A Guide to the Best Summer Activities in Annapolis
When people search for an Annapolis beach, they’re often picturing something specific: sand, water, and a relaxing waterfront escape without a long drive. Annapolis delivers exactly that, blending sandy shoreline, scenic harbor views, and laid-back Chesapeake charm into one of Maryland’s easiest summer day trips. Staying at The Hotel at Arundel Preserve in Hanover puts you within easy reach of it all, making Annapolis a natural add-on to any summer stay.
Sandy Point State Park: The Best Beach in Maryland Near You
If you’re looking for the most classic beach in Maryland near Annapolis, Sandy Point State Park is it. This 786-acre park sits along the Chesapeake Bay and features a mile-long sandy beach with sweeping views of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge. Lifeguards watch over a portion of South Beach from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily between Memorial Day and Labor Day, and the park also offers picnic areas, boat rentals, fishing piers, and a snack shack for a full beach day.
From The Hotel at Arundel Preserve, Sandy Point sits roughly a 43-minute drive via Route 50, making it an easy morning departure if you want to claim a good spot on the sand before the crowds arrive.
Quiet Waters Park: A Dog Beach in Annapolis Worth the Trip
Traveling with a four-legged companion changes the beach math a little, but Annapolis has an answer: the dog beach in Annapolis at Quiet Waters Park. This 340-acre county park sits where Harness Creek meets the South River, and its off-leash dog beach gives pups a sandy, partially enclosed shoreline to swim and play.
Beyond the dog beach, Quiet Waters offers miles of paved trails, garden views, and a scenic overlook of the South River, making it worth a stop even without a dog in tow. It’s about a 44-minute drive from the hotel, and pairs naturally with a stop at nearby Great Frogs Winery since both sit just off Harness Creek Road.
Sip and Unwind at Great Frogs Winery
After a morning on the sand, Great Frogs Winery offers the kind of slow, scenic afternoon that makes an Annapolis getaway feel complete. Set on Harness Creek Vineyards, this rustic, artisan winery pours small-batch, handcrafted wines out of a converted tobacco barn, with indoor and outdoor seating for tastings paired with charcuterie.
Because it sits just minutes from Quiet Waters Park, it’s easy to fold into the same afternoon, and it’s roughly the same 44-minute drive from The Hotel at Arundel Preserve.
Harbor Charm and Seafood Downtown
No visit to the beaches in Annapolis feels complete without a stop in the historic downtown waterfront. City Dock puts you steps from sailboats, harbor cruises, and some of the best seafood dining in Maryland, with crab houses and waterside restaurants lining the harbor.
Spend an afternoon strolling Main Street, watching boats come and go, and grabbing a crab cake with a water view before heading back to Hanover for the evening.
Make Hanover Your Basecamp for an Annapolis Beach Weekend
With Sandy Point’s sandy shoreline, Quiet Waters’ dog-friendly beach, Great Frogs Winery’s relaxed pours, and a harbor full of seafood nearby, an Annapolis beach day pairs perfectly with a stay just outside the city.
Book your stay at The Hotel at Arundel Preserve and make this summer’s Annapolis waterfront escape an easy one.
