Annapolis Maryland Travel And Vacation Information

Annapolis, the capital of Maryland is a major tourist destination. It is situated on the Chesapeake Bay at the mouth of the Severn River, 25 miles south of Baltimore and 29 miles east of Washington D.C.

Annapolis is a lovely little city which is strategically located on the Chesapeake Bay. The city is home to some of the best preserved 18th and 19th century architecture in the country. The city is famous for its historic mansions and thriving tourist industry from the nearby cities of Baltimore and Washington DC.

Annapolis is the home of two world famous educational institutions. The US Naval Academy serves military officers while St. John's College, originally founded in 1696, educates private citizens.

Maryland state house is the oldest state house in use. The building is located at the centre of the town overlooking the web of streets. Many grand late eighteenth-century brick homes line the streets of Annapolis, dozens of pastel eighteenth-century clapboard cottages and commercial structures fill the narrow streets that run down to the waterfront. Annapolis also boasts of a great waterfront with many shops and restaurants. It is famous for its brick streets and walkways.

Visitors will find plenty to do during their stay. Sailing and boating enthusiasts can charter a power or sailboat, watch commercial fishing boats come and go or just see the sunset from the water. The nearby Chesapeake Bay Bridge, provides spectacular views of the bay for travelers approaching Annapolis. Kite flying, beach walking, biking, swimming, summer concerts, museum tours and other recreational activities are available as well.

Fishing is a popular pastime at Annapolis. Fishermen target striped bass, known in Maryland as "rockfish", as well as fish such as croaker, spot, white perch, flounder and bluefish.

Rockfish are the un-disputed icon of Chesapeake Bay fishing. Anglers chum, live bait, troll, jig, cast artificial lures and fly fish for rockfish. The beautiful fish range from schoolies of 16 inches to monster fish that may weigh 50 pounds are more.

Croaker or "hardhead" are commonly caught in the bay waters near Annapolis. The fish get their names because of the "croaking" noise the make when removed from the water.

Panfish such as Norfolk spot and white perch are caught near the city. Both species are fun to catch and suitable for anglers of all ages. These delicious fish are caught around the bay bridge, in creeks and around oyster beds.

Anglers seeking spot or perch use standard 2 hook rigs, using small hooks and small pieces of bait. Popular baits include bloodworms, shrimp, clam and synthetic bloodworm type baits.

Other water activities include crabbing. Enthusiasts use trotlines, traps or dipnets to catch blue crabs, which Annapolis and Maryland in general is famous for. The delicious shellfish are then steamed whole and the meat separated out. Crabmeat can be eaten as is or made into crabcakes, soups or other dishes.

Annapolis is well connected by road to Baltimore and Washington DC. The highway to the eastern shore is also well laid out, making trips to the coastal beaches possible. Walking is a good way to move about inside the city although bus and taxi service is also an option.