Top 15 Things to Do in Annapolis

Annapolis is a dream destination for those interested in the history of the United States: it's one of the oldest cities in the country, and it served as its capital before Washington, D.C. One of the city's oldest sections is the appropriately named Annapolis Historic District. This part of the city retains much of its 18th-century architecture and street structure. Among the most notable landmarks and attractions are the Museum of Historic Annapolis, Sands House, Shiplap House, William Paca House & Garden, Chase-Lloyd House, and Hammond-Harwood House. You can learn more about the history of Annapolis and its many landmarks in our audio tour.

Specialization
History & Sightseeing

Perfect for
History buffs

One of the most fun things to do in Annapolis is exploring the seaside community of Eastport. Connected to the rest of the city by the Spa Creek Bridge, Eastport is a bustling district that has plenty to offer to its visitors. You can take in the beautiful sights from the waterfront, dine at one of the establishments at Restaurant Row, or witness the legendary Slaughter Across The Water, a tug-of-war on the Spa Creek Bridge. This maritime district is a noteworthy destination for any visitor to the city. It has a different, more relaxed vibe compared to the city's downtown. Overall, Eastport is one of the top things to see in Annapolis.

Specialization
Sightseeing & Entertainment

Perfect for
Everyone

One of the most notable historical landmarks in the city, the Kunta Kinte – Alex Haley Memorial, commemorates the impact and legacy of the transatlantic slave trade. Kunta Kinte is the protagonist of Haley's most famous novel, Roots: The Saga of an African Family. Alex Haley based his protagonist on one of his ancestors who was enslaved and brought to America. This monument has three key elements: the Compass Rose, the Story Wall, and the Sculpture Group. The Compass Rose is a large map, the Story Wall consists of a series of bronze plaques, and the Sculpture Group includes statues of Haley and several children listening to his stories.

Specialization
History

Perfect for
History buffs

Another prominent point of interest in Annapolis, the United States Naval Academy, was a part of the American military tradition since its establishment in 1845. It's the second oldest of the five United States service academies. During the visit to the academy, you can learn more about its history and the principles of the US Navy. Along the way, you will see exhibitions about uniforms, model ships, personal items, naval operations, and so on. Other places of interest on the academy's campus include Bancroft Hall, the statue of the Native American warrior Tecumseh, the crypt of John Paul Jones, and the Naval Academy Chapel. Take a self-guided audio tour to learn more about this Annapolis attraction.

Specialization
Naval History

Perfect for
History buffs

If you don't know what to do in Annapolis, check out the City Dock district. Also known as Ego Alley, this Annapolis attraction is a must-see destination for boat enthusiasts since this is where you can see plenty of boats and yachts of varying sizes. You can also get aboard the touring boat Harbor Queen or even get behind the wheel of the graceful Schooner Woodwind. If looking at boats isn't your preferred pastime, there are beautiful sights of the Chesapeake Bay, several excellent dining spots, and boutiques. City Dock is the site for many most prominent events in the city, like the Annapolis Spring Sailboat Show – the largest in-water boat show worldwide.

Specialization
Sightseeing, Entertainment, & Shopping

Perfect for
First-timers, boat lovers, families

Annapolis is a treasure trove of historic landmarks, and the William Paca House & Garden is one of the most prominent and noteworthy. As the name implies, this 18th-century Georgian mansion was once home of William Paca – one of the Founding Fathers and a signatory of the Declaration of Independence. Paca himself designed most of the building and lived there until 1780. Later, this mansion was converted into a hotel, and a second floor was added, but these changes were reversed in 1965. Nowadays, the house resembles its original form inside and outside. A two-acre walled garden surrounds the house and is a perfect haven from chaotic city life.

Specialization
History & Sightseeing

Perfect for
History buffs and architecture lovers

Another popular destination in Annapolis, the Maryland State House is the oldest U.S. state capitol, having been around since 1772. This landmark was the temporary capitol building of the nascent United States, and many important events in US history took place there. Among these events were the resignation of George Washington from the command of the Continental Army and the Treaty of Paris, which put a formal end to the American Revolutionary War. Aside from its impressive historical background, the Maryland State House has the distinction of having the largest wooden dome in the US constructed without nails. Our audio tour has even more information about this historic landmark.

