Arranging a trip to Annapolis, Maryland? Check out our curated list of the best things to do in Annapolis, Maryland and the best places to visit in Annapolis, Maryland, below. Wondrous Drifter is an ambitious Web 3.0 travel startup with the potential to revolutionize the market.
Table Of Content
- Annapolis Maritime Museum
- Annapolis Symphony Orchestra
- Baltimore & Annapolis Trail
- Banneker-Douglass Museum
- Ego Alley
- Fort Meade NSA Cryptologic Museum
- Hammond-Harwood House
- Helen Avalynne Tawes Garden
- Historic London Town and Gardens
- Hogshead
- Maryland World War II Memorial
- Quiet Waters Park
- Sandy Point State Park
- St. Anne Church
- The Chase Lloyd House
- The Kunta Kinte-Alex Haley Memorial
- The Maryland State House
- Thomas Point Shoal Lighthouse
- United States Naval Academy
- William Paca House and Garden
Annapolis Maritime Museum
The Annapolis Maritime Museum is one of the top attractions in Maryland.
Want to learn how to harvest fresh oysters?
At Annapolis Maritime Museum, you can learn the techniques and history relating to oysters!
Located on the banks of the Chesapeake Bay, the Annapolis Maritime Museum explores the region’s maritime heritage.
Oyster harvesting and working on a workboat are only two examples of activities visitors may learn about at the Museum.
Visitors to the Museum may know about and experience Annapolis’s present culture via sailing and boating, which are fundamental to the city’s history and culture.
In addition to artifacts and mementos, this Museum provides guests with a deeper understanding of maritime occurrences in the region.
Guests can engage with actual objects in the permanent exhibitions.
The Museum’s 850-gallon tank has an oyster environment and displays items and documentation regarding the area’s boat manufacturing and oyster industries.
The Oyster Wars Artillery is one of the most interesting things you’ll see at this Museum.
The Maryland State Oyster Police used it amid the Oyster Wars when smugglers threatened this precious asset.
Be sure to visit the Museum if you’re going this weekend!
Address: 723 Second Street, Annapolis, MD 21403, United States
Annapolis Symphony Orchestra
Romantic date with classical music?
Head over to the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra!
In Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts, the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra plays.
Thanks to the latest repairs, the theater holds almost 800 seats and has superb acoustics.
At the beginning of the 1960s, several neighborhood artists decided to form an orchestra and perform classical music together.
Annapolis Civic Orchestra has sixty years of musical heritage. It is the area’s largest performing arts institution, making it a great location for a romantic date night.
There are five and seven concerts annually, including a mix of traditional and more contemporary performers.
The orchestra, which has seventy experienced musicians, develops and plays orchestral music, enhancing the public’s understanding and enthusiasm for music.
Annapolis Symphony’s performances have a distinct advantage over those held at other locations because of the variety of their presentations.
This is the place to go if you’re looking for a place with your significant other!
Address: 801 Chase St Pro Shop, Annapolis, MD 21401, United States
Baltimore & Annapolis Trail
Get your heart rate up while exercising and admiring your surroundings on the B and A Trail!
One of the most popular trails, the Baltimore and Annapolis Trail, is a 13-mile concrete path that runs along the Baltimore and Annapolis Short Line Railway track.
The ancient rail route is an excellent place to get some exercise while also taking in the stunning scenery surrounding Baltimore and Annapolis.
You may have a great day riding your bike around town in Annapolis, Maryland.
As you wind your way through playgrounds, forests, and residential areas, you’ll be treated to spectacular vistas of waterways, flowers, and much more.
Make sure to keep an eye out for other riders and let them overtake you if they’re traveling faster than you.
The Planet Walk is a walking museum with exhibits on the sun and each of the planets in our solar system. All the planets are accurate to NASA’s specifications.
The route begins at Winchester Station House, a train station in Annapolis, Maryland.
The Sawmill Branch, a water energy source in the eighteenth century, may be found after about 14 miles of travel.
If you’re up for exercise, this trail is a must-visit!
