Historical Sights

As you walk along the quaint and welcoming streets of Annapolis, you will experience her rich architectural past. In fact, Annapolis boasts more surviving colonial buildings than any other place in America.

  • Maryland State House. The State House was the nation's first peacetime capitol when the Continental Congress met in Annapolis from November of 1783 to August of 1784. You can still see the Old Senate Chamber where George Washington resigned as Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army and Congress ratified the Treaty of Paris that ended the American Revolutionary War.
  • State House. The Governor's office is in the State House and has residence nearby in the Government House on State Circle.
  • St. John's College. Our country's third-oldest school. St. John's includes among its illustrious alumni Francis Scott Key, author of "The Star Spangled Banner." During the Civil War, the college served as a military hospital. St. John's curriculum is based on the "Great Books."

On The Water and Waterfront Sites

Whether it's taking a water taxi or taking a ride on one of the area's prized sailboats, Annapolis is beautiful from the waters of the Chesapeake. Public boat tours, sailing tours or just sitting by the waterside are just a few of the opportunities around Downtown Annapolis to be on or near the water.

  • City Dock. The Annapolis waterfront, largely unchanged in a century, is a reviewing stand of all things nautical. Dockside dining ranges from the venerable Middleton Tavern to the excellent rum punches at the Marriott's Pusser's Landing. And it all wraps around the deep-water inlet known as Ego Alley, the runway for an ongoing marine fashion show. Grab a cup of coffee from the old city market and watch the preening powerboats glug-glug to and fro.

Dining and Nightlife

Annapolis' local fare is seasoned with the flavors of the Chesapeake Bay. Savor Annapolis' world-renowned crab cakes and steamed crabs waterside. Dine in our tempting array of pubs, bars, cafes and gourmet seafood restaurants.

  • Annapolis Ice Cream Company. For the freshest, store-made ice cream look for our Penguins on Main Street! 100% natural and 100% gourmet-class ice cream plus seasonal favorites like store-made hot cocoa and Gevalia coffee. Open 7 days.
  • Buddy's Crabs and Ribs. Family-owned and operated. Twenty-two windows overlooking Main Street and City Dock. Specializing in steamed crabs, baby back ribs, seafood, steaks, chicken, salads, daily buffets.
  • Chick and Ruth's Delly. A local's favorite. Open 7 days - Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner. Old fashioned milk-shakes, ice cream.
  • Nano's. A local sushi and Chinese restaurant located in the heart of Annapolis just up on Main Street.
  • Aqua Terra. A tight downtown shoebox of a restaurant with a New York feel (cool bluish interior of glass and candles, servers in all black). Bag one of the two storefront tables and let all of Annapolis watch you enjoy the inventive variations on surf and turf (aqua terra, get it?). The tuna au poivre turned our heads, but the seafood "tower" won out -- a hearty stack of tempura patties, sea bass, bok choy and shrimp cakes. And we would've said yes to one of the ambitious desserts if a Chick and Ruth's milkshake hadn't been beckoning from across the street. 164 Main St.
  • Rams Head Tavern. The Rams Head is the Birchmere of Annapolis, the venue where serious national acts come to play a small room full of serious -- and attentive -- fans. No dancing, please, but nobody seems to mind, what with table service for cocktails, a worldwide selection of beers, good pub food and headliners like Aaron Neville, Lyle Lovett, John Hiatt, Bruce Cockburn, Little Feat, Ralph Stanley, David Byrne, Taj Mahal. You get the idea.
  • Acme Bar and Grill. A casual local's restaurant serving funky comfort food and showcasing great live entertainment every night of the week.
  • The Federal House. The Federal House remains THE downtown Annapolis destination for good food, good fun and nightlife. Located just off of City Dock at the head of Ego Alley.
  • Armadillos. This unassuming longtime local favorite is the place to go for live music. Catering to variety, Armadillos offers entertainment for just about everyone. Live music is performed every night of the week except for Mondays and usually begins at 9:30. Each Wednesday, Armadillos hosts the Local Artist Showcase featuring the "who's who" of the Annapolis music scene. This hangout/restaurant is always a sure bet when looking for live music. 132 Dock Street.

Transportation

Many taxis can be found throughout downtown to take you anywhere. Also, the local bus service has a stop right on Church Circle at the top of main street.

Shopping

Visit charming shops in our historic downtown area including unique boutiques, antique stores and more. Or visit one of the largest malls in the nation. In downtown Annapolis, you will find shops anywhere from clothing boutiques to quaint bookstores.