Things To Do
in Severna Park

Severna Park is an affluent, family-oriented suburb on the western shore of the Severn River in Anne Arundel County, Maryland, known for its waterfront neighborhoods, marinas, and easy access to Annapolis and Baltimore. The town combines quiet residential streets, riverfront parks and a lively small downtown strip with shops and restaurants. Outdoor life centers on boating, fishing, biking and the popular Baltimore & Annapolis (B&A) Trail that runs through town.

Visitors appreciate Severna Park for relaxed Chesapeake Bay culture, good local seafood, and proximity to historic Annapolis and regional attractions.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Exploring Historic Center
morning
:

Start your day with a leisurely breakfast at a local café in Severna Park, enjoying fresh pastries and aromatic coffee. Afterward, take a stroll through the historic district, where you can admire charming architecture and quaint shops. Don't forget to visit the local farmer's market for fresh produce and artisanal goods.

afternoon
:

In the afternoon, head to the nearby B&A Trail for a scenic bike ride or a peaceful walk surrounded by nature. Stop by the Severna Park Community Center to check out any ongoing events or activities. Grab lunch at a popular diner, indulging in classic American fare while soaking in the local atmosphere.

evening
:

As the sun sets, enjoy a waterfront dinner at a cozy restaurant overlooking the Magothy River. Savor local seafood dishes while listening to live music that often accompanies the vibrant dining scene. After dinner, take a leisurely walk along the waterfront to watch the boats drift by, ending your evening with a sense of tranquility.

day 2
Nature Exploration at Broadneck Park
morning
:

Begin your day with an invigorating hike at Broadneck Park, where you can breathe in the fresh air and enjoy the beautiful natural surroundings. The park features various trails, perfect for walking or jogging, and you might spot some local wildlife along the way. After your hike, relax with a picnic breakfast on one of the park's benches.

afternoon
:

In the afternoon, engage in some fun outdoor activities, such as playing frisbee or soccer in the park's open fields. Visit the park's playground if you're traveling with children, or simply unwind under a tree with a good book. Grab lunch at a nearby eatery known for its sandwiches and salads to refuel before the next adventure.

evening
:

As night approaches, transform your picnic into a dinner under the stars by bringing a portable grill or snacks. Gather around with friends or family to enjoy a casual outdoor meal while sharing stories and laughter. Wrap up the evening with a starlit walk along the park trails, making the most of the peaceful ambiance.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$12-20
Coffee (regular)$3-5
🍺Local beer (pub)$6-8
🚗Short taxi / ride-share$10-25
🏨Mid-range hotel (per night)$120-220

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Easy access to Chesapeake Bay and excellent boating/fishing opportunities
  • Quiet, family-friendly neighborhoods with good parks and trails
  • Close to Annapolis and within commuting distance of Baltimore and Washington, D.C.
  • Car-dependent with limited late-night public transit
  • Summer can be crowded with boat traffic and tourist activity
  • Seafood-heavy cuisine may be limiting for those with shellfish allergies or strict dietary preferences

Places to Visit in Severna Park

Visit one of these nice places.

Severn River Waterfront

Marinas, pilings and sailboats provide classic Chesapeake Bay compositions—sunrise and sunset photos are especially dramatic.

B&A Trail

Long, tree-lined sections and converted-railroad bridges offer great perspectives for landscape and cycling/action shots throughout the year.

Kinder Farm Park

Pastoral trails, farm buildings and open fields make this a picturesque spot for nature and family photography, particularly in golden hour.

Annapolis Historic District (short drive)

Colorful colonial architecture, sailboats at the harbor and narrow streets deliver abundant photo opportunities; best in morning light to avoid crowds.

Culinary Guide

Food in Severna Park

Severna Park shares the Chesapeake Bay culinary identity with an emphasis on fresh seafood—blue crabs, oysters and crab cakes—complemented by American comfort fare, suburban bistros and family-style restaurants. Many establishments highlight locally sourced seafood and beers from Maryland breweries.

Severna Park Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Steamed Blue Crabs

Chesapeake blue crabs steamed with Old Bay seasoning are the local icon; order by the dozen in season at crab houses and waterfront restaurants.

Must-Try!

Crab Cake

A lump-crab cake, often broiled or lightly pan-fried, is widely available—look for ones with high crab content and minimal filler at taverns and seafood spots.

Oysters on the Half Shell

Fresh local oysters are served raw, grilled, or Rockefeller-style at seafood restaurants and seasonal raw bars.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Severna Park Farmers Market

A seasonal farmers market with local produce, baked goods, and occasional prepared-food vendors; a good place to sample local cheeses, pies and seasonal fruits.

Pop-up Seafood Stands & Festivals

During summer and early fall you’ll find occasional crab feasts, oyster fests and pop-up stands near marinas and community events—perfect for quick, authentic tastings.

Climate Guide

Weather

Severna Park has a humid subtropical climate with four distinct seasons. Summers are warm and humid with frequent sunshine and occasional thunderstorms; springs are mild and wet; autumns are crisp and often pleasant with colorful foliage; winters are cool to cold with variable snowfall and occasional icy conditions.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Friendly and Casual

Residents tend to be polite and informal—small talk and friendly greetings are common in shops and at markets.

Respect Private Waterfront Property

Many shorelines are private—avoid trespassing on private docks and yards, and use public access points for launches and photography.

