North Beach summer vacation (Annapolis, Naval Academy: rental, house, high school)

[mikenbacismama]

Planning on renting a house in North Beach for a week in July. While in the area, we plan to head into DC on 2 or 3 different days to see the sights and visit the different museums. Yes, I understand July weather can be a bit icky .

Anyhow, I just wondered what are the best days to head in or avoid DC. We'll likely take public transportation on two of the days, and drive in on one (as we'll bring our dog one of the days).

Also, any recommendations on things to see and do in Annapolis and in and around North Beach would be much appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

[North Beach Person]

Bayside History Museum in North Beach

Bayside History Museum - Home

Chesapeake Beach Railroad Museum

Chesapeake Beach Railway Museum

Calvert County

Calvert County Attractions - Destination Southern Maryland

Be aware that by July jellyfish are usually coming in and can make swimming in the Bay unpleasant. North Beach does net its beach but some always overtop the net.

It's a sand bottom.

If you are renting a vacation rental make sure your landlord gets Beach passes for you. If you're staying with a friend they can get passes for you.

[mikenbacismama]

Thank you! Yes, the rental says beach passes are included.

[slowlane3]

This scenic place is just 2 miles up the coast from North Beach Chesapeake Bay Marinas - Dining - Lodging - Herrington Harbour - but just because it's across the County line, people somehow forget it exists (like why should that matter?).

As for commuting into Washington, I strongly advise doing this on a weekend, when traffic is lighter, and parking is abundant, and free of charge, at suburban Metrorail stations. http://www.wmata.com On weekdays, traffic can be horrific, and commuter lots are full.

Annapolis has great charm. Wander the narrow colonial streets.......take a guided tour of the Naval Academy.....eat crabs at a sidewalk cafe' overlooking the busy yacht harbor.....take a narrated sightseeing cruise from the City Dock......browse in the many nautical-themed art galleries/ gift shops.......see the nation's oldest State Capitol building. There are 3 or 4 parking garages in the downtown city, as well as a free parking lot across the creek, near the Navy stadium.

[North Beach Person]

The problem with Herrington is that it's not public. You can't just stroll in and look at the boats, sit at the tables or use the beach. Slipholders and guests only.

[mikenbacismama]

Thank you Slowlane & NBP. I'm very excited to visit the area - haven't been to Annapolis in about 20 years, and DC since high school! I think staying in North Beach will be a nice, relaxing spot.

We will plan to visit Annapolis on the Friday we drive down, and will be hitting DC on Sun., Tue., & Thu...we'll drive into DC on Sun., and take the commuter bus on Tue. & Thu. to explore the museums & I've also scheduled weekday tours of the Capitol, National Archives, etc. (waiting on the White House, they don't let you know until closer to the travel date).

Do either of you have experience with the commuter bus? Figured we'd catch an early bus out of NB and try to take one of the latest buses back. Gotta be better than driving and parking, right?

[North Beach Person]

Originally Posted by mikenbacismama

Thank you Slowlane & NBP. I'm very excited to visit the area - haven't been to Annapolis in about 20 years, and DC since high school! I think staying in North Beach will be a nice, relaxing spot.

We will plan to visit Annapolis on the Friday we drive down, and will be hitting DC on Sun., Tue., & Thu...we'll drive into DC on Sun., and take the commuter bus on Tue. & Thu. to explore the museums & I've also scheduled weekday tours of the Capitol, National Archives, etc. (waiting on the White House, they don't let you know until closer to the travel date).

Do either of you have experience with the commuter bus? Figured we'd catch an early bus out of NB and try to take one of the latest buses back. Gotta be better than driving and parking, right?

Friday in Annapolis in summer. Traffic will be a nightmare right outside of town on the road(s) to the Bay Bridge.

The commuter buses are usually full so I don't know how good of an idea that would be.

Downtown Annapolis has changed greatly in 20 years. It's not as "quaint" (and I hate that word) as it used to be. The workboats at the City Dock have been replaced by cigarette boats.