Annapolis, MD

Travel Guide

Annapolis
Annapolis
U.S. Naval Academy which includes heritage architecture, military items 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 center 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 which includes street scenes and a city as well as a small group of people

Historic District

5/5(83 area reviews)

Discover a well-preserved historic district with elements of the original town plan, featuring landmarks like the Maryland State House, St. Ann's Church, and Paca House and Gardens. The neighborhood features prestigious educational institutions like St. John's College and the U.S. Naval Academy.

Historic District
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Eastport

5/5(1 area review)

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

Eastport
The BEST farm to table restaurant in downtown Annapolis.  The liquor bar and specialty cocktails can't be beat. Hometown fave, for sure!

Murray Hill

While visiting Murray Hill, you might make a stop by sights like Ballet Theater of Maryland and Spa Creek.

Murray Hill
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Cape Saint Claire

Boasting three marinas, multiple parks and beaches, Cape St. Claire offers a shopping center and various churches, with easy access to Annapolis and the Chesapeake Bay Bridge via U.S. Route 50.

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

Hillsmere

If you're spending some time in Hillsmere, Maryland Quiet Waters Park and Great Frogs Winery are top sights worth seeing.

Hillsmere
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Admiral Heights

Admiral Heights might not have many top sights, but Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium and Maryland Hall for Creative Arts are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

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! (1,829 reviews)
"Location is good. Valet parking and shuttle option is great."

Reviewed on Aug 16, 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 ¥23,646 per night from Sep 2 to Sep 3
¥23,646
¥26,957 total
Sep 2 - Sep 3
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! (1,001 reviews)
"Upscale hotel, great location, walkable"

Reviewed on Aug 15, 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 ¥14,888 per night from Sep 1 to Sep 2
¥14,888
¥16,973 total
Sep 1 - Sep 2
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! (1,006 reviews)
"It was construction going on. One of the nights I stayed they were out there after 9 o'clock pm and that's my bedtime lol! The breakfast was good. They had a very good selection. My room was clean, no issues. I would say that they should at least upgrade the tv's. Overall my stay was good."

Reviewed on Aug 16, 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 Jul 20, 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! (75 reviews)
"What a relaxing and peaceful stay. Beautiful property, and the owners are so nice, it was just what we needed!"

Reviewed on Aug 11, 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! (210 reviews)
Sisters Retreat
"Enjoyed the childhood haunts."

Reviewed on Aug 6, 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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