Maritime history, measured pace, brick streets.
Annapolis moves at a measured harbor-city pace, where brick streets, the Maryland State House, and views along City Dock give the city a maritime character that lingers.
What Makes Annapolis Annapolis
- Brick lanes to the harbor
- State House on the hill
- Naval Academy marching cadence
- Crab houses and dockside tables
Pick the part of the city to wake up in.
Stays grouped by the way people travel, so you can start from the trip you want rather than a list of rooms in Annapolis.
- Breakfast
- Parking
- Balcony/Terrace
- Air Conditioner
Aparthotels in Annapolis
Business Hotels & Aparthotels in Annapolis
- Private Pool
- Parking
- Pool
- Air Conditioner
- Parking
- Balcony/Terrace
- View
- Air Conditioner
- Parking
- Balcony/Terrace
- Air Conditioner
- Internet
Historic streets and harbor-side rhythms.
Annapolis feels walkable and harbor-close, with a measured pace that favors wandering, dining, and easy city stays.
Known for
U.S. Naval Academy, the Maryland State House, and a compact maritime heritage scene give Annapolis its historic edge, with brick streets, harbor views, and a deep naval identity.
Best for
First visits, history-focused weekends, and work trips that stretch into a slower city break, especially if you want museums, civic landmarks, and easy evenings out.
Walkability
Downtown and the Historic District are easiest on foot, with narrow streets, waterfront blocks, and short links between landmarks, shops, and restaurants.
Closest airport
Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) is the primary commercial airport, located northwest of Annapolis.
Ideal trip length
Two to three days gives you time for the core sights, a measured waterfront stroll, and a relaxed meal or two without rushing between them.
Vibe
Historic, maritime, polished, unhurried
What Annapolis leaves in your memory.
From dockside walks to brick-lined streets, the things to do in Annapolis feel shaped by the harbor and State Circle.
Pick up pastries at the farmers market
Early shoppers drift through the Anne Arundel County Farmers' Market for coffee, produce, and baked goods, then linger over a quick catch-up before heading back downtown.
Stroll Main Street before lunch
Locals move along Main Street for errands, a bookstore stop, or a casual bite, with brick sidewalks and storefronts shaping an easy midday rhythm.
Grab takeout near City Dock
Order coffee or lunch from nearby counters and carry it toward City Dock, where people pause at the water's edge for a simple break in the day.
Browse shops along West Street
West Street mixes everyday shopping with low-key dining, so you can wander between small businesses, pick up essentials, and settle in for an unhurried meal.
Every few blocks, a different Annapolis.
From historic streets to leafy waterfront, each neighborhood offers its own way
to spend a day in the city.
A year of harbor-side rhythms.
Many travelers aim for September, when the Annapolis Boat Shows bring the harbor and downtown into focus.
Spring
Downtown wakes into a lighter pace, with sailors, students, and locals moving between brick streets, harbor views, and cafe tables as daylight settles softly over the center.
Summer
Evenings stretch along the waterfront and through the historic core, where diners spill onto sidewalks and the city moves at a slower, lingering rhythm after work.
Fall
The streets feel crisp and focused, with a steadier tempo around the academy, the shops, and the waterfront as weekends fill with game-day energy and season-openers.
Winter
The historic core turns quieter and more intimate, with decorated storefronts, warm dining rooms, and an easy, unhurried rhythm that rewards short walks and lingering stops.
Downtown wakes into a lighter pace, with sailors, students, and locals moving between brick streets, harbor views, and cafe tables as daylight settles softly over the center.
Evenings stretch along the waterfront and through the historic core, where diners spill onto sidewalks and the city moves at a slower, lingering rhythm after work.
The streets feel crisp and focused, with a steadier tempo around the academy, the shops, and the waterfront as weekends fill with game-day energy and season-openers.
The historic core turns quieter and more intimate, with decorated storefronts, warm dining rooms, and an easy, unhurried rhythm that rewards short walks and lingering stops.
Locals’ go-tos, all week.
From State Circle coffee stops to quiet Dock Street routines, these are the Annapolis places locals keep coming back to.
Walk Main Street before the shops open
Morning light on brick sidewalks, courthouse views, and coffee stops near the State House. It is a steady Annapolis ritual for people heading downtown.
Grab a crab cake at Chick & Ruth's Delly
A long-running downtown counter where locals linger over breakfast plates, sandwiches, and Maryland crab cakes. The room feels like a daily stop, not an outing.
Catch a show on West Street
Ram's Head On Stage draws neighbors for live music and an easy night out. Around it, West Street gives you restaurants, bars, and an after-dinner walk.
A few things worth knowing.
Notes that help you plan a trip to Annapolis.
Most walkable areas
Historic Downtown and the City Dock area make the easiest foot loop, with the Maryland State House nearby.
Getting around
Annapolis works well on foot in the center. Use a car for farther neighborhoods, or follow local buses where they fit your route.
Ideal trip length
Two to three nights gives time for the historic core, harbor views, and a slower pace on the side streets.
Good for work trips
Stay near Downtown for quick access to offices, restaurants, and walkable evenings, with apartment-style space where available.
Annapolis travel questions, answered.
Quick answers to the questions travelers ask most.
Discover top family-friendly travel options in or near Annapolis. If you're planning a trip or vacation to Annapolis, consider spending a week or two at any of our welcoming family-allowed hotels, resorts, or other recommended properties. These are renowned as the Top Vacation Rentals and Places to Stay in Annapolis:
- Walk to Navy Stadium Private Studio w Parking
- The Pool Loft at Poplar Hill
- The Inn at Chesapeake Bay Beach Club
- Staybridge Suites - Washington DC East - Largo by IHG
- Courtyard by Marriott Bowie
- Homewood Suites By Hilton Largo Washington Dc
- Downtown Annapolis King George 1st Floor Hideaway
- Sonesta ES Suites Annapolis
- The Westin Annapolis
- TownePlace Suites Bowie Town Center
Sonder™ regularly updates its listings to offer a diverse selection of accommodations, each with clear details on family amenities. Currently, there are over 26 active properties listed by Sonder in 2026 in the Annapolis area, with new additions daily. By aggregating listings from various websites and travel providers, Sonder delivers a vast array of top places to stay that are perfect for families visiting Annapolis.
Discover top family-friendly travel options in or near Annapolis. If you're planning a trip or vacation to Annapolis, consider spending a week or two at any of our welcoming family-allowed hotels, resorts, or other recommended properties. These are renowned as the Top Vacation Rentals and Places to Stay in Annapolis:
- Walk to Navy Stadium Private Studio w Parking
- The Pool Loft at Poplar Hill
- The Inn at Chesapeake Bay Beach Club
- Staybridge Suites - Washington DC East - Largo by IHG
- Courtyard by Marriott Bowie
- Homewood Suites By Hilton Largo Washington Dc
- Downtown Annapolis King George 1st Floor Hideaway
- Sonesta ES Suites Annapolis
- The Westin Annapolis
- TownePlace Suites Bowie Town Center
Sonder™ regularly updates its listings to offer a diverse selection of accommodations, each with clear details on family amenities. Currently, there are over 26 active properties listed by Sonder in 2026 in the Annapolis area, with new additions daily. By aggregating listings from various websites and travel providers, Sonder delivers a vast array of top places to stay that are perfect for families visiting Annapolis.
Go with curiosity. Come back with stories.
The best trips rarely go exactly as planned. Sonder keeps you closer to the neighborhoods, kitchens, and small moments that make a city worth remembering.


























