Your kids won’t have to build forts with ‘snowcrete’ anymore as temperatures will climb well into the 40s this week. So, if you’re looking for things to do with the whole family now that the weather is slightly treating us better, Annapolis, MD—a charming getaway just under an hour’s drive from D.C.—offers history, culture and adventure.
Known as The Sailing Capital Of America, it’s home to the oldest restaurant in Maryland, picturesque neighborhoods filled with colonial architecture, and a ton of activities, from sprawling trails and art galleries to live music concerts.
Annapolis: colonial history, waterfront charm and vibrant cultural life
Founded in 1649 and once the nation’s capital under the Articles of Confederation, Annapolis is steeped in history. Its crown jewel is the Maryland State House, the oldest state capitol still in continuous legislative use and the site where George Washington resigned his commission in 1783. In fact, Washington’s most visited city in Maryland was indeed Annapolis, which he frequented numerous times for political, social, and military reasons.
If you’re looking for historical things to do in Annapolis, a stroll along the brick-lined streets past 18th-century homes and historic taverns, such as the famous Middleton Tavern, lets you imagine what life was like in the tidewater city’s Revolutionary heyday.
Annapolis Maritime Museum & Park is a great spot to learn about the maritime heritage and the ecology of the Chesapeake Bay, and discover stories of pirates, bay watermen and aquatic creatures. Additionally, at the heart of the cultural life is Maryland Hall. The venue has evolved into a hub that hosts everything from art exhibitions to film screenings and it even has four resident companies (Annapolis Opera, Annapolis Symphony Orchestra, Ballet Theatre of Maryland and Live Arts Maryland). The hall regularly welcomes the ASO and chamber ensembles in its grand 725-seat auditorium.
This season at Maryland Hall, Candlelight offers great family-friendly plans, with classical tribute’s to music’s greatest artists—perfect for escaping the cold and quite a spectacle thanks to the sea of flickering candles. Other upcoming shows include the fabulous Jazz at Lincoln Center trio’s tribute to Great American Crooners and the return of Step Afrika!, a lively performance that blends percussive dance, diverse rhythms and cultural storytelling.
More kid-friendly activities in Annapolis throughout the year
For lovers of the outdoors, if the weather permits it, spots like Quiet Waters Park offer tranquil trails, art galleries and peaceful views of the surrounding woods and waterways. On the other hand, City Dock bustles with sailboats and in the fall, it welcomes the Annapolis Boat Show. Those that want more maritime stories can also check out the US Naval Academy, one of the country’s oldest military institutions that offers public tours of its beautiful campus and chapel.
If you’re looking for incredible seafood restaurants in Annapolis that can quiet down any hunger-induced family drama or bickering, head to Boatyard Bar & Grill, Seasalt Annapolis, Beacon Waterfront and The Lodge Annapolis. What’s more, if instead of a day trip you’re thinking of a weekend getaway, hotels in Annapolis range from cozy, historic inns like Maryland Inn and Governor Calvert House to The Westin and Hilton Garden.
How to get to Annapolis from D.C.?
Annapolis is about a 50-minute drive from the capital, but you can easily get to the city by bus or rail:
🚆 Rail: The Orange Line from Union Station – approx. 35 minutes
🚌 Bus:
- Flixbus ($12) from the Union Station Bus Terminal – approx. 50 minutes
- Bus 220 ($6-7) from N. Capitol St. & H St. NB – approx. 1 hour