Free Annapolis Travel Guide & Mobile App

Plan your Annapolis trip with Evendo. Get free guides to top attractions, restaurants, hotels, and bars. Web access or download the mobile app.

Download on the App Store Get it on Google Play Download the Free PDF guide
Annapolis
Annapolis photo 2
Annapolis photo 3
All photos

Annapolis, Maryland, pairs Chesapeake Bay sailing with colonial streets, the Maryland State House, naval heritage, seafood dining and waterfront culture.

Colonial Streets and Chesapeake Shores

Annapolis, the capital of Maryland, occupies a compact peninsula where the Severn River meets Chesapeake Bay. Its historic centre is defined by narrow, sloping streets, brick pavements, eighteenth-century houses and views towards the harbour, creating a city that is easy to explore on foot. The waterfront district around City Dock remains the urban focus, with pleasure craft, working vessels and sailing activity gathered beside cafés, galleries and public promenades. Above it, the Maryland State House crowns a landscape shaped by early American politics and maritime commerce.
Read more about Annapolis

Naval Tradition and Living History

The United States Naval Academy gives Annapolis an enduring connection with the US Navy, while nearby institutions such as the Annapolis Maritime Museum explain the wider influence of shipbuilding, fishing and oyster harvesting on the Chesapeake region. The Historic District contains some of Maryland's finest surviving colonial architecture, including the William Paca House and Garden and the Hammond-Harwood House. Beyond the centre, Eastport offers a more relaxed waterfront character, and West Street brings independent restaurants, galleries and evening venues into the city's historic fabric. Seasonal sailing, waterside walks and local seafood add a distinctly Chesapeake dimension to the capital's cultural life.

When is the best time to visit Annapolis?

Best: May–June, September · 24–28°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January770
February865
March1385
April1985
May (best)2495
June (best)2896
July31110
August30106
September (best)2695
October1985
November1380
December975

Getting to and around Annapolis

How to get there

Annapolis is served primarily by road, with US Route 50 and US Route 301 providing the principal approaches from Washington, DC, Baltimore and Maryland's Eastern Shore. Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport is the nearest major commercial airport, roughly 30 miles north-west of the city, while Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport and Washington Dulles International Airport are farther away. Amtrak trains stop at BWI Rail Station, from where onward road transport is needed, and intercity buses connect the region. Annapolis has no passenger railway station in the city centre, so visitors arriving by train generally complete the journey by bus, taxi or hired car.

Transportation

The Historic District, City Dock and much of the waterfront are best explored on foot, although the city's hilly streets and brick pavements call for comfortable footwear. Annapolis Transit operates local bus services linking central areas with surrounding communities, and taxis and app-based car services are available. Parking in and around the historic centre can be limited, particularly during busy weekends and major events, so visitors should check current municipal arrangements before driving into the core. Water taxis and harbour excursions may operate seasonally or according to demand, but schedules and service areas should be confirmed locally.

Best attractions in Annapolis

Annapolis rewards slow exploration, beginning at City Dock, where the harbour opens towards the Severn River and historic streets rise behind the waterfront. The Maryland State House combines active government with foundational American history, while the United States Naval Academy introduces visitors to naval education, ceremonial architecture and river views through permitted tours and public areas. In the Historic District, the William Paca House and Garden and the Hammond-Harwood House reveal the domestic world of eighteenth-century Maryland through preserved interiors and gardens. The Banneker-Douglass Museum extends the story into African American history and culture, and the Annapolis Maritime Museum in Eastport examines oyster work, boatbuilding and life around the bay. Parks, harbour cruises and seasonal sailing offer a more open-air understanding of the Chesapeake setting, while nearby Quiet Waters Park provides trails and waterfront landscapes beyond the tightly built centre.

Show more attractions

Best landmarks in Annapolis

The Maryland State House is Annapolis's defining civic landmark: completed in 1779, its wooden dome is one of the oldest surviving state capitol domes in the United States, and the building is associated with George Washington's resignation and the Continental Congress. The United States Naval Academy forms another major architectural presence, with Beaux-Arts buildings, ceremonial spaces and a waterfront setting that express the institution's national role. In the Historic District, St Anne's Church anchors Church Circle, while the William Paca House, Hammond-Harwood House and Chase-Lloyd House preserve the scale and craftsmanship of colonial Annapolis. The Kunta Kinte-Alex Haley Memorial at City Dock commemorates the African origins and forced migration of Kunta Kinte, whose story was recorded in Alex Haley's family history. Together, these landmarks reveal political, religious, domestic, military and African American dimensions of the city's past.

