Walking in Annapolis
 

Hello,
We have a guidebook from Annapolis but it is hard to judge the "scale" as far as distances go. We would prefer to park our car for the day while we walk around the historic district, but we also want to visit the "Maritime Museum" which recently reopened...Is that too far out to reach on foot? Also, are there particular paid parking garages or lots where we can leave the car from morning till later in the evening? Thanks for any information.

If you're talking about the Maritime Museum in Eastport on Second Street, it is walkable from the City Dock area of Annapolis, but it's a bit of a hoof (my marina is located next to the museum, and we often walk to downtown Annapolis -- we usually allow ourselves about 20-30 minutes to do it in the heat of summer). You might want to look into the water taxis -- I think they will take you from City Dock to Eastport, and the Maritime Museum does have its own dock. (Easport has other charms as well, and for my money, I think the restaurants there are better than the ones in the City Dock area.)

There's two parking garages convenient for tourists in Annapolis. The most convenient is the Hillman Garage which you would enter coming up Main Street toward the capitol and make a left into the court next to the Ben & Jerry's ice cream. Sounds confusing but actually it's not.

The second would be as you enter Annapolis from Rt 50 coming in on Rowe Blvd - as you come around the circle you would turn right into Gotts Court and enter a parking garage there. From there you would walk a few blocks down to the historic area.

If you are good walkers then you'd probably enjoy crossing the eastport bridge and going into Eastport - there's some good restaurants (as there are in Annapolis too) and some interesting sights. Carrolls Creek Cafe and Chart House are both on the Easport side of Spa Creek.

Does the water taxi still run? If so, that's a poss for getting over to Eastport area. If parking is still free in Eastport, park there and walk or water taxi over to Historic Annapolis.
Hillman is good advice as a central spot-lots of folks leaving at 5 on weekdays (you said 'later' so should be ok) can cause back-up getting out of it but not too bad by big city standards!
West Street is becoming more and more developed-dining places, great shops, etc. and Maryland Ave. fun. Naval Academy has a wonderful tour. There are regular taxi's also. Grab a business card from one in front of Yin Yan Yankee Cafe (great food) to call on should you walk further than expected. If you are reasonably fit, you'll do fine.

A year ago about this time of year we spent an enjoyable day walking around Annapolis. Stayed at the Maryland Inn right on the Circle (valet parking included). Yes, we did the Naval Academy tour which was OK but mostly we just enjoyed strolling in this nice city. We were also a night in Oxford, coming from an Elderhostel in Ocean City with trips to Assateague, Smith Island, Lewes, Del. First time in the Chesapeake area. The Maritime Museum we went to is in St. Michaels, though.

ozarksbill

Thanks for the helpful advice regarding parking & walking. We are looking forward to our first visit to Annapolis!

Enjoy, and please let everyone know what you did.