Previously known as Westfield Annapolis, Annapolis Mall is a big enclosed shopping destination in Parole, only a few minutes from where U.S. Route 50 and Interstate 97 meet. The mall has been a hub for shopping, dining, and fun in the area for a long time. It is conveniently located near the historic city of Annapolis, Maryland.
Atlas Hill RE and Centennial Real Estate Management now own the building, which has more than 1.4 million square feet of gross leasable space. This makes it the second-largest shopping mall in Maryland, after Arundel Mills. There is a good mix of anchor shops and specialty stores, and updated AMC Theaters with 11 screens, and well-known stores like The Container Store, Zara, and Crate & Barrel.
Because it has a mix of national names, new amenities, and an easy-to-reach location, Annapolis Mall is still a popular place for both locals and tourists to shop and live. Let’s know more about exciting things to do in Annapolis Mall with Zavros Place.
History of Westfield Annapolis Mall
Several transportation landmarks used to be on the site where Annapolis Mall is now. These included the terminal for the Washington, Baltimore, and Annapolis Electric Railway and, later, the “Best Gate” stop on the WB&A Railroad. By the 1970s, the area was becoming a place to shop, with the opening of a single-level Montgomery Ward store being the first step. Montgomery Ward was the mall’s first main store when it opened in 1980.
The mall developed quickly over the next ten years. It got a two-level Hecht’s and a one-level JCPenney in 1983. Garfinkel’s was there for a short time before Annapolis mall closing in 1990 when the chain went out of business.
In the same year, Westfield Group bought the mall and quickly began adding on to it. In 1994, Nordstrom added a new two-story store and set up the food court. A two-story Lord & Taylor store opened in 1998, and an 11-screen AMC movie theater opened in 2001.
From the 2000s to the 2010s, the mall kept changing. Before Forever 21 moved in and stayed there until its bankruptcy in 2019, the space that used to be Borders Books had a number of other renters. In 2018, a portable public library opened in the mall. It later moved to a built-out library nearby.
A lot has changed in the past few years. JCPenney said it was closing but extended its lease, the SPCA opened an indoor shelter, AMC improved its theater, and in 2024, ownership changed hands to Atlas Hill RE, Centennial Real Estate, and partners.
As of 2025, the mall is going through more changes. In the next few years, there will be new anchor stores and major improvements.
Annapolis Mall Stores – What You Can Expect
When you walk into Annapolis Mall, you will find a lot more than just a few big-name stores. According to the directory, the mall has more than 240 shops that sell a wide range of goods in fashion, technology, home decor, health and wellness, and other areas.
The plan is good for a full-day trip, whether you are looking for the latest styles, better gadgets, home-improvement items, or just a bite to eat and some entertainment.
With dining areas, comfortable seating, and easy entry from parking garages, this building has both well-known national chains and small, locally owned Annapolis mall restaurants. The directory lists many of the most well-known fashion and lifestyle names, as well as stores that sell tech and accessories.
The mall is great for groups of all ages, families, and casual shoppers alike because it has a lot of different things to see and do. You can focus on one task at a time or browse for hours.
Most Popular Stores in Annapolis Mall
Some of the most-visited stores at Annapolis Mall are notable stores that appeal to a wide range of people. The current directory lists names like Apple (for phones and accessories), Zara (for fast fashion), Macy’s (a big department store with clothes, home goods, and more), and Crate & Barrel (for stylish furniture for the home).
A lot of people walk into these stores because they have a lot of different things for people to buy, from trendy clothes to electronics and home products with a focus on design. They also let shoppers know that the mall is not just a local strip, but a big regional shopping hub.
Whether you come with a list or just want to look around, these key factors give the store credibility and reliability. Customers know they can expect enormous options, new items at certain times of the year, and a well-run experience. These stores’ success helps the smaller shops nearby by bringing more people into the mall and giving shoppers more energy.
Shoe Stores in Annapolis Mall
Footwear is easy to find at the mall, which has many shoe shops for all tastes and budgets. Customers can find shoe names and specialty stores in the Annapolis mall directory, such as Skechers, Aldo, and other stores that focus on footwear.
The variety includes sneakers for regular wear, dressy heels, shoes for kids that are safe for the whole family, and athletic performance shoes. The environment lets you look at clothes from more than one brand at once, so you can compare fit, style, and price, which is a big plus over shops that only sell one brand.
New & Trending Stores in Annapolis Mall
Adding new names and pop-up events to keep things fresh, the mall is always changing. For instance, new entries show stores like The Container Store (home and organization) and the growth of stores that focus on lifestyle and technology.
Also, keep an eye out for pop-ups and seasonal pieces that move around. This is especially important during busy times like back-to-school, Black Friday, and the winter shopping season. These “new & trending” stores have a fresh feel that goes beyond the mainstays. They appeal to shoppers who like new brand experiences, niche categories, or new lifestyle trends, like health tech or carefully chosen home design brands.
Stores in Annapolis Mall for Fashion, Tech & Lifestyle
Annapolis Mall has a lot of great stores for fashion, tech, and everyday life. There are fast-fashion leaders, high-end brands, and shops that sell everyday clothes. Zara, Macy’s, and other well-known names serve a wide audience.
Major brands like Apple and companies that make mobile accessories are in the tech category, meeting people’s needs for gadgets and connections. Home decor stores (like Crate & Barrel), wellness brands, beauty and skin care boutiques, and accessory stores all do a good job of serving the lifestyle market.
