swim around a boundary.
Bring a leash, waste bags, drinking water, a bowl and towels. Do not assume there is a rinse station. Check the shoreline for jellyfish, debris, rough water or posted water-quality warnings before allowing a dog to swim.
What park goers say
Park goers often praise the Chesapeake Bay views, sandy water access, shaded walk through the larger park and the chance for confident swimmers to play off leash. Visitors describe the beach as clean and enjoyable when it is quiet, and many pair it with a leashed walk on Downs Park’s paved and natural trails.
Other visitors say the dog beach is small and can become crowded, especially on weekends. Reviews also mention steps at the beach approach, an open-water fence boundary, occasional aggressive dogs, jellyfish and the lack of an obvious rinse station. Conditions vary, so supervise closely and leave if the water or play group feels unsafe. Read more visitor reviews.
Rules before you enter
Dogs must be healthy, vaccinated and wearing identification. Puppies younger than four months and dogs in heat are prohibited. One adult may handle no more than two dogs. Handlers must remain in the dog-beach area with a leash and keep their dogs within view and voice control.
Children under six may not enter; older children must be accompanied by an accountable adult. Clean up waste immediately. Food, dog treats and smoking are prohibited. Remove dogs that show aggression or bark excessively, stop digging and refill any holes. Read the complete county dog-beach rules and all posted signs.
Before you go
Check the live county closure page and the Downs Park shoreline project page. For current park information, call Downs Park at (410) 222-6230.
Last researched September 1, 2026. Construction access, shoreline conditions, fees and temporary notices can change.