Maryland World War II Memorial
A solemn tribute to Maryland's WWII heroes, offering poignant inscriptions and scenic views of Annapolis and the Naval Academy.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peaceful reflection
Maryland World War II Memorial
Best Time
Peaceful reflection
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A solemn tribute to Maryland's WWII heroes, offering poignant inscriptions and scenic views of Annapolis and the Naval Academy.
"A beautiful little area to stop and stretch the legs right outside of Annapolis, MD."
🚗 Easy Access & Parking
Plenty of parking, including handicap spots, makes visiting a breeze.
🚶♀️ Stroll and Reflect
A beautiful spot to stretch your legs and take in the history and views.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Inscriptions of the Fallen
Main memorial plaza
Rows of marble stones bear the names of fallen servicemen and women, a powerful testament to their courage and sacrifice.
Panoramic Annapolis View
Overlooking the Severn River
Enjoy a scenic vista of the U.S. Naval Academy and the city of Annapolis, offering a moment of peace.
FDR D-Day Prayer Plaque
Near the main memorial
A significant addition commemorating a pivotal moment in history, often attended by dignitaries.
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Navigating the Memorial
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Easy Access & Parking
Plenty of parking, including handicap spots, makes visiting a breeze. +1
🚶♀️ Stroll and Reflect
A beautiful spot to stretch your legs and take in the history and views.
🙏 Respectful Atmosphere
This is a place for solemn remembrance; maintain a quiet and respectful demeanor.
📸 Scenic Photo Ops
Capture the impressive memorial and the stunning views of Annapolis.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Easy Access & Parking
Plenty of parking, including handicap spots, makes visiting a breeze. +1
🚶♀️ Stroll and Reflect
A beautiful spot to stretch your legs and take in the history and views.
🙏 Respectful Atmosphere
This is a place for solemn remembrance; maintain a quiet and respectful demeanor.
📸 Scenic Photo Ops
Capture the impressive memorial and the stunning views of Annapolis.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Maryland World War II Memorial to be a moving and inspiring tribute, particularly appreciating the inscriptions of fallen heroes and the scenic views of Annapolis and the Naval Academy. While generally well-maintained, some express disappointment regarding upkeep and the inclusion of elements that seem out of place. +1
"Very nostalgic place for me and I both love and hate what they have and haven't done with it. The new lower WWII memorial of Maryland is very well done. But I am confused as to why there are 3 heads stones of woman there who lived and served well after WWII and not even from Maryland. The upper memorial, whose designation has now changed, use to have the most beautiful view over looking the Naval Academy, has been allowed to decay, severly, and the view has been allowed to be over taken by the trees planted in the below memorial. If you have never been it is worth the stop. But for people like me who have some history there. Well it hurts my heart!"
Martin miller
"This is a very inspiring memorial both for its design, location, and the encompassing commemoration of WWII service members from all of the US military branches. The memorial is fully accessible, though the lookout is not. There is still, however, a great view from the memorial platform. You can see across the Severn River to the Naval Academy.
There are two parking areas and more than usual handicap spaces available. The names of all the fallen servicemen and women inscribed on the large marble stones is an impactful, emotional testament to them. A small, yet powerful tribute to them for their courage and sacrifice."
NANCY T
"Loved this memorial of what it stands for. There was a bunch turn arounds if you missed it when driving by. Plenty of parking easy access."
Erlindo Ramos
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Maryland World War II Memorial is located just outside of Annapolis, MD. It's easily accessible by car, with plenty of parking available, including designated handicap spaces. +1
Yes, there are two parking areas with more than the usual number of handicap spaces available, making it convenient for all visitors.
Yes, it's a popular day trip from Washington D.C. and other parts of the DMV area. The drive is scenic and takes you through beautiful Maryland landscapes.
Many visitors find it best to drive directly to the memorial. There are turnarounds if you miss the entrance.
While visible, some visitors note that it's easy to miss if you're not looking for it, so pay attention to signage.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, admission to the Maryland World War II Memorial is free. It is a public memorial dedicated to remembrance.
The memorial is generally accessible during daylight hours, allowing for reflection and appreciation of the views. Specific hours are not typically posted as it's an outdoor memorial.
No advance booking is required as it is a free, open-access memorial.
While it can accommodate visitors, it's a place for quiet contemplation. Large group visits might be better suited for less crowded times.
Yes, commemorative ceremonies, such as the FDR D-Day Prayer plaque dedication and the Battle of the Bulge anniversary, are held here.
🎫 📍 Onsite Experience
You'll find an inspiring design, inscriptions of fallen servicemen and women, and a beautiful view overlooking the U.S. Naval Academy and Annapolis. +1
The memorial itself is fully accessible, though the lookout point may present some challenges. Ample handicap parking is available.
The memorial offers a great view across the Severn River to the U.S. Naval Academy and the city of Annapolis. +1
Restrooms and gift shops are not typically available directly at the memorial site, as it is primarily a place for reflection.
Some visitors have noted headstones of women who served after WWII and were not from Maryland, which has caused confusion and disappointment for those with historical ties to the memorial.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed, but visitors are encouraged to be respectful of the solemn nature of the site. Drone photography offers unique perspectives.
Early mornings or late afternoons, especially during golden hour, offer beautiful lighting for capturing the memorial and the scenic views.
While drone photography can offer unique views, always check current regulations and be mindful of privacy and safety.
The inscriptions on the marble stones, the panoramic view of Annapolis, and the FDR D-Day Prayer plaque are popular subjects.
Yes, the memorial provides an excellent vantage point for photographing the U.S. Naval Academy across the Severn River.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting during less crowded times to allow children to explore and reflect without feeling overwhelmed. The view of the Naval Academy might also capture their interest, offering a glimpse into military life.
🏛️ History Buffs & Veterans
Discussions on Reddit highlight the emotional resonance of the site, with many expressing gratitude for the tribute. While some note areas for improvement in maintenance, the core message of remembrance remains powerful and impactful for this audience.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Design and Significance
The memorial's location is also significant, offering a commanding view over the U.S. Naval Academy and the historic city of Annapolis. This scenic backdrop adds a layer of contemplation to the visit, connecting the sacrifices of the past with the present.
However, some visitors have expressed concerns about the memorial's upkeep and the inclusion of elements that seem out of place, such as headstones of individuals who served after WWII and were not from Maryland. This has led to mixed feelings for those with a deep personal connection to the site.
Community Perspectives and Experiences
Social media content, like Instagram Reels, showcases the memorial's scenic beauty, particularly the views of the Naval Academy. Drone footage offers a unique perspective, revealing the memorial's layout and its integration with the surrounding landscape.
Reddit discussions reveal a nuanced view, with appreciation for the memorial's purpose and design, but also critiques regarding its maintenance and the presence of seemingly incongruous elements. This user-generated feedback provides a balanced perspective for potential visitors.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit