Annapolis, Maryland, may not be considered the best tourist destination in the country by any stretch of the imagination. If you plan your trip here right, though, you can have a blast! There are attractions for people of all ages to be able to enjoy, as well as some more grown-up-oriented fun. If you come here during the summer or springtime, you’ll be able to take part in more outdoor activities. However, it’s also true that the area has its charm during the winter. That’s the case, even if you have to wear a couple more layers! These are some of the top things to do around Annapolis.
Annapolis Naval Academy Has to Top the List
When people from other parts of the country hear the name Annapolis, they think of the Naval Academy. In fact, there are probably many folks who don’t realize that Annapolis is the name of the capital city of Maryland. The Naval Academy is a rather decent tourist attraction. Don’t worry; you don’t have to enlist to be able to enter the campus. The complex is home to museums, gardens, and all sorts of facilities that you can visit on a guided tour. Without a doubt, this is a mandatory stop if you come here. That’s especially the case if you’ve never been to Annapolis before.
Historic Annapolis – The Main Street USA Experience
What locals refer to as historic Annapolis is a rather large area that runs from the docks to the entire downtown district. Shops and restaurants line the streets. Naturally, Annapolis is a very patriotic city. Thanks to the academy, a significant number of the people who live here have ties to the armed forces. If you come here on a holiday like the Fourth of July, expect to see a ton of American flags hanging from homes and businesses. Main Street USA, the real one, at least, is not located at Disneyland or Disney World. It’s in Annapolis, Maryland! If you want to get your fix of “Americana,” as it used to be, there are few places in the country where you can get that experience.
Ego Alley – Boat Spotting & Tours
The docks are where a lot of action in Annapolis happens, regardless of the season. There’s one area in particular, known as Ego Alley, where you can spot some of the premier navy boats cruising along, as well as yachts from some of the city’s rich and famous residents. Around Christmas time, some of the boat owners add lights to the ships. There’s a rather famous parade that takes place as well. To be completely honest, that area around that time of year can get really cold.
In the summer, you can head down to the docks and book a boat tour. That could be one of the best ways to explore the coastline. It’s not that there are too many sightseeing opportunities out on the water. However, it’s hard to beat the romantic experience of watching the sun go down on a boat with your partner as you sip on some local wine.
On your next trip to Annapolis, be sure to include some of these experiences. In the historic Annapolis area, there are plenty of dining options to choose from. There’s also a local winery that offers tours, and it’s a great nearby getaway for a weekend day in the Spring. When you know how to plan your trip right, you can have a great time in Annapolis. It doesn’t matter if you come with your family, or if you want a more private escape. The city has something for everyone.