Winter Activities to Do in Annapolis
As the gray of winter settles over the Chesapeake Bay, biting winds and the threat of snow keep travelers from enjoying the aquatic delights of Annapolis. Even without the boating and beaches, wintertime visitors and locals unwilling to ride out the freeze at their hotel or home can still fill their day with activities.
There are many ways to keep warm during even the harshest Maryland winters, some unique, some built right into the very fabric of what Annapolis is known for. A city of maritime history, spooky thrills, and fresh seafood, there’s a bounty of ways one can manage the cold days of winter while still enjoying the finest parts of America’s Sailing Capital.
Warm Up in a Museum
The Hammond-Hardwood House, Public Domain
Naptown is a historic city, and the museums are always a welcoming atmosphere when the temperatures dip. There are quite a few venues to visit during your visit, but one of the most engaging is the Annapolis Maritime Museum. Through permanent and rotating exhibits, the museum provides visitors with an overview of the ecology of the Chesapeake Bay and the people who made a living from the nearby waters.
For a real glimpse into local history, the Hammond-Harwood House and sites like the William Paca House introduce local icons who made a name for themselves in Annapolis. The 18th-century Hammond-Harwood House also focuses on the controversial, with an exhibit for the enslaved who lived at the architectural wonder.
The Museum of Historic Annapolis, Hogshead Trades Museum, and the U.S. Naval Academy Museum all offer a cozy walk through time. If you don’t mind braving the cold, consider also stopping to see the Maryland State House, the oldest state capitol in continuous use.
Embark on a Chilling Ghost Tour
A haunted ghost tour – Copyright Annapolis Ghosts
Bundle up, because this is something worth braving the cold over. In fact, you’re unlikely to even notice the brisk breeze as you’re immersed in the haunted history of Annapolis. The scandals and tragic tales behind the city’s most active ghosts are spine-chilling, but the thrill of a nearby haunted will get your heart pumping, your blood flowing, and your body on high alert.
On a ghost tour of Annapolis, you’ll visit some of the city’s most haunted locations, like the Middleton Tavern. Locals love it for the oysters, but you’ll get to know it for the Colonial-era spirit known for its alcohol-fueled antics. At the Shiplap House, embrace the sorrow of Audrey, a lovely five-year-old girl who may have succumbed to smallpox. She’s known to reach out to other children, hoping to find a playmate.
Blending history with the otherworldly, an Annapolis ghost tour is a fascinating, year-round journey into the past.
Go for an (Indoor) Swim
An indoor swimming pool – Public domain
No, you don’t have to join the Polar Bear Club to enjoy a swim when temperatures drop into the 40s. Several aquatic centers throughout Annapolis offer indoor pools that turn swimming into a year-round activity. The Arundel Olympic Swim Center is a local favorite, partially for its massive pools. A 25-yard swimming pool is inviting, regardless of what the weather is like outside. Should you get a slight chill, enjoy the 17-person spa, and be sure to dry off completely in the provided locker rooms.
North Arundel Aquatic Center is a little more family-friendly with an indoor water park. It’s small, but still a fantastic way to get kids out of the hotel, out of the cold, and active. No, going for a dip likely wasn’t on your list of winter activities, but Annapolis is typically known for its watery thrills with its many creeks, rivers, and access to Chesapeake Bay. These centers at least allow you to experience that side of Naptown without risking hypothermia.
Warm Up With a Haunted Pub Crawl
A haunted pub crawl – Copyright Annapolis Ghosts
Don’t think you’ll be able to handle walking outside on a ghost tour? Consider this toasty alternative, which combines soothing libations with tales of the unknown. It’s a ghost tour with a twist, where you’ll listen to local legends at some of the most haunted taverns and restaurants in town. A stop at Ram’s Head puts you right in the heart of the historic district, with a drink in hand and spectral eyes watching from the darkest corners.
While haunted pub crawls do move from location to location, putting you in the frigid air, stops along the way come with a smooth glass that will warm the soul. Your soul, at least. Not the lost spirit of the Galway Bay Irish Restaurant or the nefarious characters who haunt the Old Annapolis Jail. There’s plenty of history to cover on an Annapolis pub crawl, so cozy up with a cocktail in iconic locations throughout the city and prepare for a descent into the mysterious and the wicked.
Go Ice Skating
What better way to spend time with family than to go ice skating? Ice skating has numerous benefits. It’s a great way to have fun and let loose, and it is also a full cardiovascular workout. It reduces stress, helps you improve balance and coordination, and burns calories. In fact, you can burn up to 200–300 calories an hour, making it the perfect winter workout!
It’s also a great way to spend time with family or meet new people and socialize. It can help boost your mood and is also a great date night idea if you are looking for the perfect night out with a significant other in Annapolis.
There are several places you can go ice skating in Annapolis. I recommend the Quiet Waters Park Ice Rink at Quiet Waters Park, in front of the Visitor’s Center. While the daily entrance fee to Quiet Waters Park is $8, I recommend getting the annual pass, which is just $40/year for Annapolis residents and $50/year for non-residents, offering significant savings if you go often.
