Best Time to Go
Most of the sights are best seen on a walking tour, so try to schedule your visit for the spring, summer, or fall when walking is pleasant. In addition, if you are in the area you’ll want to have a look at the US Naval Academy; it’s open March-Nov. daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Dec.-Feb. daily 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Admission is free. If you’d prefer a guided tour, they depart every half hour from the Armel-Leftwich Visitor Center in Halsey Field House, through Gate 1 at the end of King George Street. Unless you are visiting the area for the graduation of a cadet, or to take your son or daughter to the academy, you might want to avoid visiting during the start of the academic year or graduation when the city gets a bit crowded.

Average Weather
Annapolis is rainy year round; most months average over three inches of rain. January is the coldest month with an average temperature of 34 degrees Fahrenheit. June, July, August and September are pleasant and warm with average temperatures in the 70s. Annapolis has four distinct seasons: chilly winters, crisp autumns, balmy springs and warm summers.

Transportation
If you drive to Annapolis you can get traffic and parking information on 1620 AM. If you fly into Annapolis you’ll land in either Baltimore or DC and from there, if you don’t want to rent a car, contact Annapolis Service via BWI Shuttle Express for reservations by calling (800) 258-3826. They service most Annapolis area hotels and the Naval Academy. Many hotels offer free shuttle service to and from the airport. The Annapolis Department of Transportation has an elaborate system covering the entire area - call 410-263-7964 or 410-269-0674 for information.

In-Season Costs
Annapolis is and isn’t expensive. Due to its prime location and the general standard of living in the area, you’ll find plenty that is pricey --- if you are a shopper you can break the bank in area boutiques. But, you will find a range of restaurants, and you have to sample Maryland crab cakes -- you can do that for just under $20 by visiting Mike’s Restaurant on Old Riva Road. You can expect to spend about $30 on sightseeing, and should shop hotel rates for specials; a business class property on the waterfront can easily run you over $200 per night. A standard room in a moderately priced property can easily cost over $100 a night.

Day Trips
Baltimore and Washington, DC, are both worth a trip, and are close and accessible by public transportation. If you are eager to sample urban pleasures, Baltimore’s Inner Harbor is your perfect day trip. If you have never visited the Smithsonian, Washington is your must-do day trip. All of the facilities of the Smithsonian are free, a welcome benefit for the cost-conscious tourist.

To travel to Baltimore, you’ll find service provided by MTA; call (410) 539-5000 for schedule information on the direct bus service that departs from the kiosk on College Ave. by State Buildings and Navy Marine Corps Memorial Stadium, Monday through Friday. Public transportation to and from Washington is primarily available Mondays through Fridays when buses leave from the kiosk in front of Loews Hotel and Navy/Marine Corps Stadium to New Carrollton Metro Station. Call the MTA at (800) 543-9809 for information on schedules and fares to DC.