Facility Overview
Down Time Parking is an open-air surface parking facility situated at 1001-1009 Fairwinds Drive on the scenic Broadneck Peninsula in Annapolis, Maryland (ZIP 21409). Positioned near the headwaters of Whitehall Creek and adjacent maritime service facilities, this open lot offers a straightforward and relaxed parking environment away from congested urban corridors. Because it is an unobstructed outdoor surface lot, it features zero overhead clearance limitations, making it exceptionally well-suited not only for standard passenger sedans, hatchbacks, and crossovers, but also for full-size pickup trucks, commercial vans, sport utility vehicles, and vehicles carrying rooftop cargo boxes or bike racks.
Prime Location & Nearby Attractions
Located just minutes off US-50/US-301, Down Time Parking provides strategic access to regional maritime hubs, state parks, and historic Annapolis attractions. Key destinations within short driving distance include:
- Historic Downtown Annapolis & City Dock: Located roughly 12 to 15 minutes away across the Severn River Bridge, offering access to the Maryland State House, boutique shopping on Main Street, and waterfront dining.
- United States Naval Academy (USNA): Approximately 15 minutes away, a major regional landmark for guided tours, commissioning events, and Navy football game shuttles.
- Sandy Point State Park: Situated less than 10 minutes east along Route 50, featuring Chesapeake Bay public beaches, fishing piers, and boat ramps.
- Broadneck Peninsula & Local Marinas: Direct access to local boatyards, Whitehall Creek, Mill Creek, and the Cape St. Claire community for water enthusiasts and recreational boaters.
- Naval Academy Golf Club & Greenbury Point: Roughly 10 minutes to the south along Whitehall Bay.
Access, Navigation & Transit Connectivity
Access to Down Time Parking is straightforward via Whitehall Road and St. Margarets Road, connecting directly to Route 50 (John Hanson Highway / Blue Star Memorial Highway) at Exit 28 or Exit 29B. The facility features wide, level entrances and exits with ample turning radiuses, allowing drivers to maneuver without the tight turns or steep ramps typical of urban parking garages. While the immediate neighborhood is primarily vehicle-dependent, Anne Arundel County transit routes and regional commuter bus stops operate along major arteries nearby, with regional highway connections facilitating seamless drives into Washington D.C., Baltimore, and the Eastern Shore via the Chesapeake Bay Bridge.
Facility Amenities & Key Features
- Open-air surface parking with level ground for hassle-free maneuvering
- No vertical clearance restrictions, accommodating high-profile SUVs, vans, and trucks
- Spacious parking bays with generous drive aisles for comfortable loading and unloading
- Convenient 24/7 self-parking access
- Quiet, low-traffic neighborhood setting ensuring calm arrival and departure
- Direct proximity to local boat ramps, marinas, and regional Chesapeake Bay waterways
Ideal For
- Boaters, anglers, and water sports enthusiasts staging near Whitehall Creek and local marinas
- Visitors and vacationers exploring Sandy Point State Park and the Broadneck Peninsula
- Motorists seeking a reliable staging or overflow parking space outside the dense Annapolis historic district
- Owners of oversized trucks, contractor vans, and high-clearance vehicles that exceed standard garage limits
- Commuters and travelers heading toward the Chesapeake Bay Bridge and Eastern Shore
Visitor & Driver Tips
When heading to Down Time Parking, navigate along St. Margarets Road or Whitehall Road toward Fairwinds Drive and maintain a low speed, as Fairwinds Drive is a quiet residential and maritime access road. During peak summer weekends and holidays, regional traffic along Route 50 heading toward the Bay Bridge can become heavy; plan your arrival and departure times early in the morning or later in the evening to avoid bridge-related backups. Ensure your vehicle is securely locked with all valuables placed out of sight prior to heading out on the water or into town.