10 Budget-friendly Things to do in Annapolis That You Shouldn't Miss

November 13, 2021 Fernanda Pittenger

With more surviving 18th century buildings than any other city in the United States, visiting Annapolis is like stepping back in time to the days when the city was a colonial seaport. Known as America’s Sailing Capital, the city is located on the shores of the Chesapeake Bay and is a paradise for water lovers, famous for its crab cakes, lighthouses, and 500 miles of gorgeous shoreline. Tour the campus of the US Naval Academy, or the Maryland State House, the oldest state capitol still in use.
Restaurants in Annapolis

1. Colonial Tours of Annapolis

Excellent
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5.0 based on 114 reviews

Colonial Tours of Annapolis

We are walking guides and colonial entertainers, offering tours in the Historic District of Annapolis. Our goal is for you to enjoy and experiene History.

2. Capital SUP

Excellent
95%
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5.0 based on 560 reviews

Capital SUP

Capital SUP is a clean water driven watersports company connecting people to the water by way of stand up paddleboarding and kayaking experiences. Hourly rentals, lessons, tours, fitness, racing, and adventure.

3. U.S. Naval Academy

121 Blake Rd Armel - Leftwich Visitor Center, Annapolis, MD 21402-1300 +1 410-293-8687 http://www.usna.edu
Excellent
82%
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5.0 based on 2,930 reviews

U.S. Naval Academy

Established in 1845, this undergraduate college for the Navy prepares men and women to become professional officers in the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps.

Reviewed By phillipleeb - Valley Center, United States

The US Naval Academy is the epitome of the service academies (sorry West Point, CG and MA) The campus is steeped in history, the openness and availability to stroll its park-like environs, make it an amazing visit, something you need to incorporate if you're ever in the Annapolis area. Oh and the Midshipmen are the most polite, articulate focused yond men and women you'll ever have a chance to meet. Go Navy!

4. Annapolis Eventours

Excellent
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5.0 based on 239 reviews

Annapolis Eventours

Annapolis Eventours offers unique and authentic day tours around Annapolis using all-electric, 5-passenger vehicles. They cover back streets, hidden gems and fascinating sights. Step into the lives of locals, find out what makes the city tick, and get acquainted with the local food, culture and history of Annapolis. A local, expert guide will lead you through a fantastic urban experience. Join us for our Explore the Heart of Annapolis history tour, or our Original Annapolis Seafood Crawl.

5. St. Mary's Church

109 Duke of Gloucester St, Annapolis, MD 21401-2508 +1 410-990-4100 http://www.stmarysannapolis.org/
Excellent
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5.0 based on 89 reviews

St. Mary's Church

Reviewed By ohioan1 - Millersburg, United States

We attended the 5pm Saturday Vigil Mass. It was all good, especially the gorgeous, traditional interior and choir. Father Dau said a reverent Mass; however, the alter servers needed a bit more instruction on the importance of their function :-)

6. First Sunday Arts Festival

Calvert and West Streets, Annapolis, MD 21401 [email protected] http://www.firstsundayarts.com
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5.0 based on 10 reviews

First Sunday Arts Festival

130+ local and regional artists and crafters selling pottery, jewelry, wood turnings, clothes, furniture, blown and fused glass, photography, paintings and more. Plus cafe dining, food trucks and entertainment. Festivals are held on the first Sunday of each month from May to December 11am to 5pm. The event is pet friendly. Free Admission. 2 parking garages at the festivals on Calvert Street. Buses welcome.

7. William Paca House & Garden

186 Prince George St, Annapolis, MD 21401-1724 +1 410-267-7619 http://www.annapolis.org/contact/william-paca-garden
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4.5 based on 238 reviews

William Paca House & Garden

The William Paca Garden is a two acre oasis of natural beauty in the bustling center of Annapolis’ Historic District. Although many colonial Annapolitans had gardens, only Paca’s has been returned to its original splendor and opened to the public. Intrigued by garden details in the background of Charles Willson Peale’s 1772 portrait of Paca, researchers were able to reconstruct the site from a series of archeological digs that turned up evidence of the garden’s former glory. The William Paca Garden is open to the public for self-guided and guided tours Wednesdays through Sundays. At this time, the William Paca House remains closed for tours.

8. B&A Trail

Annapolis, MD +1 410-222-6244 http://www.aacounty.org/locations-and-directions/ba-trail-ranger-station
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4.5 based on 120 reviews

B&A Trail

This 13-mile trail is ideal for biking.

Reviewed By Thomas-GenevieveH

We ran the B&A from its northernmost point (near Monsignor Slade Catholic School, near the intersection of 176 & 648). From this point (going southwest) the trail is paved and mainly urban, with at least 4 street crossings using crosswalks. At the 1.5 mile mark, you start the B&A Trail Solar System walk, which consists of a built-to-scale representation of the Solar System; this walk begins with a very large metal sculpture of the sun, followed by 18" planet disks spaced out over the next 4.5 miles (in accordance with their actual position...yes, there is a Pluto). The trail becomes more suburban and forested (but still paved) after the 3.5 mile mark. Arrive early AM, as crowds of people begin to use the trail for biking and walking and running after 0800.

9. Quiet Waters Park

600 Quiet Waters Park Rd, Annapolis, MD 21403-2700 +1 410-222-1777 http://www.aacounty.org/RecParks/parks/quietwaters
Excellent
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4.5 based on 461 reviews

Quiet Waters Park

This rural park has a short but scenic route for biking.

Reviewed By goldenparadox - Elkridge, United States

I have a dog that loves water, so I came here for the dog beach. It wasn't huge, but the area was perfect for my dog to enjoy the sand and water. Other dogs and people were friendly. Only thing I wish is that was a gate-- couldn't take my guy off leash because the entry was wide open. Next time I will bring a chair so I can relax and catch some rays while my dog plays and relaxes. I'm going to bring a longer lead to tie him to so he'll have a little more freedom than a leash, but he'll still be contained. The park is well marked and labeled, so it wasn't hard to find my way around. If you're looking for the dog park and dog beach, follow the paw print arrows-- it's at the very "back" of the park. I will definitely be back to explore the other areas. They have very nice paved paths, most ranging less than a mile, but a few about a mile and a half long. I'm excited to see it in the spring when everything starts growing and blooming. To get in (they call it a parking fee) is $6. I will most likely just buy the yearly pass because if you go 6-7 times, it pays for itself. And the money is going to a park. Well worth it!

10. Maryland State House

91 State Cir, Annapolis, MD 21401-1904 +1 410-974-3400 http://msa.maryland.gov/msa/mdstatehouse/html/home.html
Excellent
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4.5 based on 678 reviews

Maryland State House

The seat of government for the state of Maryland.

Reviewed By barryl575 - Philadelphia, United States

The Maryland capital building is steeped in history and features exquisite architecture. The display highlights many important events that have happened both from a Maryland and National perspective. It is a self-guided tour, but the guards are very helpful if you have questions. If you are interested in early American history it is not to be missed.

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