Top 10 Things to Do in Annapolis
Annapolis is compact enough that many of its historic downtown attractions can be explored on foot, while waterfront and outdoor experiences provide a change of pace. The city centers around the Historic District, State Circle, Main Street and City Dock, making it practical to group several attractions together during the same outing.
Visit the Maryland State House
Why go: The Maryland State House anchors State Circle and is one of Annapolis's most important historic buildings.
What to expect: The building dates to the 18th century and is the oldest state capitol in continuous legislative use in the United States. It also served as the nation's capitol from 1783 to 1784.
Recommended time: 45–90 minutes.
Best for: History lovers, architecture enthusiasts and travelers interested in early American history.
Best time: Pair it with a morning or afternoon walk through the Historic District.
Practical tip: Visitor access and entry requirements can change, so check current information before your visit.
Walk the Historic Annapolis District
Why go: Annapolis's historic core is one of the city's biggest attractions, with brick sidewalks, colonial-era architecture, churches, civic buildings and narrow streets leading toward the waterfront.
What to expect: A walking route can connect City Dock, Main Street, Church Circle, State Circle and the surrounding historic streets. Self-guided and guided walking options are available.
Recommended time: 2–3 hours.
Best for: First-time visitors, photographers, history travelers and architecture fans.
Best time: Late morning through afternoon, with another walk around the waterfront near sunset.
Practical tip: Wear comfortable shoes because the historic area includes brick sidewalks, slopes and pedestrian streets.
Explore City Dock and Ego Alley
Why go: City Dock is the historic heart of Annapolis and one of the city's most recognizable waterfront areas.
What to expect: Walk along the harbor, watch boats move through the basin known as Ego Alley, browse nearby shops and galleries, or stop at a waterfront restaurant.
Recommended time: 1–2 hours, or longer if you stay for a meal or waterfront cruise.
Best for: Couples, families, photographers, boat watchers and casual sightseeing.
Best time: Afternoon into evening when the waterfront becomes especially lively.
Practical tip: City Dock is a good starting point for exploring downtown on foot.
Visit William Paca House & Garden
Why go: The William Paca House offers a closer look at Annapolis's colonial architecture and the lifestyle of an 18th-century Maryland resident.
What to expect: The historic house is paired with a formal garden and provides a quieter experience away from the busier waterfront.
Recommended time: 1–1.5 hours.
Best for: History travelers, garden lovers and architecture enthusiasts.
Best time: Spring through fall for the garden experience, while the historic house can be part of a year-round itinerary depending on current programming.
Practical tip: Check current tour schedules and admission information before visiting.
Explore the Banneker-Douglass-Tubman Museum
Why go: The museum provides an important perspective on African American history and heritage in Maryland.
What to expect: Exhibitions and educational programming explore African American experiences, communities, achievements and contributions to Maryland's history.
Recommended time: 1–2 hours.
Best for: History travelers, families with older children and visitors looking for cultural context beyond Annapolis's colonial landmarks.
Best time: Midday, especially when building a history-focused downtown itinerary.
Practical tip: Check current exhibitions, hours and programming before your visit.
Discover the Annapolis Maritime Museum & Park
Why go: The museum focuses on Annapolis's Chesapeake Bay environment and maritime heritage, providing a different perspective from the historic attractions downtown.
What to expect: Exhibits, waterfront views, docks and outdoor spaces highlight the area's relationship with the Bay and its maritime traditions.
Recommended time: 1–2 hours.
Best for: Families, maritime enthusiasts, photographers and travelers interested in the Chesapeake Bay.
Best time: Spring through fall when you can combine the museum with more time outdoors.
Practical tip: The museum is in Eastport rather than the central Historic District, so plan transportation accordingly.
Take a Sailing or Chesapeake Bay Cruise
Why go: Annapolis's location on the Chesapeake Bay and Severn River makes time on the water a natural part of a visit.
What to expect: Depending on the season and schedule, visitors can choose sightseeing cruises, sailing excursions, harbor tours or other boating experiences.
Recommended time: 1.5–3 hours.
Best for: Couples, families, photographers and visitors who want a different view of Annapolis.
Best time: Late spring through early fall generally offers the widest range of outdoor boating experiences.
Practical tip: Water-based activities are seasonal and weather-dependent. Check the operator's current schedule before booking.
Explore Eastport
Why go: Eastport provides a more neighborhood-oriented side of Annapolis, with a strong connection to boating, waterfront businesses and local dining.
