Annapolis By Day & Night
Whether you’re strolling historic streets under the morning sun or chasing the perfect waterfront cocktail as the city lights sparkle, Annapolis has a little something for everyone. Here’s your guide to the best things to do—by day and by night.
Day🌞
Cultural Sites
- Kunta Kinte–Alex Haley Memorial – Celebrate Annapolis’ role in the iconic story Roots with this heartfelt memorial and statue at City Dock.
- Historic Museum of Annapolis – Dive into the city’s full story, from colonial days to modern times. Don’t miss Annapolis and American Story (99 Main St., Fri–Tue, 10 am–4 pm, $10/adult, $5/ages 6–17, under 5 free).
- St. John’s College: Elizabeth Myers Mitchell Art Museum – Explore fine art on the grounds of one of the country’s oldest colleges, founded in 1696. (60 College Ave., Fri–Sun, 1 pm–6 pm)
Shopping
- Main Street & Maryland Avenue – Quaint boutiques and local treasures line these historic streets. Start at Green Street (Main St.) or State Circle (Maryland Ave) and shop to your heart’s content.
Maryland State House
- Step into the oldest state capitol in continuous legislative use in the U.S., which once served as the nation’s capital. Self-guided tours available daily, 9 am–5 pm (100 State Circle).
Night 🌙
Pubs & Pints
- Drummer's Lot – Historic tavern dating back to 1784; George Washington and Thomas Jefferson were rumored visitors. (16 Church Circle, 5 pm–12 am
- Ram's Head Tavern, Downstairs Pub – Quaint 1830s pub with ghost stories and local charm. (33 West St, 11 am–10 pm)
- 1747 Pub – Beneath Reynolds Tavern, enjoy drinks and summer Shakespeare performances. (7 Church Circle, 11 am–11 pm)
Irish Pubs
- Galway Bay – Classic Irish pub fare, whisky, and Guinness. (63 Maryland Ave, 11 am–12 am)
- McGarvey's – Irish bar with a U.S. Naval Academy twist. (8 Market Space, 11:30 am–1:30 am)
Music & Downtown Nightlife
- Middleton's Tavern – Upstairs piano bar, weekend vibes until 1 am; downstairs open til 12 am. (2 Market Space)
- The Choptank Annapolis – Waterfront rooftop for Maryland’s famous “Crush” cocktail and live weekend music. (110 Compromise St, 11 am – 2 am)
- O'Brien's Oyster Bar & Seafood Tavern – Every Friday and Saturday, dance the night away with one of our live DJs, on Downtown Annapolis' largest dance floor! (113 Main Street, 10 pm - 1:45 am)
- Ponche Tiki Bar – Located upstairs inside of Pearl Restaurant, this hotspot blends artisan cocktails & gourmet fare. Chic ambiance, locally sourced ingredients, expertly crafted drinks. (26 Market Space, 5 pm - 12/2 am)
Dessert Stops
- Annapolis Ice Cream Company – Homemade, inventive flavors. (96 Main St, 2 pm–9 pm)
- Kilwins Annapolis – Chocolates, fudge, and ice cream. (128 Main St, 10 am–10 pm)
- Red Bean – Coffee and affogato heaven. (220 Main St, 9 am–10 pm)
Off the Beaten Path
- Parley Room – Sip small-batch gin or vodka inside one of the city’s oldest buildings. (25 State Circle, 4 pm–10 pm)
- Harold Black – Speakeasy vibes, curated cocktails, and late-night Italian bites. (26 Main St, 5 pm–12 am)
- The Choptank Annapolis – Waterfront views, live music, and rooftop sunsets. (8 Compromise St, 11 am–12 am)
- Metropolitan Kitchen & Lounge – Arts District rooftop bar for happy hour, cocktails, and selfies. (15 West St, 4 pm–1:30 am)
- Fox's Den – Great selection of American Beer and Spirits along with incredible comfort food anchored by wood-fired brick oven pizzas.(179B Main Street, 5 pm - 9/10pm)