Free & Cheap Things to Do in Annapolis

History & Culture

The Maryland State House is the oldest state capitol building in the United States still in continuous legislative use, and one of the most historically significant buildings in the country. It was here that George Washington resigned his commission as Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army in 1783, and where the Continental Congress ratified the Treaty of Paris ending the Revolutionary War. The distinctive wooden dome — built without nails using wooden pegs — is the oldest wooden dome on a state capitol in the US. Free self-guided and ranger-led tours are available throughout the day.

Address: 100 State Cir, Annapolis, MD 21401

Tip: Free guided tours run Monday–Friday at 11am and 3pm, and weekends at 10am, 11am, 1pm, 2pm, and 3pm. No reservation needed — just show up. The building is an active legislative seat so some areas may be restricted during session. The view of the dome from State Circle is one of the most-photographed scenes in Maryland.

Parks & Nature

Annapolis City Dock — affectionately known as "Ego Alley" for the parade of gleaming sailboats and powerboats that cruise slowly past the dock to be admired — is the lively heart of this sailing capital. The surrounding waterfront is free to stroll, with historic 18th-century brick buildings, open-air restaurants, boat-watching, and direct access to the charming streets of the Maryland Avenue Historic District. The dock sits at the base of Main Street, which climbs up through one of the best-preserved colonial streetscapes in America.

Address: City Dock, Annapolis, MD 21401

Tip: Weekend afternoons in summer are the liveliest — sailboats queue up to cruise Ego Alley and the dock fills with locals and visitors. The short walk up Main Street to the State House is one of the best free walks on the East Coast. Free parking is available at the Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium with a free shuttle to the dock on busy weekends.

History & Culture

The grounds of the United States Naval Academy in the heart of Annapolis are open to the public and offer one of the most impressive free walks in the mid-Atlantic. Visitors can explore the Armel-Leftwich Visitor Center (free), view the crypt of John Paul Jones beneath the Chapel, and walk the historic Yard — 338 acres of grounds with Beaux-Arts buildings, monuments, and views over the Severn River. The Academy also hosts free Brigade parades on most Friday afternoons during the academic year, which are open to the public.

Address: 52 King George St, Annapolis, MD 21402

Tip: Note: Guided public tours are currently suspended due to increased security measures — check the USNA website before visiting for the latest access policy. The grounds remain open: visitors with a valid REAL ID-compliant driver's license or passport can walk in through Gate 1. The view of the Severn River from the seawall is worth the walk alone. Brigade parades typically occur Friday afternoons during the academic year when open to the public.

History & Culture

The William Paca House is a stunning five-part Georgian mansion built in 1765 by William Paca, one of Maryland's signers of the Declaration of Independence. The two-acre pleasure garden behind the house — restored to its original 18th-century design with terraced parterres, a Chinese Chippendale bridge, and a wilderness garden — is one of the finest examples of a Colonial American garden surviving in its original form. Together the house and garden offer an immersive window into the life of a wealthy Maryland patriot on the eve of the Revolution.

Address: 186 Prince George St, Annapolis, MD 21401

Tip: The garden is the real highlight — allocate at least 30 minutes to wander it fully. Open Tuesday–Sunday. The house is a short walk from the City Dock and State House, making it easy to combine with a full downtown walking day. Check the website for special events including evening garden concerts in summer.