What to expect: Explore the waterfront, restaurants, small businesses and maritime atmosphere around the neighborhood east of downtown.
Recommended time: 1.5–3 hours.
Best for: Food travelers, couples, boat enthusiasts and repeat Annapolis visitors.
Best time: Afternoon into evening, particularly when combining sightseeing with dinner.
Practical tip: Eastport is separated from central Annapolis by Spa Creek, so allow additional time when walking between areas.
Spend Time at Quiet Waters Park
Why go: Quiet Waters Park offers a green-space break from the historic downtown and provides trails, waterfront scenery and outdoor recreation.
What to expect: The park includes walking trails, gardens, scenic waterfront areas and space for outdoor activities along South River.
Recommended time: 1.5–3 hours.
Best for: Families, walkers, photographers and travelers looking for an outdoor portion of their Annapolis itinerary.
Best time: Spring through fall for outdoor recreation and gardens.
Practical tip: Check current park hours, admission information and seasonal programming before visiting.
Planning a Maryland Trip?
Explore Maryland's cities, Chesapeake Bay destinations, historic communities, scenic parks, waterfront attractions and more to build your own itinerary.
Explore Maryland GuidesHow Many Days Do You Need in Annapolis?
A one-day visit can cover the central Historic District, Maryland State House, U.S. Naval Academy and City Dock. Two days allow more time for museums, waterfront activities and Eastport. Three days provide room for a slower pace and an outdoor attraction such as Quiet Waters Park.
- 1 day: Focus on the Historic District, State House, Naval Academy and City Dock.
- 2 days: Add a museum, waterfront cruise and Eastport.
- 3 days: Add Quiet Waters Park and allow more time for sailing, shopping and dining.
- 4–5 days: Use Annapolis as a base for additional Chesapeake Bay and Anne Arundel County experiences.
Annapolis One-Day Itinerary
Morning: Begin in the Historic District with a walk toward State Circle and a visit to the Maryland State House. Continue toward the U.S. Naval Academy.
Afternoon: Walk back through downtown toward Main Street and City Dock. Explore the waterfront and stop for lunch or a snack.
Evening: Spend time around City Dock or cross toward Eastport for dinner and waterfront views.
Annapolis Two-Day Itinerary
Day 1 — Historic Annapolis
Explore the Maryland State House, State Circle, Historic District, William Paca House and Main Street. Finish the afternoon at City Dock and Ego Alley.
Day 2 — Naval & Maritime Annapolis
Start at the U.S. Naval Academy, then visit the Annapolis Maritime Museum & Park. Spend the afternoon around Eastport and consider adding a Chesapeake Bay sailing or sightseeing cruise.
Annapolis Three-Day Itinerary
Day 1 — Historic District & City Dock
Walk the historic streets, visit the Maryland State House, explore Main Street and finish at City Dock.
Day 2 — Naval Academy & Chesapeake Bay
Tour the U.S. Naval Academy, explore the waterfront and spend part of the afternoon on a sailing or sightseeing cruise.
Day 3 — Museums, Eastport & Outdoors
Visit the Banneker-Douglass-Tubman Museum or Annapolis Maritime Museum & Park, explore Eastport and finish the trip with outdoor time at Quiet Waters Park.
Best Time to Visit Annapolis
Annapolis can be visited throughout the year, but the experience changes considerably by season. Spring and fall are useful seasons for combining walking, historic sightseeing and outdoor activities. Summer brings warmer weather and a strong focus on boating and waterfront activities, while winter provides a quieter setting for museums, historic sites and restaurants.
- Spring: Comfortable conditions for walking and gardens, with the waterfront becoming increasingly active.
- Summer: A natural season for sailing, cruises, waterfront dining and outdoor activities.
- Fall: Good conditions for walking tours, architecture, museums and waterfront sightseeing.
- Winter: A quieter option for historic attractions, museums, restaurants and indoor activities.
Event schedules, attraction hours and seasonal programming can change. Check current visitor information before planning around a specific event or attraction.
How to Get Around Annapolis
The central Historic District is compact and well suited to walking. Main Street, State Circle, Church Circle, the Maryland State House, City Dock and many historic attractions can be combined into a single walking day.
Annapolis also operates local public transportation, including fixed bus routes and downtown shuttle service. Rideshare services and bicycles can be useful for reaching areas outside the central historic core.
