Come Sail Away to Annapolis and Anne Arundel County – America’s Sailing Capital. Known best for the Chesapeake Bay, the U.S. Naval Academy, tasty steamed crabs and crab cakes and the red-brick streets of historic Annapolis, the state’s capital.
You’ll discover a treasure trove of historic attractions in Annapolis, an 18th-century seaport town where Colonial-era buildings abound. Annapolis is proud to boast more existing 18th century buildings than any other city in the country!
If you are visiting during the US Naval Academy’s academic year, experience the awesome sight of 4,000 midshipmen in formation at the U.S. Naval Academy as you stroll this beautiful National Historic Landmark campus.
And, if you’re a water and nature lover, discover a way of life indelibly linked to the Bay by exploring 500 miles of magnificent shoreline and historic Chesapeake Bay light houses. Sandy Point State Park offers boat launching, boat rentals, fishing, swimming and hiking.
The Maryland Renaissance Festival, a two-month long festival held each year between August and October has become the region’s premier outdoor event and the second largest Renaissance Festival in the country.
Anne Arundel County has over half a dozen golf courses including Atlantic Golf at South River which was rated in the top 10 by Golf Digest. Getting here is easy with the Baltimore International Airport.
Cities in Anne Arundel County, Maryland include: Annapolis, Crofton, Fort Meade, Glen Burnie, Hanover, Jessup, Linthicum, Severn
Top Ten Things to Do in Anne Arundel County
- Tour the U.S. Naval Academy – No visit to Annapolis is complete without this.
- Get out on the Water – Want to get out on the water but don’t know where to begin? The professionals at our world-class sailing and powerboat schools can get you started.
- Pledge of Allegiance at Chick & Ruth’s Delly – The home of the largest milkshakes in the world and the 3 lb. Super Duper Colossal Burger is also a major seat of patriotism in Annapolis.
- Ride an eCruiser – Electric-powered eCruisers are becoming a frequent sight on the streets of Historic Annapolis and Eastport.
- Take a Water Taxi — While Annapolis is a walkable city, sometimes the quickest way to get from point A to point B in America’s Sailing Capital is to hop aboard a Water Taxi.
- Ride a Duffy Electric Boat – Enjoy a fun, environmentally friendly afternoon on the water with your friends when you rent a ten-passenger Duffy electric boat.
- Test Drive an Electric Bike – If you want to cycle throughout the Historic District without breaking a sweat, hop aboard a Green Pedals electric bike.
- Feast on Steamed Crabs – Restaurants serving up nature’s bounty dot the more than 400 miles of shoreline that weave their way throughout Anne Arundel County.
- Take the Roots and Tides Driving Tour — Today, as in the past, the rhythm of life in Southern Anne Arundel County moves to the tides and the seasons.
- Add one of your own!
Top Ten Things to See in Anne Arundel County
- Wednesday Night Sailboat Races – Looking for an excuse for a mid-week escape from the office? How about the Wednesday Night Sailing Races in Annapolis?
- Blue Angels Flight Demonstration – Each year during the U.S. Naval Academy’s Commissioning Week, the Blue Angels present their aerobatic maneuvers over the Severn River.
- Maryland State House – Annapolis is home to the oldest State House in continuous legislative use in the nation. It is also the only state house in the country that also served as the nation’s capitol.
- National Electronics Museum — For an offbeat and off-the beaten-path excursion, try the National Electronics Museum.
- National Cryptologic Museum — Take a peek at the world of secret codes at the National Cryptologic Museum located next to the National Security Agency in western Anne Arundel County.
- William Paca Garden – The two-acre, reconstructed 18th-century pleasure garden is an oasis in the heart of Annapolis.
- Thomas Point Shoal Lighthouse – Get an up close and personal look at the last screwpile lighthouse on the Chesapeake Bay.
- Ego Alley – No visit to America’s Sailing Capital is complete without a visit to City Dock and a view of the Annapolis Harbor.
- Most Beautiful Doorway in America – Annapolis is home to more 18th-century brick buildings than any other city in the nation.
- Woodland Garden at Historic London Town & Gardens – Modeled after the Windsor Great Park in Great Britain.