Annapolis Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Annapolis
Annapolis
U.S. Naval Academy which includes interior views, heritage architecture and military items
Annapolis as well as a couple
Annapolis

See sailing regattas, naval officers and red brick colonial mansions in the state of Maryland’s attractive capital city.

Annapolis is a laid-back place of narrow cobblestone streets, 18th-century brick buildings and colonial mansions and a proud naval heritage. Although now home to many high-tech industries, the city has retained its historic charm.

Situated on the south bank of the Severn River, the state capital of Maryland has been the centre of marine activities for years. It’s a port and the site of the U.S. Naval Academy.

Annapolis was founded in 1649 by Puritan settlers and renamed Annapolis in 1694 after Princess Anne of Denmark and Norway. For 9 months between 1783 and 1784 it served as the nation’s first peacetime capital after the American Revolutionary War.

Make City Dock your first port of call. It’s the heart of the city’s waterfront. Walk along the promenade to view the boats, peruse the shops and dine in the restaurants and bars. Walk on the dock to see the memorial of Kunta Kinte’s arrival from Africa in 1767. His story was told in Alex Haley’s novel Roots.

The U.S. Naval Academy was founded here in 1845. Within its walls future naval officers undergo 4 years of training. Take a guided tour of the grounds where you’ll learn about the history of the academy and its traditions. Visit the U.S. Naval Academy History Museum and view medals, swords and multimedia presentations that chart the history of sea power and the development of the U.S. Navy.

Gain further insights into Annapolis’s history at Maryland State House, the oldest state house in the United States that’s still in legislative use. Stop by Chase-Lloyd House, the Georgian brick mansion that was constructed for Samuel Chase, one of the signatories to the Declaration of Independence.

Annapolis is the gateway to Chesapeake Bay, and its shoreline is dotted with marinas. Get out on the water with a day cruise or charter your own boat. You can also rent canoes, kayaks and pedal boats. If you don’t want to get on the water you can enjoy it from land by watching one of the sailing races. From the end of April to early September there are sailboat races every Wednesday night. More than 150 boats sail around several markers in the bay before heading for the finish in front of the Annapolis Yacht Club.

Annapolis is less than an hour’s drive from Washington D.C. and is a popular daytrip destination for visitors to the nation’s capital.

Where to stay in Annapolis

Annapolis featuring street scenes and a city as well as a small group of people

Historic District

5/5(2 area reviews)

While visiting Historic District, you might make a stop by sights like Maryland State House and William Paca House.

Historic District
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Eastport

While visiting Eastport, you might make a stop by sights like Annapolis Maritime Museum and Annapolis Harbor.

Eastport
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Murray Hill

If you're spending some time in Murray Hill, Ballet Theater of Maryland and Spa Creek are top sights worth seeing.

Murray Hill
Maryland Quiet Waters Park featuring a house and a park

Hillsmere

While visiting Hillsmere, you might make a stop by sights like Maryland Quiet Waters Park and Great Frogs Winery.

Hillsmere
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Cape Saint Claire

While visiting Cape Saint Claire, you might make a stop by sights like Chesapeake Bay and Northern Chesapeake Bay.

Cape Saint Claire
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Admiral Heights

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Admiral Heights and surrounding area, you can visit Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium and Maryland Hall for Creative Arts.

Admiral Heights
Historic Inns of Annapolis

Historic Inns of Annapolis

3.5 out of 5
58 State Circle, Annapolis, MD
Book a stay at this historic hotel in Annapolis. Enjoy free WiFi, room service, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,868 reviews)
Loved everything. Perfect location right on the main drag

Reviewed on 20 Oct 2025

Historic Inns of Annapolis
Graduate by Hilton Annapolis

Graduate by Hilton Annapolis

4 out of 5
126 West St, Annapolis, MD
The price is AU$271 per night from 10 Nov to 11 Nov
AU$271
10 Nov - 11 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Annapolis. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the bar and ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,012 reviews)
Cute decor

Reviewed on 14 Oct 2025

Graduate by Hilton Annapolis
Crowne Plaza Annapolis by IHG

Crowne Plaza Annapolis by IHG

3.5 out of 5
173 Jennifer Rd, Annapolis, MD
The price is AU$176 per night from 2 Nov to 3 Nov
AU$176
2 Nov - 3 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Annapolis. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,004 reviews)
The room was very clean but the mattress not so great. I found hair on the sheets

Reviewed on 15 Oct 2025

Crowne Plaza Annapolis by IHG
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Turning Point on The Little Magothy- Large Private Estate, sleeps 18 Comfortably

Turning Point on The Little Magothy- Large Private Estate, sleeps 18 Comfortably

Annapolis
Stay at this vacation home in Annapolis. Enjoy a fitness center, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Sandy Point State Park and Bay Hills Golf ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (37 reviews)
Beautiful view, great property. Owner was easy to communicate with

Reviewed on 1 Sept 2025

Turning Point on The Little Magothy- Large Private Estate, sleeps 18 Comfortably
Luxury Waterfront Executive Family Home Annapolis with All Amenities

Luxury Waterfront Executive Family Home Annapolis with All Amenities

Annapolis
Stay at this vacation home in Annapolis. Enjoy a fitness center, laundry facilities, and in-room jetted tubs. Popular attractions Sandy Point State Park and ...
7.4/10 Good! (3 reviews)
Excellent location. Tonya was very helpful.

Reviewed on 22 Sept 2025

Luxury Waterfront Executive Family Home Annapolis with All Amenities
Scenic Waterfront Getaway with Private Pool and Dock Minutes from Annapolis

Scenic Waterfront Getaway with Private Pool and Dock Minutes from Annapolis

Annapolis
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Annapolis. Enjoy free WiFi, private pools, and a garden. Popular attractions Annapolis Harbour Center and ...
10/10 Exceptional! (109 reviews)
This house is a fantastic as pictured and described. Gorgeous, clean, full of helpful amenities (power outlets, toiletries, etc.). Incredible views, seating areas and convenient to downtown Annapolis (15 min ish drive). This house is going on my list to recommend and stay at again. Appreciate the ...

Reviewed on 13 Oct 2025

Scenic Waterfront Getaway with Private Pool and Dock Minutes from Annapolis
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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