Attractions Nearby Annapolis, Day Trips and Excursions

(Annapolis, Maryland - MD, USA)

Close to Annapolis are some of America's biggest tourist attractions, with day trips across the state line to see the White House at Washington DC being understandably extremely popular. In Maryland, Baltimore, Chesapeake Bay, the eastern shore, the Point Lookout State Park and the town of Solomons are amongst the most visited attractions within reach of Annapolis.

If you head in a southwesterly direction from Annapolis, then it won't be long until you are treated to the delights of the Maryland state. In Maryland, some of the closest significant attractions include both Alexandria and Arlington, where historical places of interest abound.

Alexandria

Address: Virginia (VA)
A popular Virginian city on the outskirts of Washington DC and just under 40 miles / 64 km to the southwest of Annapolis, Alexandria was established in the mid-18th century and can therefore boast some of the richest history in the area. Significant attractions in Alexandria include the Cameron Run Regional Park, the historical houses along Captains Row and also Gentry Row, the George Washington Masonic Memorial, and the Old Presbyterian Meeting House.
Open hours: daily - 24 hours
Admission: free

Arlington

Address: Virginia (VA)
Perhaps best known for being the site of the Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington is to be found around 36 miles / 58 km to the southwest of Annapolis and can easily be reached in 45 minutes or thereabouts. The skyline of Arlington is especially distinctive, being bounded by the Potomac River. Apart from the cemetery, other attractions in Arlington include the Curtis-Lee Mansion, the Fashion Center at Pentagon City, the Arlington Historical Museum, and the nearby Mount Vernon Estate - formerly the home of George Washington.

Baltimore

A sizable independent city in the very heart of Maryland, Baltimore is only 30 miles / 48 km from Annapolis, meaning that day trips here are always popular. Tourists arriving in Baltimore can expect to find a lively Inner Harbor - complete with waterfront promenade, together with some exceptional family attractions, such as the Maryland Zoo, the National Aquarium and the Maryland Science Center.

Chesapeake Bay Bridge

The Chesapeake Bay Bridge is quite a familiar landmark in Maryland and is often referred to by locals as simply the 'Bay Bridge'. Stretching across the Chesapeake Bay and linking both the eastern and western (Sandy Point State Park) shores, the Chesapeake Bay Bridge is a much photographed sight and when it was completed in 1952, was actually the longest over-water steel structure in existence.
Open hours: daily - 24 hours
Admission: toll

Eastern Shore

Settled more than 300 years ago, the Eastern Shore comprises a series of small towns, hamlets and similar attractions. The most notable of these include Assateague Island, the Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, Easton, Kent Island, Ocean City, St. Michaels, and Tilghman Island. With beautiful sandy beaches, leading Maryland seafood restaurants, boardwalks, native flora and fauna, and commanding views, trips to the Eastern Shore come highly recommended.

Point Lookout State Park

Sited at the southerly tip of Maryland and some 79 miles / 127 km south of Annapolis, the Point Lookout State Park was actually formerly the location of a Civil War prison. Today, things are very different at the Point Lookout State Park and tourism is actively promoted here, with outdoor attractions and recreational activities a plenty. Choose between hiking and walking trails, swimming, canoeing and even camping. In the summer months, excursion ferries connect the nearby Smith Island.
Open hours: daily - 24 hours
Admission: free

Solomons

Until recent years, Solomons was something of a sleepy and unassuming waterfront town, although these days it is best known for being a major center for sailing and water sports. Outboard motor boats are readily available for rent and provide a pleasant way to sightsee around Solomons, while the Calvert Marine Museum and its striking octagonal lighthouse is something of a local attraction. Those wishing to come to Solomons will find this charming town just 54 miles / 87 km away and to the south.

Washington (District of Columbia - DC)

One of the most famous and powerful cities that the world has to offer, Washington DC is the proud US capital and is steeped in political heritage. The attractions of Washington are both numerous and varied, although the presidential White House is perhaps the most visited, followed by the Jefferson Memorial, the Lincoln Memorial, the National Air and Science Museum, the National Zoological Park (Smithsonian Zoo), the Washington Monument and also the Washington National Aquarium. At just 33 miles / 55 km to the west of Annapolis, an excursion or day trip to Washington DC really is an absolute must.