Discover the charm of Chesapeake Bay.
Ever imagined drifting past historic landmarks and picturesque coastlines?
The best places to paddle board in Annapolis, Maryland, are calling your name.
Embark on a journey through Annapolis’ stunning waterscapes. Are you ready to make a splash?
Map
Planning Your Paddle in Annapolis
Season figures are averages of the daily maximum temperature in the ERA5 climate archive for 2019 to 2024, rental counts come from OpenStreetMap. Every spot below can carry its own rules on top of these.
- Season: average daily highs clear 59 °F from April through October. July is the warmest month, averaging 87 °F, and outside that window a wetsuit is what separates a short session from a comfortable one.
- Rules and licences: The US Coast Guard treats a paddleboard as a vessel as soon as you leave the immediate swimming or surfing area. From that point a wearable life jacket for every person on board is required, together with a sound signal, and a white light after dark. Individual states add their own rules on top, so check the state boating agency before a longer trip.
- Rentals nearby: OpenStreetMap lists 2 places within 16 miles that hire out boards, kayaks or canoes: Annapolis Canoe and Kayak and Capital Sup. Call ahead, opening times outside the main season are short.
Where to Paddle Board in Annapolis
Please note: While we strive for accuracy, always verify details before paddling. If you spot an error or if you're a local official wanting to make a correction, please comment below. Thanks!
#1 Spa Creek
- 🏖️ Location Type: Bay
- 📍️ Access Point: Truxtun Park Boat Ramp (Google Maps)
- 🌊️ Water, Currents & Wind: Calm, Protected Waters, Mild Currents
- ☀️ Popular Seasons: Summer and Early Fall
- 🐟️ Wildlife Encounters: Blue crabs, striped bass, ospreys, herons
- 🏞️ Landmarks & Views: Annapolis city skyline, historic neighborhoods
- ⚠️ Safety, Environment, and Rules: Watch for boat traffic, adhere to boating regulations
Spa Creek is a picturesque waterway situated right in the heart of Annapolis. The calm waters make it a perfect location for paddlers of all skill levels, while the beautiful city skyline and historic districts offer a unique backdrop.
A gentle glide through Spa Creek is a must for any Annapolis paddleboarding enthusiast.
#2 Back Creek
- 🏖️ Location Type: Bay
- 📍️ Access Point: Ellen O. Moyer Nature Park Boat Ramp (Google Maps)
- 🌊️ Water, Currents & Wind: Calm, Sheltered Waters, Mild Currents
- ☀️ Popular Seasons: Summer and Early Fall
- 🐟️ Wildlife Encounters: Blue herons, ospreys, waterfowl, diamondback terrapins
- 🏞️️ Landmarks & Views: Marinas, lush shoreline, picturesque bay scenery
- ⚠️ Safety, Environment, and Rules: Watch for boat traffic, be cautious near marinas
Back Creek is a serene oasis tucked away in east Annapolis. The protected waters and scenic surroundings make it a favorite among paddlers looking for a peaceful spot to explore.
Home to several marinas and a diverse array of wildlife, Back Creek offers a tranquil paddleboarding experience with alluring natural beauty.
#3 Severn River
- 🏖️ Location Type: River
- 📍️ Access Point: Jonas Green Park (Google Maps)
- 🌊️ Water, Currents & Wind: Moderate Currents, Exposed to Open Waters
- ☀️ Popular Seasons: Late Spring to Early Fall
- 🐟️ Wildlife Encounters: Ospreys, great blue herons, waterfowl, fish
- 🏞️️ Landmarks & Views: Naval Academy Bridge, Chesapeake Bay
- ⚠️ Safety, Environment, and Rules: Watch for boat and kayak traffic, understand tide changes
The Severn River, flowing through Annapolis into the Chesapeake Bay, offers paddlers an adventurous experience. While accessible to paddleboarders, the river is also popular with boaters and kayakers.
