You hear the water before you see it. A halyard taps a quiet rhythm, gulls call, and a breeze carries the smell of coffee and salt. If you crave a walk-then-water routine where the harbor is part of your morning and sunset bookends your day, Eastport delivers. In this guide, you’ll trace a perfect day from Spa Creek to Back Creek with simple ways to launch, paddle, cruise, and dine like a local. Let’s dive in.
Morning on Spa Creek
Start with coffee at a dockside perch. At Bread & Butter Kitchen on Second Street, you can sip a latte as masts sway and workboats ease from slips on Spa Creek. The scene blends everyday Annapolis life with pure maritime energy, the kind of small detail that makes this neighborhood feel like its own village. Locals joke about the “Maritime Republic of Eastport,” and you feel that playful pride as you watch the harbor wake up. Bread & Butter Kitchen’s waterside spot sets the tone.
Just a few blocks away, you’ll notice how Eastport’s shoreline identity shows up in real life: marinas, sail lofts, and working yards line Spa and Back creeks. The City of Annapolis recognizes this as a distinct maritime district, with a focus on protecting water access and marine trades. That policy keeps the waterfront active and approachable for residents and visitors alike, supporting the walk-then-water lifestyle you feel on every block. You can learn more through the city’s Maritime Task Force.
Short walk, easy put-ins
If you are trailering or bringing a kayak, the Truxtun Park public ramp on Spa Creek is an easy launch. The City lists a daily launch fee of $10, with annual permits available. Finger piers make it simple to load, then you can head toward Spa Creek or loop into the harbor. Check the City’s page for current details and fees before you go at the Annapolis boat ramps page.
You will also find small street-end landings throughout Eastport. These quiet pockets often have benches and are popular with paddleboarders who want a quick morning session. Always be mindful of tides, private property, and posted rules.
Midday on the water
Cruise by electric boat
For a relaxed, social outing, rent an electric Duffy-style boat and play captain for a couple of hours. Operators in Annapolis serve the Harbor, Spa Creek, and Back Creek, and many do not require a captain’s license. It is quiet, easy to handle, and a perfect way to show friends the shoreline from a new angle. Check options and seasonal availability with Annapolis electric boat rentals.
Or paddle Back Creek
If you prefer a workout with your views, launch a SUP from the Annapolis Maritime Museum & Park campus on Back Creek. Capital SUP operates programming there, with lessons and rentals that put you on calm, protected water fast. You glide past workboats, hear the ping of tools from nearby yards, and feel how Back Creek blends industry and nature. See the museum’s updates and partner programs through the Annapolis Maritime Museum.
Back Creek’s working waterfront
Spa Creek brings you close to the spectacle of Ego Alley and downtown. Back Creek is different. It is a hub for full-service marinas, riggers, and yards, with more of a laid-back, residential rhythm. That contrast is part of Eastport’s charm. For a practical overview and seasonal notes on moorings and transient slips, browse this Annapolis harbor guide. If you want a marina reference point, Horn Point sits at the mouth of Back Creek with easy access to the Severn. You can explore details at Horn Point Harbor.
As you idle along Back Creek, you get a postcard mix: picnic tables at yard edges, sails being bent on for evening races, and crews washing down decks. It is a lived-in waterfront that signals community as much as convenience.
Afternoon at the museum
By midafternoon, head ashore at the Annapolis Maritime Museum & Park. Exhibits, a waterfront lawn, and the historic skipjack Wilma Lee connect you to the Bay’s heritage. It is a perfect stop to stretch your legs, let kids explore, and take in long views down the creek. If you plan to paddle or attend a program, check the museum’s schedule for seasonal offerings.
Evening waterfront dining
As the sun drops, point back toward Spa Creek and plan a simple dinner crawl. Eastport’s cluster of neighborhood staples makes it easy to tie up at a transient slip, call the water taxi, or walk from your dock to a meal. The Boatyard Bar & Grill is a local standby for crab cakes, oysters, and a lively scene. The press clippings tell the story of a place that blends boat culture with great seafood, and you can find them on the Boatyard’s press page.
If you want a car-free cap to the evening, the Annapolis Water Taxi connects Spa Creek and Back Creek stops on demand in season. It is a simple way to hop between docks and end the night without worrying about parking. Check stops, seasonal start dates, and fares directly with Watermark’s water taxi.
On your way home, the Spa Creek drawbridge may swing open for a sailboat’s mast. The U.S. Coast Guard publishes the official opening schedule, and it is worth knowing if you rely on that route. See the current federal drawbridge rule here: U.S. Coast Guard bridge regulations.
Why Eastport living resonates
Living here means you can walk out your door and be on the water in minutes. You choose your rhythm: a quiet SUP at sunrise, a casual electric boat cruise with friends, or dinner by the docks as regatta sails return. The neighborhood’s maritime zoning supports marine trades, moorings, and public access, which helps sustain the lifestyle that draws many buyers to Eastport. For you, that means everyday convenience and a waterfront culture that holds its value over time.
Quick planning tips
- Book transient slips early for peak season and boat show weeks. Summer fills fast, and demand jumps on regatta nights.
- For trailering, Truxtun Park’s daily fee is listed at $10 on the City site. Verify current pricing and hours before you go on the Annapolis boat ramps page.
- Electric boat and SUP rentals operate seasonally. Confirm open dates and capacity with providers like Annapolis electric boat rentals and the Annapolis Maritime Museum.
- The harbor is a no-discharge zone, with pumpouts and rules enforced by local authorities. Learn more about stewardship efforts via the City’s Maritime Task Force.
- The Spa Creek drawbridge follows a published U.S. Coast Guard schedule. Review the regulation before timing a crossing: bridge regulations.
- Prefer to skip parking? Use the Annapolis Water Taxi for short hops between Spa Creek and Back Creek stops when in season.
If this is the kind of daily routine you want, it helps to work with a neighborhood specialist who understands Eastport’s blocks, docks, and micro-markets. For tailored advice on homes, waterfront nuances, and value, connect with Brian Jacobs at Annapolis Fine Property.
FAQs
Can you paddleboard from Eastport on Spa and Back Creek?
- Yes. Street-end landings and the Annapolis Maritime Museum’s campus on Back Creek offer convenient access, and Capital SUP operates programming there. Check schedules at the Annapolis Maritime Museum.
Is there a water taxi on Spa Creek and Back Creek?
- Yes. The Annapolis Water Taxi by Watermark serves Spa Creek and Back Creek stops in season. Verify current stops, fares, and hours at Watermark’s water taxi page.
How busy are Spa Creek and Back Creek in summer?
- Spa Creek and the Harbor see heavier spectator traffic and event energy, while Back Creek trends quieter and more yard-focused. Get a sense of seasonal rhythms from this Annapolis harbor guide.
Where can you launch a small boat near Eastport?
- Use the City’s public ramp at Truxtun Park on Spa Creek. The daily fee is listed at $10, with annual permits available. See the Annapolis boat ramps page for current details.
When does the Spa Creek drawbridge open?
- The Spa Creek bridge operates on a published U.S. Coast Guard schedule. Review the current rule before your trip at the federal bridge regulations.
