Annapolis City Dock

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The Market House, harbormaster’s office, work boats, tour boats, pleasure craft, and visiting ships can all be found at the Annapolis City Dock Area. The waterfront is lined with stores and eateries. Regular sightseeing cruises and water taxis depart from the port. The Dock features outdoor Navy band concerts and festivities during the summer. The Annapolis City Dock hosts the world’s largest boat events in the fall. View a spectacular display of sailboats decked out in Christmas lights during the holidays.
The Kunta Kinte plaque, located at the foot of the pier, commemorates the location where the young African, immortalized in Alex Haley’s “Roots,” was sold into slavery in the 18th century. Consider going on a Historic Annapolis African-American Heritage Walking Tour to see the residences of John Maynard, William Butler, and William Bishop, all of whom were free men during the Revolutionary War. The Historic Annapolis Foundation (HAF) also offers a variety of additional walking tours, all of which start at the HAF Museum Store at 77 Main Street at City Dock. Visitors can also tour the ancient Naval Academy, which is located near the City Dock, and learn about this long-standing military institution.

People come to Annapolis for a variety of reasons, one of which is to simply relax at City Dock. Enjoy the sunshine while dining outside at one of the many restaurants that offer views of the boats as they pass down Ego Alley.
A number of Annapolis’ most important events are held at City Dock. In April, enjoy the Annapolis Spring Sailboat Show, the world’s largest in-water boat show; on New Year’s Eve or the Fourth of July, be wowed by gigantic firework displays; or pull up a chair and watch the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in March or the Military Bowl Parade in December. It also serves as the starting point for the majority of Annapolis’ water cruises.
The Harbormasters Office ensures that City Waters (PDF), which include parts of the Severn River, Back Creek, Spa Creek, and Weems Creek, are safe and enjoyable to use. The Harbormaster is in charge of public and private moorings, 1,700 feet of bulkhead, 20 City Dock slips, over 17 miles of shoreline, and several park docks and street-end landings. The Harbormaster is in charge of enforcing the Boating Law as well as city ordinances.

City Dock is the ideal destination to spend your morning, day, or evening in Annapolis, whether you’re seeking for fine eating, boutique shopping, or simply relaxing by the water.
Our downtown dock is the perfect spot to take in all that Annapolis has to offer.

History of Annapolis City Dock

City Dock is Annapolis’ historic centre, where it ties to the Chesapeake Bay’s waters, and where you can connect with the water as well. Watch the boats parade around “Ego Alley’s” turning basin, get your sea legs on the Harbor Queen tour boat, or take the helm of the beautiful Schooner Woodwind.
You’ll find hundreds of unique, locally-owned fashion boutiques and specialty gift shops snuggled in amongst art galleries, pubs, restaurants, and historic inns if you stroll down Main Street from Church Circle to City Dock. Many of these small business owners import their handcrafted goods from distant regions, just as town merchants have done for the past 350 years.