One should be prepared for changing weather conditions, as well as increased currents and boat traffic near the mouth of the river.
#4 Chesapeake Bay
- 🏖️ Location Type: Oceanfront
- 📍️ Access Point: Sandy Point State Park (Google Maps)
- 🌊️ Water, Currents & Wind: Variable Conditions, Open Waters
- ☀️ Popular Seasons: Late Spring to Early Fall
- 🐟️ Wildlife Encounters: Horseshoe crabs, jellyfish, seabirds
- 🏞️️ Landmarks & Views: Annapolis skyline, Chesapeake Bay Bridge
- ⚠️ Safety, Environment, and Rules: Look out for boat traffic, monitor weather conditions, check tide schedules
Paddling in the Chesapeake Bay can provide stunning panoramic views of the Annapolis skyline and the Chesapeake Bay Bridge.
However, due to the possibility of unpredictable waves, currents, and changing weather conditions, this paddleboarding spot is better suited for experienced boarders. Sandy Point State Park serves as an accessible access point to the bay.
#5 South River
- 🏖️ Location Type: River
- 📍️ Access Point: Quiet Waters Park (Google Maps)
- 🌊️ Water, Currents & Wind: Calm River Waters, Occasional Wind Gusts
- ☀️ Popular Seasons: Late Spring to Early Fall
- 🐟️ Wildlife Encounters: Herons, ospreys, turtles, fish
- 🏞️️ Landmarks & Views: Woodlands, shoreline
- ⚠️ Safety, Environment, and Rules: Watch for boat traffic, respect no-wake zones
Located just south of Annapolis, the South River provides a peaceful paddleboarding experience away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Paddlers can explore the river’s calm waters, surrounded by lush woodlands and shoreline.
Quiet Waters Park serves as a convenient access point, offering a great spot to launch your paddleboard adventure.
#6 Magothy River
- 🏖️ Location Type: River
- 📍 Access Point: Spriggs Farm Park (Google Maps)
- 🌊️ Water, Currents & Wind: Calm Waters, Some Tidal Influence
- ☀️ Popular Seasons: Late Spring to Early Fall
- 🐟️ Wildlife Encounters: Blue herons, ospreys, waterfowl
- 🏞️️ Landmarks & Views: Creeks, marshes, scenic coastline
- ⚠️ Safety, Environment, and Rules: Be mindful of boat traffic, avoid sensitive ecological areas
The Magothy River offers a serene paddling experience with its calm waters and scenic views. The adjacent creeks and marshes are perfect for exploring and observing the local wildlife.
Spriggs Farm Park serves as an ideal access point, providing a tranquil launch into a day of paddling adventures.
What to Take With You
Whatever the water here looks like, the same short list comes along. Each box below shows the model that currently sits at number one in our own test of that category.
- Typefoam, paddle cut
- ApprovalUSCG and Transport Canada
Every model we tested: 10 Best Life Vests for Paddle Boarding
- Cordcoiled, stretches to 9 ft
- Swivelstwo in-line
- RatingIP68 certified, 1 m for 30 minutes
- Floatsyes
- Capacity20 L, range from 10 to 55 L
- Material500D PVC tarpaulin
Every model we tested: The 9 Best Dry Bags for Paddle Boarding
- Typetall neoprene boot
- Thickness3 mm
FAQ
Where can you paddle board in Annapolis?
Paddle boarding in Annapolis is popular at Spa Creek, Severn River, and Chesapeake Bay.
Do paddle boards need to be registered in Annapolis?
No, paddle boards do not require registration in Annapolis.
When is the best time to paddle board in Annapolis?
The optimal time to paddle board in Annapolis is from late spring to early fall when the weather is warm.
Paddle Boarding Near Annapolis
Looking for another spot on the same trip? These guides cover the closest paddling waters we have mapped around Annapolis.
- Maryland (6 miles east)
- Chesapeake Bay (6 miles east)
- Baltimore (20 miles north)
- Washington, DC (31 miles west)