Show more landmarks

Explore Annapolis on the map

Plan your Annapolis trip on one map. See where the top attractions, landmarks, restaurants, bars and hotels are, find what's near where you're staying, and book hotels and experiences in a few clicks.

Best restaurants in Annapolis

Annapolis dining is inseparable from the Chesapeake, with Maryland blue crab, crab cakes, oysters, rockfish and other seafood appearing in both traditional and contemporary kitchens. Crab houses and waterfront restaurants often foreground steamed seafood and Old Bay seasoning, while the city's broader scene includes casual cafés, bakeries, international cooking and polished dining along West Street, Main Street, City Dock and Eastport. The historic centre's restaurants make use of converted eighteenth- and nineteenth-century buildings, creating a varied setting from intimate rooms to harbour-facing terraces. Chesapeake ingredients, seasonal produce and regional shellfish remain central, but the city is not limited to seafood: visitors will also find taverns, pizzerias, vegetarian choices and modern American menus. Drinks frequently include Maryland craft beer and regional spirits, while local oyster and crab traditions connect meals with the working waterfront explored in the city's maritime museums.

Show more restaurants

Best bars in Annapolis

Annapolis has a social evening scene rather than a large-scale club culture. City Dock and Main Street gather historic pubs, sports bars and waterfront drinking spots, while West Street is associated with live music, cocktail bars and a younger late-evening crowd. Eastport offers neighbourhood bars and restaurants with a more local, maritime atmosphere across Spa Creek. Music ranges from touring bands and acoustic sets to performances hosted by established venues such as Rams Head On Stage, while theatre, comedy and cultural programming provide alternatives to bar-hopping. The United States Naval Academy also shapes the city's evening rhythm, with formal ceremonies and military traditions adding a distinctive dimension at certain times of year. Visitors should carry valid identification, remember that alcohol laws are enforced, and expect the atmosphere to become quieter away from the central waterfront and West Street.

Show more bars

Best nightclubs in Annapolis

Annapolis has a social evening scene rather than a large-scale club culture. City Dock and Main Street gather historic pubs, sports bars and waterfront drinking spots, while West Street is associated with live music, cocktail bars and a younger late-evening crowd. Eastport offers neighbourhood bars and restaurants with a more local, maritime atmosphere across Spa Creek. Music ranges from touring bands and acoustic sets to performances hosted by established venues such as Rams Head On Stage, while theatre, comedy and cultural programming provide alternatives to bar-hopping. The United States Naval Academy also shapes the city's evening rhythm, with formal ceremonies and military traditions adding a distinctive dimension at certain times of year. Visitors should carry valid identification, remember that alcohol laws are enforced, and expect the atmosphere to become quieter away from the central waterfront and West Street.

Show more nightclubs

Best shops in Annapolis

Shopping in Annapolis centres on the Historic District, where Main Street, Maryland Avenue and West Street combine independent boutiques, galleries, jewellers, bookshops and gift retailers with restaurants in historic buildings. City Dock adds maritime-themed shops and Chesapeake souvenirs, while Eastport has a smaller collection of independent businesses and arts-oriented retailers. Visitors commonly look for Maryland food products, crab-themed goods, nautical objects, locally made jewellery, artwork and regional craft beverages, although quality and provenance vary between shops. The Annapolis Maritime Museum and other cultural institutions offer more interpretive souvenirs than the typical waterfront retail outlets. For a broader modern shopping environment, Westfield Annapolis lies outside the historic core and is a large suburban shopping centre with national chains. The contrast between preserved streets, artisan-oriented shops and contemporary retail reflects the different layers of daily life in the Maryland capital.

Show more shops

Get your free copy of our complete guide to Annapolis, delivered straight to you.

Everything on this page, from attractions and restaurants to essentials and local phrases, in one PDF you can read offline, print or share.

Already have an account? Sign in

By clicking Create account, you accept the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

