Annapolis, Maryland: A Boaters' Kind Of City

George Washington, Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson walk into a bar … No, it’s not the beginning of a joke.

- Gary Reich

These three Founding Fathers actually hung out in Annapolis, Maryland, on occasion. They were known to stop in for a pint at Middleton Tavern by the harbor, where you can still order a mug of suds and slurp some oysters, with rickety floors underfoot.

The capital of Maryland, Annapolis was the first peacetime capital of the United States between 1783 and ’84. Today it’s a city with a culture dominated not just by history, but also by a robust boating scene. A sign on a city road once read, “America’s Sailing Capital.” The sign was eventually moved to a saltier section of town, where it was better appreciated, and sailors and power boaters alike still flock to Annapolis to experience the scenic waters, eat and drink at the restaurants and bars, and soak in the maritime vibe.

The approach to Annapolis is friendly and well-marked. Back Creek will come into sight first, to port. Once you’ve rounded the Horn Point shoal marker, Annapolis Harbor and Spa Creek slowly reveal themselves. You’ll find city-maintained moorings in the main harbor and farther up Spa Creek beyond the Eastport Bridge for $35 a night. The harbormaster comes by daily to collect the fee, and a pump out boat makes daily rounds.

Anchoring is allowed in some open areas, especially farther up the creek near Truxtun Park. Farther from downtown, Back Creek is also peppered with city-run moorings for $35 a night, and it has more space for anchoring.

A water taxi network runs around both creeks to prominent spots ashore. You can hail a ride on VHF channel 68 or by dialing [phone]. Fares run between $3 and $8, depending on distance.