Address: 51 W Earleigh Heights Rd, Severna Park, MD 21146
Considering a trip to Maryland? Check out our travel guides on Ocean City and Columbia. Pay attention to the engaging things to do in Ocean City, Maryland, and the best things to do in Columbia, Maryland, to make out the most of your trip!
Banneker-Douglass Museum
Immerse with African American history in The Banneker-Douglass Museum!
An 1875 church, the Banneker-Douglass Museum, has been preserved as a museum. In 1973, it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places as a significant architectural and cultural resource.
Frederick Douglass and Benjamin Banneker, 2 of Maryland’s most prominent African Americans, are the names of this Museum.
The Banneker-Douglass Museum is the authorized African American historical and cultural museum for the state of Maryland. It collects and shares information about African Americans’ past.
They provide exhibits and educational events to help people better comprehend and appreciate the city’s unique cultural variety.
Visitors may hear Frederick Douglass lecture, listen about Thurgood Marshall’s attempts to change the educational system, and examine relics such as Harriet Tubman’s prize postage.
Multiple exhibitions at the Museum include a range of subjects, from African artistry to the works of African-American creatives and a variety of other subjects.
It is one of the most affordable and rewarding things to do in the city. Be sure to stop by!
Address: 84 Franklin St, Annapolis, MD 21401, United States
Ego Alley
Fond of boats and cruises?
Then, Ego Alley should be at the top of your list of destinations!
Ego Alley is a tiny waterway that runs through the center of Annapolis and flows towards Spa Creek.
Due to the regular nighttime and weekend procession of high-priced boats, the river has been named “Ego Alley.” In any case, it’s a fun location to wander around on.
It’s a great idea to stop for lunch or dinner at one of the establishments in the historic quarter of Annapolis, MD, after a full day of sightseeing.
In addition to the mouthwatering meals, guests may enjoy watching the boats float by.
Admiring the numerous vessels gliding through the azure lake is a memorable part of every trip to the area.
Watching the Wednesday Night Races, which the Annapolis Yacht Club puts on across this watercourse, is an exceptional idea to do in Annapolis.
Take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city and have a meal at one of the waterfront eateries.
Address: Dock St, Annapolis, MD 21401, United States
Get a glimpse of the marvels of Maryland! Visit our ultimate travel guides on Gaithersburg and Baltimore. Check also the captivating things to do in Gaithersburg, Maryland, and the best things to do in Baltimore, Maryland!
Fort Meade NSA Cryptologic Museum
Want to learn how to decipher codes?
You can do just that in the National Cryptologic Museum!
At the National Security Agency’s National Cryptologic Museum, visitors may learn about the origins of cryptology.
The Museum is situated at the old Colony Seven Motel.
Since its opening on December 16, 1993, the Museum has welcomed over 45,000 visitors from all around the world.
By seeing this Museum, one of the city’s distinctive attractions, you may learn how codes that impacted the country’s past and the world’s future were generated.
It’s one of the several cryptologic institutions in the United States that is open to the public.
The Enigma machine used by the Nazis during World War II is one of the fascinating objects in the exhibit.
The study of cryptology is explained through exhibitions and presentations, and the background of cryptology and its importance in national security are also addressed.
There is a collection of unclassified intelligence agency materials within the Museum for genuinely interested individuals in digging into the subject.
Stop by the Museum if you’re interested in codes!
Address: 8290 Colony Seven Road, Annapolis Junction, Maryland
Hammond-Harwood House
If you love vintage architecture and history, you’ll love the Hammond-Harwood House!
Hammond-Harwood House is a colonial-style mansion in the middle of Annapolis converted into a museum.
A National Historic Landmark since 1960 and was erected in 1774.
William Buckland, one of the greatest Georgian architects of his era, built the mansion.
It’s a must-see for history buffs because it’s one of the last remaining colonial-era homes.
Visit the home’s interior to witness how it was furnished in the eighteenth century and get a sense of time travel.
You’ll notice the first level’s magnificent and meticulously crafted Rococo woodwork and arches when you go inside.
Peale’s work is prominently shown, notably on the walls adorned with beautiful paintings.
Visitors interested in medieval academic design should snap plenty of photos of the house’s facade.
