Annapolis, Maryland, Travel Tips

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Annapolis, Maryland, Travel Tips

Streets and Parking
Because the streets are narrow, many of them are one way. While it is possible to parallel park, the meter maids are diligent in their effort to enforce the rules. If the sign says “2 Hour Parking” that does not indicate you should continue to feed the meter beyond the limit. It is necessary to move your car or risk being ticketed.

There are a number of parking garages. Park the car once and pay at the toll booth on the way out. Wear comfortable shoes. The historic section of the city is not that large, so it’s possible to walk the district. To be on the safe side, always carry a map with you, as the angular roads can sometimes be confusing.

According to the city, garages are staffed and open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Motorcycles, vans and limos are prohibited. Parking lots can accommodate over-sized vehicles.

Historic downtown Annapolis is a Free Fare Zone (Navy [of course!] Blue Shuttle Stops). Travel anywhere in downtown Annapolis on this route and the fare is FREE. It operates daily, except for major holidays and special events (note that may include when events/games are held at the Navy-Marine Corps Stadium).

There is no public parking at the Naval Academy, however a free shuttle, part of the Navy Blue Shuttle Stop route, enables visitors to park at the Navy-Marine Corps Stadium and travel to the academy at no charge.

Street-side parking is available, but because many of the homes are without garages, residents park on the street.

Creeks, Rivers, Harbors and Bays
There are a number of creeks that flow into the Severn River, which in turn flows into Chesapeake Bay. College Creek is situated behind St. John’s College. Spa Creek flows between Annapolis and Eastport. Annapolis Harbor is at the end of City Dock, while Back Creek is south of Eastport.

Maryland State House
Many visitors come to Maryland’s state capital (or State House as it is called) in search of Annapolis. Look no further than the ground beneath your feet. And contrary to popular belief, the U.S. Naval Academy was not here first. Its predecessor, a navy school was founded only five years earlier.

For guided tours of the State House, meet inside near the visitor center; self-guided tours are also available. Use the entrance near Lawyer’s Mall (State House Square), home to the statue grouping with Thurgood Marshall. To access the Maryland State House, a photo ID is required.

The Governor's Mansion

Known to Marylanders as Government House, the brick red structure is the home of the governor and his family. Tours are given on select days by appointment only.

U.S. Naval Academy
Midshipmen graduate in late May each year following a week of festivities. Rooms and restaurants can be in demand, especially the second weekend. With approximately 1,000 graduates, representing all 50 states, there are a number of parents, girlfriends, boyfriends, significant others, grandparents, siblings and aunts and uncles descending on the city. In the greater Washington, D.C. and Baltimore areas, other institutions of higher learning also draw visitors for their graduation ceremonies. It's a busy time.

In other words, make reservations early.

As a reminder, there is no public parking at the Naval Academy, however a free shuttle, part of the Navy Blue Shuttle Stops route, enables visitors to park at the Navy-Marine Corps Stadium and travel to the academy at no charge.

To access the U.S. Naval Academy, a photo ID is required.

The Navy refers to their facilities as “the yard.”

Wi-Fi
There are a number of Wi-Fi hot spots in town, some requiring BYOC (bring your own computer) such as 49 Coffeehouse at 49 West Street, not far from the visitor center.

The following locations are reported to offer Wi-Fi:
City Dock Cafe - 18 Market Space - (410) 269-0969
City Dock Cafe - 71 Maryland Avenue - (410) 263-9747
Hard Bean Coffee & Booksellers - 36 Market Street - (410) 263-8770
Panera Bread - 2341 Forest Drive - (410) 573-2804
Annapolis Wireless.com - Downtown Annapolis, Spa Creek, Back Creek, and South River Bridge

Photo Identification (ID) Required
To access the U.S. Naval Academy and the Maryland State House, a photo ID is required.