The Capital of Maryland's Maritime Culture

Find your way to the water.

A local-first guide to eating well, finding the fun, getting on the Bay, and making the most of Annapolis.

38.9784° N · 76.4922° W

Enjoy Naptown
like a Local

Walk it. Sail it. Eat it.

Download all featured locations as individual map pins with no route between them. Tap any pin or address for directions to just that stop.

Download map pins (KML) ↓
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West Street

Sailor Oyster Bar

An intimate raw bar serving oysters, crudo, tinned fish, charcuterie, wine, and cocktails in Uptown Annapolis.

HoursTue–Sun 4pm–midnight · Kitchen until 10pm · Mon closed
📍 196 West St, Annapolis, MD 21401☎ No public phone · contact online
Visit Sailor Oyster Bar

There is always
something in the wind.

Upcoming dates verified with event organizers and official city sources. Follow each link for tickets, schedules, and last-minute changes.

Wednesdays · Through Sep 30

Dinner Under the Stars

West Street closes from 6–10 p.m. for outdoor dining, live music, and dancing beneath the lights.

Sep 19 · 4–10 p.m.

Boatyard Beach Bash

A waterfront fundraiser at the Annapolis Maritime Museum with Coral Reefer musicians, food, cocktails, and oysters.

Sep 26 · Noon–7 p.m.

Kunta Kinte Heritage Festival

A celebration of African and African American arts, culture, and legacy at Navy–Marine Corps Memorial Stadium.

Sep 27 · 11 a.m.–4 p.m.

West Annapolis Oktoberfest

Beer, food, music, local vendors, and family activities fill Annapolis Street and Giddings Avenue.

Oct 4 & Nov 1 · 11 a.m.–5 p.m.

First Sunday Arts Festival

More than 100 artists and artisans, live entertainment, and café dining take over the first block of West Street.

Oct 8–11

Annapolis Powerboat Show

New powerboats, marine equipment, accessories, and boating services fill City Dock and Annapolis Harbor.

Oct 15–18

Annapolis Sailboat Show

Sailors from around the world gather at City Dock for boats, gear, services, and sailing education.

Oct 24 · 3:30 p.m.

Navy Football Homecoming

Navy hosts North Texas for the 2026 Homecoming game at Navy–Marine Corps Memorial Stadium.

Nov 29 · From 3 p.m.

Grand Illumination

Community carols and dancing lead into the lighting of Annapolis's downtown Christmas tree at Market Space.

Dec 3, 10 & 17 · From 4 p.m.

Midnight Madness

Downtown shops stay open late amid holiday lights, refreshments, sales, and street entertainment.

Dec 6 · 11 a.m.–4 p.m.

Annapolis Chocolate Binge Festival

More than 50 chocolate vendors join live music, holiday activities, and shopping along West Street.

Dec 12 · 6–8 p.m.

Eastport Yacht Club Lights Parade

Decorated and illuminated boats parade through Annapolis Harbor for a bright December night on the waterfront.

Dec 28 · 2 p.m.

Freedom Mortgage Military Bowl

College football returns to Navy–Marine Corps Memorial Stadium for an ACC–American Conference matchup.

Go do
Annapolis.

The city is compact, walkable, and best experienced at water level. Start with history, then get outside.

Looking up Francis Street toward the Maryland State House
Historic district

Walk to the State House

Climb the brick streets to the oldest state capitol in continuous legislative use, then wander Maryland Avenue and the surrounding historic blocks.

Watermark

Walking & boat tours

Explore Annapolis with a guided historic walk or see the city from the water on a narrated harbor cruise.

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Eastport

Maritime Museum & Park

Explore Annapolis's oyster, boatbuilding, and waterfront heritage at the former McNasby's oyster packing plant.

A no-car game plan.

Downtown and Eastport reward wandering. This easy loop keeps the water in sight and leaves room for detours.

Main Street breakfast

Start with coffee and breakfast, then walk uphill before the streets fill.

Historic district

Circle the State House, Maryland Avenue, and the Naval Academy area.

Cross to Eastport

Walk the Spa Creek bridge for lunch, maritime history, and harbor views.

Back to City Dock

Catch a cruise or a race, then settle in for dinner and a dockside stroll.

The useful stuff.

Parking

Downtown garages are easier than hunting for a curb space. Check availability, rates, and electric-vehicle options before arriving.

Annapolis parking information ↗

Leave the car parked

The historic core, City Dock, and Eastport are close enough to connect on foot. Comfortable shoes beat moving the car.

City transportation ↗

Ask a human

The Visit Annapolis visitor center on West Street has maps and current recommendations for tours, lodging, and events.

Visitor center ↗