Capital Region History Tour: Baltimore to D.C. via Annapolis

Trip Snapshot

• Distance & Drive Time: ~100 miles round-trip (Baltimore → Annapolis → Washington, D.C. → Baltimore). About 2–2.5 hours driving time total, not counting city traffic or stops.
• Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall offer mild weather for walking tours (cherry blossoms in D.C. are beautiful in late March/April). Avoid peak rush hours on weekdays for easier driving.
• Ideal For: History buffs, museum lovers, and travelers who want to see Maryland’s capital and the U.S. capital in one day. Great for families and first-time D.C. visitors with limited time.
• Route Summary: Baltimore → I-97 South (~30 mi) → Annapolis (Maryland’s capital) → US-50 West (~35 mi) or MD-295 (BW Parkway) → Washington, D.C. → Return to Baltimore via MD-295 or I-95 (~40 mi).
• Top Highlights: Maryland State House and colonial downtown Annapolis, the U.S. Naval Academy campus, iconic landmarks in Washington, D.C. (National Mall monuments, Capitol, White House), world-class Smithsonian museums, and the ambiance of two historic capitals in one trip.

Route Overview

Start from Baltimore early to maximize your day. In just over 30 miles, I-97 delivers you to Annapolis, the capital of Maryland, perched on the Chesapeake Bay. Annapolis is a delightful blend of colonial heritage and maritime culture. Exit onto MD-178 to cruise into the downtown historic district. You’ll find yourself on cobbled streets among 18th-century brick buildings and flickering gaslight-style street lamps. Park in one of the city garages or a street spot near Church Circle from here, downtown is best explored on foot.

Spend the morning in Annapolis. Walk down Main Street toward the City Dock, often filled with sailboats. You can tour the Maryland State House, the oldest state capitol in continuous use (where George Washington resigned his commission in 1783). The State House’s white dome is an Annapolis icon, and you can explore its historic chambers on a self-guided tour. Stroll over to the U.S. Naval Academy next (photo ID required to enter the Academy grounds). The Naval Academy’s waterfront campus is beautiful, with manicured grounds and imposing Beaux-Arts architecture. Don’t miss the Naval Academy Chapel and the crypt of John Paul Jones (Revolutionary War naval hero) if open. History and naval tradition run deep here the Naval Academy Museum in Preble Hall is free and showcases maritime artifacts and model ships.

After grabbing lunch by the harbor (crab cake, anyone?), continue the journey to Washington, D.C. Head west on US-50 from Annapolis, which merges onto New York Avenue as you enter D.C. (An alternative is taking the Baltimore-Washington Parkway (MD-295) for a more scenic, wooded approach into the capital). As you arrive in Washington, D.C., make your way toward the National Mall the grand greensward flanked by Smithsonian museums and iconic monuments. Depending on your interests, you might park near the Mall or at a Metro station and use public transit (the D.C. Metro is efficient and saves the hassle of city driving).

Spend the afternoon soaking up D.C.’s historic and cultural sites. You can walk the length of the National Mall, starting from the Capitol Building on one end to the Lincoln Memorial on the other. Along the way, you’ll encounter the towering Washington Monument and many memorials World War II, Vietnam Veterans, Korean War, and more. If museum-hopping is a priority, the Mall has you covered: the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum (rockets, planes, and moon artifacts), the National Museum of American History, the National Museum of Natural History, and others are free to enter and absolutely world-class. Don’t forget to swing by 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue to glimpse the White House through the fence. By early evening, the monuments light up beautifully; the Lincoln Memorial at sunset, with the Reflecting Pool before it, is a sight to remember.

As night falls, grab a quick dinner in D.C. (the Penn Quarter and Capitol Hill neighborhoods have great eateries). Then, make your way back to Baltimore (about 40 miles). The Baltimore-Washington Parkway (MD-295) is a convenient route home a tree-lined highway with no trucks allowed, which makes for a calmer drive. In about an hour, you’ll be back in Baltimore, completing a loop that spans America’s past and present in one epic day.

Top Stops & Experiences

• Historic Annapolis Downtown: Maryland’s capital city is like a living museum of 18th-century America. Walk along brick sidewalks on streets dating back to the 1700s. Highlights include Maryland State House, with its large wooden dome and historic Senate chamber (open to visitors), and Ego Alley at City Dock, where yachts and sailboats parade in and out. The whole downtown is very walkable sites like the William Paca House & Garden (home of a Declaration of Independence signer) and St. Anne’s Church (circa 1692) tell the story of Annapolis’s colonial past.
• U.S. Naval Academy: A prestigious institution and National Historic Site. Take an official guided walking tour or explore public areas on your own. Don’t miss the USNA Museum for naval history exhibits and catch the noon formation if you time it on weekdays midshipmen in their crisp uniforms lining up in ranks. The Naval Academy’s waterfront setting along the Severn River offers great views, and the campus architecture (like Bancroft Hall and Dahlgren Hall) is impressive.
• Washington, D.C. National Mall: The heart of the nation’s capital, packed with monuments and museums. Stand on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial and look across the Reflecting Pool toward the Washington Monument and Capitol a classic D.C. panorama. Pay respects at moving memorials (the Vietnam Veterans Memorial’s names wall, the Korean War Memorial’s soldier sculptures, the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial by the Tidal Basin). If time permits, ascend the Washington Monument (free tickets available, but reserve in advance) for a bird’s-eye view of the city.
• Smithsonian Museums: You could spend days here, but even a couple of hours is rewarding. Popular choices are the National Air and Space Museum (see the Wright Brothers’ plane, Apollo 11 command module, and Space Shuttle displays) and the National Museum of American History (home of the original Star-Spangled Banner flag and First Ladies’ inaugural gowns). Art lovers might opt for the National Gallery of Art or Smithsonian American Art Museum. All Smithsonian museums on the Mall have free admission. Check hours in advance most are open roughly 10 AM to 5:30 PM.
• Ford’s Theatre & Archives (for History Buffs): If you crave more history beyond the Mall, two other stops to consider: Ford’s Theatre, where President Lincoln was assassinated in 1865, preserved as a working theatre and museum (timed tickets required); and the National Archives, where the original Declaration of Independence, U.S. Constitution, and Bill of Rights are on display under low light and heavy security. Seeing the actual founding documents is a powerful experience, but be prepared for a line. These sites add depth to the story of America you’ve encountered throughout the day.

