Really nice park away from the hustle and bustle of downtown Annapolis. We've been here a couple times in the past but now that they have re-opened their Dog Beach we'll definitely be visiting more as our golden retriever loves to swim. There are lots of different trails for all skill levels, I prefer hiking besides bodies of water and the South River is beautiful so it's a good fit for us. They even have a gazebo with a little bridge over a small pond which is great for photo opps and last weekend they had vendors to celebrate Earth Day, plus admission was free to celebrate. The dog beach is a bit smaller than Downs Park and not fenced in but it wasn't at all that busy on Sunday so our dog was able to get a lot of exercise in. The restrooms are clean and usually have water bowls for dogs outside plus they even have a handheld shower so you can wash your dog off after swimming. read more

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This has quickly become one of my favorite county parks. If you come at 6 or later that usually let you in for free. The pool had been closed due to COVID so I've seen kids and families roller skating in it instead which is brilliant. There's a ton of seating and various gardens to real through. There are also two different dog parks and access to the water. I've come here multiple times to run and do sprints. Bathrooms are still open and available work the does left open to make it easy and no touch. The pavilion is closed but all of the trails stress open. If you're looking for a quick getaway in Annapolis then quiet waters is your spot! read more

What a cool park!! I went here for the first time last weekend. I was really impressed with how huge this place is. Make sure you have clear directions before you hit the road. I put Quiet Waters Park in my GPS and ended up at a dead end road. I met up with a friend to take our dogs to the dog park. Thankfully she led the way because you have to go quiet a winding distance to make it back to the dog park area. I like how they have a separate area for the small dogs. My little wiener dog appreciates it too! There was a nice group of people at the park and everyone supervised and cleaned up after the dogs. How impressive! The big dog area stayed busier during my time there. After we left the dog park we did a short hike along the South River which had beautiful views. I was surprised at the $6 entrance fee. It was a cold day so I didn't stay very long, I feel like I would've gotten my money's worth on a warmer day if I spent more time there. The fee seemed rather steep but I understand from seeing the great condition of the park that it must be pretty expensive to maintain it. Next time I know to bring my boyfriend along because Veterans get in free! read more

Quiet Waters Park - Hiking in Quiet Waters along the South River. - Parks Near Me - Annapolis, Maryland

This place is a great place for families or people who have dogs. They waved the entrance fee today because I think for earth day or some event that was happening there. Normally fee is $6.00. They have great picnic spots, a huge dog park with big and small dog area separated. The people in the park and in the dog park are friendly. There is also a beach just for dogs. My dog just wanted to dig his face in the sand. He didn't bother getting his paws wet. Over all, we loved this place and definitely will be going back. read more

Just beautiful for pictures and fun! We love it! Great for little ones! Open space and great for baseball practice with little ones read more

Quiet Waters Park - Parks Near Me - Annapolis, Maryland

My wife and I spent a couple of hours here one hot summer afternoon and really enjoyed it. We brought our dog and walked along some of the trails leading up to the gazebo area where we had a little picnic lunch. We were a little disappointed that the dog beach there was closed due to erosion but it was just as well because our dog attacks other dogs because he is a little punk. The view of the bay was great and there is also a trail area where there are tons of blackberries to pick. They also hold concerts there in the summer and they were setting one up that's been well over there. We wished we could've stayed to listen. read more

Quiet Waters Park - Picnic with ollie - Parks Near Me - Annapolis, Maryland

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This is specifically a review of the dog beach area of the park. Very disappointing as it really isn't much of a beach and there were far too many dogs for such a small amount of real estate. This is not an expansive beach for dogs to run, but simply a small shoreline with large logs jutting from land to water which you must be careful to climb over when making your way to a place to stand. Also, plan to get wet - you can't find a spot to be with your dog without getting into the water yourself. And the water is really nasty. On a positive there is a really great dog wash store right outside the park called muddy paw wash. read more

$6.00 entrance fees for cars. Nice clean park. Nice shaded picnic areas. Stop by the visitor center to get a map of the park if it's your first time visiting. Nice view of the water. Probably better to visit in the fall when the leaves change colors. There is a place in the park where they have rentals. read more

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It is a very beautiful place. It is a little hard to find the dog beach because it doesn't show on the map. We walked to a lot of different area before we found it. The south side over view is sooo beautiful and the dog beach is almost right there. We enjoyed a beautiful sun set and our little princess enjoyed her swim. read more

