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

Historic District

While visiting Historic District, you might make a stop by sights like Thurgood Marshall Memorial and Maryland State House.

Historic District
Default Image

Eastport

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

Eastport
Default Image

Murray Hill

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

Murray Hill
Maryland Quiet Waters Park showing 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
Default Image

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
Default Image

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
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is €167 per night from 31 Mar to 1 Apr
€167
includes taxes & fees
31 Mar - 1 Apr
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! (1,727 reviews)
"Love the convenience that we valet parked the car and didn’t need it again until we checked out. Felt totally safe as we walked around to first class shops and restaurants. The property was clean and comfortable. We had an issue with the pillows on the bed. Too new and full. Called to the desk and ..."

Reviewed on 23 Mar 2025

Historic Inns of 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 €93 per night from 2 Apr to 3 Apr
€93
includes taxes & fees
2 Apr - 3 Apr
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 ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,010 reviews)
"Súper nice🔥🔥"

Reviewed on 23 Mar 2025

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Annapolis, MD
Crowne Plaza Annapolis by IHG
Crowne Plaza Annapolis by IHG
3.5 out of 5
173 Jennifer Rd, Annapolis, MD
The price is €116 per night from 2 Apr to 3 Apr
€116
includes taxes & fees
2 Apr - 3 Apr
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! (1,005 reviews)
"Hotel have close the hot tub and pool did not run the water. Very upset that the hotel Employee in the front desk mention the pool hours but did not mentioned that the jacuzzi was close and pool did not run the water."

Reviewed on 23 Mar 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.
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
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Annapolis. Enjoy free WiFi, a water park, and patios. Popular attractions John Smith House and Annapolis ...
10/10 Exceptional! (191 reviews)
Perfect Location - Easy Process - Comfortable Home!
"Perfect Location - Easy Process - Comfortable Home!"

Reviewed on 13 Mar 2025

Directly Across from USNA Gate One & Steps from the Waterfront and Main Street!
Historic Annapolis Home 1.5 blocks from center of town.
Historic Annapolis Home 1.5 blocks from center of town.
Annapolis
Stay at this vacation home in Annapolis. Enjoy free WiFi, patios, and in-room jetted tubs. Popular attractions Ellen O. Moyer Nature Park at Back Creek and Banneker ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (34 reviews)
First college visit,
"Great wx and weekend visit to the Naval Academy. Walking distance to everything and neighborhood was a nice getaway from main street"

Reviewed on 23 Mar 2025

Historic Annapolis Home 1.5 blocks from center of town.
Charming Downtown Annapolis. Stroll to all the Historic District has to offer.
Charming Downtown Annapolis. Stroll to all the Historic District has to offer.
2.5 out of 5
Annapolis
Stay at this vacation home in Annapolis. Enjoy patios, cable/satellite TV service, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Ballet Theater of Maryland ...
10/10 Exceptional! (15 reviews)
Cute place, great location, fun town
"First time in Annapolis to watch East Carolina win the Military Bowl and tour the Naval Academy.Great location, cute, clean, and comfortable place in a fun town with lots of great restaurants and bars."

Reviewed on 29 Dec 2024

Charming Downtown Annapolis. Stroll to all the Historic District has to offer.
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.

Popular places to visit

Things to do