The Maryland state capital sits on Chesapeake Bay, known for its 18th-century brick buildings, maritime culture, and United States Naval Academy campus.
Annapolis, Maryland's capital city, sits along the Chesapeake Bay. You'll find midshipmen marching in formation at the U.S. Naval Academy, 18th-century merchants' homes along Prince George Street, and sailboats gliding past City Dock. At the Market House, built in 1788, local vendors sell fresh oysters and Maryland blue crabs, while water taxis shuttle between waterfront restaurants and historic districts.
Exploring the U.S. Naval Academy
The United States Naval Academy spans 338 acres where the Severn River meets Chesapeake Bay. Start at the Armel-Leftwich Visitor Center ($15 per adult) for guided tours through Bancroft Hall - the largest college dormitory in the world. Inside the Naval Academy Museum, you'll find ship models from the 1800s, navigation instruments, and weapons from naval battles. The chapel's 200-foot copper dome contains 2,800 pieces of stained glass. Watch midshipmen assemble in formation outside Bancroft Hall every weekday at noon.
Waterfront Activities on Chesapeake Bay
Take to the water year-round from multiple launching points along Annapolis's 500-mile shoreline. Beginning sailing lessons start at $75 per hour through Annapolis Sailing School. Rent kayaks ($25/hour) from Capital SUP to paddle along Back Creek, or catch a water taxi ($8 one-way) between downtown piers. Public beaches at Sandy Point State Park give you clear views of the Bay Bridge.
Local Food Scene
From May through September, Maryland blue crabs arrive fresh daily at downtown restaurants. Try traditional crab cakes at Middleton Tavern, operating since 1750, or watch boats pass through the harbor while eating steamed crabs at Carrol's Creek Cafe. Local fishing boats supply rockfish and oysters to restaurants like O'Learys, where third-generation watermen deliver their catch each morning.
Downtown Streets and Shopping
Main Street descends toward City Dock, lined with brick buildings from the 1700s. Browse handmade jewelry at Local By Design or maritime antiques at Annapolis Marine Art Gallery. Along Maryland Avenue, former row houses contain shops like Back Creek Books, specializing in maritime literature. Cross Spa Creek to Eastport, where converted boathouses now serve as workshops for wooden boat builders and artists.
Getting Around Annapolis
Baltimore/Washington International Airport lies 17 miles away, Reagan National 30 miles, and Dulles International 52 miles. The 16-block historic district takes about 20 minutes to walk across. Water taxis run every 30 minutes between City Dock, Eastport, and Back Creek ($8 per ride). City buses connect downtown with shopping centers and residential areas ($2 per ride).
