With all of the things to do in Annapolis, deciding how to spend your time can be a daunting task. So let us help you out–here are our suggestions for the must-see, must-do attractions in Annapolis so you can spend less time planning, and more time seeing!
1. The State House
Your Annapolis checklist should include visits to the historic places in town, such as The State House. Built in 1779, this beautiful state house once served as the nation’s capital and is the oldest state house still in use today. When you finish touring the State House, take a walk and admire the many late eighteenth-century brick homes that line the streets down to the waterfront.
2. William Paca and Hammond-Harwood Houses
Don’t pass on a visit to the historic 1765 home and garden of William Paca. History majors may remember Paca as one of the 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence, but it’s the beautifully restored garden that attracts people today. Nearby is The Hammond-Harwood House with its breathtaking classic Georgian architecture.
3. Ballet Theatre of Maryland
For the more artsy tourist, the Ballet Theatre of Maryland is a must-see. As Maryland’s only professional ballet company, Ballet Theatre presents four major performances a year during their April- October season. Among the more well-known performances are Carmen, Beauty and the Beast, and The Nutcracker. Tickets for these performances can be found at http://tickets.marylandhall.org.
4. Schooner Woodwind
The summer months are a perfect time to experience sailing in Annapolis. Pack a lunch and board the Schooner Woodwind which departs daily from dockside at the Mariott Hotel. For the romantics out there, why not surprise your significant other with a unique “Boat and Breakfast†aboard the Schooner-Woodwind. Every Saturday night during the summer months couples will board the yacht in the evening just in time to see the sunset. Wake up and say ‘good morning, beautiful’ just in time for a Continental breakfast. Book your dates now for May-September at www.schoonerwoodwind.com.
5. Fourth of July Celebration
There are endless ways to spend your family summer vacation in Annapolis and there is no better time to go than early July. Annapolis celebrates the Fourth of July with a traditional parade, concert, and spectacular fireworks display on the waterfront starting at about 9:00 P.M.
6. Sandy Point State Park
Get back to nature at Sandy Point State park. Grab your hiking shoes, fishing pole, and bathing suit and enjoy the warm weather at this 786-acre state park. Hiking, crabbing, fishing, swimming, picnicking are just a few of the things you can do to fill your day. Be sure to pack a beach chair and enjoy the scenic view of the Bay Bridge.
7. City Dock
You can’t see Annapolis without making a visit to the historic city dock. The center of all things nautical, the City Dock is an ongoing fashion show of boats and yachts. This is one of the main attractions in Annapolis as visitors and locals alike grab a cup of coffee from Old City and watch the boaters saunter by.
8. The Seafood Cuisine
Annapolis is crab country so join the party and get ready to eat crabs so fresh they were alive just minutes before you ordered them. An Annapolis favorite is the Ram’s Head Tavern featuring famous crab cakes and cold beer, not to mention an outdoor music venue with musical acts almost every night of the year.
9. Historic Inns and Hotels
Experience the historic 18th century, but with the convenience of present-day, at one of the many newly renovated inns and hotels. These converted historic homes offer a feel for a different time in history (but you won’t be far from a fitness center and a Starbucks).
10. U.S. Naval Academy
Finally, a trip to Annapolis wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the US Naval Academy. Start your visit at the Armel-Leftwich Visitor Center, where you can watch a short film and see the actual Freedom 7 Space Capsule. Continue your visit with a walking tour of “the Yard†where you will walk from dock to dock and see the ships where our future sailors learn the ways of the water. On your way out stop by Bancroft Hall, the largest dormitory in the U.S.
By Rindi Cooper
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