12 Best Things to Do in Annapolis

Annapolis may be home to several naval destinations, but that doesn’t mean this place is just a must-visit for those who hold passion and love for the seas. Take home a memory of Annapolis by exploring its historic districts, spending the day at a park, and seeing everything it has to offer.

Here are the best things to do in Annapolis:

1. Explore the Annapolis Maritime Museum

The Annapolis Maritime Museum educates both youth and adults about ecology and maritime history & arts of the Chesapeake. The programs, exhibits, and events are geared towards that so they make sure that all visitors will get an engaging suite of hands-on programming.

Address: 723 Second Street, PO Box 3088, Annapolis

2. Strike a Pose at the Annapolis Historic District

This place packs a lot of beauty, history, as well as a wide selection of where to stop and shop. The best things to do in Annapolis may not be all free, but at least the Annapolis Historic District happens to be a good destination if you’re keen on making your Instagram feed much more glam.

Walk around the historic district and be ready to snap a photo of you and the beautiful homes.

3. Get Breathtaking Scenic Overlooks at Quiet Waters Park

Quiet Waters Park is a 340-acre park operated by the Anne Arundel Recreation and Parks. It typically attracts around 700,000 visitors per year due to it being family-friendly and fun.

What is there to do?

• Many visitors admire its paved walking paths and running trails. The more adventurous visitors may also take the off-beaten paths that lead to the wooded trails.
• You can accompany your kids in the playground or prepare a picnic in the well-landscaped grounds.
• You can take the dogs to the beach area.
• Boat and bicycle rentals are available for guest use.
• Take photos by the gazebos.

4. Catch the Annapolis Spring Sailboat Show

The Annapolis Spring Sailboat Show is a chance for the potential boat buyers to check and compare the new boat designs in the market. But just because you’re not a potential buyer doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the sailboats on display in the water.

During this event, you can see lots of monohulls, family cruisers, daysailers, catamarans, and more. You can also attend classes and the in-water demos during the weekend, or gear up by purchasing shades, boat shoes, and more.

Get ready to spend your summer sailing into the sunset!

5. Visit a Vibrant Nautical-Themed Hangout Spot

Boatyard Bar & Grill is a vibrant nautical-themed spot frequented by local sailors and fishermen who offers a wide variety of food you’ll surely enjoy such as oysters & other seafood, fried oysters, shrimp, crab, burgers, and more. If you just can’t get enough, there’s also a full bar for when you want to hang out at night with your friends.

Try to catch the full moon party every Thursday during the week of a full moon! The place will be packed with crowds as they dance to the beats of the DJ.

6. Learn About the Naval History at US Naval Academy Museum

This 12,000-square feet public maritime museum in Annapolis is just located at Preble Hall within the Academy premises. It features many artifacts that bring to life the incredible and inspiring stories of those who have served their country at sea.

The students of naval history and casual visitors have a lot to learn from this place.

What you should know:

• The US Naval Academy Museum is open Monday through Saturday from 9 am to 5 pm. On the other hand, they open late on Sunday from 11 am to 5 pm.
• It is open daily except during special holidays such as Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year.
• Admission is free.

7. Skate at Truxtun Park

Annapolis’s main city park is the perfect place to spend the day. Aside from the fact that it spans over 80 acres of green space, it also has many different areas.

The facilities include:

• Picnic Spots
• Hiking Trails
• Skate Park
• Tennis Courts
• Playgrounds
• Baseball Fields
• Basketball Courts
• Public Boat Ramp

8. Visit the Tripoli Monument

The oldest military monument in the United States is just in Annapolis. The Tripoli Monument honors the fallen heroes from the First Barbary War namely Master Commandant Richard Somers, Lieutenant James Caldwell, including Henry Wadsworth, James Decatur, Joseph Israel, and John Sword Dorsey.

Its designer Giovanni Carlo Micali carved the monument out of Carrera Marble in Italy and finished it in 1806.

9. Explore the Chase Home

If you happen to be around Maryland Avenue, you might want to give the Chase Home or “Chase–Lloyd House” a quick visit.

Brick Georgian mansions were a thing in the Thirteen Colonies, and this building is a fine example of that Georgian style architecture. The interiors were designed by William Buckland, and it’s impossible for you not to be amazed. The original features of the house are still intact such as the old-growth pine floors and molded ceilings. The Chase Home became a National Historic Landmark in 1970.

10. Visit the Maryland World War II Memorial

Come see the World War II Memorial and be greeted by the imposing open-air granite amphitheater that is enclosed by the rectangular stone columns. The 48 columns represent all 48 states that made up the United States during World War II. There are also engraved plaques that explain in detail World War II milestones.

This memorial is nothing short of dramatic and inspiring. Make sure you consider learning about the fallen heroes one of the best things to do in Annapolis.

11. Witness the Blue Angels’ Airshow

Support naval aviation and the Blue Angels by attending the Blue Angels Show and Practice at the National Naval Aviation Museum at NAS Pensacola.

Fans can ask the team to answer questions and ask for autographs after their Wednesday practices.

Note: They have shows from May to October which is attended by 15 million spectators each year. If you are lucky, you might see them maneuver a high vertical roll up to 15,000 feet and catch your breath as their Lead Solo maneuver as low as 50 feet.

12. Visit the Banneker-Douglass Museum

The Banneker-Douglass Museum is a famous gable-front brick church executed in 1875 with a Gothic Revival style. It was leased to the Maryland Commission on African-American History and Culture and has been the state’s official museum for the African-American heritage ever since.

The museum is named after Maryland natives Benjamin Banneker and Frederick Douglass. Banneker was an astronomer and naturalist; while Douglass was an escaped slave who rose and became a famous abolitionist and acclaimed orator holds the major spotlight in this place.

What do you think is the best thing to do in Annapolis?