Annapolis, Maryland
Annapolis, Maryland at a Glance
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.
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
Museum
American Visionary Art Museum
Museum presenting outsider and self-taught visionary art
Museum
National Cryptologic Museum
Museum of cryptology and NSA history exhibits
Stadium
Northwest Stadium
Multiuse stadium in Maryland, United States
Stadium
M&T Bank Stadium
Baltimore stadium hosting NFL games and events
Park
Oriole Park at Camden Yards
Historic Baltimore baseball stadium, home of Orioles
Museum
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
Monument
Fort McHenry
Historic Baltimore fort that inspired the U.S. national anthem
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.
Nearby Cities #
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
Chilly, sometimes icy days with quieter harbors and fewer tourists; indoor attractions are cozy, but sailing and waterfront activities are limited.
Spring
Pleasant, blossoming waterfronts and comfortable temperatures make this ideal for walking historic districts, early-season boating, outdoor brunches, and local festivals.
Summer
Hot, humid summers are peak season for sailing and festivals; expect crowded marinas, lively nightlife, and frequent afternoon thunderstorms to cool things down.
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.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | -4° - 6° | -3° | 83 mm | partly cloudy | 82% | 4.0 m/s | 0.3 low | 9.7h |
| February | Poor | -3° - 8° | -1° | 73 mm | partly cloudy | 81% | 4.2 m/s | 0.5 moderate | 10.6h |
| March | Acceptable | 2° - 12° | 4° | 101 mm | partly cloudy | 79% | 4.6 m/s | 0.8 moderate | 11.8h |
| April | Very Good | 6° - 18° | 12° | 86 mm | partly cloudy | 77% | 4.4 m/s | 1.3 high | 13.1h |
| May | Very Good | 12° - 24° | 18° | 108 mm | partly cloudy | 78% | 3.7 m/s | 1.6 very high | 14.1h |
| June | Excellent | 17° - 28° | 23° | 96 mm | partly cloudy | 75% | 3.5 m/s | 1.9 very high | 14.6h |
| July | Excellent | 20° - 31° | 25° | 106 mm | some cloud | 71% | 3.2 m/s | 1.9 very high | 14.4h |
| August | Excellent | 19° - 30° | 24° | 106 mm | some cloud | 72% | 3.0 m/s | 1.6 very high | 13.5h |
| September | Excellent | 15° - 26° | 21° | 97 mm | partly cloudy | 73% | 3.3 m/s | 1.3 high | 12.3h |
| October | Very Good | 9° - 20° | 14° | 78 mm | partly cloudy | 77% | 3.4 m/s | 0.8 moderate | 11.1h |
| November | Good | 4° - 14° | 7° | 84 mm | partly cloudy | 79% | 3.8 m/s | 0.4 low | 10.0h |
| December | Acceptable | -1° - 9° | 1° | 90 mm | partly cloudy | 83% | 3.9 m/s | 0.3 low | 9.4h |
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.
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.
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 is best accessed by car, taxi or shuttle from nearby airports (BWI or DCA). Within the city, walking and local buses serve most visitor needs, while car rentals help explore the wider Chesapeake region.
- Taxi / Rideshare (Uber, Lyft) - Taxis and rideshare services provide the most convenient and direct transfers between Annapolis and the nearby airports (BWI, DCA). Prices and availability vary by time of day, and rideshare apps make booking straightforward.
- Airport Shuttle / Private Shuttle - Several private shuttle companies operate scheduled or on-demand transfers between BWI and Annapolis. These are convenient if you prefer a fixed-price option - book ahead for guaranteed pickup times.
- Anne Arundel County Transit / Commuter Bus - Local buses and commuter routes connect Annapolis with nearby cities including Baltimore and Washington. Buses are a cost-effective option for commuters and visitors, though frequencies can be lower on weekends.
- Car / Rental - Renting a car gives the most flexibility to explore the Chesapeake Bay area and nearby state parks. Parking in downtown Annapolis is available but limited during peak season - plan ahead for events and cruise-ship days.
- Walking - Annapolis’s historic downtown and waterfront are highly walkable; many restaurants, shops and the state house are within easy walking distance. Wear comfortable shoes for cobbled streets and busy sidewalks.
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.
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.
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.