Anne Arundel County, Maryland

Anne Arundel County Local Guide

Settling In Guide

Enjoy the Area

Find a new favorite walk, spend an afternoon with local history, or make room for an everyday stop. 15 places to get to know Anne Arundel County.

15 local places
3 ways to explore

Time Outdoors

Parks, trails and places to pause

6 places
Wooden fishing pier extending into the Chesapeake Bay at sunset.
Fishing pier at Downs Park.Photo: Patrick Gillespie

Pasadena Parks & Nature

Downs Park

Choose paved or natural trails through this bayside park, then spend time at the fishing pier or playground. Mother’s Garden and the Locust Cove cartop launch offer different ways to experience the peninsula.

Before You Go Check current park notices, entrance passes and the park map before choosing a route. Confirm launch rules separately if bringing a kayak.

Official Visitor Information
Barns and silos beyond a wooden fence at Kinder Farm Park.
Agricultural landscape at Kinder Farm Park.Photo: Patorjk

Millersville Parks & Nature

Kinder Farm Park

Explore paved and natural trails around this former family farm. Visitor Center displays introduce local farming history, while farm buildings and livestock connect that story to agricultural practices today.

Before You Go Do not pet or feed the farm animals. Check the farmhouse and Visitor Center schedules separately from park access.

Official Visitor Information
Concrete gun battery and steps at Fort Smallwood Park.
Battery Hartshorne at Fort Smallwood Park, photographed in 2009.Photo: Pubdog

Pasadena Parks & Nature

Fort Smallwood Park

Walk near the meeting of the Patapsco River, Rock Creek and Chesapeake Bay. A fishing pier, playground and historic battery and barracks create a place to combine waterfront time with a glimpse of the former fort.

Before You Go Review current construction notices and swimming guidance before visiting. Boat ramp and beach use have separate rules from a simple park visit.

Official Visitor Information
Freshwater tidal wetland edged by trees at Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary.
Wetland habitat at Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary.Photo: Kevans27

Lothian Parks & Nature

Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary

Walk the Marsh Boardwalk or choose a woodland route to watch birds and explore wetland habitats. This research and conservation sanctuary offers a quieter encounter with the tidal Patuxent landscape.

Before You Go Use the Wrighton Road sanctuary entrance, not Jug Bay Natural Area across the river in Prince George’s County. Public days are limited and pets and bicycles are not allowed in the sanctuary proper.

Official Visitor Information
Snow along the Chesapeake Bay shoreline with the Bay Bridge in the distance.
A winter view of the Bay Bridge from Sandy Point State Park.Photo: Acroterion

Near Annapolis Parks & Nature

Sandy Point State Park

Enjoy broad bay views, shoreline walks and opportunities to watch birds across beach, meadow and woodland habitats. The park provides a distinctive view of the Bay Bridge as well as beach and boating facilities.

Before You Go Check the current day use reservation requirement before leaving home, particularly for weekends and holidays in the busy season. Review beach conditions and lifeguard availability separately.

Official Visitor Information

More to Explore1 More Place to Discover

  • Quiet Waters Park

    Annapolis Area Parks & Nature

    Woodland paths and sculpture lead toward views of the South River and Harness Creek.

    Follow paved paths through woods, look for outdoor sculpture and pause at the South River overlook. Playgrounds and picnic areas make this county park a flexible outing for a short walk or a longer afternoon.

    Before You Go Review current facility notices before visiting. The park currently limits Visitor Center access to restrooms and office business, so do not assume indoor galleries are open.

    Official Visitor Information
Back to Interests

History & Culture

Art, heritage and local stories

6 places
Brick William Brown House beside paths and trees at Historic London Town.
William Brown House at Historic London Town.Photo: Acroterion

Edgewater History & Culture

Historic London Town & Gardens

Explore a former colonial port through its historic area and gardens overlooking the South River. The site brings together archaeology and horticulture, with opportunities to consider the different people who lived and worked in London Town.

Before You Go Check the visitor overview for seasonal access and tour availability. Garden paths and historic buildings offer different accessibility conditions.

