Guidebook for Riva
Sightseeing
The United States Naval Academy is the No. 1 attraction in Annapolis. The campus is beautiful and pays homage to the naval branch of the military, even while it raises up the new generation. The "noon meal formation," where the midshipmen march in formation, is a must-see as well, and it's held weather permitting. In the free U.S. Naval Academy Museum, you can take a self-guided tour through the navy's history. But recent visitors highly recommend taking advantage of the guided walking tour of the campus — not only will you gain insight into naval history, but you'll also learn about the academy's Beaux-Arts architecture and landscaping.
140 locals recommend
Naval Academy
The United States Naval Academy is the No. 1 attraction in Annapolis. The campus is beautiful and pays homage to the naval branch of the military, even while it raises up the new generation. The "noon meal formation," where the midshipmen march in formation, is a must-see as well, and it's held weather permitting. In the free U.S. Naval Academy Museum, you can take a self-guided tour through the navy's history. But recent visitors highly recommend taking advantage of the guided walking tour of the campus — not only will you gain insight into naval history, but you'll also learn about the academy's Beaux-Arts architecture and landscaping.
Although the Banneker-Douglass Museum is small, it's loaded with history. It's named for the black scientist Benjamin Banneker and black social crusader Frederick Douglass. Both of these men were involved with the fight against slavery during the Civil War era, and the museum does a good job of telling their stories. The museum is housed in the former Mount Moriah African Methodist Episcopal Church, which was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1973.
22 locals recommend
Banneker-Douglass Museum
84 Franklin StAlthough the Banneker-Douglass Museum is small, it's loaded with history. It's named for the black scientist Benjamin Banneker and black social crusader Frederick Douglass. Both of these men were involved with the fight against slavery during the Civil War era, and the museum does a good job of telling their stories. The museum is housed in the former Mount Moriah African Methodist Episcopal Church, which was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1973.
Ego Alley is not an alley in the traditional sense of the word; rather than a walkway, it's a narrow waterway that spills out into Spa Creek. The name "Ego Alley" comes from the queue of expensive boats that parade through the waterway on evenings and weekends. But it does make for an interesting place to meander.
Recent visitors describe it as a must-see; the benches along Dock Street are the perfect place to sit, relax and watch the boats and people go by. In warm weather, many people order an ice cream cone from the nearby Storm Brothers Ice Cream Factory before checking out the boats.
26 locals recommend
Ego Alley
1 Dock StreetEgo Alley is not an alley in the traditional sense of the word; rather than a walkway, it's a narrow waterway that spills out into Spa Creek. The name "Ego Alley" comes from the queue of expensive boats that parade through the waterway on evenings and weekends. But it does make for an interesting place to meander.
Recent visitors describe it as a must-see; the benches along Dock Street are the perfect place to sit, relax and watch the boats and people go by. In warm weather, many people order an ice cream cone from the nearby Storm Brothers Ice Cream Factory before checking out the boats.
Dating back to the 18th century, St. Anne's Church in Annapolis has a storied history. Its first iteration was the area's first and only chapel. Completed in 1704, the chapel was busting at its seams by 1775. So, it was torn down to make room for a bigger house of worship. But the Revolutionary War and its aftershocks delayed the building process, so that the church wasn't finished until 1792. But in 1858 a fire ravaged this iteration, so yet another church was raised. The next one was completed 1859 and stands today. St. Anne's Church is a working Episcopal parish, and its gorgeous stained glass and a handful of other interior touches make it a top sight to see while in Annapolis.
8 locals recommend
St. Anne's Church
199 Duke of Gloucester StDating back to the 18th century, St. Anne's Church in Annapolis has a storied history. Its first iteration was the area's first and only chapel. Completed in 1704, the chapel was busting at its seams by 1775. So, it was torn down to make room for a bigger house of worship. But the Revolutionary War and its aftershocks delayed the building process, so that the church wasn't finished until 1792. But in 1858 a fire ravaged this iteration, so yet another church was raised. The next one was completed 1859 and stands today. St. Anne's Church is a working Episcopal parish, and its gorgeous stained glass and a handful of other interior touches make it a top sight to see while in Annapolis.
