Location: Annapolis
Top Things to do in Annapolis
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The 10 Best Free Things to do in Annapolis, Maryland (MD)
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. U.S. Naval Academy
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2,930 reviews
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!
2. Maryland Federation of Art
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 16 reviews
Founded in 1963, MFA is the oldest artist-run organization in Maryland, dedicated to expanding artistic expression and appreciation. Our 450+ members organize 20 to 25 juried and non-juried exhibitions each year, featuring the work of local and national artists.
3. St. Mary's Church
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 89 reviews
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 :-)
4. First Sunday Arts Festival
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 10 reviews
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.
5. Old Fox Books & Coffeehouse
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 18 reviews
Reviewed By TXMARTINS - Atlanta, United States
A cute little bookstore with a back area coffeehouse just a few blocks down Maryland Ave from the water. Not really kid friendly but great for adults.
6. The Annapolis Pottery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 12 reviews
Reviewed By AnitaS484 - Ocala, United States
Love, love, love Annapolis Pottery! I have shopped here for more than 25 years and it has never disappointed me. The shop is architecturally historic and each item is displayed with love. I have pieces that I have had for years and use daily.
7. Helen Avalynne Tawes Garden
8. B&A Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 120 reviews
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. Wild Bird Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 12 reviews
Located at the Annapolis Harbor Center, this is a good place to learn about birding.
10. Maryland State House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 678 reviews
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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