Annapolis, Maryland Travel Guide

City City in Maryland, United States

A waterfront city on Chesapeake Bay, Annapolis hosts the U.S. Naval Academy, colonial brick streets, and sailing schools. Visitors tour historic government buildings, eat blue crab at dockside restaurants, and take day sails into the Bay.

Costs

$120-$220 USD per day

Midrange to upscale - dining and boating activities drive prices.

Safety

Generally safe; tourist-friendly

Low violent crime in downtown; take normal waterfront precautions at night.

Best Time

May-October

Sailing season and pleasant weather; peak tourism in summer months.

In This Guide

Why Visit
Best Things to Do
Bucket List
Best Time to Visit
How to Get There
How to Get Around
Where to Stay
Where to Eat

Local Time

4:43 AM

GMT-4

Weather

46°F

Overcast

Population

40,812

Infrastructure & Convenience

Compact center, very walkable; good English signage, bus links to the region.

Popularity

Attracts sailing enthusiasts, history buffs, and weekenders from DC/Baltimore.

Known For

U.S. Naval Academy, historic colonial district, Chesapeake Bay sailing, seafood/blue crabs, waterfront promenade, Annapolis City Dock, colonial architecture, maritime museums

Annapolis is home to the U.S. Naval Academy, founded in 1845 and still a working institution.

Why Visit Annapolis, Maryland? #

A maritime colonial city shaped by the Chesapeake: Annapolis is best known for the U.S. Naval Academy, the City Dock and a thriving sailing culture. Streets lined with 18th-century brick homes and seafood restaurants serving crab cakes and steamed blue crabs give the place a distinct maritime flavor. Regattas, waterfront bars and maritime museums attract sailors and food lovers, while compact historic neighborhoods invite relaxed exploration.

Best Things to Do in Annapolis, Maryland

All Attractions ›

American Visionary Art Museum

Museum presenting outsider and self-taught visionary art

Museum

National Cryptologic Museum

Museum of cryptology and NSA history exhibits

Museum

Northwest Stadium

Multiuse stadium in Maryland, United States

Stadium

M&T Bank Stadium

Baltimore stadium hosting NFL games and events

Stadium

Oriole Park at Camden Yards

Historic Baltimore baseball stadium, home of Orioles

Park

Walters Art Museum

Baltimore museum with notable 19th-century and medieval collections

Museum

Baltimore Museum of Art

Art museum with extensive 19th–21st century collections

Museum

Fort McHenry

Historic Baltimore fort that inspired the U.S. national anthem

Monument

Annapolis, Maryland Bucket List

Don't Miss

U.S. Naval Academy - Active academy campus with guided tours, museum exhibits, and the Naval Academy Chapel.
Maryland State House - Old State House with historic legislative chambers and Maryland artifacts on display.
William Paca House & Garden - Restored colonial governor's estate featuring period rooms and formal eighteenth-century gardens.

Hidden Gems

Annapolis Maritime Museum & Park - Small museum focusing on local maritime history, model boats, and waterfront exhibits.
Banneker-Douglass Museum - Museum highlighting African American history and culture in Maryland through rotating exhibits.
Quiet Waters Park - Lakeside park with trails, kayaking rentals, picnic areas, and seasonal art festivals.

Day Trips

St. Michaels, Maryland - Historic Chesapeake Bay town with the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum and waterfront dining.
Baltimore Inner Harbor - Major harbor district with museums, restaurants, and aquarium about forty minutes away.

Best Time to Visit Annapolis, Maryland #

Late spring through early fall is the best time to enjoy Annapolis's sailing, waterfront dining, and festivals when weather is warm. Winters are quieter and cooler, good for indoor sightseeing.

Winter

December - February · -3°C - 8°C (27°F - 46°F)

Chilly, sometimes icy days with quieter harbors and fewer tourists; indoor attractions are cozy, but sailing and waterfront activities are limited.

Spring

March - May · 8°C - 22°C (46°F - 72°F)

Pleasant, blossoming waterfronts and comfortable temperatures make this ideal for walking historic districts, early-season boating, outdoor brunches, and local festivals.

