Annapolis

Francis Nicholson laid the town out in 1695 on a baroque plan of circles with streets radiating from them, which is why State Circle and Church Circle sit on the two high points with everything else running down to the water. The Maryland State House, begun 1772, is the oldest state capitol in continuous legislative use, and it served as the national capitol for several months in 1783-84, where Washington resigned his commission and the Treaty of Paris was ratified. The United States Naval Academy occupies the point; visitors need photo ID and enter through a gate with a visitor centre. The city dock is working sailing water, and the town calls itself the sailing capital with reasonable grounds.

What's there

• A 1695 baroque plan - streets radiating from two circles.
• The State House of 1772 - the oldest in continuous legislative use.
• The Naval Academy - entry with photo ID through the gate.
• A working sailing harbour - the city dock and the creeks around.

When to go

April to October; boat show weekends in October are the peak. Half a day.

Before you go

Parking in the historic streets is difficult and metered. Naval Academy access requires ID and can close for events. Boat show weekends fill everything. There is no train - it is a drive or a bus.

Nearby

The Chesapeake Bay Bridge is east; Baltimore is north.

Key facts