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It was in the Maryland State House where George Washington resigned his military commission, reinforcing the principle of civilian control over the armed forces (Maryland State Archives, n.d.; Mary 
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Annapolis, United StatesHistoric Capital and Maritime Spirit of the Chesapeake BayBy Jazmin Agudelo for Ruta Pantera on 8/8/2025 9:10:51 AM |
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Annapolis, the capital of Maryland, sits on the shores of the Chesapeake Bay between Baltimore and Washington, D.C. With about 39,000 residents and a compact historic center, the city combines colonial architecture, maritime culture, American history and a lively waterfront atmosphere. Founded in 1649 and Maryland’s capital since 1694, Annapolis also served briefly as the national capital of the United States from 1783 to 1784. Today, its brick streets, historic homes, sailing boats and waterfront restaurants make it an easy destination to explore on foot and an appealing weekend stop along the Mid-Atlantic coast. Historic Streets And American History The Historic District is the natural starting point. Around State Circle and Maryland Avenue, visitors find some of the best-preserved colonial architecture in the United States, including the Maryland State House, the oldest state capitol still in continuous legislative use. The William Paca House, St. John’s College and the waterfront City Dock add to the concentration of historic landmarks. The United States Naval Academy, founded in 1845, is another defining presence, with its historic campus, naval traditions and waterfront setting forming an important part of the city’s identity. Annapolis is particularly enjoyable without a fixed itinerary. Walk along Main Street toward the harbor, browse independent shops and galleries, stop at a café, and continue toward Eastport for a different view of the waterfront. The city is compact enough that many major attractions can be reached on foot, while free electric trolleys operate downtown on weekends, connecting the main parking areas with the Naval Academy. |
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The Chesapeake Bay Experience Water is central to Annapolis. The city is surrounded by the Severn River and Chesapeake Bay, and sailing is part of everyday life rather than simply a tourist activity. Visitors can take sailing excursions, harbor cruises, paddle along nearby waterways or simply watch the boats from City Dock. The region has more than 500 miles of shoreline, creating opportunities for kayaking, cycling, hiking and other outdoor activities beyond the historic center. For travelers interested in local traditions, the Chesapeake also provides one of the region’s defining culinary experiences: Maryland blue crab. Steamed crabs, crab cakes, oysters, rockfish and other seafood are among the foods worth trying, particularly at waterfront restaurants. Local breweries, cafés and contemporary restaurants add a broader dining scene beyond traditional seafood. |
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Weather And When To Go Annapolis has four distinct seasons. Summers are warm and humid, with July temperatures generally reaching the upper 20s °C during the day, while winters are cold and can bring occasional snow. Spring and autumn are particularly attractive for walking, sailing and exploring the historic district. September and October are popular months because of the mild weather, fall colors and festivals, although accommodation prices can rise during busy periods. |
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| Getting There And Getting Around Annapolis is about 40 kilometers south of Baltimore and roughly 48 kilometers east of Washington, D.C. The closest major airport is Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI), with Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport and Washington Dulles International Airport also serving the region. From BWI, visitors can use rental cars, ground transportation and public transit; a free BWI Express service also connects the airport with key locations in Annapolis. Once in Annapolis, the historic center is best explored on foot. A car is useful for reaching places outside downtown, including Sandy Point State Park and parts of Anne Arundel County, but it is not essential for a short city stay. |
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| Where To Stay And What It Costs Downtown is the best choice for travelers who want to stay close to the State House, Naval Academy, restaurants, shops and waterfront. Accommodation ranges from historic inns and bed-and-breakfasts to modern hotels. Current 2026 hotel data shows rooms starting around USD 90–150 outside the busiest periods, while downtown and waterfront properties commonly reach USD 150–300 or more per night. October and other high-demand periods can be considerably more expensive. A two-night stay is enough to experience the historic center, Naval Academy, waterfront and local food scene at a comfortable pace. Travelers interested in sailing, museums, nearby parks or the wider Chesapeake region can easily extend the visit to three or four nights. Practical Tips Bring comfortable walking shoes because the historic district is compact but includes brick and uneven surfaces. Summer travelers should expect humidity and carry water, while spring and autumn evenings can be noticeably cooler. Reservations are advisable during major sailing events, festivals and fall weekends. Annapolis is also a good base for combining urban sightseeing with Chesapeake Bay activities and nearby outdoor destinations. Annapolis is more than a preserved colonial capital. It is a living waterfront city where American history, naval tradition, sailing culture and Chesapeake cuisine continue to shape everyday life. Its manageable size makes it easy to explore, while its position between Baltimore and Washington makes it one of the most rewarding short stops on Maryland’s Chesapeake coast. |
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References: Visit Annapolis & Anne Arundel County. (2026). 2026 Visitor Guide and destination information. Visit Annapolis & Anne Arundel County. (2026). Transportation and travel resources. National Weather Service. (2026). Annapolis climate information. KAYAK. (2026). Annapolis hotel price trends.
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