9 of the Most Beautiful Places to See in Annapolis

Visiting Annapolis feels like stepping back in time to the days when the city is a known colonial seaport. It houses a surviving 18th century biding more than any other city in the United States, you will truly find yourself looking for more as it is also a paradise for water lovers.  It is also famous for its lighthouses and gorgeous shorelines. Make sure to plan your trip with this list of the most beautiful places to see in Annapolis!

1. Annapolis Historic District

This district is one of the oldest cities in the United States and served as the nation’s capital before it was moved to Columbia. The city is filled up with historically significant buildings and landmarks.

It was one of the cities that was first designated to have a National Historical Landmark District. Visitors can get several choices in going around like an expert-guided Heart of Annapolis Tour or a personalized tour on a cruise.

2. Quiet Waters Park

With an area spanning 340 acres, the Quiet Waters Park gives a wide range of things to do within a beautiful place between Harness Creek and South River.

It has extensive hiking trails and miles of paved trails for bicycles, as well as running and walking. The parks’ mini-marina provides rental kayaks, canoes, rowboats, paddleboats, and bicycles. It is home to beautiful formal gardens and adjacent event facilities. Its visitor center displays works of local artists. They all perfectly complement one of the most beautiful places to see in Annapolis!

3. Maryland State House

This statehouse is a place loaded with history as it once served as the capital of the arising United States of America. The Maryland State House is the oldest house still in continuous use by the legislature. This place was a place of meeting for the Continental Congress from November 1739 to 1784. In the lobby, visitors can clearly see the fusion of the past and present, where the old wood-and-plaster construction meets the updated section features stately marble columns and walls.

4. St. Anne’s Episcopal Church

First built in 1704 and rebuilt in Romanesque Revival Style in 1858, the St. Anne’s Episcopal Church is the church circle’s center. It is located on a hill at the convergence of the city’s main streets.

The Church features include Tifanny stained-glass windows, hand-sewn pews, and the original silver communion service. You will find the church off Main Street. Visitors can go to the place any day of the week from 7 a.m until 6:30 p.m. Don’t miss one of the most beautiful places to see in Annapolis during your visit!

5. Banneker-Douglass Museum

The Banneker-Douglass Museum is a part of the Maryland Commission on History and Culture of the African-American. It is dedicated to document, interpret, and promote African-American History and Culture through its exhibitions, programs, and projects.

The museum’s permanent exhibit explores the African-America history in Maryland from the first slave’s arrival in 1633. Visitors are able to listen to Frederick Douglas’ speech, learn the efforts of Thurgood Marshall in developing the education system, and see artifacts just like the reward poster of Harriet Tubman.

Visitors who have an interest in African-American Artists can see their beautiful artworks in the museum as well. You can also visit the Kunta Kinte-Alex Haley Memorial which features a seated Alex Haley reading from a book to three children of different ethnic backgrounds.

6. Annapolis Maritime Museum

Located on the shores of Back Creek, the Annapolis Maritime Museum highlights the history of building boats and local oyster industry through artifacts and documents. It also teaches tourists about the ecosystem of oyster reef in its 850-wide aquarium.

Visitors can also look at actual oyster boats that feature cutaway sections that reveal its construction. One of the peculiar things to see here is the 1868 Oyster Wars Cannon. It was formerly used during the Oyster wars against pirates that threatened this important resource. Finally, the museum is home to one of the city’s only public beaches.

7. Chesapeake Bay

The Chesapeake Bay’s boat tour is a definite must for anyone who wants to spend time in the calm waters while enjoying the natural beauty of the Eastern Shore of Maryland.

Having most cruises departing right from the harbor of Annapolis, it is easy for visitors to pick from the many vessels that await. A wide range of tour themes are available. It also hosts several major boat shows, including sailboat shows in April and October, as well as regular regattas and races during the summer.

Water sports fans and enthusiasts can find a number of rental shops in the area to gear up for kayaking, windsurfing, and other activities. In addition, the seafood places around the area is a fabulous feast.

8. Fort Meade NSA Cryptologic Museum

Located 20 minutes from the heart of Annapolis, visitors can find the first public museum of the intelligence community known as the NSA Cryptologic Museum.

The museum houses a wide range of documents, artifacts, and equipment related to code-making and code-breaking. One of the most interesting artifacts includes the Enigma machine used by Germans during WWII.

The exhibits discuss different aspects of science, and tours give thorough explanations on cryptology’s role in history and national security. If you really like mystery, you may want to explore the museum’s research library that holds declassified documents from intelligence agencies.

9. Historic London Town and Gardens

The Historic London Town and Gardens was established in the mid-17^th century. It was an important connection for trade that had grown to compete with Annapolis in size and relevance.

Today, the town appears as did during the 17th century, with well-costumed interpreters and a variety of original and reconstructed buildings. William Brown House is the central building, formerly a tavern in 1760, and eventually turned into the almshouse.

The London Town gardens are among the nicest places in Maryland, featuring areas like an ornamental garden and a woodland garden. You’ll also find the ‘Sound and Sensory Garden’ designed to help children interact with nature.

Check Out The Most Beautiful Places to See in Annapolis!

With the natural beauty and rich history, Annapolis is a place that will never run out of views to see and stories to tell. Make sure that as you plan for your trip, keep this list on your mind as you visit Annapolis. Don’t miss the best things to do in Annapolis as well!