Captain Smith discovered the unique beauty of the Chesapeake Bay and you will, too, when you visit Annapolis and Anne Arundel County, which rests on the longest stretch of the bay in Maryland. Conveniently located to both Washington, D.C. and Baltimore, Annapolis looks much the same as it did when first laid out as Maryland's capital city in 1694. The State House dominates the skyline and is the oldest state capital building in continuous legislative use in the country.

Annapolis has one of the largest collections of 17th and 18th century houses in a single city in the country. The National Historic District is a tapestry of modest and great buildings, all within a walkable distance of each other. Tours of the city are available with walking guides, by bus and even by boat. The strong sense of history in Annapolis can almost lead you to forget that it is a living, breathing functional community with something for every visitor to enjoy.

The City Dock area of Annapolis is surrounded by fine restaurants and downtown offers delightful and unique shopping on Main Street and Maryland Avenue. The United States Naval Academy, with its rich history, its magnificent chapel, timeless traditions and one of the finest maritime museums in the world attracts visitors from all over the world.

And there is so much more to see and do throughout Anne Arundel County. Visit a medieval English village during the Maryland Renaissance Festival. Discover history in the making when you visit the archaeological dig at London Town. Drive through the rural countryside, planted in tobacco just as it has been since the 1600s.

Whether it be history, the Chesapeake Bay, the Naval Academy, festivals, shopping or cultural events - there are opportunities waiting to be discovered. Come visit Annapolis and Anne Arundel County - a reflection of colonial beginnings, federal vitality, Victorian elegance and contemporary vision.