Annapolis once served as the capital of the United States during the Revolutionary War.
Today, it's a town full of historic buildings that will take you back to that eventful period.
Annapolis also has one of the country’s best waterfronts. It’s the perfect place to sail,
look out onto the water, and eat delicious seafood. Whether you’re enjoying it by boat,
bike, or trolley, you’ll have plenty to see. Like and subscribe to ViewCation for more
on this historically significant town and all it has to offer. And keep watching to
learn about some of the best things to do in Annapolis, Maryland.
William Paca House This historic house is
dedicated to William Paca, one of Maryland's 4 signers of the Declaration of Independence
and the state's governor in the 1780s. His estate was built between 1763-1765
and has been restored to its original glory. It includes a mansion, summer house, and 2 acres of
formal gardens. Visit for a sense of what life was like during the American Revolution in Annapolis.
Maryland State House This equally historic building is the
oldest still-used statehouse in the United States. It also served as the capital from 1783-1784.
Important moments in history occurred here, including George Washington's resignation
as commander in chief of the Continental Army as well as the ratification of the treaty of Paris.
It may only take a few hours to visit, but it’s worth the time.
Annapolis Historic District This area is a designated
National Historic Landmark District and the best place to get a sense of the history of
the city. Make sure to take the Heart of Annapolis Tour where you’ll ride with an
expert on an electric cruiser. They’ll give you a chance to see the major sites
as well as lesser-known side streets and locations that you may otherwise miss.
Great Frogs Winery This old tobacco farm was turned into a winery
in 1999. The sandy soil was the perfect place for growing grapes. They're used to make over a dozen
white, rose, and red French Bordeaux varieties and blends. You can spend a weekend tasting wines,
cheese, and charcuterie. You can also picnic at the tobacco barn or walk amongst the vines.
Banneker-Douglass Museum This can’t-miss spot is named
after 2 major historical figures; scientist and writer Benjamin Banneker and abolitionist
Frederick Douglas. It sits inside the historic Mount Moriah African Methodist Episcopal Church
and serves as Maryland’s official museum of African-American history.
It’s small but has a range of educational exhibits on art, music, and history. It also celebrates
Maryland’s other notable African-American figures such as Harriet Tubman and Thurgood Marshall.
Waterfront Hotel
This ornate hotel is part of Marriot's Autograph Collection. The upstairs rooms provide views
of downtown Annapolis and Spa Creek. The Pussers Caribbean Grille downstairs adds
to the experience by giving you a chance to taste the food of the British Virgin Islands.
Eastport This community is directly across
from the Spa Creek Bridge. It was founded in 1998 and has developed its own identity since then;
it has its own flag and yacht club. It also hosts the Slaughter Across the Water every year,
and you can watch the Wednesday Night boat races at the Eastport’s Boatyard Bar and Grill.
You’ll also get great views of downtown and the Naval Academy.
City Dock This place is also known as Ego Alley.
It’s where the everyday visitor goes to watch pedestrians or see rich captains try to sail their
expensive boats through the narrow area. You can also enjoy an ice cream cone from Storm Bros. Ice
Cream Factory while you’re watching. Chick and Ruth’s Delly
If you're hungry for breakfast, visiting this location is one of the best things to
do in Annapolis. It opened in 1965 and has been a local favorite ever since. The food is delicious,
especially the crab and cheese omelet. The staff all assemble for the Pledge of Allegiance at 8:30
am on weekdays and 9:30 am on weekends. It's a long-standing tradition worth experiencing.
Annapolis Ice Cream Company There are a few better things to do in Annapolis
if you're screaming for ice cream than stopping by this shop. All 36 of its rotating flavors are
made fresh almost every day. They're so fresh and premium that they supposedly take hours to melt.
Boat Rides on the Chesapeake Bay The Chesapeake Bay is one of the most famous
waterways in the United States, and the best way to experience it is to get right out onto it on a
boat. 40 minutes on the Harbor Queen will take you around the harbor, past the Naval Academy,
and near the Chesapeake Bay Bridge. 2 hours on the Schooner Woodwind will take you on a search
for local lighthouses, and you may even get to be part of the crew. You can even rent an electric
boat that holds up to 11 passengers. Kunta Kinte-Alex Haley Memorial
This unique memorial celebrates Kunta Kinte, the inspiration of the novel and TV series Roots. It
includes a sculpture of Haley reading to children, 10 bronze plaques, and a 14-foot compass rose.