Crab Feast Manners

At casual crab houses, expect communal seating and hands-on eating; bring wet wipes or use provided tubs for shells and tidy up after dining.

Punctuality & Reservations

For tours, rentals and restaurants, reservations are appreciated—arrive on time for scheduled activities, especially in peak season.

Safety Guide

Safety

Severna Park is generally considered safe with low violent crime rates relative to urban centers, but normal precautions apply: lock vehicles, secure valuables, and avoid poorly lit or unfamiliar areas at night. Water safety is a priority—wear life jackets when boating, be mindful of tides and weather, and supervise children near docks. During storms or heavy rains watch for localized flooding and watch road conditions in winter for ice.

Tipping in Severna Park

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Restaurants: 15–20% of the pre-tax bill for sit-down service; bartenders: $1–2 per drink or 15–20% for a tab; taxis/ride-share: 10–15%; hotel housekeeping: $2–5 per night. For exceptional service consider tipping more.

Payment Methods

Credit and debit cards are widely accepted; contactless payments and mobile wallets are common. Cash is still useful for farmers markets, small vendors and tipping. Notify your bank before travel to avoid card holds.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

Mild temperatures, blooming trees and rising boat traffic—great for biking the B&A Trail and early-season boating; occasional showers are possible.

Summer

Hot, humid and busy with boating, crab feasts and festivals; peak tourist activity means reservations are recommended for restaurants and boat rentals.

Fall

Comfortable temperatures and attractive fall foliage along trails and shorelines make this a popular time for outdoor activities and photography.

Winter

Cold with possible snow and icy conditions; quieter with fewer tourists—some seasonal businesses may reduce hours but winter walks and brisk waterfront views can be rewarding.

Nightlife Guide

Severna Park at Night

Severna Park's nightlife is low-key and neighborhood-focused: pubs, casual bars and family restaurants are typical, with live music on occasional nights. For a wider nightlife scene—breweries, waterfront bars, late-night dining and concert venues—head to nearby Annapolis or Baltimore (both a short drive away). Weekends bring more activity with seasonal outdoor events at marinas and community centers.

Hiking in Severna Park

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

B&A Trail

A multi-use, mostly paved trail that runs through Severna Park—good for walking, running and cycling with scenic stretches and access points.

Kinder Farm Park

Offers a network of easy-to-moderate trails, open fields and historic farm features—family-friendly and good for birdwatching.

Quiet Waters Park (Annapolis)

Short drive away, this park has miles of paved and natural surface trails, riverside views, sculpture gardens and picnic spots.

Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary

A bit further south, Jug Bay offers boardwalks and trails through wetlands with excellent wildlife- and birdwatching opportunities.

Airports

How to reach Severna Park by plane.

Baltimore/Washington Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)

Main regional airport about 20–30 minutes by car; offers domestic and international flights, car rentals and direct shuttle options to the Baltimore-Annapolis area.

Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA)

Located across the Bay in Arlington, VA (about 40–60 minutes by car depending on traffic); convenient for domestic flights and closer to Washington, D.C.

Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)

Major international airport further out (roughly 60–90 minutes by car); useful for wider international flight options but less convenient than BWI for Severna Park.

Getting Around

Walkability

Walkability is moderate: downtown Severna Park and sections near the B&A Trail are pedestrian-friendly, but many neighborhoods and errands require a car. The paved B&A Trail and park paths are excellent for walking and biking.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Commuter Families

Many residents are families who commute to Annapolis, Baltimore or D.C. for work—family-oriented services, schools and parks are prominent.

Retirees & Seasonal Residents

A significant group of retirees and part-time residents who enjoy the waterfront lifestyle and quieter suburban pace.

Military & Government Affiliated

Proximity to Naval Station Annapolis and the broader D.C. metro area means a presence of military personnel and government employees among the population.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Boating & Sailing

Recreational boating, sailing and yacht activities are culturally important due to proximity to the Severn River and Chesapeake Bay.

Lacrosse

Lacrosse is popular at youth, high school and club levels across Maryland, including Severna Park area schools.

High School Football & Soccer

Local high school football and soccer attract community support and weekend crowds during their respective seasons.

Transportation

Traffic

Rush-hour traffic can be heavy on main corridors heading toward Annapolis and Baltimore (morning and evening weekday peaks). Local roads are generally manageable but bridges and key intersections can bottleneck. Public transportation options are limited—some commuter buses and regional transit exist, but most visitors and residents rely on cars.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Severna Park.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Vegetarian options are available at cafés and bistros (salads, veggie burgers, grain bowls). Call ahead at seafood-focused restaurants to confirm vegetarian entrées.

Vegan

Vegan choices are more limited but increasing; look for specialty cafés in nearby Annapolis for broader plant-based menus and vegan-friendly bakeries.

Gluten-Free

Many restaurants accommodate gluten-free requests—cross-contamination can be an issue in crab houses, so inform staff and ask about preparation methods.

Allergies

Seafood is central to the local cuisine; if you have shellfish allergies, notify staff and choose places with clear allergy protocols or visit general American restaurants instead.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Medical services are accessible: urgent-care clinics and primary-care offices operate locally, while Anne Arundel Medical Center in nearby Annapolis provides full hospital services and emergency care. Baltimore hospitals are accessible for specialized care within a 30–50 minute drive depending on traffic.

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