By Brad Kappel Team
Life in Anne Arundel County revolves around the water, from the Chesapeake Bay to the Severn, South, and Patuxent rivers, and we know the spots locals return to when they need a break. When clients ask us about the best places to unwind, Anne Arundel County gives us plenty of answers, with beaches, trails, and gardens all within easy reach. Here is where we send clients who want to see what everyday life here can feel like.
Key Takeaways
- The best places to unwind in Anne Arundel County center on the Chesapeake Bay and its rivers.
- Sandy Point State Park offers a mile of sandy beach with views of the Bay Bridge.
- Quiet Waters Park and the B&A Trail make it easy to get outside close to home.
- Historic London Town and the Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary pair quiet scenery with local history and wildlife.
Sandy Point State Park and the Chesapeake Bay
When you want sand and open water, Sandy Point State Park in Annapolis is the county's classic choice. The 786-acre park sits along the northwestern shore of the Chesapeake Bay, with a one-mile beach and a front-row view of the Bay Bridge.
Just offshore, you can spot the Sandy Point Shoal Lighthouse, which dates to 1883. In summer, plan ahead, since day-use reservations are required on weekends and holidays starting Memorial Day weekend.
Just offshore, you can spot the Sandy Point Shoal Lighthouse, which dates to 1883. In summer, plan ahead, since day-use reservations are required on weekends and holidays starting Memorial Day weekend.
Ways to Relax at Sandy Point
- Swim in the designated areas along the one-mile beach
- Fish or crab from the park's piers and jetties
- Launch a boat from one of the park's 22 ramps
- Walk one of the two self-guided trails
Waterfront Walks at Quiet Waters Park
Quiet Waters Park in Annapolis lives up to its name. The county park covers 340 acres between the South River and Harness Creek, with miles of paved trails winding through the forest.
You can stop by for a quick walk before work or spend a full Saturday exploring. In winter, the park adds an outdoor ice skating rink, so there is a reason to visit in every season.
You can stop by for a quick walk before work or spend a full Saturday exploring. In winter, the park adds an outdoor ice skating rink, so there is a reason to visit in every season.
Favorite Ways to Spend a Day at Quiet Waters
- Take in the view from the South River Overlook
- Rent a kayak and paddle the South River
- Bring your dog to the dog beach or dog park
- Skate the outdoor rink during the winter months
Trails and Wetlands for a Slower Pace
For a longer outing, the Baltimore and Annapolis Trail runs 13.3 paved miles from Glen Burnie to Annapolis along the route of a former railroad. Along the way, the Earleigh Heights Ranger Station in Severna Park, built in 1889, doubles as a railroad museum.
In southern Anne Arundel County, the Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary protects more than 1,700 acres along the tidal Patuxent River. You can follow natural trails and marsh boardwalks through one of the most peaceful corners of the county, and Audubon Maryland-DC recognizes it as an Important Bird Area.
In southern Anne Arundel County, the Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary protects more than 1,700 acres along the tidal Patuxent River. You can follow natural trails and marsh boardwalks through one of the most peaceful corners of the county, and Audubon Maryland-DC recognizes it as an Important Bird Area.
What to Know Before You Go
- The B&A Trail is open from dawn to dusk for walking, running, and biking
- Parking is available at the Earleigh Heights Ranger Station in Severna Park
- Jug Bay is open Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, and closed Sundays from December through February
- Bring binoculars for birding along the Jug Bay boardwalks
History and Gardens Along the South River
If you want a calmer afternoon, Historic London Town and Gardens in Edgewater is worth the drive. The 23-acre site on the South River includes 13 acres of ornamental gardens and was Anne Arundel County's original county seat before Annapolis.
Nearby, the Thomas Point Shoal Lighthouse sits about a mile and a half offshore at the mouth of the South River. Built in 1875, it is the last screwpile lighthouse still standing in its original location, and summer tours from Eastport tend to sell out early.
Nearby, the Thomas Point Shoal Lighthouse sits about a mile and a half offshore at the mouth of the South River. Built in 1875, it is the last screwpile lighthouse still standing in its original location, and summer tours from Eastport tend to sell out early.
Tips for Exploring the South River
- Visit London Town Tuesday through Saturday, when the gardens and historic area are open
- Take the 45-minute walking tour of the historic area and the William Brown House
- Book Thomas Point Shoal Lighthouse tours as early as possible for July through September
- Enjoy views of the lighthouse from the shoreline if tours are sold out
FAQs
What are the best places to unwind in Anne Arundel County?
Sandy Point State Park, Quiet Waters Park, the B&A Trail, Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary, and Historic London Town are some of our favorites. Each offers a different setting, from bay beaches to river gardens to quiet wetlands.
Do Anne Arundel County parks charge an entry fee?
Some do. Quiet Waters Park and Jug Bay each charge a per-vehicle fee, and Sandy Point State Park charges admission that varies by season, so it is worth checking current rates before you go.
Where can I see the Chesapeake Bay Bridge in Anne Arundel County?
Sandy Point State Park in Annapolis offers one of the best views of the Bay Bridge. The park's one-mile beach looks out over the bridge and the open water of the Chesapeake Bay.
Contact the Brad Kappel Team About Life in Anne Arundel County
The places where you unwind say a lot about where you want to live. Whether you picture weekends on the bay, mornings on the B&A Trail, or evenings along the South River, Anne Arundel County offers a setting for every pace.
We know these communities well, from the waterfront neighborhoods of Annapolis to the quieter corners of the county. When you are ready to find your place here, reach out to the Brad Kappel Team, and we will help you find a home close to the places you love most.
We know these communities well, from the waterfront neighborhoods of Annapolis to the quieter corners of the county. When you are ready to find your place here, reach out to the Brad Kappel Team, and we will help you find a home close to the places you love most.