Where to Eat & Stay

• Eat: Take advantage of each city’s specialties. In Annapolis, you can’t go wrong with a classic Maryland crab cake lunch. Popular spots by the City Dock include Middleton Tavern (a historic tavern established in 1750) which serves hearty crab cakes and seafood with views of the harbor. For a sweet treat, pop into Annapolis Ice Cream Company on Main Street for handmade ice cream. In Washington, D.C., if you’re near the Mall, there are food trucks and museum cafés for a quick bite. For a sit-down dinner, consider heading a few blocks to Old Ebbitt Grill (est. 1856) just north of the White House it’s D.C.’s oldest saloon, famous for its oyster bar and American fare in a Victorian atmosphere. (It’s popular, so expect a wait or grab a seat at the bar.) If you’re looking for something fast before driving back, Penn Quarter has many options from upscale pizza to ramen and burgers.
• Stay: This loop can be done in a long day, but if you want to stretch it, consider an overnight. Annapolis has charming B&Bs and historic inns like the Historic Inns of Annapolis (three beautifully restored 18th-century inns right in downtown). Waking up in Annapolis allows a peaceful morning by the harbor. Alternatively, Washington, D.C. offers every type of accommodation a night in D.C. would let you enjoy the monuments illuminated at night and perhaps visit a couple more museums the next morning. Look for hotels in the Penn Quarter/Chinatown area or near the National Mall for convenience (the Grand Hyatt Washington or Hilton Garden Inn Downtown for example). Booking in advance is wise, especially during spring cherry blossom season or when big events/conferences are in town.

Practical Tips

• Traffic Timing: Try to avoid driving south from Baltimore between 7–9 AM on weekdays and returning between 4–6 PM you’ll hit commuter traffic around both D.C. and Baltimore. The same goes for Route 50 toward Annapolis on summer weekends (beach traffic). Mid-morning departures and post-dinner returns will generally be smoother.
• Parking & Getting Around: In Annapolis, the downtown is small and popular the Noah Hillman Garage (Gorman Street) or Knighton Garage (Colonial Ave) are good bets to park and walk from. In Washington, D.C., street parking near the National Mall is extremely limited and often restricted. It’s wise to park in a garage or at a Metro station on the outskirts (e.g. park at New Carrollton Metro on the Orange Line or College Park on the Green Line, then ride the Metro into the National Mall area). Once in D.C., wear comfy shoes you’ll be walking a lot. The National Mall is expansive (2+ miles end-to-end). A Circulator bus route loops around the Mall and downtown for easy hop-on/hop-off ($1 fare).
• Security & Etiquette: Remember that places like the U.S. Naval Academy and Capitol have security checks. Bring a government-issued ID. At the Naval Academy, bags may be searched. In D.C. federal buildings (Smithsonian museums, Archives, etc.), you’ll go through metal detectors; avoid carrying pocket knives or anything that could be flagged. Also, no photography of exhibits in the National Archives Rotunda. Be respectful at solemn sites like war memorials and Arlington National Cemetery (which is a short drive across the Potomac if you had more time).
• Time Management: It’s easy to underestimate how much there is to see. Prioritize your “must-sees” for example, choose 1–2 Smithsonian museums at most for a short visit, rather than rushing through six of them. The same goes for monuments: maybe focus on the west end of the Mall (Lincoln, Vietnam/Korea Memorials) or east end (Capitol, nearby Library of Congress and Supreme Court) if that interests you. Building in some buffer time for unexpected finds (street performances, souvenir shopping, an interesting exhibit) will make the day more enjoyable than a minute-by-minute tight schedule.
• Stay Hydrated and Comfortable: You’ll be spending much of the day outside walking. D.C. can get hot and humid in summer, and quite cold in winter. Carry a water bottle, use sunscreen and a hat in the warmer months, and wear layers or a good coat in winter. Both cities have plenty of restaurants and cafés to duck into if you need a break or a restroom. The National Mall has refreshment stands and restrooms at intervals (near major memorials and by the Washington Monument).

Rentals & Logistics

For this city-centric tour, a smaller vehicle is easier to maneuver and park in historic Annapolis and downtown D.C. Reserve the perfect vehicle in Baltimore something fuel-efficient since you’ll be doing highway miles and idling in city traffic (a sedan or compact SUV works well). Many rental agencies in Baltimore city or at BWI Airport offer day rentals with easy pickup. Make sure the car has a GPS or use your smartphone for navigation (and bring a car charger). Baltimore to D.C. is a well-traveled corridor; you may encounter tolls if you choose certain routes (the I-95 Ft. McHenry Tunnel in Baltimore, for example, or the Intercounty Connector MD-200 if you detour). An E-ZPass can be useful but not strictly necessary if you plan your route on toll-free roads like I-97/US-50 and MD-295. One logistic tip: leave Baltimore with a full tank of gas. You can refuel in D.C. or on the way back; prices in suburbs (Annapolis or outside D.C.) tend to be a bit cheaper than right in the city. Enjoy your drive through American history from colonial times to the nation’s capital all in a day’s adventure!