Free Things To Do in Annapolis
If you have extra time,
Historic Annapolis is worthwhile.
#1
#1 in Annapolis
Free
The United States Naval Academy is the No. 1 attraction in Annapolis. The campus is beautiful and pays homage to the naval branch of the military, even while it raises up the new generation. The "noon meal formation," where the midshipmen march in formation, is a must-see as well, and it's held weather permitting. In the free U.S. Naval Academy Museum, you can take a self-guided tour through the navy's history. But recent visitors highly recommend taking advantage of the guided walking tour of the campus — not only will you gain insight into naval history, but you'll also learn about the academy's Beaux-Arts architecture and landscaping.
...
more
The United States Naval Academy is the No. 1 attraction in Annapolis. The campus is beautiful and pays homage to the naval branch of the military, even while it raises up the new generation. The "noon meal formation," where the midshipmen march in formation, is a must-see as well, and it's held weather permitting. In the free U.S. Naval Academy Museum, you can take a self-guided tour through the navy's history. But recent visitors highly recommend taking advantage of the guided walking tour of the campus — not only will you gain insight into naval history, but you'll also learn about the academy's Beaux-Arts architecture and landscaping.
...
more
#2
#2 in Annapolis
Free
Although the Banneker-Douglass Museum is small, it's loaded with history. It's named for the black scientist Benjamin Banneker and black social crusader Frederick Douglass. Both of these men were involved with the fight against slavery during the Civil War era, and the museum does a good job of telling their stories. The museum is housed in the former Mount Moriah African Methodist Episcopal Church, which was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1973.
...
more
Although the Banneker-Douglass Museum is small, it's loaded with history. It's named for the black scientist Benjamin Banneker and black social crusader Frederick Douglass. Both of these men were involved with the fight against slavery during the Civil War era, and the museum does a good job of telling their stories. The museum is housed in the former Mount Moriah African Methodist Episcopal Church, which was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1973.
...
more
#3
#3 in Annapolis
Free
What visitors usually refer to as "Historic Annapolis" is the abundance of restaurants, galleries and shops that fill the converted row houses on Main Street. You'll find everything from the popular Chick & Ruth's Delly to boutiques like Lilac Bijoux and shops like Annapolis Cigar. On a nice day, this row of shops is a delightful place to meander for a few hours. However, you should also know that the historic area also officially extends to most of the downtown and the harbor, which contain jewels like the Hammond-Harwood House and the Banneker-Douglass Museum.
...
more
What visitors usually refer to as "Historic Annapolis" is the abundance of restaurants, galleries and shops that fill the converted row houses on Main Street. You'll find everything from the popular Chick & Ruth's Delly to boutiques like Lilac Bijoux and shops like Annapolis Cigar. On a nice day, this row of shops is a delightful place to meander for a few hours. However, you should also know that the historic area also officially extends to most of the downtown and the harbor, which contain jewels like the Hammond-Harwood House and the Banneker-Douglass Museum.
...
more
Powered by Viator
#4
#4 in Annapolis
Free
If you're looking to stretch your legs in a picturesque place, Quiet Waters Park is the place to do it. Its 340 acres contain everything from a 6-mile paved path, perfect for bike rides or jogs, to formal gardens, ideal for a stroll. You'll also find a sculpture garden and gallery that will appeal to art lovers, as well as a playground, where children can work out their wiggles. In the summertime, there are outdoor concerts and canoes and kayaks to rent; and in the winter, an ice rink appears. The park's South River Scenic Outlook is another favorite spot, as it offers a panoramic view of the South River.
...
more
If you're looking to stretch your legs in a picturesque place, Quiet Waters Park is the place to do it. Its 340 acres contain everything from a 6-mile paved path, perfect for bike rides or jogs, to formal gardens, ideal for a stroll. You'll also find a sculpture garden and gallery that will appeal to art lovers, as well as a playground, where children can work out their wiggles. In the summertime, there are outdoor concerts and canoes and kayaks to rent; and in the winter, an ice rink appears. The park's South River Scenic Outlook is another favorite spot, as it offers a panoramic view of the South River.
