Annapolis

Travel Guide

Annapolis
Annapolis
U.S. Naval Academy showing interior views, military items and heritage architecture
Annapolis as well as a couple
Annapolis
See sailing regattas, naval officers and red brick colonial mansions in the state of Maryland’s attractive capital city.

Annapolis is a laid-back place of narrow cobblestone streets, 18th-century brick buildings and colonial mansions and a proud naval heritage. Although now home to many high-tech industries, the city has retained its historic charm.

Situated on the south bank of the Severn River, the state capital of Maryland has been the center of marine activities for years. It’s a port and the site of the U.S. Naval Academy.

Annapolis was founded in 1649 by Puritan settlers and renamed Annapolis in 1694 after Princess Anne of Denmark and Norway. For 9 months between 1783 and 1784 it served as the nation’s first peacetime capital after the American Revolutionary War.

Make City Dock your first port of call. It’s the heart of the city’s waterfront. Walk along the promenade to view the boats, peruse the shops and dine in the restaurants and bars. Walk on the dock to see the memorial of Kunta Kinte’s arrival from Africa in 1767. His story was told in Alex Haley’s novel Roots.

The U.S. Naval Academy was founded here in 1845. Within its walls future naval officers undergo 4 years of training. Take a guided tour of the grounds where you’ll learn about the history of the academy and its traditions. Visit the U.S. Naval Academy History Museum and view medals, swords and multimedia presentations that chart the history of sea power and the development of the U.S. Navy.

Gain further insights into Annapolis’s history at Maryland State House, the oldest state house in the United States that’s still in legislative use. Stop by Chase-Lloyd House, the Georgian brick mansion that was constructed for Samuel Chase, one of the signatories to the Declaration of Independence.  

Annapolis is the gateway to Chesapeake Bay, and its shoreline is dotted with marinas. Get out on the water with a day cruise or charter your own boat. You can also rent canoes, kayaks and pedal boats. If you don’t want to get on the water you can enjoy it from land by watching one of the sailing races. From the end of April to early September there are sailboat races every Wednesday night. More than 150 boats sail around several markers in the bay before heading for the finish in front of the Annapolis Yacht Club. 

Annapolis is less than an hour’s drive from Washington D.C. and is a popular daytrip destination for visitors to the nation’s capital.

Where to stay in Annapolis

Annapolis which includes street scenes and a city as well as a small group of people

Historic District

While visiting Historic District, you might make a stop by sights like Maryland State House and William Paca House.

Historic District
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Eastport

While visiting Eastport, you might make a stop by sights like Annapolis Maritime Museum and Spa Creek.

Eastport
The BEST farm to table restaurant in downtown Annapolis.  The liquor bar and specialty cocktails can't be beat. Hometown fave, for sure!

Murray Hill

While visiting Murray Hill, you might make a stop by sights like Spa Creek and Ballet Theater of Maryland.

Murray Hill
Maryland Quiet Waters Park featuring a garden and a house

Hillsmere

If you're spending some time in Hillsmere, Maryland Quiet Waters Park and Great Frogs Winery are top sights worth seeing.

Hillsmere
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Cape Saint Claire

While Cape Saint Claire might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Sandy Point State Park and Chesapeake Bay Bridge.

Cape Saint Claire
Glad i had time to check out this .coffee house in Annapolis this morning.  Located in the West Annapolis about 1-2 miles from downtown Bean Rush was excellent.  I had a Flat White

West Annapolis

When in West Annapolis, you can plan a visit to Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium and Helen Avalynne Tawes Garden, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

West Annapolis
Graduate by Hilton Annapolis
Graduate by Hilton Annapolis
4 out of 5
126 West St, Annapolis, MD
The price is P9,038 per night from 7 Mar to 8 Mar
P9,038
P10,303 total
includes taxes & fees
Mar 7 - Mar 8
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Annapolis. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the bar and ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,000 reviews)
"Dog friendly"

Reviewed on Jan 20, 2025

Graduate by Hilton Annapolis
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Annapolis
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Annapolis
4 out of 5
210 Holiday Court, Annapolis, MD
The price is P6,020 per night from 15 Feb to 16 Feb
P6,020
P6,863 total
includes taxes & fees
Feb 15 - Feb 16
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Annapolis. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the restaurant and the ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,000 reviews)
Great Hotel
"Came for the Military Bowl. Rooms were comfortable and very quite. Staff was excellent and having a shuttle to and from the football stadium was an added plus. Centrally located."

Reviewed on Jan 23, 2025

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Annapolis
Historic Inns of Annapolis
Historic Inns of Annapolis
3.5 out of 5
58 State Circle, Annapolis, MD
The price is P8,406 per night from 18 Feb to 19 Feb
P8,406
P11,506 total
includes taxes & fees
Feb 18 - Feb 19
Book a stay at this historic hotel in Annapolis. Enjoy free WiFi, room service, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,724 reviews)
"Excellent front desk service. Fast and friendly. Great room. What more can you ask for?"

Reviewed on Feb 4, 2025

Historic Inns of Annapolis
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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