Main Street, Annapolis (must see)
Located between Church Circle and City Dock, Main Street can’t be missed with its ever-busy sidewalks, views of the Annapolis Harbor, and bustling shops. They say that Main Street is the lifeblood of Annapolis and, indeed, represents the very best of what the state of Maryland has to offer. Defined by as much as three centuries of history and lovingly-preserved 18th- and 19th-century buildings lining its five blocks, this thoroughfare is something of a living museum, providing visitors and residents alike with some truly historical experience.
Given the assembly of architectural details, attractive qualities, interesting discoveries, and everyday pleasures found here, it is easy to see why Main Street is a source of pride not only for Annapolitans, but for Americans across the country. Nightlife, dining, and art, as well as shopping take the center stage here, making Main Street a great point to start a day on the town, be it for a leisurely outing, special event, or some other occasion.
There's a contagious energy in the air of Main Street that some call addictive. Just look in any direction and you will surely find something to pique your imagination - physically and visually associated with history, maritime culture, and architectural character. Among the eye catchers are, undoubtedly, the Chesapeake Bay, midshipmen in dress whites, historic landmarks, bars, restaurants and art galleries of every size and description, offering visitors plenty of options to choose from, no matter what they look for. There are also a handful of cafes, ice cream parlors, bookstores, and shops selling souvenirs, jewelry, comics, and apparel aimed at tourists to be found.
Throughout the year, the city and merchants decorate the street with hanging flower baskets, flags, and banners. Each October brings visitors in their thousands who arrive for the world's largest in-water power and sail boat shows taking place at City Dock. The street has a festive atmosphere during the holiday season too, when the Downtown Business Association and businesses along Main Street sponsor Midnight Madness two nights before Christmas to attract holiday shoppers to their decorated stores.
Given the assembly of architectural details, attractive qualities, interesting discoveries, and everyday pleasures found here, it is easy to see why Main Street is a source of pride not only for Annapolitans, but for Americans across the country. Nightlife, dining, and art, as well as shopping take the center stage here, making Main Street a great point to start a day on the town, be it for a leisurely outing, special event, or some other occasion.
There's a contagious energy in the air of Main Street that some call addictive. Just look in any direction and you will surely find something to pique your imagination - physically and visually associated with history, maritime culture, and architectural character. Among the eye catchers are, undoubtedly, the Chesapeake Bay, midshipmen in dress whites, historic landmarks, bars, restaurants and art galleries of every size and description, offering visitors plenty of options to choose from, no matter what they look for. There are also a handful of cafes, ice cream parlors, bookstores, and shops selling souvenirs, jewelry, comics, and apparel aimed at tourists to be found.
Throughout the year, the city and merchants decorate the street with hanging flower baskets, flags, and banners. Each October brings visitors in their thousands who arrive for the world's largest in-water power and sail boat shows taking place at City Dock. The street has a festive atmosphere during the holiday season too, when the Downtown Business Association and businesses along Main Street sponsor Midnight Madness two nights before Christmas to attract holiday shoppers to their decorated stores.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Annapolis. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Main Street on Map
Sight Name: Main Street
Sight Location: Annapolis, USA (See walking tours in Annapolis)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Annapolis, USA (See walking tours in Annapolis)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Annapolis, Maryland
Create Your Own Walk in Annapolis
Creating your own self-guided walk in Annapolis is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Best Pubs and Taverns in Annapolis
America’s Sailing Capital, Annapolis, has no shortage of exciting places where locals and visitors alike can enjoy great beer and seafood till late at night. For extra fun, on top of regular treats, the majority of local pubs, saloons, and bars host live music shows on a regular basis, as well as different contests.
Galway Bay Irish Pub, nestled in the heart of downtown, offers an authentic... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.2 Km or 0.7 Miles
Galway Bay Irish Pub, nestled in the heart of downtown, offers an authentic... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.2 Km or 0.7 Miles
Annapolis Introduction Walking Tour
Nestled along the banks of the Severn River flowing into the Chesapeake Bay on the East Coast of the United States is the capital of the US state of Maryland, Annapolis. Dubbed “America’s Sailing Capital”, Annapolis thrives on its nautical roots and colonial history, boasting more 18th-century buildings still in use than any other city in the country.
Annapolis traces its origins back to... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.2 Km or 1.4 Miles
Annapolis traces its origins back to... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.2 Km or 1.4 Miles
Annapolis Historical Houses Tour
One of the first planned cities in colonial America, first the capital of the Colony and then of the State of Maryland, Annapolis is rich in history, predating the Revolutionary War by decades. Although many structures from its early days are either gone, destroyed by neglect, or completely renovated, several magnificent 18th-century homes are still in place and retain their original beauty.
... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.6 Km or 1 Miles
... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.6 Km or 1 Miles
Naval Academy Campus Walking Tour
Established in 1845 under George Bancroft, the US Naval Academy in Annapolis is the city's most prominent complex. Situated right at the confluence of Severn River and Chesapeake Bay, this prestigious institution, where future naval officers receive their education and training, has on its campus some truly magnificent structures.
At the heart of it stands Bancroft Hall, the largest... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.7 Km or 1.1 Miles
At the heart of it stands Bancroft Hall, the largest... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.7 Km or 1.1 Miles