What Mid-Atlantic city makes for the perfect romantic getaway, is a great golf destination, an ideal spot for a girls’ weekend, family vacation, or outdoor adventures, and has tons of good restaurants, plus a dose of history and culture?
The answer is Annapolis, the beautiful and historic capital of Maryland!
Annapolis was one of our favorite weekend getaways during my husband’s many tours in the Washington, DC area. It was the perfect mini vacation, whether we wanted to stay active outdoors or to simply relax and enjoy a break from DC. More recently, I took my mom to Annapolis for a mother-daughter trip and brought my sister, nieces, and nephew for a family getaway. It was the perfect destination for all of those occasions!
Even better, if you have a military ID card, you have access to the coolest lodging option in town along with a host of other benefits that will help you make the most of your trip to Annapolis without breaking the bank.
Here’s everything you need to know to plan your Annapolis getaway.
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Where to Stay in Annapolis: Navy Getaways
As a member of the military community or DoD civilian, you can stay in the best location in Maryland’s capital: on the campus of the United States Naval Academy.
The Naval Academy is located in the heart of the Annapolis historic district, about 32 miles east of Washington, DC and 24 miles southeast of Baltimore Washington International airport (BWI). The impressive campus, also known as the “Yard,” sits on the shore of the Severn River at the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay.
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Naval Academy lodging is called The Suites at USNA, part of Navy Getaways Annapolis. The hotel is in the same building as the Naval Academy Club, a short walk from the Naval Academy Visitor Center, and only steps from the Academy’s famous chapel.
The Suites at USNA has 16 rooms, all of which are one-bedroom suites. Some of the suites are quite large and feature a separate dining room, but all are comfortable, spacious, and meticulously clean.
Each suite has a coffee maker, microwave, and refrigerator, but you can also use the fully-equipped shared kitchen on the second floor. As with most military lodging, free laundry facilities are available.
While staying at The Suites at USNA, you have temporary membership to the Naval Academy Club and can dine at The Alley, a cozy restaurant and bar located on the lower level of the building. The Alley serves lunch, happy hour, and dinner.
The Suites at USNA are located in an elegant historic building. Please note that all rooms are on the 2nd and 3rd floors, and the building does not have an elevator.
Navy Getaways Annapolis Eligibility and Access
Eligible guests include active duty, reserve, and retired members of the military community and their family members. DOD civilians and certain veterans are also eligible to stay. Click here for more details about eligibility.
Keep in mind that dependents can stay at Navy Getaways without their sponsor and can bring guests. For example, I stayed there with my mom, who has no military affiliation. This flexibility makes Annapolis a great option for spouses who want to travel without their sponsor or retirees who want to bring grandchildren.
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The US Naval Academy is a secure facility with controlled access at all gates. While the general public can walk onto the campus through the Visitor Center with a valid form of identification, you must have a military ID to drive onto the campus.
If you won’t have your own vehicle, use the Facebook group DMV Military Rides to find a driver with an ID card who can take you all the way to Navy Getaways, rather than dropping you and your luggage at the gate.
Note: if The Suites at USNA are full, stay across the Severn River at one of two other facilities that are part of Navy Getaways Annapolis: the Cottages at Greenbury Point or Navy Getaways Campground. Read these tips for using military campgrounds before you go!
Contact Navy Getaways for rates and reservation policies.
What to Do in Annapolis
You can find plenty of things to do in Annapolis for all ages and interests! Military families, in particular, will love the history and the many options for outdoor activities.
Explore the US Naval Academy Campus
The Naval Academy itself is one of the top Annapolis tourist attractions. If you have never visited the Academy, take advantage of your stay to explore the campus. Check out the museum, the chapel, and the cemetery, and walk along the waterfront.
I highly recommend stopping by the Visitor Center and doing one of their public guided tours to learn about the history of the Academy and life as a Midshipman.
Enjoy Annapolis Shopping, Dining, and History
Navy Getaways is in the perfect location to explore Historic Annapolis and has the added bonus of free parking. You simply exit the Naval Academy gate by the Visitor Center (Gate 1) to land right in the middle of the action by Annapolis Harbor at the Annapolis City Dock. Stop at the Visitor Information booth in front of the Annapolis Harbormaster’s Office (1 Dock Street) and pick up a tourist map.
From there, you can spend the day strolling Main St and the other small streets in the colonial-era neighborhood surrounding the Maryland State House, Maryland’s capitol. You will find tons of local souvenirs, Naval Academy swag, antique shops, and nautical-inspired clothing as well as plenty of restaurants and an abundance of sweet treats!
