A practical day trip from The Dupont Circle Hotel: Annapolis
Yes. From The Dupont Circle Hotel you can make a practical day trip to Annapolis: it’s roughly 30 miles each way and typically takes under an hour by car, letting you see the Maryland State House, walk City Dock, and try local seafood in a single daytime outing. The hotel’s Guest Relations team can help arrange a private transfer or driving directions if you prefer not to drive yourself.
In this guide
Why Annapolis makes a doable day trip
Annapolis is about 30 miles from The Dupont Circle Hotel and can be driven in under an hour each way depending on traffic, so it’s realistic for a full day out without an overnight stay.
The town is compact: most visitors spend their time on and near City Dock, around the Maryland State House, and along the historic downtown streets, which makes walking the core sites straightforward in a few hours.
- Typical highlights: Maryland State House, City Dock, 18th- and 19th-century streets and shops
- Popular local food: blue crab and crab cakes available at multiple waterfront restaurants
- Good for: history, waterfront views, short boat- or walking tours
| Travel time | Distance | Typical travel modes |
|---|---|---|
| Under 1 hour (driving, variable by traffic) | About 30 miles | Car, private transfer, or organized tour |
| Longer by public transport | N/A | Combination of Amtrak/MARC + local transit (not covered here) |
Planning your timing and logistics
Leave early if you want to avoid peak traffic into and out of DC and to maximize time on the water or at restaurants in Annapolis. Traffic varies by day and time; the hotel does not publish schedule guarantees for road travel.
If you prefer not to drive, ask Guest Relations at The Dupont Circle Hotel to arrange a private transfer. The hotel does not operate an airport shuttle, but its team works with preferred transport partners for pick-ups and transfers.
- Driving: most direct and flexible for stopping at viewpoints or suburban parking
- Private transfer: book through Guest Relations for door-to-door service
- Public transit: possible but involves transfers and longer travel times (check local schedules)
| Option | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Drive yourself | Flexible schedule; easiest for side stops | Need parking in Annapolis; traffic can add time |
| Private transfer | No driving stress; arranged by hotel | Cost varies; must be booked in advance |
| Public transit | Lower cost | Longer travel time; multiple transfers |
What to see in Annapolis on a single day
Start at the Maryland State House to see the historic building (it’s the oldest state capitol in continuous legislative use) then walk toward City Dock for waterfront views and boat activity.
Use the compact downtown streets to visit independent shops, colonial-era homes, and small museums. Many visitors combine this walking route with a meal on or near the dock.
- Maryland State House (exterior and grounds)
- City Dock and Harbor area
- Historic downtown lanes with shops and cafes
- Optional short boat tour from the waterfront (check local operators directly)
| Site | Why visit |
|---|---|
| Maryland State House | Historic architecture and civic landmark |
| City Dock | Waterfront activity, restaurants, and boat views |
| Historic downtown | Shops, galleries, and colonial-era streets |
Where to eat: seafood and waterfront options
Annapolis is known for Maryland blue crab and crab cakes. City Dock and the surrounding streets host multiple restaurants and casual stands serving seafood and other regional dishes.
If you prefer to dine at The Dupont Circle Hotel before or after your trip, The Pembroke serves breakfast and evening meals and can take reservations; Doyle offers cocktails and small plates with views back toward Dupont Circle.
- At City Dock: expect several seafood-focused restaurants and outdoor seating in season
- Back in DC: The Pembroke serves breakfast and dinner (hotel reservations recommended)
- Cocktails before returning: Doyle bar offers small plates and panoramic neighborhood views
| Meal | On-site option at The Dupont Circle Hotel |
|---|---|
| Breakfast | The Pembroke (opens daily at 7:00 a.m.) |
| Dinner | The Pembroke (dinner 5:30 p.m.–10:00 p.m.) |
| Cocktails / small plates | Doyle (varied evening hours; food available 2 p.m.–11 p.m.) |
What to bring and accessibility notes
Bring comfortable walking shoes for cobblestone and narrow streets around Annapolis, a light jacket for breezy waterfront conditions, and any necessary mobility aids; the town is walkable but has some uneven surfaces.
If accessibility is a concern, The Dupont Circle Hotel provides ADA-compliant rooms and the hotel’s Guest Relations can help arrange transport or accessible touring options. Confirm accessibility details with specific Annapolis venues before you go.
- Essentials: water, sunscreen, comfortable shoes, phone charger
- Check weather: coastal breeze can make mornings or evenings cooler
- Accessibility: hotel has ADA-compliant rooms; verify venue access in Annapolis in advance
| Item | Why bring it |
|---|---|
| Comfortable shoes | Walking historic streets and docks |
| Light jacket | Waterfront breeze and changing temps |
| Phone and charger | Navigation, photos, and contacting transport |
Return and evening options back at the hotel
Plan evening timing to avoid peak return traffic when possible. If you return after dinner, The Pembroke and Doyle remain convenient options for a late drink or dessert.
The Dupont Circle Hotel provides 24-hour room service if you prefer to unwind in your room type — for example, guests staying in a Signature Room or Junior Suite can order in without leaving the property.
- 24-hour room service is available (limited overnight menu 11:00 PM–6:00 AM)
- The Pembroke serves dinner nightly; Doyle serves cocktails into the evening
- Guest Relations can assist with late transfers or car service back to the hotel
| Service | Availability |
|---|---|
| Room service | 24 hours (limited overnight menu 11:00 PM–6:00 AM) |
| The Pembroke dinner | 5:30 PM–10:00 PM |
| Doyle bar hours | Varies by day; evening service with small plates |