Don’t forget to stop by the house if you’re visiting Maryland this weekend!
Address: 19 Maryland Ave, Annapolis, MD 21401, United States
Helen Avalynne Tawes Garden
You don’t have to be a huge fan of flowers to appreciate Helen Avalynne Tawes Garden’s beauty!
This garden, which honors Maryland’s first lady between 1959 to 1967, Mrs. J. Millard Tawes, is hidden amid various state offices.
Situated just opposite the Naval Marine Corps Stadium in Annapolis, this little open lawn is an accessible location.
If you’re looking for somewhere to take a break and reflect, this 5-acre length of nature is the place for you.
Western Maryland’s forests, a wetlands habitat, and the Eastern Shore Peninsula are included.
Additionally, the barrier-free garden has several attractive features, such as lakes, an elevated terrace, and several cultured florae.
You are free to wander the garden on your own. However, guided tours are highly recommended.
Most importantly, there are no fees!
Inside, you’ll find restaurants and gift stores. Make a point of snagging one while you’re here!
Address: 580 Taylor Ave, Annapolis, MD 21401, United States
Historic London Town and Gardens
Looking for a historical park that kids may enjoy?
Look no further!
In the Maryland town of Edgewater, just over the South River from Annapolis, lies the charming 23-acre national heritage park known as Historic London Town and Gardens (HLTG).
The lovely park protects buildings from 1760, preserving the region’s rich culture, history, and gardening.
There are dressed storytellers and a range of authentic and restored structures to recreate the town’s glory days in the eighteenth century.
At the visitor center, visitors may learn about the region’s history and wander the gardens independently or with the help of a guide.
The William Brown House, originally a bar but subsequently transformed into a guesthouse, is the most important structure inside this historical site.
A flower garden, a forest garden, and an audiovisual garden allow youngsters to engage with the environment at London Town’s public gardens, which are considered Maryland’s most beautiful.
Be sure to visit London Town for a fun and informative day!
Address: 839 Londontown Rd, Edgewater, MD 21037, United States
Hogshead
Experience the life of an Army back in the day in Hogshead!
Maryland began sheltering Army recruits in quick accommodations nicknamed hogsheads in Annapolis in April 1777.
The Hogshead, an eighteenth-century wood-frame house with a thatch roof, may be found in the center of Annapolis.
The walls and roofs have been changed, but most of the initial frame remains intact.
The flooring, divider panels, and decor on the second level are completely genuine. The basement was dug and discovered with a stone floor, a big fireplace, and a beehive furnace.
Hogshead is now an immersive exhibit and monument that transports guests back in time to the 17th century through a series of immersive experiences.
In addition to a trip to Hogshead, the Museum’s expert interpreters costumed in ancient garb are a great way to learn more about living during the War.
This historic accommodation is a must-visit for history buffs!
Address: 43 Pinkney Street, Annapolis, MD 21401, United States
Maryland World War II Memorial
Pay your respects as you admire the beautiful design of the memorial at the Maryland World War II Memorial!
In 1998, Secundino Fernandez, a New York-based architect, constructed this striking, contemporary memorial.
The monument’s center is a ring of almost 50 granite columns, each symbolizing one of the 48 states during World War II.
There are almost 6,000 Maryland troops who served and lost their lives in World War II listed on the Maryland World War II Veterans Memorial.
To further commemorate significant battlegrounds in both the East and West, two 14-foot-diameter globes have been placed.
Plaques commemorating wartime occurrences and achievements also line the walls.
During the Fourth of July celebrations, it’s a great place to see the fireworks.
Just going to see the monument is worth the journey. On the other hand, a guided tour is a great option if you want to understand it more.
Address: 1920 Governor Ritchie Hwy, Annapolis, MD 21409, United States
Quiet Waters Park
The Quiet Waters Park is one of the best things to do in Maryland.
Sick of all the noises around you? Find some peace in Quiet Waters Park!
This 340-acre park features almost six miles of pathways through woodlands and open areas for guests’ enjoyment.
Located along the South River and Harness Creek, Quiet Waters Park provides a wide variety of activities.