Even though the Maryland State House doesn't tend to wow visitors with its architecture or exhibits, it is the site of illustrious history. In fact, it once served as the capital of the United States for a short stint. And it remains the oldest state house that is still in legislative use, and the grounds are quite lovely as well.
Most recent travelers found the Maryland State House to be an interesting walk through U.S. history, noting that the building is somewhat small and browsing its rooms and halls didn't take too long. In short, if you have an hour to kill, the Maryland State House is a worthy place to spend it.
81 locals recommend
Maryland State House
100 State CirEven though the Maryland State House doesn't tend to wow visitors with its architecture or exhibits, it is the site of illustrious history. In fact, it once served as the capital of the United States for a short stint. And it remains the oldest state house that is still in legislative use, and the grounds are quite lovely as well.
Most recent travelers found the Maryland State House to be an interesting walk through U.S. history, noting that the building is somewhat small and browsing its rooms and halls didn't take too long. In short, if you have an hour to kill, the Maryland State House is a worthy place to spend it.
The White House South Lawn
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NWYou can tour the Capital or just walk through the halls in the House of Representatives.
670 locals recommend
United States Capitol
First Street SoutheastYou can tour the Capital or just walk through the halls in the House of Representatives.
John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
2700 F St NWWashington DC
Everything Else
What visitors usually refer to as "Historic Annapolis" is the abundance of restaurants, galleries and shops that fill the converted row houses on Main Street. You'll find everything from the popular Chick & Ruth's Delly to boutiques like Lilac Bijoux and shops like Annapolis Cigar. On a nice day, this row of shops is a delightful place to meander for a few hours. However, you should also know that the historic area also officially extends to most of the downtown and the harbor, which contain jewels like the Hammond-Harwood House and the Banneker-Douglass Museum.
Recent visitors say it's a nice way to spend a cool fall afternoon.
8 locals recommend
Historic Inns of Annapolis
58 State CirWhat visitors usually refer to as "Historic Annapolis" is the abundance of restaurants, galleries and shops that fill the converted row houses on Main Street. You'll find everything from the popular Chick & Ruth's Delly to boutiques like Lilac Bijoux and shops like Annapolis Cigar. On a nice day, this row of shops is a delightful place to meander for a few hours. However, you should also know that the historic area also officially extends to most of the downtown and the harbor, which contain jewels like the Hammond-Harwood House and the Banneker-Douglass Museum.
Recent visitors say it's a nice way to spend a cool fall afternoon.
Parks & Nature
If you're looking to stretch your legs in a picturesque place, Quiet Waters Park is the place to do it. Its 340 acres contain everything from a 6-mile paved path, perfect for bike rides or jogs, to formal gardens, ideal for a stroll. You'll also find a sculpture garden and gallery that will appeal to art lovers, as well as a playground, where children can work out their wiggles. In the summertime, there are outdoor concerts and canoes and kayaks to rent; and in the winter, an ice rink appears. The park's South River Scenic Outlook is another favorite spot, as it offers a panoramic view of the South River.
126 locals recommend
Quiet Waters Park
600 Quiet Waters Park RdIf you're looking to stretch your legs in a picturesque place, Quiet Waters Park is the place to do it. Its 340 acres contain everything from a 6-mile paved path, perfect for bike rides or jogs, to formal gardens, ideal for a stroll. You'll also find a sculpture garden and gallery that will appeal to art lovers, as well as a playground, where children can work out their wiggles. In the summertime, there are outdoor concerts and canoes and kayaks to rent; and in the winter, an ice rink appears. The park's South River Scenic Outlook is another favorite spot, as it offers a panoramic view of the South River.
The National Zoo, need I say more? Except it's free!!!
771 locals recommend
Smithsonian National Zoological Park
3001 Connecticut Ave NWThe National Zoo, need I say more? Except it's free!!!
Arts & Culture
The Hammond-Harwood House, the self-proclaimed "jewel of Annapolis," is in all seriousness, a gem. William Buckland, the indentured servant turned famed architect also responsible for George Mason's Gunston Hall, began work on the townhouse in the late 18th century. He employed elements of the Anglo-Palladian style, which have been masterfully preserved. Visitors to the home will enjoy 50-minute guided tours that touch on everything from the architecture to the families that inhabited the home. A two-hour, $20 in-depth tour of the architecture of the house is also offered by appointment only.
