DESTINATIONS – North America – Unites States of America – Maryland (Annapolis)
Annapolis, MARYLAND
by GISELLE TRUJILLO
ABOUT
Annapolis is the capital city of Maryland, home to the United States Naval Academy, which was established 1845 and also home to St. John’s College, founded 1969. Annapolis is well known for its vibrant riverfront scene, beautiful brick homes and great history.
Annapolis was founded in 1649 and was incorporated in 1708, a historically charming place, cobblestone brick roads and beautiful Cathedral, with a population of approximately close to 41,000.
By the way… MARYLAND served as United States temporary Capital from 1783 – 1784 after moving temporary Capital from Princeton, New Jersey.
GETTING AROUND
From our experience wether alone or with others, Annapolis is packed with great sightseeing points, so, we recommend park somewhere and walk as much as you can to really feel the essence of this small city.
We found plenty of parking in the side streets, in the residential areas by the church, that is the safest place to park and not worry about parking meters.
For us, walking everywhere is always the way to go. You get to embrace the culture and the actual scene.
Walk, Walk, Walk, you will feel healthy and learn as you go.
(8) POINTS OF INTEREST
1. United States Naval Academy
If in Annapolis, Maryland, you must not miss your visit the USNA, it is not only interesting and honorable. USNA is a National Historic Landmark managed by U.S. Government, entry and hours of operation are specific, verify before you go.
This is an active academy, meaning students of the USNA are very much present. All visitors must present real ID, passport, Drivers License, etc. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Federal security measures, going through scanner and bag checks for everyone’s safety. Do Not attempt to bring any weapons, you will miss your visit.
Plan to spent a few good hours here. Do not miss the outdoors, where you can see many vessels navigating along with some really interesting pieces to see and active students in training. If planing to sit outside go towards the end of the day. It was super hot and sunny when we went, luckily I had some ice water to keep us hydrated.
Commodore John Barry Memorial
2. Saint Mary's Catholic Church
Saint Mary’s Catholic Church is not only beautiful, but also has some great energy. Staff is very helpful and friendly. And feels very safe at all hours. We spent two days on the Church’s premises, we slept outside their parking lot and with permissions from their security.
We camped outside in our car over night during the weekend, Saturday night, right outside this church was very busy, tons only people walking, tons of cars playing loud music, by Sunday morning, the vibe was completely different, tons of cars looking for parking for Sunday mass, since 7am. We peeked outside, people dressed really nice for the occasion. Mateu and I attended Sunday mass, it was very beautiful and packed, we sat in the back row. afterwards we visited the churches patio, which was quite interesting, it was sort of like a mini museum, we met one of the groundskeeper from Mexico, very nice guy.
WHAT WE LIKED THE MOST ABOUT THIS CHURH? Unlike most churches, this church offered soft colored palettes, which made it very tranquil, soothing, which felt great and we loved that very much. We also loved the little garden in the back of church, which also had some very peaceful energy.
3. Carroll House and Garden
Carroll Gardens is located behind Saint Mary’s church. We walked around to Carroll Gardens, however, it was closed, it was closed and we were given a private little quick tour and that was great.
We were able to look around the garden briefly, but not the museum. This property owned by the Carroll family is very unique and special. It seems to have the best of both worlds, a house on the edge of the land, beautifully manicured garden with beautiful flowers and gorgeous trees. What is truly beautiful is that the water is in the backyard. One can only imagine just how stunning this garden is in spring and summer with all the hydration from the water.
4. Annapolis City Dock
When in Annapolis, you will be walking quiet a bit around this little city and if in the summer, you will want to enjoy the City dock, where we sat, relaxed, drink icy water while people and boat watching. This is a place to sit and relax. We had a good time, Mateu Javier played with other kids for a couple of hours, fed the ducks with other kids breads and said hello to all the boats cruising by.
5. Colonial Annapolis Historic District
Well, as expected with any olden places, Annapolis is a historic little city and if you love architecture, you will appreciate it here. A great place to walk around and feel the local vibe. We love the old brick roads, that always ads an elegant touch to the scenery.
6. Kunta Kinte - Alex Memorial
ABOUT THE MEMORIAL
The Kunta Kinte-Alex Haley Memorial is one of the (3) sculptured memorial group and the only memorial in the country that memorializes the actual name and place of arrival of Kunta Kinte.
WHO WAS KUNTA KINTE?
Kunta was enslaved African. And the 2 of three bronze plaques next to Alex Haley memorializes the original acknowledgement of Kunta Kinte’s arrival on the slave ship Lord Ligonier in 1767.
