Annapolis, Maryland

The delightful coastal town of Annapolis in Maryland was settled over 300 years ago and is today positively bristling with African American, colonial, and maritime history. To get a glimpse of the pioneer days in Annapolis you can visit the Maryland State House, the Bannekar-Douglass Museum of African American Heritage, and the Annapolis Maritime Museum. If you love historic houses you should not miss the well-preserved William Packer House and Gardens and the Charles Carroll House and Gardens. For an unusual perspective of the city you can take a Chesapeake Bay Cruise and pay a visit to the Thomas Point Shoal Lighthouse. The city is very easily explored on foot via either a guided or self-guided walking tour. 25 of the Oldest Cities in the United States - Photo: alpegor/Fotolia