20 locals recommend
Hammond-Harwood House
19 Maryland AveThe Hammond-Harwood House, the self-proclaimed "jewel of Annapolis," is in all seriousness, a gem. William Buckland, the indentured servant turned famed architect also responsible for George Mason's Gunston Hall, began work on the townhouse in the late 18th century. He employed elements of the Anglo-Palladian style, which have been masterfully preserved. Visitors to the home will enjoy 50-minute guided tours that touch on everything from the architecture to the families that inhabited the home. A two-hour, $20 in-depth tour of the architecture of the house is also offered by appointment only.
The pristine William Paca House & Garden is an immaculately restored 18th century Georgian mansion, and it was the home of a young lawyer, William Paca, who eventually became one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence and the governor of Maryland. Along with a tour of the house, visitors should make time to wander around the carefully manicured 2-acre garden.
Recent guests agreed that staff and tour guides were pleasant and generous with their time, and more than willing to answer questions about the house and grounds.
51 locals recommend
William Paca House & Garden
186 Prince George StThe pristine William Paca House & Garden is an immaculately restored 18th century Georgian mansion, and it was the home of a young lawyer, William Paca, who eventually became one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence and the governor of Maryland. Along with a tour of the house, visitors should make time to wander around the carefully manicured 2-acre garden.
Recent guests agreed that staff and tour guides were pleasant and generous with their time, and more than willing to answer questions about the house and grounds.
Ford's Theatre
511 10th St NWVisit where President Lincoln was assassinated.
National Air and Space Museum
600 Independence Ave SWUS Air & Space Museum.
J. Edgar Hoover Building
935 Pennsylvania Avenue NWFBI Tour
Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
10th St. & Constitution Ave. NWMuseum of Natural History
Washington Monument
2 15th St NWClimb the monument and look over Washington DC
World War II Memorial
1750 Independence Ave SWA Tribute to our veterans.
Vietnam Veterans Memorial
5 Henry Bacon Dr NWA Tribute to our veterans.
Lincoln Memorial
2 Lincoln Memorial Cir NWA tribute to our 16th President of the United States.
Korean War Veterans Memorial
900 Ohio Dr SWA Tribute to our veterans.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial
1964 Independence Ave SWA tribute to Dr. King
A tribute to the US president that brought us through World War II.
104 locals recommend
Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial
1850 West Basin Dr SWA tribute to the US president that brought us through World War II.
A tribute to one of our founding fathers and 3rd President of the United States.
258 locals recommend
Thomas Jefferson Memorial Bookstore
16 E Basin Dr SWA tribute to one of our founding fathers and 3rd President of the United States.
Essentials
Giant Food
13 Lee Airpark DrLocal
Food Scene
This historic building at 2 Market Space at City Dock dates back to 1750 and is believed to be the oldest continuously operating tavern in the United States. It is said that George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin enjoyed Middleton Tavern’s hospitality – a reputation that persists today under current owner (since 1968) and entrepreneur Jerry Hardesty. Hardesty restored the building’s exterior and interior, making it a handsome downtown landmark favored for its outdoor patio, Sunday brunches, extensive seafood menu, and live music.
34 locals recommend
Middleton Tavern
2 Market SpaceThis historic building at 2 Market Space at City Dock dates back to 1750 and is believed to be the oldest continuously operating tavern in the United States. It is said that George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin enjoyed Middleton Tavern’s hospitality – a reputation that persists today under current owner (since 1968) and entrepreneur Jerry Hardesty. Hardesty restored the building’s exterior and interior, making it a handsome downtown landmark favored for its outdoor patio, Sunday brunches, extensive seafood menu, and live music.
