Annapolis Named One of “America’s Best Towns to Visit" by CNN Travel

ANNAPOLIS, MD – Earlier this month, CNN Travel named Annapolis, Maryland, one of “America’s Best Towns to Visit,” coming in at number five on the 2025 list. CNN Travel editors tapped readers and contributors for nominations for the second annual list which considered hundreds of candidates and narrowed it down to 10 by evaluating the finalists’ attractions, food and beverage offerings, cultural and nightlife scenes, diversity, sense of identity, proximity to other interesting spots, and “wow factor.” They also looked at travel essentials, including lodging options and ease of access. Annapolis scored high in maritime and colonial history, waterfront setting, boating, and seafood. 

Read the complete list of winners here and more on what makes Annapolis one of the best here. 

“We are honored to have Annapolis recognized by CNN Travel as one of ‘America’s Best Towns to Visit’ in 2025,” said Kristen Pironis, CEO of Visit Annapolis and Anne Arundel County. “This national recognition is a testament to what both residents and visitors have long known — Annapolis is a place where history, coastal charm, and a warm, welcoming community come together in a way that is truly special. Whether it's sailing on the Chesapeake Bay or strolling along our iconic cobblestone streets, every moment spent in Annapolis and within Anne Arundel County, invites travelers to become part of our story. We’re excited to welcome visitors from across the nation and around the world to discover why Annapolis captures hearts with each adventure.”

CNN Travel also cited that this year’s towns skewed smaller than last year’s top 10, ranging in size from about 15,000 to about 115,000 residents. The list considered all regions of the country to capture the incredible variety that defines the United States — from history and natural beauty to culture and food. The selections “serve as reminders of what Americans do best: build towns and communities that add up to more than the sum of their parts.”

Annapolis and Anne Arundel County have earned top accolades and distinctions in recent years, including:

In addition to CNN Travel’s prestigious designation, Annapolis has gained national attention as a prime destination to visit in 2025, including a fascinating New York Times article, 36 Hours in Annapolis, written by Annapolis resident Charles Babington and this in-depth Yahoo! piece, Move over, Boston: America’s most patriotic city might be this waterfront gem, from a recent visit by Yahoo! – Unimaginably Good Travelcreator Megan DeMatteo. 

Known as “America’s Sailing Capital,” Annapolis is a picturesque gem in Anne Arundel County, Maryland, celebrated for its unmatched collection of preserved 18th-century buildings. As the state’s capital and gateway via BWI Airport, it’s ideally positioned between Washington, D.C., and Baltimore—offering a rich blend of outdoor recreation, cultural events, and gourmet dining. Annapolis is filled with historic charm and contemporary flair, with highlights that include world-famous boat shows, a thriving arts scene, the renowned U.S. Naval Academy, and the Maritime Republic of Eastport— a quaint and beautifully eclectic neighborhood full of adventure and culinary creations. With 533 miles of scenic Chesapeake Bay shoreline, the region serves up dining with dramatic views and revolutionary ambiance. Founded in 1649, Annapolis holds a profound place in American history, having briefly served as the nation’s capital and hosting the ratification of the Treaty of Paris inside the Maryland State House—the oldest continually used legislative building. Its intimate streets and architecture echo the lives of early patriots, offering visitors a living canvas of America’s evolution through time.

About Visit Annapolis & Anne Arundel County: Visit Annapolis & Anne Arundel County (VAAAC) is a nonprofit, partnership-focused destination marketing and management organization dedicated to fostering a welcoming destination and promoting tourism for visitors, partners, and the community. The tourism and hospitality industry in Annapolis and Anne Arundel County significantly impacts Maryland's economy. In 2023, visitor spending injected $4.1 billion into the state economy, attracting more than 6.8 million visitors, and sustaining more than 26,000 jobs (both directly and indirectly), according to the 2023 Economic Impact of Tourism in Maryland Report. For more information, please visit www.VAAAC.org.