Looking for permanent and transient boat slips in Glen Burnie, MD? A simple search for nearby options will give you a list, but a list alone doesn’t tell you where your boat will truly be secure, accessible, and well cared for.
After all, you already know where you want to be. Glen Burnie is a charming and active waterfront community with scenic views and plenty of water-based recreation, all while staying conveniently close to Baltimore. Known as Chrome City, Glen Burnie made history with the first enclosed shopping center east of the Mississippi and maintains strong rail connections today, with the Baltimore Light Rail still running through the area.
Now comes the important decision: choosing a marina where your boat is protected from the elements and unwanted traffic, easy for you to reach, and positioned for quick access to the waters you love. Selecting the right slip is about balancing peace of mind, convenience, and location.
The Non-Negotiables
Let’s start with what every marina must have.
- A safe neighborhood. You shouldn’t have to worry about personal security or the condition of surrounding properties when visiting your boat.
- Reliable security. Controlled access helps ensure only authorized people enter the marina.
- Manageable traffic flow. Getting to your slip should be simple, not stressful.
- Basic amenities. Shore power, water hookups, dock boxes, laundry facilities, and clean shower rooms should all be standard.
These essentials help narrow your list, but they’re only the beginning.
Online Reviews
Boaters talk to each other, and they talk up good places. Always check the online reviews of every marina on your shortlist. Consistent positive feedback usually signals good management and dependable security, while repeated complaints are a warning sign worth taking seriously.
Location
Location is another factor to consider when selecting permanent and transient boat slips. Ideally, the marina should be close to home while offering shelter from open water without limiting your ability to get underway quickly. The right location minimizes travel time while maximizing your time on the water.
Glen Burnie checks all of these boxes. The Patapsco River features protected slips and calm tributaries while still providing direct routes to local attractions. From here, you can head inland toward Baltimore or venture out into the Chesapeake Bay. Popular destinations like Hart Miller Island upstream or Love Point downstream are well within reach, making the area especially appealing for both short trips and extended cruising. This versatility allows boaters to enjoy everything from relaxed day trips to longer coastal adventures.
Nabbs Creek Marina sits in a perfect location–just 15 minutes by road from Baltimore’s Inner Harbor and the Chesapeake Bay Bridge. From Baltimore, you can easily get to DC by rail and enjoy the sights of our nation’s capital. The commute is especially convenient for boaters living south of the city, helping you get on the water faster.
Dock Type
The Patapsco is quite tidal. Floating docks make a huge difference in a place like this. You get stress-free access to your boat without any extra climbing or worries about what the tide is doing. There are no steps, re-leveling legs, or exposed hardware. All of your electrical lines stay dry. And don’t worry, the dock is stable enough for fishing, sunbathing, and getting to your boat.
While floating docks aren’t always ideal in open-ocean conditions, they’re a perfect match for sheltered waters like the Patapsco. They are especially beneficial for families, older boaters, and anyone who prefers a consistent footing when boarding or unloading gear.
Special Extras
All of this is basic, but sometimes you need a little bit more. What extra amenities do you want for your slip? Here are a few things you might think about.
- Waterfront dining. The best marinas have somewhere to get a good meal and drinks. The very best might arrange for a yacht butler to deliver your food to your slip or boat (and even a picnic table on your slip), live entertainment, and a place to park your boat, all for free, while you enjoy classic American food and maybe a cocktail or two. Just don’t drink and boat.
- On-site boat sales and service. Look for a marina that includes on-site service for your boat, especially for your motor. Much less chance of having to tow your boat somewhere else to get it fixed. And if you are new to boating, you can find the right boat and the right slip in the same place.
- Partner marinas. Imagine being able to easily get a transient slip at another marina in the network, with not just a discount, but advice on where to go. You can enjoy much more of the coast that way, at a lower cost.
- Unlimited height. Tired of lowering your mast every time you dock? Look for a marina with an opening bridge so you don’t have to. Obviously, check the other dimensions to make sure the marina is a good fit for your boat.
- Concierge services. Imagine being able to arrange for bottom cleaning, detailing, and preventive maintenance. Or maybe you want to have your boat winterized on-site. It’s like having a captain, just when you need one.
Permanent and Transient Boat Slips Should Fit How You Boat
Choosing between permanent and transient boat slips in Glen Burnie, MD, often depends on how frequently you plan to use your boat and how long you intend to stay in one location. Permanent slips are ideal for boaters who want consistency and quick access throughout the season, while transient slips give travelers flexibility to explore the Patapsco River, Baltimore Harbor, or the Chesapeake Bay. Having both options available at a single marina lets you adapt your boating plans without compromising convenience or security.
Why Choose Nabbs Creek Marina?
If you’re narrowing your options, consider adding Nabbs Creek Marina to your list. We offer all of these amenities in a fantastic location. Our on-site restaurant, the Nabbs Creek Deck Bar and Grill, is open to the public and comes with complimentary slip use while dining, making it easy to experience the marina firsthand. Live music on Saturdays adds to the atmosphere.
Whether you’re looking for a long-term home for your boat or a short-term stay while exploring the region, Nabbs Creek Marina provides permanent and transient boat slips designed for comfort, security, and convenience. Contact us to book a slip, schedule a tour, or speak with our concierge about available options.