Quiet Waters has always been a park I knew about and drove past pretty frequently but for some reason I never visited and didn't know all that it offered. A friend and I on a whim wanted to be outside and check out some nature/animals. We grabbed a cooler and some sandwiches so we could spend the day outside. First of all this place is huge! I think over 5 miles if you walk all of the trails but more than that there are so many varieties of trails, water activities, nature facts and a beautiful garden and visitor center. We started on a trail at the back of the park and walked along the water. The next trail we did was great because even though it was warm, everything was shaded for the most part. Families, runners, folks with their dogs all shared the space but for a weekend it didn't feel crowded at all. There'd be a quarter of a mile or so where we didn't run into anyone and could just enjoy the serene scenery. I'm telling you, bring water and good shoes, because once you start down a trail it can be a long walk. We walked over 6 miles! They have a beautiful area for guests to sit outside a fountain, the two buildings are rather nice for public park as well. If the garden area was a little more open I could definitely see people wanting to host an outdoor wedding at the venue. There were also at least 8 pavilions and several playgrounds. I'm sure they do a lot of business with summer events, family reunions, etc. My body hurts from all the walking (out of shape) but I'll be back. Only odd thing is that there weren't a ton of animals, I wonder if it's been so maintainez by humans that the animals have left or maybe they just weren't out and about. read more

Quiet Waters is a nice little Park. If you're not an an Annapolis local and are pondering anything more than a 20-30 minute drive to visit the park, I'd probably skip it because you're not finding anything truly amazing here, but if you're a townie and want a quick and convenient foray into nature, or a good place to run the dogs, then its great. The dog park is great - and as noted by another reviewer separated into both a big dog and a small dog area. There's plenty of room for the pups to romp and a generally nice group of dogs with responsible owners (that hasn't always been my experience at dog parks). A walk to the dog beach is always enjoyable, you get some really pretty views of the South River, and while the beach is small, there's still enough room for the dogs to chase after a ball or a stick. The trails are super easy, and more of a walk on the pavement than anything else. Overall, a nice park. Nothing to write home about, but good for locals. You can get a yearly pass $30, but it's free if you're military. Otherwise its 5 bucks a pop. read more

Beautiful park, great playground, wonderful paths for getting some quiet time with nature or water front views.

Hmm - maybe the reviews would be better if people realized that you don't have to pay if you do what every one else in Annapolis does: park in the strip mall across the street and walk into the park. I actually pay for my yearly pass to cart the dogs to the incredible dog park that is located about a mile and a half into the park. The dog run is pretty good - there are separate areas for small and large dogs, which some people don't seem to quite understand. If you have a puppy, this is a small dog - even if when it grows up it will become a large dog. But whatever, the park is large enough to toss a tennis ball for my greyhounds, who love to run but can't outside of a caged area. For running or biking, this place is pretty good. As a road biker, I use the loop to train for speed as Annapolis is not the most bike friendly city in the world. There are tons of trails for running - if you are going there for a scenic hike you are going to be disappointed unless you like looking at dirt and trees. read more

We had some extra time on our trip so I thought I would take advantage of it and get some new family photos. I found this park via Yelp & Google and it provided a ton of photo opportunities! It's a beautiful place complete with a large reflection pool and party pavilions! I would return! read more

A short drive from the waterfront in Annapolis, this little treasure will make your feel miles away from civilization. Believe it or not, you can see deer, fox, racoon, great blue herrons, ospray and many other bird spicies almost any day of the year. Canoe, kayak, rent a bike, walk the 4 and 1/2 mile paved path or take one of the dirt trails. Delightful!! read more

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I really like Quiet Waters! The new ice rink is great. It is so fun to ice skate in the snow! Also, the dog park is nice. I like the way it is separated for big and small dogs. My dogs love to play in the water and they LOVE Quiet Waters Park! read more

