Location: Annapolis
Top Things to do in Annapolis
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What to do and see in Annapolis, Maryland (MD): The Best Nature & Parks
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. Truxtun Park
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. Helen Avalynne Tawes Garden
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. Quiet Waters Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 461 reviews
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!
7. Ego Alley
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 365 reviews
Reviewed By MJ830720 - Pennsylvania, United States
One of our favorite spots in Annapolis. Whether you go during they day to watch the large yachts turn around or sit there by night with all the glowing lights surrounding the alley, it's nice area to just sit and relax. There is plenty of seating around the entire alley. You can enjoy lunch or an ice cream cone at night and listen to live music. It's the perfect backdrop for selfies!
8. Jonas Green State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 40 reviews
Reviewed By dfens42 - Annapolis, United States
So this park is kind of hidden. It is rarely busy. It is located on the Severn River, almost below the Naval Academy bridge. It has ample parking, restrooms and a park ranger station, as well as a 24 hour a day fishing pier. My favorite thing to do is come and just go for a walk or sitting on a bench or the rocks and watch the water. Very relaxing, great for thinking.
9. Port Annapolis Marina
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 7 reviews
Port Annapolis Marina offers quick, bridge-free access for boaters to the Chesapeake, and is only a short drive (or shorter dinghy ride!) from locally flavored Eastport and Historic Downtown Annapolis.
