Top 10 Dog-Worthy Places to Visit in Annapolis

Dog-friendly Annapolis welcomes you with open arms. (Please, no jumping!) If you are a dog owner looking for a destination that combines history, charm, beautiful scenery, and special places to visit with your pooch, look no further than Annapolis, Maryland! This picturesque city is located on the Chesapeake Bay. Come enjoy its vibrant culture and historic architecture.

I visited with my Golden Retriever dog (Parker). Here are 10 things to do in Annapolis that will make your visit with your dog unforgettable. (Check out Parker’s favs on this YouTube short.)

Explore the Historic District

Take a leisurely stroll through the historic district and admire the beautiful architecture of the 18th-century buildings in dog-friendly Annapolis. Stop by the Maryland State House, the oldest state capitol still in continuous use, and the William Paca House and Garden, a National Historic Landmark.

Parker loves to explore the gardens of Washington DC, nearby historic estates in the DMV (Monticello), and Great Falls National Park. Dogs are welcome.

Visit U.S. Naval Academy

The United States Naval Academy is based in Annapolis. Take a guided tour of the campus and visit the Naval Academy Museum, which features exhibits on naval history and the academy’s role in shaping the country’s military leaders.

Your dog will enjoy meandering around the campus. In dog-friendly Annapolis, there is a lot to explore, including the Commodore John Barry Memorial.

Pose At A City Mural

While you are visiting the Naval Academy, be sure to stop and take photos in front of the huge Annapolis mural. It is located near the gates. This dramatic painting features the Chesapeake Bay set against the skyline, as well as a boat, fisherman, and the Baltimore oriole.

Your dog can pose with a photo of a cat and a dog. The painting of the white cat was so realistic that I think Parker was afraid the feline would hiss at him.

Take A Boat Trip on the Chesapeake Bay

Step aboard the classic Harbor Queen for a narrated cruise of Annapolis Harbor and the banks of the U.S. Naval Academy. I have taken Parker twice on the 40-minute Annapolis harbor cruise run by Watermark Journey. The cost is $25 for the human and zero cents for the dog. What a bargain! You must always keep your dog on a leash, but you’ll be surprised how he just wants to lay on the floor after hearing the first (loud) boat whistle.

I really appreciated that the Captain let Parker into the cabin so he could get a photograph. I know my dog wanted to jump on the seat and steer the wheel.

After you get off the boat, wander along the Chesapeake Bay harbor and let your dog sniff the salty air in dog-friendly Annapolis. Let him gaze out on the Chesapeake Bay and watch the ducks bobbing on the water.

Visit the Old Fox Bookstore & Cafe

The next stop should be the Old Fox Books & Coffeehouse on Maryland Avenue. Their slogan is “Where story lives.” You can’t miss this building with its striped blue awning, red cafe tables and chairs, and fox mascot. The staff will even put out books so customers can browse outside.

The first time I visited, I let my son go inside to buy my coffee because I didn’t think dogs were allowed. WRONG! Well-behaved dogs are welcome to accompany their owner inside the store. So Parker and I purchased a cafe latte and headed out the door to sit on the deck and chill out. My barista even brought my coffee out to me.

Book a Walking Tour

My favorite part about my visit to dog-friendly Annapolis was wandering the city streets, looking in yards, looking at houses, and pondering life four centuries ago.

“You will pass middling homes and gentry mansions on your way to explore the Maryland State House.”

Watermark Journey

Annapolis is the perfect city to explore if you love Georgian architecture. Three examples of Palladian-style homes in the city are Hammond-Harwood House, the William Paca House, and the Chase-Lloyd House. (Sadly, no dogs can come inside.)

Visit the Annapolis Maritime Museum

Learn about the city’s rich maritime history at the Annapolis Maritime Museum & Park. The museum features exhibits on oysters, boatbuilding, and the ecology of the Chesapeake Bay. According to the website, “The Annapolis Maritime Museum & Park (AMM) educates youth and adults about the Annapolis area’s rich maritime heritage and the ecology of the Chesapeake Bay through programs, exhibits, and community events.”

Go Find Street Art

Go on a street art scavenger hunt. Annapolis has murals hidden on the sides of brick buildings, painted on rooftops, and clustered in a parking lot. Learn about the city’s history by studying these local artists’ work.

Don’t miss visiting the Pearl Bailey Mural. It was created in collaboration with George “Lassie” Belt and the children from the Stanton Community Center. On this once-thriving block, places like Susie’s Tea Room, Dixie Hotel, and The Washington Hotel operated. Pearl Bailey once performed in these venues.

“While this history is new to some of our young collaborators, older residents reminisced about having known Pearl Bailey or attended her performances in the old neighborhood.”

FutureHistoryNow.org

Visit St. John’s College

While many visitors think that the Naval Academy is Annapolis’ oldest college, this distinction belongs to St. John’s College, the “Great Books” college. It was founded in 1696 as King William’s School.

Visitors can roam the college green and sit in the lounge chairs. Admission is also free to the college’s Mitchell Art Museum. Spring exhibitions run from April 9 through June 5, and special events include musical performances, poetry readings, gallery talks, and more.

“St. John’s College is the third oldest college in the United States (reportedly behind Harvard, established in 1636, and College of William and Mary in 1693).” 

St. John’s College

Buy a Toy at Sea Dog Pet Boutique

Ok. You have worn the paws off your dog and explored every inch of Annapolis. Isn’t it time to visit a store that specializes in pet toys, food, and supplies? Let’s visit the family-owned Sea Dog Pet Boutique on Main Street.

Parker knew this place was special as soon as he sniffed the bowl of free kibble waiting outside the door. He also jumped on the rocking chair but then jumped off because it scared him! When we went inside, a nice lady came by to offer him a treat. Clearly, the staff has all hands on deck!

As the owner of two Siamese cats, I am happy to report that you can also buy toys and supplies for your felines.

Annapolis is the perfect destination for a female solo traveler looking for a mix of history, culture, and relaxation. You’ll never be bored in this charming city on the Chesapeake Bay. And your dog will have a blast exploring the city with you.

This article is now featured on GPSmyCity. To download this article for offline reading or create a self-guided walking tour to visit the attractions highlighted in this article, go to Walking Tours and Articles in Annapolis.