What to do and see in Annapolis, Maryland (MD): The Best Hidden Gems Things to do

February 5, 2022 Roseanne Arnett

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. Annapolis Sailing School

Excellent
96%
Good
2%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 91 reviews

Annapolis Sailing School

Learn to sail with America's first sailing school in beautiful Annapolis, Maryland! Our family-owned sailing school prides itself on being able to teach anyone how to sail the Annapolis Way - fun and relaxing. From introductory sailing experiences to getting your ASA certifications, we offer something for everyone. Call us today to learn more! Offerings: ASA 101, 103 and 104 Certifications, Basic Sailing Courses (2 days), 2 hour Evening Sail Cruises on Beneteau 37s, Private and Family Sailing Lessons, Rainbow 24 Sailboat Rentals, Summer Kids' Programs, And More!

2. Classic Sail Charters

Excellent
99%
Good
1%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 123 reviews

Classic Sail Charters

Enjoy your private sail charter with captain (up to 6 people) for a half day, full day, or sunset cruise in the Chesapeake Bay. Sail under the Bay Bridge, tour the light houses, or sip wine with a special someone as the sun sets over Annapolis.

3. Free! Annapolis Walking Tour

Excellent
98%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 48 reviews

Free! Annapolis Walking Tour

FREE! ANNAPOLIS WALKING TOUR (Tips Only) JOIN US FOR AN UNFORGETTABLE JOURNEY THROUGH THE COLONIAL STREETS OF ANNAPOLIS, MARYLAND FOUNDED IN 1649 FASCINATING and OFTEN FUNNY & UNIQUE PERSONAL STORIES ABOUT THE REAL ANNAPOLIS FRIDAY, SATURDAY, and SUNDAY (No Rain Tours) Duration - 2.5 hours * Distance - 2 miles Meet @ Kunta Kinte Memorial @ City Dock

4. Maryland Federation of Art

18 State Cir, Annapolis, MD 21401-1905 +1 410-268-4566 [email protected] http://www.mdfedart.org
Excellent
75%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 16 reviews

Maryland Federation of Art

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.

5. Non Sea-Quitter

Excellent
92%
Good
8%
Satisfactory
0%
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0%
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Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 39 reviews

Non Sea-Quitter

FUNtastic and relaxing SAILING trips from historic Annapolis,MD less than an hour away from Washington or Baltimore. Join me, Captain Paul Foer on my restored classic sailboat 38' sailboat, "Non Sea Quitter", as we sail on the Severn River and Chesapeake Bay where I grew up boating with my family. We offer private trips for up to six guests. While visiting, you may enjoy waterfront dining, live music and lodging at nearby restaurants and other nearby tourist, historic and outdoor attractions. Come for a few hours, a day or even an overnight adventure. Sit back and relax or help us raise sails and take the wheel as we sail across the open Bay and see globe-trotting freighters, yachts racing, the Chesapeake Bay Bridges, osprey, ducks and maybe even rays or dolphins swimming. Funtastic sailing for all ages.

6. Family Fishing Adventures

Excellent
97%
Good
3%
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0%
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Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 58 reviews

Family Fishing Adventures

We offer a 1 hour and 30 minute Fishing & Crabbing Adventures for kids. Come sail aboard the Sea Dragon on one of our four daily trips (9:15, 11:30, 1:45, 4:00). Kids will learn tips and techniques on fishing and crabbing, read a map, discover the local marine life, hold sea creatures such as crabs, minnows, fish, or eels, hoist up crab traps, and fish using light tackle equipment!

7. Old Fox Books & Coffeehouse

35 Maryland Ave, Annapolis, MD 21401-1627 +1 410-626-2020 [email protected] http://oldfoxbooks.com
Excellent
94%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 18 reviews

Old Fox Books & Coffeehouse

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.

8. Helen Avalynne Tawes Garden

Annapolis, MD +1 410-260-8189
Excellent
50%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
21%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 14 reviews

Helen Avalynne Tawes Garden

The garden contains plant species found throughout Maryland.

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
70%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

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. Pennsylvania Dutch Farmer's Market

2472 Solomons Island Rd, Annapolis, MD 21401-3709 +1 410-573-0770 http://padutchfarmmarket.com/
Excellent
73%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 97 reviews

Pennsylvania Dutch Farmer's Market

Reviewed By m0sbym - Falls Church, United States

A lot of delicious to fill up before crossing bay bridge, this will by my favorite stop for breakfast or lunch before hit the beach, and stock some bake goods for picnic.

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