Annapolis, MD

Travel Guide
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)

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

5/5(1 area review)

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

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

While Cape Saint Claire might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Sandy Point State Park and Chesapeake Bay Bridge.

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

Hillsmere

While there might not be top attractions in Hillsmere, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Maryland Quiet Waters Park and London Town.

Hillsmere
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Arundel on the Bay

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Arundel on the Bay and surrounding area, you can visit Maryland Quiet Waters Park and Annapolis Landing Marina.

Arundel on the Bay
Graduate Annapolis
Graduate Annapolis
4 out of 5
126 West St, Annapolis, MD
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ¥22,507 per night from Apr 14 to Apr 15
¥22,507
per night
Apr 14 - Apr 15
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Annapolis. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the restaurant and the bar in ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,096 reviews)
"The Barista, Bella in the Trophy Room and Nick at the Front desk were excellent. Like most Graduate properties, they have modernized the lobby and other facilities but the rooms are not updated, but I knew this going in. My only issue was the main bartender (Al) in the trophy room was a grumpy old ..."

Reviewed on Mar 25, 2024

Graduate Annapolis
Historic Inns of Annapolis
Historic Inns of Annapolis
3.5 out of 5
58 State Circle, Annapolis, MD
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ¥23,026 per night from Apr 14 to Apr 15
¥23,026
per night
Apr 14 - Apr 15
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 rooms ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,610 reviews)
A wonderful stay in every way
"Easy quick check in. The Inn is very unique and makes for a lovely stay. Very close to restaurants, shops and water attractions. The room was very clean and comfortable with everything necessary for a night away. We’ll definitely be back."

Reviewed on Mar 25, 2024

Historic Inns of Annapolis
The Westin Annapolis
The Westin Annapolis
4 out of 5
100 Westgate Cir, Annapolis, MD
The price is ¥25,590 per night from Apr 4 to Apr 5
¥25,590
per night
Apr 4 - Apr 5
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Annapolis. Enjoy a full-service spa, breakfast, and WiFi. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,002 reviews)
"Always a nice stay!"

Reviewed on Mar 25, 2024

The Westin 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.
Recently Renovated Annapolis Home - Conveniently Located
Recently Renovated Annapolis Home - Conveniently Located
Annapolis
Stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Annapolis. Enjoy free WiFi, onsite parking, and an arcade/game room. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
10/10 Exceptional! (42 reviews)
Wonderful home and location
"Great location - walkable to Downtown Annapolis and the stadium. House was very clean and has all the features and amenities you need for a comfortable stay!"

Reviewed on Jan 3, 2024

Recently Renovated Annapolis Home - Conveniently Located
Annapolis Condominium in the heart of the historic center
Annapolis Condominium in the heart of the historic center
Annapolis
Stay at this condo in Annapolis. Enjoy WiFi, onsite parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Maynard-Burgess House and Ellen O. Moyer Nature Park at Back Creek ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (209 reviews)
Xmas in Annapolis
"Love staying at this property. This is our second time here. the property is in a great location. Walking neighborhood in downtown Annapolis makes it very accessible. The only downside is the parking situation. Easiest to put your car in a garage but that is of course added cost. All in all we love ..."

Reviewed on Jan 7, 2024

Annapolis Condominium in the heart of the historic center
Amazing views, boat, dock, and a short walk to great dining!
Amazing views, boat, dock, and a short walk to great dining!
Annapolis
Stay at this family-friendly cottage in Annapolis. Enjoy free WiFi, onsite parking, and a porch. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
10/10 Exceptional! (63 reviews)
Wonderful weekend
"My husband and I stayed at the Weems creek cottage for a childless getaway weekend. Everything was excellent, from communication with Jim, to the gorgeous property and the time we had in the city of Annapolis. Not to mention the weather was nice! We spent Friday and most of Saturday in the city of ..."

Reviewed on Mar 20, 2024

Amazing views, boat, dock, and a short walk to great dining!
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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