When the gloom of winter settles over seaside cities like Annapolis, it’s as if a piece of their identity is lost. Maryland’s capital thrives in the sun, attracting droves of travelers who take advantage of the immediate access to the coast. Sure, that also means summer is the city’s busiest season, but that shouldn’t be a deterrent. Even at its most crowded, there’s plenty to get out of a summertime trip to the laid-back “Naptown.”
If you’re planning a summer getaway and are stuck on choosing a location, Annapolis should be at the top of your travel list. From the inviting waters of Chesapeake Bay to the eerie stops along an Annapolis walking ghost tour, there are several reasons that this is a go-to summer destination.
It’s the Sailing Capital of the World
Dozens of docks line Annapolis, their slips occupied by sailboats just waiting to set out into the bay. While many are privately owned, being the Sailing Capital of the World, it’s no surprise that the city also has a host of tour companies. Sailing cruises set out daily, allowing visitors a chance to take advantage of the city’s greatest feature.
Two-hour cruises and sunset sails introduce visitors to the shimmering waters of the harbour on summery days that can peak into the 90s. Splashes of cooling water and gentle breezes keep sailors cool so they can focus less on the heat and more on the experience. For those who want to cast a line, fishing charters are in abundance. Rockfish season falls right in the middle of summer, and some charters allow guests to score a trophy.
Seafood Is at Its Peak
If it’s a taste of the bay you’re looking for but don’t want to do the work yourself, summertime is arguably most ideal for dining at local establishments. The flavors of summer surpass the rest of the year, as fresh seafood is best enjoyed with a waterfront view and the warmth of the sun. If you can’t find somewhere to eat during the summer, you’re simply not looking hard enough.
Dine on delectable blue crab, savor tender scallops, marvel at the many different ways you can eat shrimp, and so much more in some of Annapolis’ best restaurants. You can even check out menus across several restaurants on a seafood crawl, where you’ll bounce from eatery to eatery sampling the freshest flavors.
Get your fill of the city’s coastal delights to fully understand why people flock to Annapolis during the summer.
Nights Are Comfortable for a Walking Ghost Tour
While you’ll spend much of your time enjoying Annapolis in the sun, come nightfall, a whole different experience awaits. You’ll trade 90-degree days for tempered evenings on a tour of the city’s darker side. Being a city brimming with history, dating back to before the Revolution, Annapolis is also a hotspot for apparitions and the unsettling tales behind their presence.
On a walking ghost tour of Annapolis during the summer, you’ll benefit from comfortable temperatures as you go from location to location. The only chill in the air will be that which emanates from haunted locations like The Maryland Inn and the Governor Cavlert House.
You can also put a spin on the traditional ghost tour with a haunted pub crawl. Similar to a seafood crawl, you’ll move between taverns and pubs, enjoying libations while listening to spooky stories.
The City is Lively With Festivals
Some cities come to life in the summer. For Annapolis, it’s not just the nice weather and access to the harbour that give it life. It’s also the annual festivals and events that make it a worthwhile summer destination.
Few cities feel as perfect for the Fourth of July as Annapolis, complete with a downtown parade and fireworks over the bay. Not long after, the Annapolis Rotary Crab Feast puts Maryland blue crab in the spotlight for a day packed with flavor. More than 2,000 people gather to continue the delicious tradition of this 80-year-old event.
From a Renaissance festival to a weekly food fair that runs May through September, the city’s summer calendar is packed with fun for the family. These events welcome locals and visitors alike to celebrate the art, music, and culture of Annapolis.