Official Visitor Information
Red brick former Mount Moriah church housing the Banneker Douglass Tubman Museum.
Museum exterior at the former Mount Moriah church, photographed in 2009.Photo: Pubdog

Annapolis History & Culture

Banneker-Douglass-Tubman Museum

Visit the state’s official museum of African American heritage in the historic Mount Moriah A.M.E. Church. Exhibitions connect Maryland’s history with art, culture and the lives of people whose experiences shaped the state.

Before You Go The museum currently welcomes independent visits while guided tours are unavailable. Groups of ten or more should contact the museum before arriving.

Official Visitor Information

More to Explore4 More Places to Discover

  • William Paca House and Garden

    Annapolis History & Culture

    A restored Georgian house and terraced garden open a window into colonial Annapolis.

    Tour the 1760s house associated with Declaration signer William Paca, then explore its reconstructed garden. The property’s history includes the enslaved people whose labor supported the household and grounds.

    Before You Go Choose a guided house tour or garden entry when planning your visit. Seasonal schedules and last entry times differ, and pets are not admitted except trained service animals.

    Official Visitor Information

  • Maryland State House

    Annapolis History & Culture

    The working state capitol connects present government with national history.

    Explore the State House and its historic legislative spaces with the Maryland State Archives visitor resources. The building provides a place to understand both Maryland government and Annapolis’s role in the early United States.

    Before You Go Adults need photo identification, and visitors pass through security screening. Review current visitor guidance and tour arrangements before arriving.

    Official Visitor Information

  • Annapolis Maritime Museum

    Eastport History & Culture

    Oyster industry stories and Chesapeake ecology meet on the Annapolis waterfront.

    Visit the former McNasby Oyster Company building for exhibits about maritime heritage and the Chesapeake Bay. Waterfront views, historic boats and interactive interpretation connect the oyster industry with the bay’s living environment.

    Before You Go Use the Museum Campus address on Second Street. The Park Campus and Education Center on Edgewood Road are a separate location, and cruises require their own planning.

    Official Visitor Information

  • Museum of Historic Annapolis

    Annapolis History & Culture

    Local objects and personal stories trace more than four centuries of city history.

    Explore three floors of exhibitions at 99 Main Street, including Annapolis: An American Story. Objects, film and interpretation introduce the city’s diverse residents and its connections to broader national history.

    Before You Go Opening days change by season. Independent museum entry and available guided tours are different options, so check the current schedule before booking.

    Official Visitor Information
Back to Interests

Libraries & Community

Everyday places to learn and connect

3 places

More to Explore3 More Places to Discover

  • Michael E. Busch Annapolis Library

    Annapolis Libraries & Learning

    Reading, technology and community learning have a home on West Street.

    Use the West Street library for books, public technology and programs for different ages. The branch page is a useful starting point for choosing a program or finding a place to read and study.

    Before You Go Select the Busch Annapolis branch when checking programs. Annapolis has several library locations with different services and schedules.

    Official Visitor Information

  • Odenton Library

    Odenton Libraries & Learning

    A Memory Lab and makerspace add creative possibilities to a neighborhood library.

    Alongside books and public computers, Odenton offers a Memory Lab for preserving photographs and other media and a Creation Station Makerspace. The branch calendar connects reading with practical learning and community activities.

    Before You Go Contact the branch about equipment access and preparation before bringing materials for the Memory Lab or makerspace. Check registration requirements for your chosen program.

    Official Visitor Information

  • Severn Library

    Severn Libraries & Learning

    A community library near Fort Meade includes resources for military and veteran families.

    Find reading and study space, public computers and community programs at the Severn branch. Its Military and Veteran Family Resource Center gathers books and guides for military life and transitions.

    Before You Go Use the Annapolis Road location at Severn Square, and verify the branch program calendar rather than assuming another library’s schedule applies.

    Official Visitor Information
Back to Interests

Check the official websites for current access, reservations, fees and seasonal operations before visiting. Destination information reviewed .

General information to help you find the right starting point. Requirements, eligibility, service areas, and application processes can change. Confirm details with the office or provider serving your exact address. Official links open in a new tab. Found a broken link or a changed office? Contact LizyTylerCo and include “Anne Arundel County Guide,” the link name, and what happened. Return to All Resources.