Visit Annapolis

Visit Annapolis
Name	Visit Annapolis
Type	Tourism promotion organization
Location	Annapolis, Maryland, United States
Founded	20th century
Website	Visit Annapolis

Visit Annapolis is the promotional identity for tourism activities centered on Annapolis, Maryland, the state capital on the Chesapeake Bay. The initiative highlights connections to colonial Maryland, the United States Naval Academy, the Annapolis National Historic Landmark District, and maritime heritage linked to the Chesapeake Bay. It coordinates with municipal agencies, historic sites, cultural institutions, and hospitality partners to market landmarks such as State House (Annapolis, Maryland), St. Anne's Church (Annapolis), and waterfront venues.

History and Heritage

Annapolis grew from the 17th-century settlement of St. Mary's County, Maryland and the colonial port established under Proprietary Colony of Maryland patronage, later hosting events tied to the American Revolution, the Annapolis Convention (1786), and the signing of treaties like the Treaty of Paris (1783). The city’s street plan and architecture reflect influences from Annapolis Historic District, Colonial architecture in the United States, and architects associated with Benjamin Latrobe, William Buckland, and Charles Willson Peale. Preservation efforts involve institutions such as the Historic Annapolis Foundation, Maryland Historical Trust, and partnerships with the National Park Service. Military and naval heritage is curated by the United States Naval Academy Museum, the Naval Academy Athletic Association, and memorials commemorating units like the Continental Army and episodes such as the War of 1812. The maritime legacy intersects with figures including Chesapeake Bay schooner builders and events linked to the Potomac River and Baltimore shipyards.

Attractions and Landmarks

Prominent sites promoted include the United States Naval Academy, with buildings like Midsummer House (Annapolis) and the Bancroft Hall, the Maryland State House, reputed as the site where George Washington resigned his commission, and cultural venues such as the Annapolis Maritime Museum and the Kunta Kinte–Alex Haley Memorial. Visitors explore historic houses like the William Paca House, the Charles Carroll House, and the Hillsmere Shores environs, while institutional anchors include the Annapolis Opera, the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra, and the Center of Naval History. Waterfront landmarks include Ego Alley, City Dock (Annapolis), and piers connected to the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum. Nearby attractions tie to St. John's College (Annapolis/Santa Fe), the Museum of the Chesapeake, and preserved landscapes such as Quiet Waters Park.

Events and Festivals

Major events highlighted are the Annapolis Boat Show, the Annapolis Film Festival, and regattas associated with the United States Sailboat Show and Chesapeake Bay Maritime Festival traditions. Ceremonial occasions include Commissioning Week (Annapolis), military observances like Fleet Week (United States), and civic commemorations around Independence Day (United States). Cultural festivals bring performers from entities such as the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, touring companies linked to the Kennedy Center, and local groups like the Annapolis Shakespeare Company. Seasonal programming ties into broader regional gatherings across Prince George's County, Anne Arundel County, and the Eastern Shore.

Dining, Shopping, and Nightlife

The city’s culinary scene references establishments influenced by regional producers such as the Chesapeake Bay seafood fleet and oyster farmers associated with the Chesapeake Bay Foundation initiatives. Dining corridors feature historic taverns with lineage to the Colonial era and contemporary restaurants competing for recognition alongside awards like the James Beard Foundation Awards nominees. Retail clusters on Main Street (Annapolis), historic markets reminiscent of the Faneuil Hall Marketplace model, and specialty shops selling goods tied to Annapolis Maritime Museum exhibits serve visitors. Nightlife includes performance venues hosting acts from the American Theater Wing network, live music in partnership with the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra, and bars that showcase Chesapeake-focused beverage producers affiliated with the Maryland Wineries Association and craft breweries featured by the Brewers Association.

Recreation and Outdoor Activities

Recreational offerings emphasize sailing programs from clubs such as the Annapolis Yacht Club, rowing activities associated with the United States Naval Academy Athletics program, and kayak tours on the Severn River. Parklands including Quiet Waters Park, Annapolis Neck State Park, and trails within Anne Arundel County connect to birding networks like the National Audubon Society and conservation efforts by the Chesapeake Bay Foundation. Golf courses and marinas often collaborate with regional institutions like the PGA Tour or training programs tied to the United States Coast Guard Academy. Eco-tours reference waterways feeding into the Patuxent River and historic waterways that served commerce between Baltimore and the Delaware Bay.

Transportation and Accommodation

Access is via roadways connected to interstates serving Baltimore–Washington metropolitan area, rail links aligning with MARC Train corridors and Amtrak service through Baltimore Penn Station, and air travel routed through Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport and the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. Local transit partners include Anne Arundel County Department of Transportation shuttles, regional services like the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, and water taxis operating in harbor zones similar to services in Boston and New York City. Accommodations range from historic inns in the Annapolis Historic District to hotels affiliated with chains such as Marriott International, Hilton Worldwide, and boutique properties participating in the Historic Hotels of America program. Visitor services coordinate with bodies like the Chamber of Commerce (Annapolis) and state tourism offices to provide hospitality information.

Category:Annapolis, Maryland