There is something here for everyone and something to do in all seasons. We took the dogs for a walk on the may trails found throughout the park (6.4 miles in total). They have about 7 different pavilions where you can cook out and hold events. There is plenty of parking at each pavilion. Even if people are having an event at the pavilion, you can park in the parking area at the pavilion and use the trails. The trails are asphalt and have various wooded bridges throughout. They can get slippery after a rain b/c of the moss. Be especially careful when walking across the bridges. There are some hills but overall an easy walk and very shady to keep it cooler in the summer. People can roller blade (do people still do that?), bicycle, walk, take photos of the scenic park that abuts Harness Creek and the South River, rent boats, rent stand up paddle boards, kayak, etc. There are lots of open spaces for the public to enjoy throwing a Frisbee, have a picnic or play football. They have a doggie park and have free concerts on Saturday evenings from 6pm -8pm. They have bathrooms and even an ice skating rink! It was $6.00 to get into the park for the day and it was well worth in. Definitely worth a visit....gorgeous waterfront park! Have fun! read more

Beautiful park! It's a shame the dog beach is still closed, but honestly, my dog doesn't like to swim anyway so he just watches the other dogs from afar, not a big deal. They have several miles of nature trails, and my dog would much rather explore those with me. They have some beautiful buildings that you can rent out for event, and the welcome center even has a cafe with nice tables and comfy seats. There's plenty of outdoor seating around the pavillion and ice skating rink, and in the summertime the rink is a lovely pool/fountain. They have some very good playgrounds for the little ones and lots of picnic areas. There are also lots of events, with live music and other entertainment. I've seen some comments about the restrooms being nasty, but I've never noticed this.....I mean, it's a park, so I don't expect a restroom attendant and mouthwash, but they've never been dirty or nasty. Admission to the park is $6 per day, or $40 for an annual pass that's good at all the county parks, which isn't a bad deal at all. read more

I love this park great way to get a good walk in and often they have music or art shows etc

Love this place. Best park in the Annapolis area. Lots of trails and water activities to keep the family busy.

Great place with a little bit of everything for everyone. Paved trail throughout the park off the road and through the wooded area to walk, bike, run. Also, dirt path for hiking and mountain biking. There's a dog park and dog beach. A short walk from the main building there is a place to rent bikes or kayaks. There's even an ampitheater for summer concerts. In the winter there is an area to ice skate. Great place to escape and enjoy what the local area has to offer. read more

Nice park that I wished I had back home. Nice walking trails, quiet, and well kept. Parking was $6 but it's an understandable cost due to the price of maintenance. Would come back. read more

A nice park and worth the $5 per visit or $30 per year fee. Or you can just park in the strip mall across the street and walk in, but that's not convenient if you want to visit the dog park which is about 1 1/2 miles into the park. There's a Rita's and a snowball stand nearby, and we usually stop at one or the other after each park visit. We've been going here for years with our two Boxers, but not so much lately. Too many namby pambies bringing their little dogs in the big dog area then getting upset when our bigger dogs want to play with them, and too many namby pambies getting upset at the dog beach area when our dogs want to play fetch with their water retrieval toys and their dogs or children apparently want the whole area to themselves (Attention idiots - this isn't a real beach - take your kid to Ocean City!). Also, the water at the dog beach has gotten nasty over the years, and the beach area is eroding, so now you get soaked just walking down there. We used to enjoy it here and came once a week, but probably won't be back as often due to the namby pambies and deteriorating dog beach. read more

I've never seen a park as nice as this. It's more than a park, its a compound. This park has so many areas and so much wildlife. Even driving through you are bound to see some turtles and deer. The best park about this park for us was being able to bring our pup. There are so many places in this park that are secluded that you can just go somewhere to relax and not see 50 other people. It is just so beautiful and so relaxing. We like to bike in because it's easier, sometimes there can be quite the line at the gate, but if you're not in good shape, it can be quite a hike. I think we looked at it on a map because we were so exhausted. The park is 3+ miles on the road to get to the end. Either way, we loved it. I wish more parks like this were around, and I also hope that nothing ever happens to this place. Make sure to go to the picnic areas, go on the running trails and most importantly dog beach. I saw/heard lots of complaints about bugs/ticks/etc. This is a park, come expecting that and bring some spray. read more

This is a local gem! It has a little bit of everything, trails, dog parks & dog beaches, playgrounds, waterfront views. It even has a little at gallery! I've taken my maturity and family pictures here so it has a special place in my heart. read more