It features six miles of concrete paths for bicycling, jogging, or strolling, most of which connect to beautiful views.
Even your pet can have a great time! The dog beach and two separate fenced dog parks are available in the park.
It is possible to reserve the park’s Blue Heron Center, which has an inside space, for occasions such as weddings or other social gatherings.
For outdoor events, there are amenities in place as well.
The South River Overlook is available for rental if you’d like your event to have a view of the South River.
You might also want to check out the James Lighthizer Gazebo, which is located adjacent to a lovely pond.
Address: 600 Quiet Waters Park Rd, Annapolis, MD 21403, United States
Sandy Point State Park
Cool down with your family in Sandy Point State Park!
Chesapeake Bay’s western shore is home to Sandy Point State Park, a 786-acre state park. It was founded in 1948.
Angling, sailing, bathing, walking, cycling, and bird viewing are all available every day of the week at the park.
The mile-long sandy beach is a popular destination for families, with rescuers, a clubhouse, food kiosks, and beach products available for purchase.
The beach in the park is a great place to cool down. It’s a nice change of pace during the year’s hottest days.
You may simply lay down on the sand and soak up the sun.
Additional picnic spaces and a gazebo for bigger parties along the shore.
A dock with boat renting is also available as part of the park’s amenities.
Angling and crabbing are allowed on the park’s pier, and the marina store sells the necessary equipment and supplies.
Visit the park if you want to experience water activities in Maryland!
Address: 1100 E College Pkwy, Annapolis, MD 21409, United States
St. Anne Church
Attend a service or just appreciate the gorgeous design of St. Anne’s Church!
St. Anne’s Church is one of the oldest Episcopal churches, established in 1692.
Church Circle’s highlight is St. Anne’s Episcopal Church, which sits above a hilltop on the state’s major streets.
Originally constructed in 1704, it was demolished in 1772 to make room for an expanding population. It was reconstructed in the Roman Renaissance architecture in 1858 following a devastating fire.
In addition to the ancient silver sacrament service donated by King William in 1696 when construction on the cathedral was just beginning, other notable features of this Annapolis monument are the blue stained-glass windows and handmade kneelers.
The chapel has evolved into a place of worship with regular missions, ceremonies, and events for families and groups.
The church is open from 7 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. every week. There are no entry fees or fees for guided visits.
Don’t miss this out if you’re going to visit this weekend!
Address: 199 Duke of Gloucester, Annapolis, MD 21401
The Chase Lloyd House
Visit one of the oldest and most beautiful mansions in Annapolis, Maryland, the Chase Lloyd House!
Hester Chase Ridout inherited a mansion constructed in the 17th century by Samuel Chase and afterward held by Edward Lloyd IV.
Before she passed away, her will stipulated that the house would become an independent housing center for older ladies, and that’s exactly what it has become ever since.
National Historic Landmark status has never been an issue for the Chase Home, unlike most of Annapolis’s other heritage properties.
William Buckland was in charge of the project.
Intricate ornamental frames and ornate ceilings adorn the Chase Lloyd House.
Visitors aren’t allowed on the top levels. However, the ground floor and the surrounding grounds are available for viewing.
For years, the Chase Lloyd House has served as a lovely, comfortable home for elderly ladies to call their own.
Be sure to visit the mansion if you’re going to be in town this weekend!
Address: 22 Maryland Ave, Annapolis, MD 21401, United States
The Kunta Kinte-Alex Haley Memorial
Wondering how slavery happened in the past?
The Kunta Kinte-Alex Haley Memorial has all the answers!
The Kunta Kinte-Alex Haley Memorial may be found along Main and Compromise Streets in downtown Annapolis.
This plaque is one of the fascinating sights to see in Annapolis since it recalls an oppressed African’s exact name and location.
Alex Haley, a writer who specializes in African American culture and history, has written extensively on the subject of racism.
Roots, which won the Pulitzer Prize, was about slavery in the U.S. and told the narrative of a slave named Kunta Kinte who’d been taken from Western Africa and offered for sale into slavery.
The Sculpture Group, Compass Rose, and Story Wall make up the memorial’s 3 segments.