Summer

June - August · 20°C - 31°C (68°F - 88°F)

Hot, humid summers are peak season for sailing and festivals; expect crowded marinas, lively nightlife, and frequent afternoon thunderstorms to cool things down.

Best Time to Visit Annapolis, Maryland #

Climate

Annapolis, Maryland's climate is classified as Humid Subtropical - Humid Subtropical climate with hot summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -4°C to 31°C. Abundant rainfall (1108 mm/year), wettest in May, distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.

Best Time to Visit

JuneJulyAugust

Temperature & Rainfall

Temperature Range

39°

Warmest Month

-17°

Coldest Month

Monthly Conditions

January

January is the coolest month with highs of 6°C and lows of -4°C. Regular rainfall (83 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

46 Poor

Comfort

1°

Feels Like Cold

1°C

Temperature

-4° – 6°

82%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

83 mm

Rainfall

4.0 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

0.3

UV Index

Low

9.7h daylight

February

February is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of -3°C. Moderate rainfall (73 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

48 Poor

Comfort

3°

Feels Like Cold

3°C

Temperature

-3° – 8°

81%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

73 mm

Rainfall

4.2 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

0.5

UV Index

Moderate

10.6h daylight

March

March is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 2°C. Significant rainfall (101 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

58 Acceptable

Comfort

7°

Feels Like Cold

7°C

Temperature

2° – 12°

79%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

101 mm

Rainfall

4.6 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

0.8

UV Index

Moderate

11.8h daylight

April

April is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 6°C. Regular rainfall (86 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

70 Very Good

Comfort

12°

Feels Like Cool

12°C

Temperature

6° – 18°

77%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

86 mm

Rainfall

4.4 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

1.3

UV Index

High

13.1h daylight

May

May is cool with highs of 24°C and lows of 12°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (108 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

78 Very Good

Comfort

18°

Feels Like Cool

18°C

Temperature

12° – 24°

78%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

108 mm

Rainfall

3.7 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

1.6

UV Index

Very High

14.1h daylight

June

June is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 17°C. Regular rainfall (96 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

82 Excellent

Comfort

23°

Feels Like Mild

23°C

Temperature

17° – 28°

75%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

96 mm

Rainfall

3.5 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

1.9

UV Index

Very High

14.6h daylight

July

July is the warmest month with highs of 31°C and lows of 20°C. Significant rainfall (106 mm).

82 Excellent

Comfort

25°

Feels Like Warm

25°C

Temperature

20° – 31°

71%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

106 mm

Rainfall

3.2 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

1.9

UV Index

Very High

14.4h daylight

August

August is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 19°C. Significant rainfall (106 mm).

82 Excellent

Comfort

24°

Feels Like Warm

24°C

Temperature

19° – 30°

72%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

106 mm

Rainfall

3.0 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

1.6

UV Index

Very High

13.5h daylight

September

September is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 15°C. Regular rainfall (97 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

80 Excellent

Comfort

21°

Feels Like Mild

21°C

Temperature

15° – 26°

73%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

97 mm

Rainfall

3.3 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

1.3

UV Index

High

12.3h daylight

October

October is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (78 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

70 Very Good

Comfort

14°

Feels Like Cool

14°C

Temperature

9° – 20°

77%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

78 mm

Rainfall

3.4 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

0.8

UV Index

Moderate

11.1h daylight

November

November is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 4°C. Regular rainfall (84 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

60 Good

Comfort

9°

Feels Like Cold

9°C

Temperature

4° – 14°

79%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

84 mm

Rainfall

3.8 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

0.4

UV Index

Low

10.0h daylight

December

December is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of -1°C. Regular rainfall (90 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

54 Acceptable

Comfort

4°

Feels Like Cold

4°C

Temperature

-1° – 9°

83%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

90 mm

Rainfall

3.9 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

0.3

UV Index

Low

9.4h daylight

How to Get to Annapolis, Maryland

Annapolis is most easily reached by flying into BWI or DCA and taking a taxi, rideshare or shuttle for the short drive. The city itself does not have Amtrak service, but local and commuter buses connect Annapolis with Baltimore and Washington.