It's free to visit and open 24/7. United States Sailboat Show
If Ego Alley didn’t scratch your urge to stare at sailboats, go to the United States Sailboat
Show on the Annapolis Dock. You’ll see some of the best and brightest boats on the market,
and it’s an interesting sight whether you’re window shopping or going home with a new vessel.
Wednesday Night Sailboat Races Annapolis, the Sailing Capital of the World,
hosts over 100 yachts from April to August. Its Wednesday night races are a popular
attraction for locals and tourists. The best way to experience them is to sit on the deck
off either the Woodwind or the Woodwind II. Cheer them on to the first place.
US Naval Academy The Academy was founded in 1845.
During a 90-minute tour, you’ll see the Atheltic Hall of Fame, Bancroft Hall, Tecumseh statue,
Naval Academy Chapel, and crypt of John Paul Jones. You may also get a chance to see the
noon meal formation or hear a public performance by the Naval Academy Band or the Academy’s many
choral and instrumental ensembles. Annapolis Maritime Museum
The last oyster packing plant in Annapolis was transformed into this museum. It celebrates the
city’s history of boat building and its long-standing oyster industry.
It also features an over 850-gallon aquarium and one of the city’s only public beaches. You’ll see
a range of exhibits, such as the 1868 Oyster Wars Canon and oyster boats such as the Miss Lonesome.
Fort Meade NSA Cryptologic Museum This museum is only 20 minutes away from the
city's center and is the only one of its kind. It opened in 1993 and focuses on cryptology,
the art of creating and cracking codes. Taking a tour lets you see all it has to offer,
but inquisitive visitors can stop by the research library.
Ram Heads Tavern This spot has hosted
local musicians and comedians for over 20 years through its Rams Head on Stage program. Visit to
see the next great star before they make it big. You’ll also enjoy a top-notch dining experience;
the staff will deliver your food and drinks while you enjoy the show.
Like and subscribe to ViewCation for more on the best historic cities to visit and how they've
adapted to the changing times. Keep watching to learn about more of the best things to
do in Annapolis, including waterfront adventures, beautiful parks, historic buildings, and more.
Cantler’s Riverside Inn This site offers some of the
best seafood in the entire state of Maryland, and that's saying something. The tubs in the back are
full of crabs and fish fresh off the boat, and you can also walk the Crab and Oyster Trail.
Quiet Waters Park This park spans 340 acres with a 7-mile paved
path for bikers and joggers and formal gardens to trek through. It's the perfect park for art-lovers
with various sculptures and 2 art galleries. It also has a playground for children, a dog
park for your furry friends, and canoes and kayaks to rent if you want to get out on the water.
You may be able to catch outdoor concerts in the summer or skate on the ice rink in the winter.
Sandy Point State Park This park sits on the
banks of the Chesapeake Bay. It has a beach with a playground and lifeguard stations,
picnic areas, a pavilion, a bathhouse, and plenty of food.
You can rent a boat on the marina or explore the Eastern Flyway to see migratory birds. There's
also a nature center and interpretive center to learn about the local wildlife and plants.
Hammond-Harwood House This spot is also known as the jewel of
Annapolis. It’s named after William Buckland, an indentured servant who later became an architect
and began working on the house in the 18th century. He created it in the Anglo-Palladian
style. You can take a 50-minute guided tour or get an appointment for a 2-hour in-depth tour for $20.
St. Anne’s Church This historic church, completed in 1704,
was once the only chapel in Annapolis. It was torn down and expanded in 1775, but the Revolutionary
War kept it from being finished until 1792. It was destroyed by a fire in 1858, and the final
version, built in 1859, is still standing today. It’s an active Episcopal parish with stained glass
windows and gorgeous architecture. Trolley Tours
Taking a trolley tour is one of the best things to do in Annapolis because it lets you see so much of
the city in a single hour. You’ll see Victorian houses and colonial mansions, the Severn River,
and other attractions such as the Naval Academy. Annapolis, Maryland, is a historic city that
played a major part in the founding of the United States of America. It's also a beautiful area
with plenty of waterside views and natural beauty to enjoy.
Which is your favorite city in the state of Maryland? Let us know in the comments below.
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