Location: Annapolis
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The 8 Best Historic Sites 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. James Brice House
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 6 reviews
Reviewed By DominicDeBurca - Dunmore East, Ireland
Be aware that there is major restoration work going on at this building at the moment so it is a hard hat site with restricted access. A small fortune is being spent bringing it back to its former glory — right down to peeling back layers of paint spanning over two hundred years so it can be restored to what it looked like back in the day.
2. William Paca House & Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 238 reviews
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.
3. 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.
4. Hammond-Harwood House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 112 reviews
The Hammond Harwood House is the Jewel of Annapolis, preserved intact since 1774. In addition to its magnificent, perfectly preserved architecture inside and out, this National Historic Landmark contains an outstanding collection of John Shaw furniture and Charles Willson Peale paintings.
Reviewed By kedheim - Indianapolis, United States
Our docent was Sharon and she was VERY knowledgeable and excited to share the history of the architect, the owners, their genealogy and the life events during the time of the building of this home. The home is still a residential home and tours are limited, so, schedule your visit in advance to ensure you do not miss out! The crown moldings are intricate and unique, as well as some other architectural techniques. Worth seeing this home. Across the street is the Hammond-Harwood House that we saw along with this tour, which was also architecturally amazing. Time was about 2 hours including the other house. Parking available in front of the home, and we had no issues, but we might have lucked out! Parking takes credit card and maximum parking time is 2 hours. We added more time to walk around the historic area and had lunch 0.3 miles away at the Iron Rooster at the Annapolis City Dock. A lot of old and beautiful houses. Such a lovely place to visit for those that love old historic areas. Sharon provided history on the layout of the city of Annapolis and brought the city to life for us as we walked and drove around after the tour. Highly recommend! Not wheelchair accessible for those confined to a wheelchair. Second and third stories of the house are not on tour and the staircase is only climbed halfway to admire the window construction and the view of the second story ceiling and walkway; otherwise easy to navigate for those with disabilities.
5. St. John's College
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 72 reviews
Reviewed By Waterlaw - Jerusalem, Israel
Once known as The King William’s School, it was founded in the Maryland colony’s “free” school in 1696, making ith the 3rd oldest college in the US. It became St. John’s College in 1794. Interstingly, four of St. John's founders were signers of the Declaration of Independence. The college's grounds are beautiful and beyond description. You just need to walk along College Ave. and King George Street to Appreciate them. Its focus is the liberal arts. Students, as I understand it, study classic texts and debate them. Interstingly, College's faculty members are termed “tutors,” not professors or teachers. Maybe, that is because they lead classes, rather than teach. Apparently, the tutors serve as what the school considers content experts, who "guide discussion and act as model learners." The College's buildings and architecture are breathtaking. The main library is filled with classic European texts.
6. Charles Carroll House
7. The Kunta Kinte - Alex Haley Memorial
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 280 reviews
Reviewed By JOLOPhiladelphia_Pa_
Awesome history statues. Wonderful location. Figures are very realistic now I will have to watch Roots again to remember the stories told.
8. Little Brice House
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