Find a prime example of Georgian architecture and careful curating of its 1747 origins at the beautifully restored Reynolds Tavern (7 Church Circle) in the heart of Annapolis. Marilyn and Wes Burger, innkeepers since 2003, are usually on-site at this history-rich location, which includes two dining rooms, an inviting outdoor courtyard, the intimate 1747 Pub in the cellar and three upstairs guest rooms.
26 locals recommend
Reynolds Tavern and 1747 Pub
7 Church CirFind a prime example of Georgian architecture and careful curating of its 1747 origins at the beautifully restored Reynolds Tavern (7 Church Circle) in the heart of Annapolis. Marilyn and Wes Burger, innkeepers since 2003, are usually on-site at this history-rich location, which includes two dining rooms, an inviting outdoor courtyard, the intimate 1747 Pub in the cellar and three upstairs guest rooms.
If you want a taste of history with your homemade popovers, the Treaty of Paris Restaurant downstairs at the Maryland Inn (11 Church Circle, with it's main entrance located on Main Street) will fill the bill. Named after the treaty that ended the War for Independence, was signed in Paris in 1783, and ratified by in 1784 by the United States Congress in the Maryland State House, the restaurant is a formal dining space with fireplaces at each end and an atmosphere that aims to preserve its roots.
Treaty of Paris Restaurant
16 Church CirIf you want a taste of history with your homemade popovers, the Treaty of Paris Restaurant downstairs at the Maryland Inn (11 Church Circle, with it's main entrance located on Main Street) will fill the bill. Named after the treaty that ended the War for Independence, was signed in Paris in 1783, and ratified by in 1784 by the United States Congress in the Maryland State House, the restaurant is a formal dining space with fireplaces at each end and an atmosphere that aims to preserve its roots.
In Annapolis’ historical and distinguished dining venue that offers the best food, the best entertainment, and the best prices. While placing emphasis on Chesapeake Cuisine, guests don't leave disappointed thanks to their unique approach to Annapolis Hospitality.
14 locals recommend
O'Brien's Oyster Bar & Seafood Tavern
113 Main St In Annapolis’ historical and distinguished dining venue that offers the best food, the best entertainment, and the best prices. While placing emphasis on Chesapeake Cuisine, guests don't leave disappointed thanks to their unique approach to Annapolis Hospitality.
Casual restaurant offering traditional Maryland-style seafood in a spacious, riverfront setting.
Located right down the river bank from our home: 3030 Riva Rd, Riva, MD 21140
52 locals recommend
Mike's Restaurant & Crabhouse
3030 Riva RdCasual restaurant offering traditional Maryland-style seafood in a spacious, riverfront setting.
Located right down the river bank from our home: 3030 Riva Rd, Riva, MD 21140
A long menu of Mediterranean & American fare pairs with wines in intimate, white-tablecloth digs.
18 locals recommend
Paul's Homewood Café
919 West StA long menu of Mediterranean & American fare pairs with wines in intimate, white-tablecloth digs.
Chain hangout for house-brewed, German-style beer & a pub menu served in a casual setting.
29 locals recommend
Gordon Biersch Brewery Restaurant
100 M St SEChain hangout for house-brewed, German-style beer & a pub menu served in a casual setting.
Chain hangout for house-brewed, German-style beer & a pub menu served in a casual setting.
7 locals recommend
Paladar Latin Kitchen & Rum Bar
1905 Towne Centre BlvdChain hangout for house-brewed, German-style beer & a pub menu served in a casual setting.
High-end locale for steak, seafood & a popular happy hour amid plush leather & dark-wood accents.
The Chop House Annapolis
1915 Towne Centre BlvdHigh-end locale for steak, seafood & a popular happy hour amid plush leather & dark-wood accents.
Quaint Italian deli & market offering a wide selection of specialty sandwiches, sweets & wine.
9 locals recommend
Giolitti Delicatessen
2068 Somerville RdQuaint Italian deli & market offering a wide selection of specialty sandwiches, sweets & wine.
Convivial pub featuring classic Gaelic grub & American standards in warm, brick-walled environs.
50 locals recommend
Galway Bay Irish Restaurant and Pub
63 Maryland AveConvivial pub featuring classic Gaelic grub & American standards in warm, brick-walled environs.