By Air

Baltimore/Washington Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI): BWI is the closest major airport to Annapolis (about 25-40 minutes by car depending on traffic). BWI has a rail station (BWI Rail Station) served by Amtrak and MARC commuter trains; from there you can transfer to a shuttle, taxi or rideshare to reach Annapolis.

Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA): Reagan National is another option, roughly 35-50 minutes’ drive to Annapolis depending on traffic and time of day. Car, taxi or rideshare are the most direct ways to continue to Annapolis from DCA.

By Train & Bus

Train: Annapolis does not have Amtrak service. The nearest Amtrak stations are in Baltimore (Penn Station) and BWI; from those stations you can continue by bus, shuttle or taxi to Annapolis.

Bus: Anne Arundel County operates local bus services and commuter buses link Annapolis with Baltimore and Washington, DC. Several private shuttle services also run between BWI and Annapolis - check schedules and book in advance if you need a timed airport transfer.

How to Get Around Annapolis, Maryland #

Annapolis’s historic downtown and City Dock area are extremely walkable; most visitors leave their car parked and explore on foot. Biking is common for short trips, and water taxis operate seasonally for waterfront connections. Parking downtown is metered and limited-plan to arrive early or use park-and-ride options. Regional buses and commuter services link Annapolis with Baltimore and Washington, D.C., and rideshare services are widely available.

Where to Stay in Annapolis, Maryland #

Budget

West/Annapolis Neck near US-50 - $80-140/night

Budget hotels cluster outside the historic downtown and near US-50; expect basic rooms and convenient parking.

Budget chains around Annapolis - Economy motels outside historic core
Red Roof / Red Lion options (nearby) - Value chains along US-50 corridor

Mid-Range

Historic Downtown / City Dock - $140-250/night

Historic Inns and waterfront hotels put you in the heart of downtown and near the Naval Academy - great for sightseeing and dining.

Historic Inns of Annapolis - Central, charming historic hotels
Annapolis Waterfront Hotel (Autograph) - Waterside mid-upscale option

Luxury

City Dock / Eastport waterfront - $250+/night

Annapolis has some premium waterfront and boutique luxury options; book early for peak season and Naval Academy events.

Higher-end waterfront and boutique options - Upscale rooms with views and services
Boutique luxury B&Bs and suites - Top-tier local properties

Where to Eat in Annapolis, Maryland #

Seafood & Crabs

Annapolis centers on Chesapeake Bay seafood: steamed crabs, crab cakes and oysters served at family-run docks and landmark waterfront restaurants.

Cantler's Riverside Inn - Old-school steamed crabs on the water
Carrol's Creek Cafe - Seasonal seafood and waterfront dining
Blackwall Hitch - Seafood-forward menu and craft cocktails

Local Favorites & Breakfast

Downtown's eateries range from classic delis and breakfast joints to lively pubs-great for sampling local favorites after a harbor walk.

Chick & Ruth's Delly - Iconic deli-huge sandwiches and pies
Iron Rooster - All-day breakfast and local twists
Galway Bay Irish Pub - Lively pub with local seafood options

Breakdown of cuisine types found across Annapolis, Maryland's restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.

American

Pizza

Sandwich

Burger

Mexican

Seafood

Italian

Chinese

Donut

Chicken

Coffee Shop

Regional

Sushi

Barbecue

Japanese

Steak House

Thai

Bagel

Pasta

Juice

Nightlife in Annapolis, Maryland #

Annapolis has an active evening scene for its size: seafood restaurants, waterfront bars and several live-music venues keep things lively, especially on weekends and during sailing events. The downtown area concentrates most options, with a mix of casual pubs and more upscale dining. Expect crowds in peak season and on event nights; reservations are a good idea for popular restaurants.

Rams Head On Stage - Popular live-music venue hosting national and regional acts frequently.

Shopping in Annapolis, Maryland #

Downtown Annapolis is best for independent boutiques, nautical shops and galleries-expect sail and boat-themed stores, fine clothing, and specialty food shops. The City Dock area features gift shops and art galleries aimed at visitors. For mainstream brands and department stores, the nearby Westfield Annapolis mall offers a broader selection.