A car becomes more useful if your itinerary includes attractions outside downtown, parks, or additional Anne Arundel County destinations.
Parking and Driving in Annapolis
Downtown Annapolis has a mixture of garages, municipal parking and street parking. During busy periods, particularly weekends and major events, parking near City Dock and the Historic District can become more competitive.
- Consider a garage when spending several hours downtown.
- Read street signs carefully because parking rules vary by location.
- Historic streets can be narrow and busy, so allow extra time when driving downtown.
- Avoid leaving valuables visible inside a parked vehicle.
- If staying in the central district, consider leaving the car parked and exploring on foot.
- Use a car when visiting attractions and parks that are farther from downtown.
Where to Stay in Annapolis
- Historic District / Downtown: Convenient for visitors who want to walk to the State House, Main Street, City Dock, restaurants and historic attractions.
- City Dock: A waterfront-oriented option for travelers who want restaurants, harbor views and easy access to the center of downtown.
- Eastport: Suitable for travelers interested in a neighborhood atmosphere, waterfront dining and Annapolis's maritime character.
- West Annapolis: A residential and local-oriented area that can work for travelers who prefer to stay outside the busiest downtown core.
- Parole: A practical area for travelers who prefer access to shopping, major roads and a wider selection of conventional hotel options.
Free and Budget-Friendly Things to Do in Annapolis
Annapolis offers several ways to experience the city without building an itinerary entirely around admission-based attractions.
- Walk the Historic District and admire the colonial-era streetscape.
- Explore State Circle and the area surrounding the Maryland State House.
- Walk along City Dock and watch boats around Ego Alley.
- Explore Main Street's shops, architecture and waterfront approach.
- Visit public areas around the Annapolis waterfront.
- Walk through Eastport and explore its waterfront atmosphere.
- Look for public art and historic markers throughout downtown.
- Enjoy waterfront views without booking a cruise.
- Combine a self-guided historic walk with public outdoor spaces.
- Check individual museums and historic properties for free days or free-access programming.
Attraction admission policies and free-access opportunities can change, so verify current details before visiting.
Annapolis Itinerary Planning by Traveler Type
First-Time Visitors
Start with the Historic District, Maryland State House, U.S. Naval Academy and City Dock. These areas provide a useful introduction to Annapolis's history, architecture and waterfront identity.
Families with Kids
Consider combining the Naval Academy, waterfront sightseeing, a boat experience and outdoor time at Quiet Waters Park. Adjust the itinerary around children's ages and current attraction programming.
Couples
A walk through the Historic District followed by City Dock, a Chesapeake Bay cruise and waterfront dining creates a relaxed way to experience the city.
Solo Travelers
Annapolis works well for travelers who enjoy walking, museums, historic architecture, waterfront photography and flexible sightseeing. The compact downtown core makes it easy to organize a day without constantly driving between attractions.
Frequently Asked Questions About Annapolis
What is Annapolis best known for?
Annapolis is Maryland's capital and is known for its colonial-era historic district, Chesapeake Bay waterfront, U.S. Naval Academy, maritime heritage and sailing culture.
What should I not miss in Annapolis?
A first visit can include the U.S. Naval Academy, Maryland State House, Historic District, City Dock and a Chesapeake Bay or harbor experience.
Is Annapolis good for a weekend trip?
Yes. A weekend can provide enough time to combine historic sightseeing, museums, waterfront activities, dining and one or more outdoor experiences.
What are the best things to do in Annapolis with kids?
Families can consider the U.S. Naval Academy, waterfront sightseeing, boat excursions, the Annapolis Maritime Museum & Park and outdoor recreation at Quiet Waters Park.
How many days do you need in Annapolis?
One day can cover many of the central highlights. Two days allow additional museums and waterfront activities, while three days provide more time for outdoor attractions and a slower pace.
What can you do in Annapolis for free?
Walking the Historic District, exploring State Circle, strolling around City Dock and enjoying public waterfront areas are examples of activities that can be done without an attraction admission fee.
Do you need a car in Annapolis?
You can explore much of central Annapolis on foot, and local transit is available. A car becomes more useful when visiting parks and attractions outside the central downtown area.
What is the best area to stay in Annapolis?
Downtown and the Historic District are convenient for travelers who want to walk to major historic attractions and City Dock. Eastport offers a more neighborhood-oriented waterfront experience, while areas such as Parole can be practical for travelers prioritizing road access and shopping.