Things to do in Annapolis

Activities, attractions and tours

Annapolis
Annapolis
Annapolis
U.S. Naval Academy featuring military items, heritage architecture and interior views
Annapolis as well as a couple
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Top places to visit

1. U.S. Naval Academy

The United States Naval Academy is a heritage-listed campus where officers for commission into the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Marine Corps have been trained and educated since 1845. The academy campus is deemed a National Historic Landmark and features several historically significant buildings as well as monuments dedicated to important events in naval history. Take a tour around the campus grounds and discover the academy’s rich history, beautiful architecture and state-of-the-art facilities.
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U.S. Naval Academy featuring military items, heritage architecture and interior views

2. Chesapeake Bay Bridge

The Chesapeake Bay Bridge, also known as the William Preston Lane Jr. Memorial Bridge, is an icon of the city. Brave the long drive across this magnificent engineering marvel, which measures over 4 miles (7 kilometers) in length and offers fantastic views of the bay for any lucky passengers who don’t have to concentrate on the road ahead.
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Chesapeake Bay Bridge

3. Sandy Point State Park

Sandy Point State Park is a much-loved recreational hotspot for residents of the Baltimore–Washington metropolitan area. Spend a day here picnicking, sunbathing and swimming at the beach and admiring striking views of Chesapeake Bay, the Chesapeake Bay Bridge and the Sandy Point Shoal Lighthouse, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
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Sandy Point State Park

4. Maryland State House

Maryland State House is a grand civic building with an intriguing heritage that dates back to the American Revolution. Still in regular use by the Maryland General Assembly, Maryland State House is the only state house to have been used as the national capitol. Admire the stunning architecture of the state house and discover the stories behind its elegant wooden dome and tall lightning rod.
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Maryland State House

5. Maryland Quiet Waters Park

Bordered by the South River and Harness Creek, Maryland Quiet Waters Park is a spacious public park and a favorite among locals and visitors. Enjoy the natural environment and take in stunning outlooks across the waterways in Quiet Waters Park. Explore a scenic network of bike and walking trails or take in the views from a canoe.
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Maryland Quiet Waters Park featuring signage and a garden

What to do in Annapolis

Popular places to visit

U.S. Naval Academy featuring military items, heritage architecture and interior views

U.S. Naval Academy

4.5/5(5 reviews)

See where future generations of Navy and Marine Corps officers are trained at this historic federal service academy within a former fort in Annapolis harbor.

U.S. Naval Academy
Chesapeake Bay Bridge

Chesapeake Bay Bridge

Attempt the nerve-racking drive across this long and notoriously scary bridge, which provides fabulous views of Chesapeake Bay for passengers.

Chesapeake Bay Bridge
Sandy Point State Park

Sandy Point State Park

Sunbathe on the beach, enjoy unrivaled views of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge and go hiking, swimming, fishing and boating in this vast park.

Sandy Point State Park
Maryland State House which includes heritage architecture and an administrative building

Maryland State House

Appreciate the superb architecture and fascinating history of America’s first peacetime capitol and the oldest state capitol still in legislative use.

Maryland State House
Maryland Quiet Waters Park showing a garden

Maryland Quiet Waters Park

Stroll along miles of trails through grassy parkland, hardwood forests and riverfront promenades and check out the visitor center at this pretty park.

Maryland Quiet Waters Park
William Paca House

William Paca House

Learn about the life and explore the historic home of 18th-century lawyer and signer of the Declaration of Independence, William Paca.

William Paca House
Kunta Kinte–Alex Haley Memorial

Kunta Kinte–Alex Haley Memorial

This moving memorial marks the spot where Kunta Kinte, the ancestor of author Alex Haley, was brought from Africa and sold into slavery.

Kunta Kinte–Alex Haley Memorial
Hammond-Harwood House

Hammond-Harwood House

Explore the well-preserved interior of this 18th-century residence, which features antique furniture, period décor and prized paintings by Charles Willson Peale.

Hammond-Harwood House

Anne Arundel Medical Center

If Anne Arundel Medical Center is what brings you to town, hopefully you'll have a chance to explore more of Parole.

Anne Arundel Medical Center

Areas of Annapolis

Beautiful troll downtown Annapolis... #Adventure

Historic District

While visiting Historic District, you might make a stop by sights like Maryland State House and William Paca House.

Historic District
Aerial view of colorful sailboat moorings and docks on Spa Creek, in historic downtown Annapolis Maryland on a fall day

Eastport

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

Eastport
Aerial Panoramic View Annapolis Maryland State House Capital City

Murray Hill

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

Murray Hill
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Cape Saint Claire

While visiting Cape Saint Claire, you might make a stop by sights like Northern Chesapeake Bay and Chesapeake Bay.

Cape Saint Claire
Beach chairs by Chesapeake Bay at Robert Morris Inn, Oxford, Maryland

Hillsmere

While visiting Hillsmere, you might make a stop by sights like Maryland Quiet Waters Park and Great Frogs Winery.

Hillsmere
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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
Their Majesties greeting a young visitor.

Crownsville

owns Park, Pasadena, Maryland

Pasadena

Frequently asked questions

Is Annapolis worth visiting?
One of the most common things to do in Annapolis is visit Annapolis City Dock. Check this major sight off your itinerary, then discover more of this area's watersports and history.
How do I spend a day in Annapolis?
After you've visited leading attractions like Annapolis City Dock and Sandy Point Beach, spend some time discovering Annapolis's retail and dining scene.
What is the top tourist attraction in Annapolis?
You can't go home without exploring Annapolis City Dock, rated the top tourist attraction in Annapolis.
Is three days enough to stay in Annapolis?
Three days will give you enough time to tick off popular city sights, such as Annapolis City Dock, Sandy Point Beach and London Town. The average stay in Annapolis is two days. If you have the urge to extend your getaway, Washington isn't far away.
Is Annapolis a walkable city?
Some major attractions in Annapolis, including Annapolis City Dock and Bay Ridge Beach, are within walking distance. You can also experience several of the city's popular neighbourhoods on foot. Just 5 kilometres from the city centre of Annapolis is Parole and Historic District is 0.16 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Annapolis with kids?
Whether you're holidaying with hard-to-please teens or tiny adventurers, a fun-filled itinerary takes your trip to the next level. Take a look at our ideas for what to do in Annapolis with kids.

What to do in Annapolis for adults?
Whether you're a culture enthusiast, avid foodie or outdoor explorer, there are lots of things to do in Annapolis for adults including 14 Fleet Street and U.S. Naval Academy.
Are there free things to do in Annapolis?
In Annapolis, Annapolis City Dock is a top spot for anyone looking to tour the city without reaching for their wallet. Also, wander around the local parks and neighbourhoods, and ask for ideas from a local tour guide. It's a simple way to explore the best free things to do in Annapolis.