A Few Questions

Question

I think the Mr. and I will book a weekend in Annapolis in mid March. It looks like the perfect weekend getaway for us. We love history, good food, scenic beauty, and pretty city centers. Annapolis looks to have all of that and more.

For the last few months, he's had back issues, so he is concerned with how much walking it will entail to see the historic sites of Annapolis, if we stay at the Graduate by Hilton Annapolis.

I have done some mapping and it looks like there is some public transportation and it can be picked up just a few minutes walk from the hotel. Anyone know if that is true?

We will have a rental car, but I'm assuming parking is a problem. It usually is in cities. I suppose if need be, we could always Uber... or not?

Any information, advice, or insight would be appreciated.

Answer

It sounds like a wonderful trip! Annapolis is a charming city with a rich history, beautiful waterfront views, and great food. I’ll help address some of your concerns and offer some tips for making your visit as comfortable as possible for you both.

1. Walking and Accessibility in Historic Annapolis

Annapolis is a fairly walkable city, especially in the historic district. Most of the key attractions—such as the Maryland State House, the United States Naval Academy, and the waterfront area—are within walking distance of each other. However, the city has cobblestone streets and some uneven sidewalks, so I can see how that could be a concern with your husband’s back issues.

Public transportation: There are indeed public buses in Annapolis. The City of Annapolis offers a bus service called the "Annapolis Transit," which has routes that can help you get to many key spots, including the historic district. The closest bus stop to the Graduate by Hilton Annapolis is just a short walk from the hotel. However, keep in mind that the buses may not be the most frequent, and some areas are better explored by foot if you’re able to manage short walks.
Alternative transportation: Given your husband's back issues, Uber, Lyft, or a taxi could be a good option for getting to and from the historic areas. They're widely available, and taking a short ride between attractions might be more comfortable than walking. You could also consider renting a scooter or using a bike-sharing service for more ease if your husband is able to manage that.

2. Parking Considerations

As with many historic cities, parking can be a bit tricky in Annapolis, especially around the waterfront and historic district. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

Hotel Parking: The Graduate Annapolis does have a parking lot for guests, but there may be a daily fee for parking, and it can fill up quickly during busy weekends.
Street Parking: In the downtown area, street parking is available but can be limited and metered. You'll need to pay attention to the parking signs to avoid fines, and the meters might require payment during the day. In general, expect a bit of a walk to and from your car if you park in the downtown area.
Parking Garages: There are also parking garages in the downtown area, including one near the State House. These are usually more affordable than street parking and could offer more convenience depending on where you want to explore.
Using Uber or Lyft: Given the potential hassle of finding parking, taking an Uber or Lyft from your hotel to the historic district could be a great option. It might save time and spare you from dealing with parking altogether.

3. Key Attractions for History, Food, and Scenic Beauty

Annapolis is perfect for a history-filled weekend getaway, and there are plenty of options that don’t require a lot of walking:

The Maryland State House: A must-see historical site, and the oldest state house in continuous legislative use. You can enjoy the rich history here with a tour, and it's relatively easy to get to by car or Uber.
The United States Naval Academy: This is one of the highlights of Annapolis. You can take a guided tour to learn about the academy’s history and see some beautiful parts of the campus. They offer some shorter tours which might be more comfortable if you're concerned about walking.
Historic Downtown Annapolis: Strolling along the waterfront, especially around the City Dock area, is a nice way to enjoy Annapolis’s beauty without overexerting yourself. There are plenty of places to sit and enjoy the views while grabbing a bite to eat at one of the local restaurants or cafes.
Restaurants and Food: Annapolis is known for its seafood, especially the crab cakes. Some great places to eat include:
- Chart House: A great spot with views of the water and a solid menu.
- Dock Street Restaurant: Another classic spot with seafood and a great atmosphere.
- Irish Restaurant and Pub - Galway Bay: Located in the heart of the historic district, it’s perfect for a cozy meal.

4. Final Thoughts and Recommendations

In summary, while there is some walking involved in exploring Annapolis, the city is fairly compact, and you can definitely minimize walking with a little planning. Since you have a rental car, you can also drive between attractions to avoid too much walking, and consider using Uber/Lyft for added comfort. Parking in the historic district can be a bit of a challenge, so you might want to take advantage of public transportation or rideshares to avoid the hassle of finding parking.

Overall, Annapolis offers a charming mix of history, food, and beautiful scenery, and it should make for a relaxing and enjoyable weekend getaway.