The combination of these areas makes it easy for customers to go from buying new tech to shopping for clothes to looking at home decor all in the same visit. This “one-stop” layout makes things easier and turns a quick chore into a bigger experience, which makes the mall appealing for longer stays, group trips, or weekend visits.
Westfield Annapolis Mall Map Overview
When you get to Annapolis Mall (formerly Westfield Annapolis), the layout is made so that it is easy to get around and follow the lines. The mall has one main level of stores, but some anchor shops, like Macy’s, Crate & Barrel, and The Container Store, take up two levels, or mezzanine spaces.
On the mall’s website, under “Directory Map,” you can find a live directory map that will help people find their way around. There are bathrooms, elevators, parking garages, and EV charging stations marked on the map of Annapolis mall. There is a lot of parking, with basements and spots on rooftops.
Here are some tips for people who are coming for the first time:
- Check out the site’s “Getting Here” link to see where to park and how to get there by bus.
- Use the lifts or escalators near the center core to get to anchor stores on the second level, like Macy’s or Crate & Barrel.
- On busy weekends, get there before noon and enter through the north door to get to the big stores faster.
Annapolis Mall Food Court – What’s Inside
The Annapolis Mall food court is a handy and flexible place for shoppers and families to eat. The food hall is in the middle of the mall and has a variety of fast-casual and quick-serve restaurants serving different types of food and satisfying different types of hunger. The mall’s official directory offers places to eat like Auntie Anne’s Pretzels, Charleys Philly Steaks, Chipotle Mexican Grill, Chick-fil-A, and China Wok.
There is a wide range of food at Annapolis mall, so there is something for almost everyone:
- American fast food that makes you feel good (Chick-fil-A)
- Burrito or Mexican style (Chipotle)
- California Pizza Kitchen serves pizza and relaxed Italian-American food.
- Cheese steaks and sandwiches (Charley’s Philly Steaks)
- Asian takeout (China Wok)
- Snacks and light bites (Auntie Anne’s Pretzels)
There are a lot of open tables in the sitting area so that families and groups can use it. The food court is in a bigger mall with a central common area, so it is a great place to grab a quick bite to eat or a casual meal for the kids. The food court is a good place for families to take a break or grab a snack while they are at the mall because it is close to kid-friendly seating, accessible bathrooms, and family rest areas.
The food court at Annapolis Mall has a lot of options, is easy to get to, and has a calm atmosphere. You can grab a quick bite after going shopping or enjoy a longer meal while the rest of your group shops.
Current Annapolis Mall Hours
Annapolis Mall is open for business on:
- Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Check the mall’s “Hours” page before going on a big holiday, like Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, or New Year’s Eve, because holiday hours can be different.
Tip for visitors: If you want to have a more relaxing time, try to get there early in the morning, especially on weekends or during sales times. Also, see if any of the shops or the movie theater are open later than the mall’s normal hours.
What to Expect from Annapolis Mall Santa
Annapolis Mall’s “Santapolis: A special Holiday Experience” photo-with-Santa event makes every holiday season special. It runs from November 7, 2025, to December 24, 2025.
People can just walk up and talk to Santa during his hours of business, but it is highly suggested that you make a reservation to reduce wait times and get photo packages starting at about $39.99.
Pet Photo Mondays (on certain dates) let leashed or kenneled pets pose with Santa for a picture. On Sunday, December 7, from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., there will be a Sensory Santa morning, which is safer for kids with sensory issues.
Kids should get there early, especially on weekends during the long holiday season, and should bring any vouchers or confirmations of reservations with them.
You can take a classic photo, participate in the immersive set, or attend a themed evening with your pet at Annapolis Mall’s Santa setup, which is joyful and well-organized. Expect holiday traffic.
Annapolis Mall Photos – A Visual Tour
There are some spots in the Annapolis Mall that people always want to take pictures:
- Holiday décor zones: There are big holiday displays, themed lighting, Santa picture booths and pretty backdrops during the holiday season. These make strong visual interest and moving focus points for both family photos and social media posts.
- Iconic architectural backdrops: The middle atrium with its polished tiles and high ceiling arches, which is under the big skylight, is one of the most famous architectural backdrops. It lets in natural light, has strong lines, and feels open, all of which are great for capturing the mood of the mall.
- Storefronts and event spaces: Flagship stores’ openings, like those of big department stores or home items retailers, have clear branding and themed visuals. There are often photo-friendly signs or pop-up installations near event staging areas or places where new businesses have just started.
For better photos, plan to arrive during the day when there is a lot of natural light, and look for hallways with fewer shoppers. Also, keep an eye out for seasonal features that change the space for a short time, like pop-up art walls or temporary installations. By catching both atmosphere and activity, these spots give you a mix of wide-angle aesthetics and event-driven images.
Final Thoughts on Visiting Annapolis Mall
Annapolis Mall offers modern shopping in a clean, well-lit setting with many retailers and family-friendly attractions. Reviewers like how the mall has a good mix of national brands, is easy to access, and is a nice place to do everyday things or relax.
Plan your trip for the afternoon of a workday, when parking is easier and there are fewer people walking around. This will make your visit more enjoyable, especially if you are looking at a lot of stores or bringing your family. If you go on the weekend, try to get there early in the morning to avoid the busiest times.