Annapolis

Travel Guide

Annapolis
Annapolis
U.S. Naval Academy showing military items, heritage architecture and interior views
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 showing street scenes and a city as well as a small group of people

Historic District

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
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Cape Saint Claire

Though Cape Saint Claire may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Sandy Point State Park and Chesapeake Bay Bridge.

Cape Saint Claire
Maryland Quiet Waters Park featuring a garden and a house

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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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! (1,835 reviews)
"Customer service was A++. Great fromt desk staff and the coffee bar in the morning was really good!"

Reviewed on 18 Aug 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 €157 per night from 2 Sept to 3 Sept
€157
2 Sept - 3 Sept
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! (1,009 reviews)
Cool place, comfy bed!!!
"Cool place, cool vibe! Loved all the pictures and the strong decor. Front desk check in and out was quick & efficient. The parking valets were quick and very friendly. Walking distance to shopping, restaurants and bars! The bed was super comfy! We would definitely stay here again!"

Reviewed on 20 Aug 2025

Graduate by Hilton Annapolis
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Annapolis, MD

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Annapolis, MD

3 out of 5
2600 Housley Road, Annapolis, MD
The price is €95 per night from 26 Aug to 27 Aug
€95
26 Aug - 27 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Annapolis. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,000 reviews)
"It was good."

Reviewed on 19 Aug 2025

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Annapolis, MD
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 ...
10/10 Exceptional! (31 reviews)
"We had a great time overall! Pickleball courts and pool were the absolute highlights of the trip, with everyone getting in on the fun. The house was gorgeous with the sunroom being a bit hit every morning! Thanks!"

Reviewed on 20 Jul 2025

Turning Point on The Little Magothy- Large Private Estate, sleeps 18 Comfortably
Waterfront Oasis of Annapolis Star

Waterfront Oasis of Annapolis Star

Annapolis
Stay at this apartment in Annapolis. Enjoy free WiFi, private pools, and cable/satellite TV service. Popular attractions U.S. Naval Academy Golf Club and Maryland ...
10/10 Exceptional! (76 reviews)
"Great place. Well organized and really nice host."

Reviewed on 17 Aug 2025

Waterfront Oasis of Annapolis Star
Directly Across from USNA Gate One & Steps from the Waterfront and Main Street!

Directly Across from USNA Gate One & Steps from the Waterfront and Main Street!

Annapolis
Stay at this vacation home in Annapolis. Enjoy free WiFi, a water park, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions John Smith House and Tose Family Tennis Center ...
10/10 Exceptional! (211 reviews)
"The place is exactly as it is described. Very spacious, excellent amenities and great location"

Reviewed on 18 Aug 2025

Directly Across from USNA Gate One & Steps from the Waterfront and Main Street!
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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