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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Arundel on the Bay

Former post village turned residential area, Arundel-on-the-Bay boasts a private beach, pier, boat ramp, and boat launch for community use, with the picturesque Thomas Point Lighthouse just a short boat ride away.

Arundel on the Bay
Historic Inns of Annapolis

Historic Inns of Annapolis

3.5 out of 5
58 State Circle, Annapolis, MD
$143 nightly
The price is $163 total per night from Aug 4 to Aug 5
$163 total
Aug 4 - Aug 5
Total includes taxes and fees
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! (1,821 reviews)
"I loved my stay at the Maryland Inn. Check in and valet is done at nearby Governor Calvert House. A quick 5 minute walk to your hotel follows. I had the standard double which was fine. My friend had the king and her room was easily twice the size of mine. Bed was very comfy, decor is top notch. I ..."

Reviewed on Jul 26, 2025

Historic Inns of Annapolis
Graduate by Hilton Annapolis

Graduate by Hilton Annapolis

4 out of 5
126 West St, Annapolis, MD
$159 nightly
The price is $181 total per night from Aug 17 to Aug 18
$181 total
Aug 17 - Aug 18
Total includes taxes and 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 ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,009 reviews)
"Beautiful place, very clean room, but the best thing by far was the staff. Everyone we met was friendly and helpful. Thank you so much for a greay stay!!"

Reviewed on Jul 27, 2025

Graduate by Hilton Annapolis
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Annapolis

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Annapolis

4 out of 5
210 Holiday Court, Annapolis, MD
$98 nightly
The price is $111 total per night from Aug 3 to Aug 4
$111 total
Aug 3 - Aug 4
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Annapolis. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the restaurant and the ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,018 reviews)
7 out of 10 stars
"The hotel is older and as we walked through we were saying how it could be (& you can tell it was) a really nice hotel. Don’t misunderstand, it was a nice hotel, but you can tell it’s ‘used’. There are scuffs on doors and walls, there are tiles broken on floors, etc. the room itself was clean. The ..."

Reviewed on Jul 27, 2025

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel 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.
Charming Historic Townhouse Steps From USNA

Charming Historic Townhouse Steps From USNA

Annapolis
Stay at this vacation home in Annapolis. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Annapolis City Dock and Hammond-Harwood ...
10/10 Exceptional! (26 reviews)
"Great location, very cozy and comfortable little spot near the USNA. Excellent communication, very clean, and easy check in process. The road is a bit noisy at night so plan for white noise options. The owner provides ear plugs for super light sleepers- but we slept fine with white noise on our iPhones. ..."

Reviewed on Jul 20, 2025

Charming Historic Townhouse Steps From USNA
Waterfront Oasis of Annapolis Star

Waterfront Oasis of Annapolis Star

Annapolis
Stay at this apartment in Annapolis. Enjoy free WiFi, private pools, and a water park. Popular attractions Annapolis City Dock and U.S. Naval Academy Golf Club ...
10/10 Exceptional! (74 reviews)
Perfect hospitality
"Clean, safe, joy and owners hospitality perfect"

Reviewed on Jul 16, 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 Annapolis City Dock and John Smith House ...
10/10 Exceptional! (209 reviews)
Phenomenal Stay in Annapolis!
"This wonderful home is cozy and inviting! Unbeatable location and very accommodating in so many ways! John was an excellent host - 5 Stars!"

Reviewed on Jul 10, 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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