Annapolis
Maryland's state capital on the Chesapeake Bay, with 18th-century streets, a harbor full of sailboats and the U.S. Naval Academy.
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Annapolis is the capital of Maryland, on the Chesapeake Bay where the Severn River meets it. The historic center follows an 18th-century street plan, with brick houses, church steeples and lanes that run down to City Dock. The Maryland State House, finished in 1779, is the oldest state capitol in continuous legislative use in the United States. George Washington resigned his commission as commander of the Continental Army there in 1783. The U.S. Naval Academy sits on the waterfront beside downtown.
A one- to two-day stay covers the historic district, the State House and the Naval Academy. Most of the historic core is on foot, and boats fill the harbor at City Dock, so a sail on the bay fits well into a longer stay. Blue crab and other Chesapeake seafood are the local food to look for. Spring and fall bring the mildest weather, while summer is hot and humid.
Annapolis in five
- Get from BWI by car, bus or taxiBaltimore-Washington International (BWI) is the nearest large airport to Annapolis. Annapolis has no passenger train, so arrange a car, bus or taxi from the airport before you land.Getting around
- Carry photo ID for the Naval AcademyThe U.S. Naval Academy is an active military installation, and visitors need photo ID at the gate. Check the academy's visitor rules before you go, since security steps change.
- Book a harbor cruise from City DockBoats leave from City Dock at the end of Main Street. Book ahead for weekends and sunset sailings.Tours and tickets
- Set up an eSIM before you landDownload offline maps for the Chesapeake shoreline and the state parks, where the signal can be weak. An eSIM set up before the flight keeps maps and ride apps working from the airport.Phones and eSIM
- Buy travel insurance that covers boat tripsCover for a fall on a dock or a sailing mishap is not automatic in every policy. Check that it includes boat trips and U.S. medical care, which is costly.Travel insurance
Need to know
- Currency
- U.S. dollar (USD)
- Entry
- ESTA for Visa Waiver passports; a U.S. visa for most other passports Read more
- Emergency
- 911 for police, fire and ambulance
- Tipping
- Customary; 15 to 20 percent at restaurants and bars
- Time
- UTC-5 Eastern Time, daylight saving to UTC-4
Weather by month
- Best
- JanuaryCold, quiet
- FebruaryCold, gray
- MarchCool, windy
- AprilMild, spring
- MayWarm, blooming
- JuneWarm, humid
- JulyHot, humid
- AugustHot, humid
- SeptemberSailing weather
- OctoberFall color
- NovemberCool, quiet
- DecemberCold, short days
Right now in Annapolis
Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.
18
- Feels like
- 14°
- Humidity
- 51%
- Wind
- 12 km/h
- Chance of rain
- 3%
Annapolis
03:36 PM
Monday, November 2
- Today17°6°3%Monday: Cloudy. High 17°, Low 6°. Chance of rain 3%.
- Tue19°8°3%Tuesday: Fog. High 19°, Low 8°. Chance of rain 3%.
- Wed21°12°0%Wednesday: Fog. High 21°, Low 12°. Chance of rain 0%.
- Thu22°17°45%Thursday: Drizzle. High 22°, Low 17°. Chance of rain 45%.
- Fri20°15°43%Friday: Cloudy. High 20°, Low 15°. Chance of rain 43%.
- Sat15°8°31%Saturday: Cloudy. High 15°, Low 8°. Chance of rain 31%.
- Sun14°6°14%Sunday: Drizzle. High 14°, Low 6°. Chance of rain 14%.
Updated 02:59 PM local time · Powered by WeatherAPI.com · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com
Money
Mid-market rate1 EUR = 1.116 USD
Rates from Nov 2, 2026 · Rates By Exchange Rate API
Day trips by train
- Washington, DCabout 45 min to 1 hour by car, longer at rush hourThe U.S. capital, with national museums and monuments, is an easy day trip by car.
- Baltimoreabout 40 min by carThe Inner Harbor, museums and the historic Fells Point waterfront.
- St. Michaelsabout 1 to 1.5 hours by carA waterfront town on the Eastern Shore, reached over the Chesapeake Bay Bridge.
Before you go to Annapolis
Rules for Annapolis, checked
- Visa Waiver Program passports need an approved ESTA before boarding; other passports need a U.S. visa. Check eligibility at travel.state.gov.Source
- Carry photo ID for the U.S. Naval Academy and check its visitor rules before you go, since access steps change.
- Food, plants and some animal products must be declared on the CBP form at arrival. Check CBP's list before you pack snacks.
- The drinking age is 21, and bars and shops ask for photo ID. Carry your passport or a driver's license when you go out.
Plan around Annapolis
The state, its regions and the trips that start from Annapolis
Read the guideGetting aroundAirports, buses and driving to the bay towns and Washington
Read the guideVisas and entryWho needs ESTA or a visa, and how to apply
Read the guideMoney and costsCards, tipping and typical daily spending in dollars
Read the guideWhere to stayDowntown, Eastport and the cheaper areas outside the center
Read the guideAnnapolis FAQ
How many days do you need in Annapolis?
Two days cover the historic downtown, the State House, the Naval Academy and a harbor cruise. Add a day for the Chesapeake shore or a trip to Washington, DC, which is roughly an hour away by car.
Is Annapolis worth visiting as a day trip from Washington, DC?
Yes, if you like sailing, brick colonial streets and seafood. The drive is about an hour each way in normal traffic, so a day works, but a night lets you walk the harbor after the day visitors leave.
When is the best time to visit Annapolis?
Spring and early fall are the most comfortable, with mild weather and good sailing. Summer is hot and humid, and winter is cold, with short days and quiet streets.
Do you need a car in Annapolis?
Not for the historic downtown, which is walkable. A car is easier for BWI airport, the Chesapeake shore and most day trips, and downtown parking fills up on weekends.
Is Annapolis safe for tourists?
The historic downtown and the waterfront are busy during the day. As in any city, stay alert at night and keep valuables out of parked cars.
What is Annapolis known for?
It is the capital of Maryland, home of the U.S. Naval Academy, and a sailing harbor on the Chesapeake Bay. Its historic downtown is built around Main Street and City Dock.