The Annapolis area also boasts many historic landmarks, museums, and cultural heritage sites. Check out the Chesapeake Crossroads Heritage Area website to see a full list of attractions and events.
Of course, a visit to Annapolis would not be complete without spending time on the water. Take a 2-hr sailing cruise on the Schooner Woodwind or a relaxing 40-minute sightseeing cruise of Annapolis Harbor and the Naval Academy. Both options give you the opportunity to see downtown Annapolis, the Naval Academy and the beautiful surrounding areas from a different vantage point.
Use Your Military Benefits for Outdoor Recreation
Take advantage of the Annapolis MWR activities you can access as a member of the military community!
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NSA Annapolis is directly across the river from the Naval Academy and less than a 10-minute drive. In addition to all of the usual base facilities, NSA has a marina, where you can rent boats, kayaks, and stand-up paddle boards. It’s a fantastic option for exploring the Bay and much less expensive than rentals at local civilian outfitters.
You can also rent mountain bikes from Community Recreation and ride the Baltimore and Annapolis (B&A) trail for 13 miles up to Glen Burnie, MD.
If you’re a golfer, play a round at the Naval Academy Golf Club or spend an afternoon hitting balls on their grass driving range! Click here for non-member reservations.
Where to Eat in Annapolis
Besides The Alley, there are several other dining options on the Naval Academy campus. In particular, 1845 Coffee, a small coffee shop only steps from Navy Getaways, is a relaxing place to sit outside and enjoy the peaceful beauty of the campus. They offer standard coffee shop fare and are the primary on-campus option for a quick breakfast if you’re staying at Navy Getaways.
Outside the gate, Annapolis has excellent restaurants to suit all tastes. We’ve tried many of them over the years, and Annapolis dining never disappoints, but there are a few places to which we always return:
- Chick and Ruth’s Delly is the quintessential diner. They open daily at 0630 but serve breakfast all day. They also have delicious deli sandwiches, handmade pies, and of course, crab cakes! Stop by at 0830 on weekdays or 0930 on weekends to recite the Pledge of Allegiance with all of the staff and fellow customers.
- Sofi’s Crepes is located right outside Gate 1 of the Naval Academy, so it’s another good choice for a quick breakfast or snack. They have informal counter service, but their crepes – both sweet and savory options – are as good as any restaurant.
- Iron Rooster is a popular Annapolis brunch spot. They serve breakfast all day (along with other fare), and their menu offers creative spins on many traditional dishes. Make sure that someone in your group orders pancakes so that you can taste the Spiced Maple Bourbon Butter on top – it’s really that good, and you don’t want to miss it!
- Rams Head Tavern offers traditional pub fare along with local specialties and 100+ different beers. The food is good, but we come back for the outdoor patio and fun atmosphere.
- O’Learys Seafood is a more upscale restaurant. It’s perfect for a special occasion, romantic dinner, or when you’re in search of the best crab cake!
Best Time to Visit Annapolis
Annapolis is a great destination year-round, but depending on what you want to do or see, you may want to plan for the season.
Summer is the best time to go if you want to ensure the weather is warm enough to rent kayaks or paddle boards. Most of the Midshipmen from the Naval Academy will not be around, but you can still take a tour of the campus, and you might catch a view of the incoming students (“Plebes”) going through Plebe Summer.
Fall is a beautiful time of year in Annapolis and there is a new energy when the Naval Academy is back in session. However, keep in mind that Annapolis hosts both a powerboat show and a sailboat show every year in October. Some parts of the waterfront are blocked off in advance for setup, and of course, the shows attract large crowds.
Fall is also football season, and getting a reservation at the Navy Lodge on the weekend of a home game could be a challenge!
Winters in Annapolis are chilly, but usually with little snow, and you can still enjoy many of the best things to do in the area. Also, it’s a great time to hunker down in the cozy Alley restaurant under the Navy Lodge!
Spring is another beautiful season in Annapolis. As summer approaches, you might get the best mix of warm weather, plus the full experience of visiting the Naval Academy while it’s in session. Keep in mind that there is another (shorter) boat show in April.
We’ve visited Annapolis in every season and always had a great time!
Ready for Your Annapolis Getaway?
Annapolis has everything you need to plan the perfect getaway: great food, waterfront views, tons of affordable outdoor activities, and bargain-priced, luxurious lodging in a prime location. It’s a destination with something for everyone, and as a military traveler, you’d be hard-pressed to find a location that makes better use of your benefits. What are you waiting for? Start planning your trip!
