Annapolis Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
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 centre 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 featuring a city and street scenes as well as a small group of people

Historic District

While visiting Historic District, you might make a stop by sights like Thurgood Marshall Memorial and Maryland State 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
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Murray Hill

If you're spending some time in Murray Hill, Ballet Theater of Maryland and Spa Creek are top sights worth seeing.

Murray Hill
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Cape Saint Claire

Though Cape Saint Claire may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Sandy Point State Park and Chesapeake Bay Bridge.

Cape Saint Claire
Maryland Quiet Waters Park showing a garden and a house

Hillsmere

While visiting Hillsmere, you might make a stop by sights like Maryland Quiet Waters Park and Great Frogs Winery.

Hillsmere
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Arundel on the Bay

While Arundel on the Bay may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Maryland Quiet Waters Park and Annapolis Maritime Museum.

Arundel on the Bay
Crowne Plaza Annapolis, an IHG Hotel
Crowne Plaza Annapolis, an IHG Hotel
3.5 out of 5
173 Jennifer Rd, Annapolis, MD
The price is ₹12,024 per night from 19 May to 20 May
₹12,024
per night
19 May - 20 May
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Annapolis. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking and breakfast. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,002 reviews)
"Parking limited on weekend evenings"

Reviewed on 28 Apr 2024

Crowne Plaza Annapolis, an IHG Hotel
Historic Inns of Annapolis
Historic Inns of Annapolis
3.5 out of 5
58 State Circle, Annapolis, MD
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ₹14,205 per night from 28 May to 29 May
₹14,205
per night
28 May - 29 May
Enjoy free Wi-Fi, room service and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their reviews.
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,609 reviews)
"Very nice location."

Reviewed on 8 May 2024

Historic Inns of Annapolis
Graduate Annapolis
Graduate Annapolis
4 out of 5
126 West St, Annapolis, MD
The price is ₹15,578 per night from 2 Jun to 3 Jun
₹15,578
per night
2 Jun - 3 Jun
Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the restaurant and the bar in their reviews.
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,063 reviews)
"Quiet, clean, lovely!"

Reviewed on 3 May 2024

Graduate 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.
Majestic Hotel & Apartments
Majestic Hotel & Apartments
3 out of 5
7th St & Boardwalk, Ocean City, MD
Stay at this 3-star beach aparthotel in Ocean City. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
6.2/10 (68 reviews)
"We stayed in one of the majestic apartments. I liked how it was an apartment, but it wasn't like dealing with a rental company. It was dealing with a hotel company. It was very simple and easy to get set up. We were lucky enough to get one of the apartments that was detached a block away. So it was ..."

Reviewed on 19 Sep 2023

Majestic Hotel & Apartments
WhyHotel by Placemakr Columbia
WhyHotel by Placemakr Columbia
4 out of 5
6200 Valencia Ln, Columbia, MD
Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a fitness centre and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their reviews.
8.8/10 Excellent! (401 reviews)
"Awesome greeter at check in. Very impressive Apt! Very affordable! Please note, you will have to pay for parking, but there is a free parking lot in the back. I will definitely stay again!"

Reviewed on 8 May 2024

WhyHotel by Placemakr Columbia
WoodSpring Suites Washington DC Northeast Greenbelt
WoodSpring Suites Washington DC Northeast Greenbelt
2.5 out of 5
7480 Greenway Center Drive, Greenbelt, MD
Stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Greenbelt. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their ...
6.8/10 (453 reviews)
"I loved it esp the kitchenette it was soo nice"

Reviewed on 23 Apr 2024

WoodSpring Suites Washington DC Northeast Greenbelt
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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