WHO WAS ALAEX HALEY?
Alex, is the gentleman seating with an open book on his lap, in front of the three children. Alex reads about his African family history and how Annapolis Port marks the port Africans entered and became African American. Each kid of a different ethnic background.
7. Ego Alley Marina
8. Saint Anne's Parish
Thus, we never attended service at this church, while walking around, we noticed it was open and walked in and wow! I am so happy we did, because this is one of the most interesting and beautiful churches I’ve seen, especially a little gem in Maryland.
This church is both welcoming and extremely unique, what makes this little gem so special is its, interior, from the outside it seems like a simple church, however when you walk in you get a very warm and welcoming energy and feel more like a church you could find in Spain. I feel some of the decorations could be of Spanish-Moorish origins. Saint Anne’s Parish was founded in 1692, it’s the first church in Annapolis and t is a historic Episcopal church. Something uniquely special about this church is that you can post your prints prayers and wishing wells and tied them onto the wrought iron fence polls outside. LOCATION: 199 Duke of Gloucester St, Annapolis, MD 21401
9. Maryland State House
Unfortunately, for us, when we visited, it was closed and under renovations, however we had a great time walking around and enjoying its exterior. We hope when you visit you can enjoy this MARYLAND STATE HOUSE historical gem. In the meantime, we share some wonderful details about this gems, we learned. Read about the STATE HOUSE AND DOME below.
The State House and Dome
Known as the oldest state house in America! And, still being used in continuous legislative use. It was built by Charles Wallace and its architect was Joseph Horatio Anderson. Construction dates from 1772 to 1779. The dome’s architect was Joseph Clark and constructed from 1785 to 1794, the dome alone is the largest wooden dome of its kind in North America and this is impressive. Height of the dome is said to be 113 feet.
At the time of building this beauty, there was a shortage of skilled carpenters workers and many had left Annapolis, some brought in from Baltimore, Ireland and England. Researches also found records of enslaved and free black carpenters, sawyers, laborers, joiners and blacksmiths who were both hired and sold throughout Annapolis. It is also noted that free whites and indentured white (mostly English, Irish and German who were forced trading 4-7 years in a contract labor passage to the American colonies) were also part of the construction of MARYLAND STATE HOUSE.
Then MARYLAND STATE SHOUSE was described by many including by notable French military members that visited and fought during the American Revolution as the most elegant State House in America. And, we agree, its exterior is both beautiful, beautiful gardens and has great energy around it. In 1960, this beauty was declared as a National Historic Landmark.
![The Thurgood Marshall memorial honoring the first African-American Supreme Court Justice who served for 24 years, his most notable case was the [Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka] in 1954 which ended racial segregation in American public schools. Because of Thurgood Marshall's movement our American public schools allow students from all cultures to study in the same space, together in unity.
LOCATION: Lawyer's Mall, outside the Maryland State House, Annapolis, MD 21401](https://wearetheworldproject.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/20230806_133559-scaled-e1772502348349.jpg "20230806_133559")
10. Reverend William Scott Southgate Memorial Fountain
Rev. William Scott Southgate native of New England and was considered as one of the post Civil War era healers known for helping newly emancipated former slaves to help establish the hence dedicated this memorial because a separate parish, St. Philip’s in Annapolis and loved by St. Anne’s Episcopal Church. Southgate came from a. wealthy family and did not have to get paid by his service within the church, he opened a mission school and many other schools, one which was also serving as a Jewish synagogue and the best part of all Southgate also worked to integrate and uniting the black and white communities. The Reverend was known to love animals, hence this memorial was decimated with a cross and a fountain so horses can have a place to drink water, very meaningful and special. Southgate died in 1899.
And, this is why this memorial is listed on our list, how a simple cross and a fountain located on Church Circle in Annapolis be so meaningful and many simply just drive or pass by it. It is made of limestone, occasionally deteriorating and at the time under restoration.
Playground For The Kids
Favorite Breakfast Restaurant
IRON HORSE
Architecture of Annapolis
American Colonial
How We Relax
Our favorite fitness center is LIFETIME FITNESS, lucky for us, they can be found in certain parts of the US and if near to our exploration sites, we visit if we want to go for a swim, workout, take showers, meet other parents through their Kids Academy programs while Mateu has a great time playing with other kids, they have a healthy cafe where we can grab something to eat or drink. At times, I am able to take a good yoga class, then go to sauna for a complete relaxation.
Annapolis City
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