The sculpture features Haley reading aloud from a book about his ancestry to three youngsters, all of whom are of various ethnicities.
Compass Rose is a bronze globe measuring 14 feet in diameter.
There are 10 granite-covered monuments with bronze inscriptions on the walls of Compromise Street that form the Story Wall.
If you’re going to be in Maryland, visit the monument and learn the story of slavery!
Address: 135 Stepneys Lane, Edgewater, MD 21037, United States
The Maryland State House
Dive into Maryland’s history!
The Maryland State House is filled with significant history!
The Maryland State House, built in 1779, is rich in American history and heritage.
It is the earliest state capitol in the United States that is still operational for legislative functions.
The Maryland State House became a National Historic Landmark in 1960.
It was here, in 1783, that George Washington presented his letter of resignation from his position as Continental Army commander in chief.
The Treaty of Paris, which ended the Revolutionary War, was ratified here.
When entering the lobby, visitors will observe the renovated portion of the building, built from 1902 to 1906, with its magnificent marble pillars and panels.
The building’s stunning Georgian design is awe-inspiring. You may also stroll around the premises and see the various statues that are dispersed throughout.
A trip to the State House is a must for history buffs.
Address: 100 State Cir, Annapolis, MD 21401, United States
Thomas Point Shoal Lighthouse
Ever dreamt about visiting a lighthouse?
Make your dreams come true in Thomas Point Shoal Lighthouse!
Lighthouses like Thomas Point Shoal, completed in 1875 and the oldest of its type, are popular subjects for photographers.
When the Lighthouse turned 100 years old in 1975, it was added to the NRHP list.
When it was shut down in 1986, it was the last Chesapeake Bay lighthouse fully controlled.
The Lighthouse stands alone in the Chesapeake Bay and only in its initial place.
The Municipality of Annapolis now owns and operates the Lighthouse, which is now under the care of the Lighthouse Society, a U.S. agency that handles lighthouses.
Money donated to the Lighthouse is used only for its preservation.
The half-hour boat voyage to and from the Lighthouse requires considerable bodily work.
During a tour, people are taken back to the 18th century to learn where the Lighthouse came from and how the people who worked there did their jobs.
This experience should not be missed if you’re in town!
Address: 723 2nd St, Annapolis, MD 21403, United States
You’ve never really been to Maryland if you didn’t visit the U.S. Naval Academy.
In addition to Admiral John Paul Jones’ mausoleum, U.S. Naval Academy Museum, and the Midshipmen’s Noon Formation, several other notable features exist.
For more than 150 years, this institution has been a cornerstone of America’s military heritage.
Guides walk you through the grounds of this National Historic Site in small groups for 1 hour and 30 minutes each.
In addition to learning about the Navy’s athletic department, you can also visit its Athletic Hall of Fame, which contains notable alumni like Roger Staubach and David Robinson.
Bancroft Hall is a massive dormitory that accommodates about 4000 midshipmen. You will also see a monument of the legendary Indian warrior Tecumseh.
Pay a visit to the U.S. Naval Academy to better understand the significance of discipline and order in the Navy.
Address: 121 Blake Rd, Annapolis, MD 21402, United States
William Paca House and Garden
The William Paca House and Garden is one of the best places to visit in Maryland.
Mansions with gardens always hold a beautiful sight.
William Paca House and Garden are one of them!
William Paca constructed this Georgian mansion in the 1760s. It is now considered one of the nation’s best examples of the eighteenth century.
The house was transformed into a hotel in 1901, and it has become Annapolis’s best hotel for generations.
In 1970, the William Paca House and Garden were named a National Historic Landmark.
The Paca House was built in the city’s golden period and has undergone a lengthy restoration process that uses original art and artifacts found on the site.
Tourists can enjoy gardens and terraced flower beds as the Kitchen Garden supplies seasonal produce.
Stroll around this estate and its two acres of beautiful grounds.
The mansion is open to the public for tours, and also it is available for private events.
Be sure to tour around the mansion if you’re going to be in Maryland this weekend!
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Address: 186 Prince George St, Annapolis, MD 21401, United States