Annapolis essentials

Currency and Payment
The currency is the United States dollar (USD). Credit and debit cards are widely used in hotels, restaurants, museums, shops and transport-related businesses, and contactless payment is increasingly common, though smaller vendors and some market stalls may still prefer a physical card or cash. ATMs are available in central Annapolis and commercial districts. International visitors should notify their card provider before travelling, check foreign transaction charges and choose to pay in US dollars rather than accepting an unfamiliar dynamic currency conversion when offered.
Safety
Annapolis is a well-established state capital and visitor destination, but ordinary urban precautions remain appropriate. Keep valuables secure in crowded areas around City Dock, on public transport and during festivals, and avoid leaving belongings visible in parked cars. Historic streets are generally walkable, yet traffic, bicycles, steep pavements and uneven bricks require attention, especially after dark or in poor weather. Water-related activities demand proper equipment and awareness of changing conditions on Chesapeake Bay. Visitors exploring quieter waterfront areas at night should stay on well-used routes and travel with companions where practical.
Emergency Situations
Dial 911 in the United States for police, fire and urgent medical assistance; the operator can direct the call to the appropriate service. Give a precise address or visible landmark, particularly when calling from a waterfront, park or large campus. Annapolis Emergency Medical Services provides local response, while Anne Arundel Medical Center in Annapolis is a principal local hospital for emergency healthcare. Travellers should carry travel insurance details, identification and relevant medical information, and should use urgent-care or routine medical services rather than emergency departments for non-life-threatening conditions.
Do's and Don'ts
Do respect security procedures and identification requirements when visiting the United States Naval Academy, and follow guidance at historic houses, museums and religious buildings. Do treat the waterfront as a working maritime environment: keep clear of restricted docks, observe boating instructions and avoid climbing on vessels or harbour structures. Tipping is customary in restaurants, bars, taxis and for many personal services, with the expected amount depending on the quality of service and the type of business. Do not assume that every crab-picking or seafood tradition is informal; follow staff guidance and dispose of shells and waste properly.
Local Tips
The most rewarding orientation walk links City Dock, the Maryland State House, Church Circle, the United States Naval Academy area and the residential streets of the Historic District. Eastport, reached across Spa Creek, offers a different waterfront atmosphere and useful views back towards the city. West Street is a good area for galleries, restaurants and evening activity, while the Annapolis Maritime Museum provides context for the local working-waterfront tradition. Sailing and boat tours are strongly seasonal, so weather and wind can shape the day's options; allow flexibility rather than relying on a fixed waterfront timetable.
Eve, your Evendo local guide

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
HelloHowdy[haw-dee]
GoodbyeSee ya[see yah]
YesYeah[yeh]
NoNah[nah]
Please/You're welcomePlease[pleez]
Thank youThanks[th-anks]
Excuse me/SorryPardon me[par-dun me]
How are you?How ya doin'?[how yah doo-in]
Fine. And you?Good. You?[gud yoo]
Do you speak English?Ya speak English?[yah speak ing-lish]
I don't understandI'm lost[im lost]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseCan I check the menu?[kan eye chek the men-yoo]
I don't eat meatI'm a veggie[im uh ved-jee]
Cheers!Cheers![cheers]
I would like to pay, pleaseCheck, please[chek pleez]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!Help![help]
Go away!Get outta here![get out-uh here]
Call the Police!Call the cops![call the cops]
Call a doctor!Get a doc![get uh doc]
I'm lostI'm lost[im lost]
I'm illI'm sick[im sik]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...I wanna get...[eye wanna get]
I'm just lookingJust browsing[just brows-ing]
How much is it?How much?[how much]
That's too expensiveThat's pricey[thats pr-eye-see]
Can you lower the price?Can you do a deal?[kan yoo doo uh deel]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?What's the time?[whats the time]
It's one o'clockIt's one[its one]
Half past (10)Half ten[haff ten]
MorningMornin'[mor-nin]
AfternoonAfternoon[after-noon]
EveningEvenin'[even-in]
YesterdayYesterdee[yess-ter-dee]
TodayToday[to-day]
TomorrowTomorra[tom-or-rah]
1One[wun]
2Two[too]
3Three[three]
4Four[four]
5Five[five]
6Six[six]
7Seven[sev-en]
8Eight[ate]
9Nine[nine]
10Ten[ten]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?Where's the...?[wheres the]
What's the address?What's the addy?[whats the add-ee]
Can you show me (on the map)?Can you show me (on the map)?[kan yoo show mee on the map]
When's the next (bus)?When's the next (bus)?[whens the next bus]
A ticket (to ....)I need a ticket (to ...)[eye need uh ticket to]

History of Annapolis

Indigenous Chesapeake Homeland

The Annapolis area lies within the wider Chesapeake homeland of Indigenous peoples, including communities associated with the Algonquian-speaking groups of the region. The waterways of the Severn River and Chesapeake Bay supported travel, fishing, hunting and exchange long before English settlement. European colonisation brought profoundly disruptive changes, including land appropriation, disease, warfare and the displacement of Native communities. The later city developed within this transformed landscape, yet the bay, tidal rivers and marshes that shaped Indigenous life remained central to Annapolis's economy and identity.