You know, I just dont' get into this place. Sure, when I was little, the playground was great. It's got some nice views. The skating rink sucks--the ice is lumpy and poorly maintained, and nobody using it can actually skate. The restaraunt leaves something to be desired. It's overpriced, and the trails are....eh. I went rollerblading here one time and my friend went down a very steep hill and managed to remove the top 10 layers or so of skin from most of one side of her body. Also, getting medical attention at this park is quite difficult. I helped cater a wedding here one time (in which the bride and groom's "song" was "why don't we get drunk and screw" by Jimmy Buffett), which was...an experience, at best. Annapolis is so beautiful, you shouldn't need to go to an overly commercialized park to see it. read more

Great park with lots of hidden trails that almost always lead to beautiful water views. We come here probably 4-5 times a month. You have to pay $6 to drive in the park, so we just buy the annual pass which is around $30 since we are county residents. Completely worth the price for how much we come here. Another great option if you do not want to pay is to just park across the street and walk in (no fee) We come here all year round! Perfect for hikes, running, biking and picnics. Huge park so you never have to be right on top of other people. Highly recommend for those who like to be outdoors. read more

We love this park! It is a very well kept park. The playground area is well built and offers shade, rubberized ground and nice equipment for the kids. There is a cafe as well as walking/biking trails, picnic areas, a little pond with turtles that our young boys love. This really is a park you could come and spend a nice long afternoon together as a family! (It is also a dog park, but we don't have dogs so I can't comment on that aspect of it.) read more

I've gone to Quiet Waters a number of times, but mainly because it's convenient. It gets pretty crowded on the weekends sometimes. The park is very dog friendly (coming here will make you want a dog, if you didn't already!) and family friendly. In the summers they have concerts. Sometimes kids hanging out in boats on the water play really loud music, which detracts from the "quiet" of Quiet Waters. A lot of hikers, bikers, and runners. Trails are easy to walk, but after taking the loop a couple of times, it gets kind of old. read more

What a beautiful park. Wonderful walking trails. Ice rink, dog park, kayak rentals and beautiful views of the water. And you can pay for yearly pass or a senior can pay for a a really reduced rate for ever. Happy trails to you . . . read more

The best waterfront park, ever and that includes Central Park in NYC. The fenced in dog park is well groomed and well managed. Gardening is neat and attractive and the oversight people are pleasant and friendly. I can't really say enough about this large, green, environmentally conscious, community space. From formal parties to a romp in the river with the dog, they've got it covered in spades! Go there! Support our local community spaces. read more

Paddle or Pedal has set up boat rental here, as well as Chesapeake Beach. Since Quiet Waters is closer, I went down here with a friend to go kayak for awhile. Well, long story short, we waited til afternoon to go out on the water and there was a heat advisory that day... no good. We saw several Great Blue herons, an osprey, a smaller green heron, and a few turtles, plus the usual tiny fry and insects. One sailboat was positively coated with swallows resting on the rails and lines. The park is well-maintained. The entrance fee is totally manageable if you're spending any time there - I hadn't expected it, but it's nice that it's by car not by person. The playground was completely empty the day we went, though I'd imagine parents are more responsible about heat indices in the 120s than I am. I don't have a dog (I know, something I need to fix) so I can't speak to the state of the dog beaches, but if I come back I will definitely check them out. The location's pretty nice, as well - Grump's was great, and it's right outside the gates. I'll be back. Maybe I'll wave at you from boat to boat? read more

Pretty park, easy hiking trails. Different parking lots in areas to picnic in. A pretty old house you could explore. Dogs are allowed in there is a dog beach which is his best part. read more

Contrary to most other people that wrote reviews here, I thought this was a nice park. Lots of open grass and green (that's the point of a park, no?) and the staff was great, in my opinion -- very friendly and plentiful! The kayak/bike rental location seemed nice although all they have are crappy rec kayaks and sit-on-tops (but really, what do you expect for $12/hr?). There is a little sculpture garden, some decent paved trails including one along the South River with a nice overlook - great place to read a book and watch the boats. For the reviewer that complaining about her friend's removal of "10 layers of skin" -- ummmm, maybe she shouldn't skate if she doesn't know what she's doing? I bet the pavement is just as hard at other parks. Maybe she should consider rollerblading on grass -- I hear it's a lot of fun. Anyhow, the entrance fee is bogus but otherwise it's a nice place to enjoy yourself - I'll review the "Summer Concert Series" separately. read more

