Summer is right here and so is our will to travel and explore new things. So, whether you are a tourist in Annapolis, a local that wants to try out new things or someone who has just moved here, then this article is just for you.
Annapolis is the capital city of Maryland. Located at Chesapeake Bay, it has an area of 17 miles of the coast and another 7.2 square miles of the land area. It is a really diverse city, with both historical and modern sites and as such, a great place to explore. There are a lot of fun things to do in Annapolis and today we will discuss just that. Let's dive right in!
Explore the historical area
As previously stated, Annapolis is a city enriched with history. Thus, Annapolis has a lot to offer for all the history lovers out there. Founded in 1650 as Arundelton and later having the name changed to honor Queen Anne, Annapolis offers a variety of historical sites. Here are a few of them:
1. The Maryland State House
The Maryland State House is one of the landmarks of Annapolis. The cool thing about it is that it is the oldest state capitol in the US that is still in use. Probably the most important event to have ever taken place was the Continental Congress which was held from 11.26.1783 – 08.13.1784 which was led by George Washington.
2. The Historic District
After you have seen the State House, we recommend that you take a stroll through the historic district. The Annapolis's historic district is absolutely stunning and charming with architecture that was preserved from the 18th century. Most of them are Georgian-style buildings and you should expect to spend at least 3 hours there.
Enjoy the coastal area
Annapolis is home to a coastal area that leads to the Atlantic Ocean. The presence of the waterfront area is a great addition to the city, not only for the locals who want to freshen up during the summer heat but also for tourists who want to take a day off relaxing along the ocean. Here's what you can do in Annapolis's waterfront area:
1. Annapolis City Dock
Annapolis has a city dock which the locals absolutely enjoy. You can go there to simply unwind and have your thoughts cleared up by watching boats and yachts come and go. However, you can also go there for any of the multiple events that are organized annually. There is always something going on at the Annapolis City Dock – just check for it.
2. Water Activities
Apart from going for a swim at the Sandy Point State Park or any of the other nearby beaches, you can also do water activities at Annapolis. One suggestion could be to do scuba diving and explore the ocean life of this area of the Atlantic Ocean. However, before going scuba diving make sure you are fully prepared. Apart from that, you can also take boat tours and go sailing in the ocean where you can see important landmarks like the Chesapeake Bay Bridge.
Discover the art and culture
Annapolis is a city that is highly valued for its art and cultural experience. There are a variety of cultural and artistic places and monuments to visit in the city, among which:
1. The United States Naval Academy
Annapolis is home to the Naval Academy where future navy officers are trained and schooled. This academy is a prestigious one and it can be toured, so if this is something that interests you then definitely go for it. It has a magnificent campus with a lot of historical buildings surrounding it. Additionally, it offers a museum where a lot of naval artifacts such as historical documents or ship models from the 18th century onwards can be found.
2. Local art
Art is an essential part of the city of Annapolis. One of the most striking places to visit in Annapolis is the Annapolis Art District. It offers a lot of galleries and live performances or concerts throughout the year, but also features a lot of restaurants and cafeterias in the area where you can sit and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere. If you are a local or have just moved to Annapolis and want to try something new, the Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts offers several art classes that you don't want to miss!
Conclusion
After going through all of these activities that you can do in Annapolis, it is to be concluded that this city offers something for everyone. The variety of things you can do here ensures that you will have a good time whether you are just visiting for a few days or just moving to the city of Annapolis. Annapolis is definitely the charm of Maryland and in being so, is a must see among the capital cities of the US states!