Travel to Annapolis

Travel to Annapolis

The small town of Annapolis is Maryland's capital city and is located 26 miles south of Baltimore. It is also America's sailing capital and is famous for the US Naval Academy on the Severn River. The city has retained much of its colonial heritage, with its narrow lanes and 18th century architecture.

Transportation to Annapolis

Visitors travelling to Annapolis by air will likely arrive at Baltimore Washington International Airport, 10 miles south of downtown Baltimore. It's a major domestic and international hub with flights to many European cities. The 45-minute transfer to Annapolis can be made by a super shuttle bus, metro bus or by taxi.

The city is on the main East Coast Amtrak route and there are frequent services to and from Washington DC, New York and Boston. Greyhound also has buses which run to Washington DC and Baltimore.

What to see

There are more than 1,500 restored and preserved buildings in Annapolis and its picturesque streets are best explored on foot. Among the highlights are the impressive Maryland State House, which is the only state house ever to have served as the nation's capitol.

St John's College is one of the oldest in the country and is famed for its Great Books Program. The huge naval academy attracts over a million visitors every year, who come to view its museum and other historic buildings. The William Paca House is a stately mansion that has been restored to its former glory and contains some fine period furniture and paintings. There are also some well-kept gardens and a beautiful viewing pavilion.

Daytrips

London Town is one of Maryland's oldest towns, although very little remains of it. The 1760 three-storey brick mansion, set high above the South River, is a National Historic Landmark and includes some fine 18th century furnishings. There is archeological research taking place here to recover lost buildings from this once thriving seaport. Fredericktown was founded in 1745 by English and German settlers and has a number of historic sites. Many visitors are attracted to Sugar Loaf Mountain, set in privately-owned countryside known as Stronghold.

Activities and leisure

Annapolis offers many opportunities to enjoy sailing, water sports and a number of other outdoor activities. Nearby Chesapeake Bay and the Severn River are ideal for pleasure boating and there are many sailing schools located in the area. There are instructional courses for novices and a large range of boats available for hire.

Alternatively, enjoy a 2-hour sailing trip on the 70-foot schooner Woodwind, which departs from the city dock near the Marriot Hotel. Hiring a bike is a good way to see the city at a leisurely pace. There are some good routes on the outskirts including the Baltimore and Annapolis Trail.

Safety issues

Visitors will find that Annapolis has a higher crime rate than many European cities, so extra care should be taken. Most of the crime takes place in the suburbs, so you should be able to avoid any serious problems. Tourists are often a target for petty crime, with bag-snatchers, pickpockets and muggers all present.

Leave jewellery and excess cash in your hotel safe and only carry what is necessary. We strongly recommend you take out travel insurance for you and your family when visiting Annapolis.