Location: Annapolis
Top Things to do in Annapolis
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What to do and see in Annapolis, Maryland (MD): The Best Things to do
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. 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. 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!
4. 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.
5. 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!
6. Banneker-Douglass Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 60 reviews
Reviewed By LukeandShadow - Newport, United States
The size & approach taken in this museum was perfect. Rather than overwhelming the visitor with too much information, they made history very meaningful. The little theater had short films on the life of several community activists. The exhibits were enhanced with audio recordings. The preserved church had art works on display at the time of our visit. Overall a very clean, well maintained, welcoming educational experience. Free Admission but we left a well deserved donation.
7. Pennsylvania Dutch Farmer's Market
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 97 reviews
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.
8. Annapolis Historic District
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,255 reviews
Reviewed By klineposada1944 - Canton, United States
The ideal first stop here is the main Visitors Center (with the Gotts Court parking garage next door) to gather a map and info. This is just a block from the beautiful capitol building which is a MUST to visit (self-guided tour and photography allowed) and surrounded by gorgeous vintage buildings. Radiating like spokes from the street circling around the capitol are streets lined with unique shops, galleries, a pottery studio, restaurants... This is a delightful area and so easy to explore on foot while your car is tucked away in the parking garage.
9. 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.
10. Sandy Point State Park
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 311 reviews
Reviewed By Kiad816 - Silver Spring, United States
Sandy Point is the closest beach to my home...only a 35 minute drive. The beach is clean and there were plenty picnic tables with grilling areas. The water was clean and the view of the Bay bridge was nice.
