Situated in the Chesapeake Bay, Annapolis is a wonderful spot where tourists flock all over the year. This is a town that is flooded with scenic beauty and consists of several histories and relics of the past. Certain spots in Maryland are excellent to visit and will make this trip an exciting one. We have listed some highlights of the spots and you will surely be intrigued by the number of options you have! Follow the list and you will find the best places to visit in Annapolis! We are super excited to get started with the trip!
1. Tour the Annapolis Historic District
Can you believe it? It was initially the nation's capital before it shifted to Columbia! The historical district is full of official buildings which flaunt their excellent craftsmanship. This is a Historical landmark and consists of attractive spots like the William Paca House, St. Anne's Church, the Maryland State House, and so on.
2. U.S. Naval Academy Museum
Established in 1845, the U.S Naval Academy Museum is another excellent spot to add to your list as you are planning a day's trip. The artifacts and the achievements of the Navy are restored in this museum.
3. Refresh at Quiet Waters Park
Situated between Harness Creek and South River, Quiet Waters Park is a great location to compose your mind and collect yourself after a tiring day! Covering a space of 340 acres, the water park showcases wide flora spreading greenery around.
4. Maryland State House
The State House was constructed in 1779, all constitutional meetings were initially held in Maryland. Can you believe that even George Washington has trodden the halls of the building? If you take interest in history and the political affairs of the US then here is a place that will interest you.
5. Hammond-Harwood House
William Buckland was the maker of the house which was erected in 1774 and stands tall today as an example of colonial architecture. The horizontal floor pegs and the vintage architecture intrigue the visitors to the building. Artwork including paintings by Charles Wilson Peale is displayed here.
6. William Paca House and Garden
William Paca, a very influential and wealthy planter constructed this house in 1756 and it is an exemplary artwork of the olden days. It has now been converted into a hotel and is such a wonderful place to visit when you are in Annapolis.
7. Kunta Kinte - Alex Haley Memorial
This is a marvelous spot to include in your list of sightseeing venues if you are in Annapolis. Each of the sculptures beautifully depicts a story, for example, the Story Wall and the Compass Road. You can plan a day out to the Memorial!
8. Learn about African-American History at the Banneker-Douglass Museum
This Museum is here to honor the arrival of the African-Americans in Annapolis during 1633. If you are here then you will have the pleasure to hear the speech by Frederick Douglass. All kinds of artwork describing the inhabitant's lifestyle and culture are preserved in the museum for the visitors to admire.
9. Sandy Point State Park
The State Park overlooks the Chesapeake Bay and is well known among visitors for all the activities which are conducted there. The beach is wonderful to hang out on during the weekend with your family.
10. St. Anne's Church
The church is located on a small hill providing it with a picturesque view and you shall find this space to be rather calming and beautiful to gain back your energy. The St. Anne's Church also portrays excellent craftsmanship and was constructed in Romanesque style on its third attempt.
11. Annapolis Maritime Museum
How can we miss out on the Annapolis Maritime Museum which is a wonderful and quite prominent landmark of the state? Situated at the coast of Bay Creek, you can go fishing with your kids here.
12. Chesapeake Bay Sailing Excursions
With Annapolis, you never run out of options during the weekends! The Chesapeake Bay sailing excursion is quite fun and a refreshing experience especially for tourists. The cruise boats are available and you can have a wonderful time here in the waters enjoying the breathtaking views as the sun sets in.
13. Fort Meade NSA Cryptologic Museum
This is a unique spot that was opened in 1993 and is only twenty minutes from the city center. Articles and artifacts for code-making are stored here and you can go and have a look at them if you like coding.
14. Historic London Town and Gardens
Located at Edgewater which is a short drive from the main city you will come across the Historic London Town and Gardens which you have to witness before you leave Annapolis. This was an important trade junction in the mid-17th century.
15. Take a trolley tour
You may take a walk down Main Street but that will simply not be enough to appreciate the beauty of Annapolis! To get the complete feel of being in Annapolis you have to embark on a trolley tour and thank us later for the suggestion.
16. Book a testing round in the famous Great Frogs Winery
Once you have a taste of drinks from the Great Frogs winery in Annapolis, no other venue will seem half as tempting as that! This place is outside downtown and was established in 1999. The grapes are squeezed and crafted to come up with the best wines in the world.
17. Visit Banneker-Douglass Museum
If you are one of those museum hoppers then the Banneker-Douglass Museum is the ideal spot for you! There are so many things to admire and learn that you will simply think a day is not enough. This is a Church building that was named after an eminent scientist.
18. Enjoy your stay at the waterfront hotel
Imagine waking up to the view of the pristine lake in the morning! Yes, that is exactly what you will encounter if you book yourself a room in the waterfront hotel. Make every bit of Annapolis special with such exciting and fulfilling experiences.
19. Walk the bridge to Eastport
If you travel to the other side of the Spa Creek Bridge you will find Eastport. Slaughter across the water- tug of war is a famous game played every year by people on both sides of the water. If you are lucky you might enjoy the match.
20. Go to Forward Brewery
If you are a beer lover and you are in Annapolis then you have to visit the city's first nano brewery which is famous for its excellent quality of crafted beer. There are soups, sandwiches, and salads to keep you company.
21. Take a walk to the City Dock
You can engage in a light walk during the evening to the City Dock to refresh your mind. The encounter with the wide number of boats will be worth an experience and later you can enjoy local dishes at some food joints.
pic source: historicinnsofannapolis.com
22. Breakfast is a must at Chick and Ruth’s Delly
You have to go for the seasoned crab and cheese omelet when you are Chick and Ruth's Delly. The quality of the food as well as the lively ambiance is perfect to start your day on a cheerful note.
23. Indulge in some shopping
If you are looking for mementos to carry back home then Main Street is ideal for shopping to your heart's content. From unique boutiques to galleries, you will have everything right here.
24. Admire the street art
Annapolis is full of street art and each of them is simply outstanding! However, they are mainly concentrated around the West and Main Street. So as you talk about a stroll down the road, street art is something that will be a treat to the eye.
25. Ice cream company
So you are telling us that you are in Annapolis, and you haven't tried out ice creams yet? Well, what are you waiting for? There are thirty-six rotating flavors which are available at the Ice cream company outlet. You shall be pretty confused about which one to pick.
26. Rent an electric boat
You can hire a small electric boat yourself to enjoy a ride on the waters of Bay Creek. If you do not have any experience with boats before, even then this will be such an easy ride, we can guarantee. So shall we?
Read also: Best for Families in San Francisco
FAQs-
1. What activities can you squeeze in within a day in Annapolis?
From touring the Maryland State House to embarking on a ride in the boats, you should not miss out on William Paca House and the State Museum.
2. Why is Annapolis so famous?
The main reason behind Annapolis being famous is the US Naval Academy. There are, of course, other sites to visit too.
3. Can anyone walk into the US Naval Academy?
It is only open for a free stroll and entry to the military officials and retired officers and the common crowd, they are asked to enter through Gate 1.
4. What is Ego Alley?
This is a narrow stretch of water in Annapolis which serves as a dock for small boats and jetties. It offers a spectacular view of Spa Creek and Annapolis Harbour as well.
5. What is the entry fee at the Naval Academy?
The adults are charged $12 while it is $10 for kids and $11 for seniors.
Final Word-
Once you are in Annapolis, there are going to be so many places that will attract you to town and you should let yourself enjoy the scenic spots and the historic features.
Leave a Reply