Skip to content
visitorfun
BusinessesGrow
SightseeingHistory BuffLocal GemFamily Favorite

Annapolis & Anne Arundel County

26 West Street, Annapolis, MD 21401 · Annapolis, MD

Why you should go…

Annapolis is the capital of Maryland and home to the United States Naval Academy and the Maryland State House. Visit Annapolis & Anne Arundel County is the nonprofit destination marketing organization for the area, running a Visitors Center at 26 West Street and a seasonal information booth at City Dock. The region combines a historic downtown with Chesapeake Bay waterfront, sailing, and nearby Sandy Point State Park.

  • #history
  • #waterfront
  • #sailing
  • #historic district
  • #chesapeake bay

Good to know

General sightseeing guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • The forecast is part of the ticket

    Haze, low cloud, and rain flatten a view. Clear-day visits are worth rearranging your plans for.

  • Golden hour sells out first

    Sunset slots at observation decks and cruises are the first to go, so book those further ahead.

  • Dress a layer warmer

    It is always breezier up high and out on the water than it feels at street level.

  • Timed entry is common

    Plenty of landmarks release tickets in windows rather than at the door, so check before you walk over.

What's around here?

The closest stops to Annapolis & Anne Arundel County, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

  • Tours
    Local Gem

    Watermark Journey

    $25–$50

    Harbor cruises, sunset sails, and water taxis on the Chesapeake out of Annapolis and Baltimore, running since 1972.

    Right next doorSwitch it up: Tours

  • Tours
    Iconic

    US Naval Academy Visitor Center

    Under $25

    The official visitor center for the US Naval Academy, with exhibits, a gift shop and guided walking tours.

    0.4 mi awaySwitch it up: Tours

  • Attractions
    Family Favorite

    Maryland Renaissance Festival

    $25–$50

    A 16th-century-themed village near Annapolis with jousting, artisans, and costumed performers every fall.

    5.1 mi awaySwitch it up: Attractions

  • Sightseeing
    Local Gem

    Queen Anne's County

    Free

    Eastern Shore Maryland county of waterfront towns, farms, wineries and Chesapeake Bay recreation.

    11 mi awayMore like this

  • Sightseeing
    Family Favorite

    Prince George's County

    Free

    A Maryland county bordering DC, home to National Harbor, Six Flags America, and NASA Goddard.

    20 mi awayMore like this

  • Sightseeing
    Iconic

    Baltimore, Maryland

    Free

    Maryland's largest city, known for its historic Inner Harbor, rowhouse neighborhoods, and blue-crab dining scene.

    22 mi awayMore like this