Things to do in Annapolis, Maryland

Maryland State House Chesapeake Bay Rams Head On Stage Maritime Museum St. John’s College

Annapolis, Maryland is a treasure trove of attractions and exciting things to do. Boating on Chesapeake Bay, guided walking tours of historical landmarks, boutique shopping, visiting the Maryland State House, and touring the United States Naval Academy are just a few options for tourists visiting Annapolis. The three boutique hotels of the Historic Inns of Annapolis collection are each located within close proximity to renowned Annapolis attractions.

Maryland State House.

The Maryland State House in downtown Annapolis is more than a historic landmark. It is longest running capitol in the United States that is still open today for Legislative business. The Maryland State House is also the only capitol building in the country that served as the capital of the United States. Construction on the building was completed in 1779. Tours of the Maryland State House are offered daily, excluding Christmas, Thanksgiving, and New Year’s Day. Visit http://www.msa.md.gov/msa/mdstatehouse/html/home.html.

United States Naval Academy.

The United States Naval Academy on Chesapeake Bay is an acclaimed institution of higher learning and military excellence. Young men and women who attend the four-year college also receive military training to be applied in the field upon graduation. The Naval Academy was founded in 1845 and boasts an alumni association of such notable graduates as President and Nobel Prize winner Jimmy Carter, secretaries of the Navy, US Cabinet members, state governors, and astronauts. Tours of the Naval Academy are available. Visit www.usna.edu. [Top]

Chesapeake Bay.

Chesapeake Bay is an important waterway that spans nearly 200 miles. The Bay offers myriad opportunities for boating and recreation, and is also a vital ecosystem. Chesapeake Bay is the largest estuary in the country and home to hundreds of species of marine life. Chesapeake Bay also produces delicious seafood such as striped bass, crabs and oysters for which Maryland and Virginia are famous. Visit www.baydreaming.com.

Historic London Town & Gardens.

Historic London Town & Gardens is a 17th – 18th century township today comprising a 23-acre park in Edgewater, Maryland, near Annapolis. On the grounds, visitors will find an 8-acre woodland garden, the Richard Hill medicinal plants garden, a pavilion for special events, and the William Brown House museum and National Historic Landmark. Historic London Town & Gardens is part of the Lost Towns archeological project. Tours of Historic London Town & Gardens are available. Visit www.historiclondontown.org. [Top]

Rams Head On Stage.

Rams Head On Stage is the top concert venue in Annapolis for live entertainment. Rams Head On Stage ranks among the best night clubs with seating for up to 500 fans. This downtown venue attracts musical artists in every genre ranging from rock and roll to jazz, to blues, soul, and classics. Unless otherwise noted, Rams Head On Stage events are for guests age 21 or older. Visit http://www.ramsheadtavern.com/annapolis/onstage.html.

Capital City Colonials.

Step back in time to colonial Annapolis with the Capital City Colonials professional touring company. The company specializes in historic walking tours of Annapolis, Maryland. Guides are dressed in period costume add an exciting and entertaining element to the experience. Popular tours offered through Capital City Colonials include: Annapolis-in-an-Hour, Annapolis Food & History Tour, Historic District 101, and Grand Houses. Visit www.capitalcitycolonials.com. [Top]

Annapolis Maritime Museum.

Maryland’s rich nautical history comes to life at the Annapolis Maritime Museum located on Back Creek, minutes from Chesapeake Bay and Annapolis Harbor. The museum is situated at the site of the region’s last oyster packing plant, offering a lively interpretation of the importance of marine harvesting in the economic development of towns lining Chesapeake Bay. An exciting excursion offered at the Annapolis Maritime Museum is the Thomas Point Shoal Lighthouse adventure tour. Visit www.amaritime.org.

St. Mary’s Church.

The Gothic-style St. Mary’s Church in the Historic District of Annapolis was built in the mid-1800s. The 7,000-square foot church features beautifully arched ceilings and an impressive wooden altarpiece featuring five statues of important religious significance. Outside, the tranquil Mary’s Garden of herbs and flowers provides a peaceful sanctuary. Sty. Mary’s Church also features a Parish Library stocked with resource materials aimed at enhancing spiritual growth. Mass is celebrated daily at St. Mary’s Church. Visit www.stmaryschurch.org. [Top]

St. John’s College.

St. John’s College in Annapolis is a four-year liberal arts college with a unique approach to higher education. There are no majors and every student follows an identical curriculum focused on critically acclaimed literature of Western society. Student population is limited to 500 students at each of St. John’s two campuses: Annapolis, Maryland and Santa Fe, New Mexico. The student/faculty ratio is typically 8:1 and all classes are discussion based. Visit www.stjohnscollege.edu.

University of Maryland.

University of Maryland is the largest university in Maryland and ranks 11th among the nation’s best public universities. University of Maryland is home to over 35,000 students. Undergraduate and graduate degrees are offered, as well as professional studies. The University of Maryland campus centers around student life, with roughly 90 percent of students living on campus their freshman year. University of Maryland sports teams have won numerous NCAA championships in recent years. Visit www.umd.edu. [Top]