Annapolis is the capital of Maryland, a state in the United States of America. Annapolis has a thriving historic district with shops and restaurants along the waterfront. Most of the buildings are original 17th, 18th and 19th century, with brick lined streets. Tourism from the surrounding Baltimore and Washington metro area is a major part of the town's life, as is a thriving boat business. One could easily spend a day walking around the town's downtown harbor area shopping and eating. There is also a lively night-time scene.

Activities

Annapolis is the sailing capital of the east coast (though - the folks in Newport, RI would have you believe otherwise.) So you must go sailing while in Annapolis. The easiest way to take a 2 hour cruise aboard the Schooner Woodwind which departs a few times daily from the dock at the Marriott Hotel. You can raise the sails, take the helm, watch for crab pots, see the sunset and experience Annapolis from the water. Beer, wine and soft drinks are available. Feel free to bring your lunch. And bring a camera, a good hat and soft soles shoes.

Dining

 • One of the best seafood restaurants in the area is called Cantlers and is about 15 minutes outside of town nestled on the backwaters of the Chesapeake Bay. You can arrive by boat or car. Cantlers is an authentic Maryland Family Style seafood restaurant where you sit at park benches and eat shoulder to shoulder with everyone. Steamed Crabs are a favorite but lots of local seafood choices all freshly caught nearby by local fisherman. Cantlers is an Annapolis family-run institution.
 • The Yin Yankee Cafe is an excellent Asian/American Fusion cafe right in the heart of downtown Annapolis at the foot of Main Street. Excellent sushi.

Get out

The Chesapeake Bay Bridge is close, and when it was built it was the largest bridge of its type in the world. The western end is at Sandy Point State Park which has great views of the bridge and Bay and ships passing on the way to Baltimore. From here you can see the Baltimore Lighthouse which for a brief time in the 1960s was the worlds first and only nuclear powered lighthouse (it is solar powered at this time). Kite flying, beach walking, swimming, summer concerts, boat launches, etc.. are all here.