Specialization
History

Perfect for
History buffs

If you're looking for a place to relax on a quiet afternoon or spend some quality time outdoors, Quiet Waters Park is a terrific option. Located between the South River and Harness Creek, this park has plenty to offer to any visitor: hiking trails, beautiful riverside vistas, several outdoor pavilions for rent, and a children's playground. Other points of interest in Quiet Waters Park include Tepee Campground, Ski Rixen USA water cable facility, Splash Adventure water park, and mountain bike trails. In winter, you can also enjoy an ice rink. Additionally, the park is home to many concerts throughout the year.

Specialization
Relaxation & Sightseeing

Perfect for
Families with children and couples

Visiting our next entry on the list may require a bit more planning, but it's one of the best things to do in Annapolis, especially for music lovers. This orchestra performs less than ten shows throughout the year, so you need to plan your trip to Annapolis with that in mind. The Annapolis Symphony Orchestra has been a staple of the local art and entertainment scene for more than 60 years. Before each show, there is a 45-minute-long discussion. It gives you a better understanding of the show you're about to see and lets you appreciate the work that went into making it so much more. The orchestra performs at Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts, a magnificent venue for all types of art.

Specialization
Art & Entertainment

Perfect for
Music lovers

Another popular spot for a fun weekend outdoors is Sandy Point State Park. Spread along the northwestern shore of Chesapeake Bay, this park has it all: breathtaking views of the bay, sandy beaches, many trails, boat rentals, and picnic spaces. You can spend the day at Sandy Point State Park swimming, hiking, fishing, boating, and sightseeing. You can stay fishing in the park after closing, but everybody needs to fish actively; swimming at night is prohibited. This park is a must-visit attraction in Annapolis, and you will not regret spending a day or two exploring it.

Specialization
Relaxation & Sightseeing

Perfect for
Everyone, especially outdoorsy people

Located within a former Mount Moriah African Methodist Episcopal Church, the Banneker-Douglass Museum is the official museum on African American history and culture in Maryland. This museum shares its name with two prominent African American figures from Maryland: Benjamin Banneker, a scientist, writer, and anti-slavery activist, and Frederick Douglass, one of the most famous anti-slavery activists. In this museum, you can learn more about the history of the African American community in Maryland, its culture, art, and life. An audio tour will be a great companion to explore this Annapolis museum.

Specialization
African American History

Perfect for
History buffs

Our next entry on this list will take half an hour of travel by boat from the dock behind the Annapolis Maritime Museum, but it's worth the trip. The Thomas Point Shoal Lighthouse is one of the most recognizable lighthouses in the US and one of the most photographed. The current structure started operating in 1875; since then, it has earned National Historic Landmark status. During your tour of this lighthouse, you will learn more about the life of a lighthouse keeper, the history of using lights for navigation, and, of course, the history of this lighthouse. Visiting this attraction is a physically demanding activity, so plan accordingly.

Specialization
History, Architecture, Sightseeing

Perfect for
Naval history buffs

If you like ice cream, our next entry on the list is for you! The Annapolis Ice Cream Company is the best ice cream shop in the entire city. Two New England natives founded this company because they missed homemade ice cream from their home, and there was no business of this sort in Annapolis. There is an impressive roster of 36 rotating flavors on offer at the Annapolis Ice Cream Company, so even the most discerning ice cream enjoyers will find something they'll like. It's the perfect stop on a hot summer day and a dream destination for anyone who loves ice cream.

Specialization
Restaurant

Perfect for
Anyone who loves ice cream

Housed within a building on 99 Main Street, the Museum of Historic Annapolis is a perfect place to start your exploration of the city's history. The building underwent many renovations and revisions; it was a bakehouse and several different shops before being refurbished and turned into a museum. This museum hosts several exhibitions dedicated to the history of Annapolis. The main display, Annapolis: An American Story, focuses on the impact of various residents of Annapolis on the history of the United States. You can explore this museum with the help of our informative audio tour about Annapolis and its history.

Specialization
History

Perfect for
History buffs

Located in Church Circle, St. Anne's Church bears the distinction of being the first church in Annapolis. Founded in 1692, this church served as the parish church for the Middle Neck Parish. The church building construction took longer than expected and was finished only sometime in 1700. This building survived for less than a hundred years; it was razed in 1775. The second church on the same site operated from 1792 to 1858 when a furnace fire destroyed its interior. The third (and current) church was built in 1858 and retained a portion of the old tower from the second tower. This church in the Romanesque Revival style is still active today and continues to perform services.

Specialization
History & Architecture

Perfect for
Serious bookworms