Settlement at Providence

English colonists established a settlement known as Providence on the Severn River in the mid-seventeenth century. William and Anne Arundel, Lord and Lady Baltimore, were associated with the area's early colonial development, and the settlement grew as a port serving farms and plantations around the river. In 1695, the Maryland colonial capital was moved from St Mary's City to Providence, which was renamed Annapolis in honour of Princess Anne, the future queen of Britain. The new capital's position on navigable water helped connect government, commerce and the agricultural hinterland.

Colonial Capital and Architecture

During the eighteenth century, Annapolis developed as a centre of government, trade and elite culture in the Maryland colony. Merchants, planters, craftsmen, enslaved people and indentured labourers all contributed to the city's growth, although wealth and political power were unequally distributed. Georgian architecture took shape in brick houses, public buildings and formal gardens, many of which survive in the Historic District. The Maryland State House, begun in 1772, is the oldest state capitol in continuous legislative use in the United States and remains the most important architectural symbol of Annapolis's colonial past.

Revolution and the New Nation

Annapolis played a significant role during the American Revolution and the formation of the United States. The Continental Congress met in the Maryland State House from November 1783 to June 1784, and George Washington resigned his commission as commander in chief there on 23 December 1783. The Treaty of Paris, formally ending the Revolutionary War, was ratified in Annapolis in January 1784. These events gave the city an important place in the transition from wartime independence to republican government, even as its port and local economy continued to depend on Chesapeake trade.

The Naval Academy and Maritime Economy

The United States Naval Academy was established at Annapolis in 1845, transforming the city's institutional and cultural landscape. Its grounds expanded along the Severn River, and the academy became a major centre for naval education and ceremony. Annapolis also remained connected to the commercial life of the Chesapeake, where oyster harvesting, fishing, boatbuilding and coastal transport shaped employment and community identity. The waterfront's present mixture of historic vessels, sailing craft and maritime museums reflects this long relationship with the bay rather than a single period of naval history.

Preservation and Contemporary Annapolis

In the twentieth century, preservation efforts helped protect Annapolis's colonial street plan and historic buildings while the city continued to function as Maryland's political capital. The Historic Annapolis Foundation, founded in 1952, became influential in conserving houses and streets threatened by redevelopment. Today, state government, the Naval Academy, heritage tourism, higher education and waterfront recreation all contribute to the city's economy. Annapolis's contemporary identity therefore rests on the coexistence of living institutions, preserved architecture and the continuing maritime culture of Chesapeake Bay.

Annapolis in Photos

Browse through our photo collection highlighting the charm and character of the destination.

0 / 0

Cities near Annapolis

The closest cities to Annapolis, if you have time for more than one stop.

Explore more

Maryland
More of the region

Explore more of Maryland

Discover Maryland, where coastal charm meets rich history and outdoor adventure. Experience the best of the East Coast in this small but diverse state.

Explore Maryland
The Evendo app on two phones

Evendo: The Ultimate Travel Guide to Annapolis

Discover Annapolis like never before with Evendo, your 100% free app-based travel guide covering attractions, landmarks, shops, restaurants, and more.

  • Detailed information on attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities
  • High-quality images and descriptions
  • Local tips and advice
Download on the App Store Get it on Google Play
More about the Evendo app

Plan the perfect trip to Annapolis, Maryland with Evendo, your free travel guide app. Discover the best attractions, landmarks, restaurants, and experiences with ease.

  • Interactive maps with navigation
  • 'Near Me' feature to find nearby attractions
  • Booking options for hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences
  • 100% free with no in-app purchases

Welcome to Annapolis, Maryland, where history meets coastal charm. With Evendo, your journey through this historical city becomes an unforgettable experience. Our app provides you with detailed information on all the best attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities in Annapolis.

Explore the iconic **United States Naval Academy**, stroll through the vibrant **Downtown Annapolis**, and immerse yourself in the history at the **Maryland State House**. Looking for the perfect dining experience? Check out local favorites like **O'Learys Seafood Restaurant** or **Boatyard Bar & Grill**. With Evendo, you get rich descriptions, images, local tips, maps, and contact details for each location, making it easy to plan and organize your trip.

No more hassle of searching for what to do, where to go, and how to get there. Evendo allows you to book hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences all in one place. Plus, with features like the 'Near Me' function, you can easily discover nearby attractions and hidden gems, ensuring you never miss out on the best Annapolis has to offer.

Download Evendo now and make the most of your trip to Annapolis. With global coverage of over 7,000 destinations, you'll have the world in your pocket.

Get the latest from Evendo

Hand-picked travel deals, new destination guides and trip ideas, straight to your inbox.