Welcome to Annapolis
A historical and urban capital on the Chesapeake Bay, home to the United States Naval Academy and St. John’s College.
Annapolis is Maryland’s state capital. Located on the picturesque Chesapeake Bay, this is one of the oldest cities in the United States. Situated approximately 25 miles south of Baltimore, Maryland, and 30 miles east of Washington, D.C., Annapolis is known for being the site of two exceptional institutions of higher learning: St. John’s College and the United States Naval Academy. Colonial architecture, excellent sailing, and outstanding nightlife make Annapolis one of the best places to live on the Eastern seaboard. Known as America’s Sailing Capital, Annapolis is home to approximately 38,000 people.
The waters of the Chesapeake Bay provide amazing views and tidal sunsets in this sailor’s paradise. Many people come from all over the world to watch the yachts at the United States Sailboat Show held in Annapolis. Also, the Maryland State House in Annapolis is the oldest functional statehouse in the United States, constructed in 1772. The Maryland State House is where the Treaty of Paris was ratified in 1784 at the end of the U.S. Revolutionary War.
What to Love
- The city is steeped in history
- Urban lifestyle with plenty to do
- The gorgeous architecture throughout the city
- Great place for higher education
Local Lifestyle
The lifestyle in Annapolis is cosmopolitan and sophisticated. Residents enjoy the events that are always going on in the city. As a capital city, Annapolis is also a center of Maryland politics. Local government officials and state representatives fill the city with political overtones. The United States Naval Academy and St. John’s College give the city talented students who compete in an annual croquet match.
Students from both institutions compete against each other for glory and bragging rights. Lastly, life in Annapolis is influenced by the Atlantic Ocean; sailboats and fresh seafood are a part of everyday life in Annapolis.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
Rise Up Coffee is a popular coffee shop in Annapolis located in the Parole Shopping Center. Preserve is a casual American restaurant using local produce and sustainable products. Fermenting, preserving, and pickling are the primary focus of Preserve’s menu. Market House is one of the best seafood restaurants in Annapolis. The menu offers homemade oyster stew and crab cake sandwiches.
Great Frogs Winery is a popular winery with a vast array of wine grown in the Chesapeake Bay region. Whimsicality is a boutique in Annapolis with jewelry, drinkware, and stationery.
Things to Do
The Annapolis Boat Show is one of the most notable local events held every year. Yachts and boats of all sizes are exhibited during the show. Sandy Point State Park contains approximately 786 acres on the shore of the Chesapeake Bay. Beaches, a marina store, and boat rentals are some of the best aspects of Sandy Point State Park, where residents enjoy having picnics and beach days at the park. The William H. Paca House is also a great place to tour and learn about this signer of the Declaration of Independence.