Now, Annapolis, Maryland Recognized As One Of America’s Best Towns To Visit, Celebrated For Its History, Waterfront And Maritime Culture

Annapolis, Md., has been. named one of the best places in. the United States to travel in 2025 by CNN Travel, coming in at No. 5 on the acclaimed “America’s Best Towns to Visit” list. Rich with history, Annapolis boasts a scenic waterfront and a charming atmosphere that continues to attract visitors from all over the country and beyond. Historic, cultured, with a strong arts base and cordial community — the city is nothing short of history, culture, and scenic beauty. For visitors who want a special travel experience, Annapolis provides an opportunity to become part of the stories and places that inspired the nation.

A rich history and heritage carpet

Annapolis is known for its rich ties to American history. Noted as the “America’s Sailing Capital,” the city is steeped in colonial and maritime history evident throughout its cobblestone streets and wonderfully preserved 18th-century structures. The city was a temporary national capital in the late 1700s and the oldest continuously operated statehouse, the Maryland State House, was where the country’s history was shaped. The Treaty of Paris was passed here, ending the American Revolutionary War.

Annapolis provides a glimpse into early American life, and visitors can walk its historic streets to get a feel for days gone by. Another city centerpiece is the U.S. Naval Academy, to which visitors are welcome to learn about the nation’s naval history and stroll through its lovely grounds.

A Scenic Waterfront Haven

Annapolis is also known for its beautiful waterfront location 533 miles of Chesapeake Bay shoreline allow plenty of activities and escape from the outdoors. With its close proximity to the water, the city is a hub for boating, sailing and other water activities. There’s a strong maritime culture in Annapolis, and you can watch sailboats drift across the harbor or take a sailing tour yourself.

San Francisco is also known for its stunning waterfront dining, as there are restaurants around the Bay that offers beautiful views. Guests can dine on fresh seafood, local delicacies and fine dining as they watch the sun go down over the water. The combination of stunning landscape and exquisite cuisine makes it one of the most truly fantastic places to relax and enjoy the taste of the region.

Annapolis Arts and Culture

Annapolis, though hardly stuck in the past, has a rich contemporary arts scene drawing creatives and culture seekers. Throughout the year, the city is the venue for culture events like theatre acts, festivals of music, and art expositions. Annapolis Arts District The Annapolis Arts District is made up of a mix of galleries, boutiques and studios where you can purchase and treat yourself to local artwork, handmade jewelry and special souvenirs.

Annapolis nightlife is equally appealing, with a diverse selection of bars, restaurants, and music venues that cater to everyone. From relaxing evenings with local bands and other peers or a drink in one of the city’s oldest taverns, Annapolis has a dynamic social scene to match its cultural depth.

A Destination for Foodies

Annapolis is such a hot foodie town right now! The historic town now hosts restaurants for every dietary need. From seafood shacks slinging freshly caught crabs to fine-dining spots presenting innovative gourmet plates, Annapolis has a little something for every foodie out there. Dining around the water offers the chance for all patrons to overlook the beauty of the Chesapeake Bay while dining.

Other than their great seafood, Annapolis has quite a mix of international fare which molds greatly to the city’s international flair. Mediterranean, Italian, and contemporary American: one is in the mood for any of those, Annapolis’ restaurants guarantee a great meal. The city’s farmers’ markets and food festivals are also about what makes the region’s culinary scene so special: its locally produced agricultural products and artisanal goods.

Outdoor Recreation and Activities

If you are an outdoors person, Annapolis will likely suit you just fine. Its waterfront location makes it a convenient destination for water activities like kayaking, paddleboarding and fishing. Boat to Enjoy the Natural Wonders of the Chesapeake Bay Guests can take a boat tour to discover the stunning beauty of the Chesapeake Bay or enjoy a relaxing cruise viewing the bay’s natural wonders at a closer range.

Parks and nature reserves also ring Annapolis, offering miles of hiking and biking trails and picnicking spots. Keep in mind, that peaceful trails and picturesque byways for any type of ride can be found or journeyed in, giving you invigorating experiences far removed from the daily struggles of urban living.

A Gathering Place for the Sea and Boat Lover

Annapolis is sailing central for the country, so it definitely is a haven for anyone and everyone into boats. The city is a major sailing and yachting center in the United States and the home of the United States Naval Academy. Annapolis is also home to a growing number of professional high tech firms. For a sailing veteran or a newbie in need of boating experience, Annapolis has something for everyone, from sailing lessons to yacht rentals. Its harbor is well-known as a great place to sail, and it offers people a scenic view of the water and the city’s history from the deck of a boat.

East Coast Major Metropolitan Areas on the Doorsteps

It’s convenient for a walking visit to this historic town, one of the best-preserved Colonial cities in the U.S., not far from the I-95 corridor and thus close to Washington, D.C. and Baltimore. The availability of cultural, historical, and recreational activities in these nearby urban areas is convenient to the city’s visitors. Whether you’re touring the National Mall in D.C., or soaking up the scenes of Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, Annapolis is a perfect home base from which to explore the region at large.

A Four-Season Destination

Annapolis has something for everyone, any time of year. In the warmer months of spring and summer there are outdoor festivals, boat tours, and live music. Autumn brings brightly colored foliage along the bay; perfect for hiking and scenic drives. Annapolis, Maryland is a magical place in the winter, as its historic streets and waterfronts twinkle with holiday lights and decorations.

Conclusion: Why Annapolis Needs to Be On Your Travel List

CNN Travel’s listing of Annapolis as one of its “Best American Towns to Visit in 2025” reflects the distinctiveness of a place that offers history, culture and natural beauty. Annapolis is a city with a rich maritime history, gorgeous views of the water, vibrant art and food scenes, and a huge variety of outdoor activities — something you look for in a diverse-list-worthy destination that is fun for the entire family. As you wander historic streets, charter a boat on the Chesapeake Bay, or sit down to dine, you’ll share in the timeless, often tempestuous, majesty of this all-American place.

For everyone who wants a beautiful, historic, and scenic place to visit, look no further than Annapolis in 2025 and beyond.

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