...
more
#5
#5 in Annapolis
Free
Ego Alley is not an alley in the traditional sense of the word; rather than a walkway, it's a narrow waterway that spills out into Spa Creek. The name "Ego Alley" comes from the queue of expensive boats that parade through the waterway on evenings and weekends. But it does make for an interesting place to meander.
...
more
Ego Alley is not an alley in the traditional sense of the word; rather than a walkway, it's a narrow waterway that spills out into Spa Creek. The name "Ego Alley" comes from the queue of expensive boats that parade through the waterway on evenings and weekends. But it does make for an interesting place to meander.
...
more
#7
#7 in Annapolis
Free
Dating back to the 18th century, St. Anne's Church in Annapolis has a storied history. Its first iteration was the area's first and only chapel. Completed in 1704, the chapel was busting at its seams by 1775. So, it was torn down to make room for a bigger house of worship. But the Revolutionary War and its aftershocks delayed the building process, so that the church wasn't finished until 1792. But in 1858 a fire ravaged this iteration, so yet another church was raised. The next one was completed 1859 and stands today. St. Anne's Church is a working Episcopal parish, and its gorgeous stained glass and a handful of other interior touches make it a top sight to see while in Annapolis.
...
more
Dating back to the 18th century, St. Anne's Church in Annapolis has a storied history. Its first iteration was the area's first and only chapel. Completed in 1704, the chapel was busting at its seams by 1775. So, it was torn down to make room for a bigger house of worship. But the Revolutionary War and its aftershocks delayed the building process, so that the church wasn't finished until 1792. But in 1858 a fire ravaged this iteration, so yet another church was raised. The next one was completed 1859 and stands today. St. Anne's Church is a working Episcopal parish, and its gorgeous stained glass and a handful of other interior touches make it a top sight to see while in Annapolis.
...
more
#8
#8 in Annapolis
Free
Even though the Maryland State House doesn't tend to wow visitors with its architecture or exhibits, it is the site of illustrious history. In fact, it once served as the capital of the United States for a short stint. And it remains the oldest state house that is still in legislative use, and the grounds are quite lovely as well.
...
more
Even though the Maryland State House doesn't tend to wow visitors with its architecture or exhibits, it is the site of illustrious history. In fact, it once served as the capital of the United States for a short stint. And it remains the oldest state house that is still in legislative use, and the grounds are quite lovely as well.
...
more
Powered by Viator
Explore More of Annapolis
Recommended Articles
The 50 Best Hotels in the USA 2019
Feb 05, 2019
U.S. News ranked 3,877 top properties for 2019. Check out the 50 best.
30 Hot New Hotels to Check Out in 2019
Feb 05, 2019
See which new properties offer surprising and fun features.
10 Top All-Inclusive Resorts in the USA
Feb 05, 2019
Go all-in for these luxe resorts flush with amenities.
The Caribbean Comeback: 12 New and Renovated Caribbean Hotels to Visit
Feb 05, 2019
These island properties are sure to impress travelers.
17 Amazing Kid-Friendly Hotels
Feb 05, 2019
Discover which properties offer ample amenities for children.
AAA Announces 2019 Diamond Award Winners
Jan 31, 2019
Of the more than 27,000 properties evaluated, 1,843 hotels earned Four and Five Diamond awards.
30 Cheap Beach Vacations for Travelers on a Budget
Jan 24, 2019
See which waterfront escapes won't burn a hole in your wallet.
The 14 Most Exotic Black Sand Beaches in the World
Jan 14, 2019
Explore unusual shorelines across the globe.
30 Great Girls Weekend Getaways
Dec 21, 2018
See which amazing locales around the globe are ideal for a girls-only vacation.
How to Find Cheap Flights
Dec 13, 2018
These tips can help you see the world at prices you can afford.