Drove through in an air-conditioned car to check it out. Military is free! Stopped at the main building in the back, and got out to check out a free art show. Free sorbet punch! Outside, there were fountains in a big blue pool of water, that regretfully you are not allowed in- which was beautiful, but torture to look at in 95 degree weather. A lot of amenities I will have to come back to try out- kayak, bicycle rentals, dog park was pretty big. read more

Quiet Waters Park - Parks Near Me - Annapolis, Maryland

Lovely park and very well maintained. Very family friendly. My boys had a fun time playing in the big playground, walking on the trails and just exploring. Highly recommend this park. Very pretty! read more

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It was horrible today. Two big families brought umbrellas and coolers to have a picnic ..uncles ..cousins...and basically there were more humans there and the dogs couldn't run freely without bumping into another human. There should be rules at this beach specifically do not set up picnics...this is a dog heaven ...why do humans have to ruin how perfect it is? Not recommended for weekends ..try to go during the week when all those people aren't there. Dog beach is ruined by humans now. Very upsetting. Please quiet waters if you are listening ..I am a member and I really wish they would make rules for this issue. Especially with whats going on today with the virus. I could only stay for 10 mins because of how packed it was. read more

Everything stated in my previous review stays the same. I'm just updating to add a remark. Another Yelper made the comment (and it had to be directed to my review since I'm the only review I have read that mentioned the restrooms) about the restrooms not being nasty and I must have been expecting a restroom attendant and mouthwash. Why Yelpers fell the need to go directly against other Yelpers reviews I don't know. My comment wasn't personal and it was the truth. If you went to the restroom and felt it was clean, just state that without attacking another review. I am an outdoor park freak, as I hike and run on a regular basis at different parks and trails all over. I also have 2 very large dogs that thoroughly enjoy going to parks so I'm not some newbie or primadonna. Every time I had been to Quiet Waters prior to that review (and I usually go towards the end of the day) the bathrooms are incredibly nasty, to the point that I stopped going to their restrooms. I have been to SEVERAL parks and all except for one other has a maintained a much higher standard of restroom cleanliness than Quiet Waters has. No, I don't expect nor would I want mouthwash or a bathroom attendant, but I would like to not see feces on the toilet, wet toilet paper strewn all over the floor, dirt all over the seats and urine in places outside of the toilet bowl, esp at the restroom located beneath the cafe area. The 3 different occasions I saw these types of uncleanliness, my boyfriend used the mens facilities the same day and he had almost as bad as an experience once and worse on another occasion so I know it wasn't just me. I don't know if it depends on time of day you go, or who the staff was or what, but that was my experience and I am entitled to write about it without another Yelper making false assumptions about me because I didn't give the park 5 stars based on this. 4 stars is still an excellent rating and I still love Quiet Waters, as thankfully, a gross restroom is not a deal breaker during a park experience. Thank you! read more

This is great park tucked away in Annapolis. As of date it's only $6 to get in per car, and worth it. The front of the park has lots of area for picnics and BBQs and a nice area for the kids to play. Farther back is a beautiful garden and sitting area. This is also the area where the ice rink is in the winter months. The front of the park has a exercise trail and bike path. Continuing to go back are areas you can rent for big parties or get togethers. An my favorite part is the dog park, a huge fenced in area with a separation for large and small dogs. I bring my dogs here and the can run leash free and burn off all that energy!! But please no kids under 6 or so, the sign states this but people still bring them in. It's not a good area for kids. It's not might for them to run and jump, a small dog could get hurt. An for a romanic or just relaxing time the far back part of the park has a water overlook that is just beautiful!! There's done of hidden walking and biking trails and off those are hiking trails that take you to more remote area of the park. The mid area of the park we found a rental area for Canoes, Kayaks and bikes. I love this park I really do everything is always clean and well maintained I feel the money I spend to enter is actually used for good. read more

This is just about the ice rink. Everything about this operation is unprofessional. The quality is terrible; its mushy, wet, deep grooves. The skate guards are totally useless. I have little kids and no longer feel comfortable taking them there because you have teenagers racing around the rink, throwing snowballs, crashing into each other, skate guards do nothing. The Zamboni driver is yacking on his cell phone while driving the machine inches away from kids. Stay away if you have little kids. Its a lousy operation. read more