Annapolis Colonial and Maritime History Walking Tour
Traveler rating
4.1/5
Based on 14 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Annapolis Colonial and Maritime History Walking Tour worth booking?
Annapolis Colonial and Maritime History Walking Tour is a 2-hour experience in Annapolis, United States, from $49 per person. It scores 57 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 4.1/5 rating across 14 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 57 / 100
- Rating
- 4.1/5 (14)
- Duration
- 2 hours
- From
- $49 per person
Step back in time on this 2-hour guided walking tour through the beautifully preserved Historic District of Annapolis, Maryland. Visit the Maryland State House, once the capitol of the United States, and explore a colonial kitchen and dining room inside a stunning Georgian mansion. Stroll past iconic landmarks including St. Anne's Parish, the Hammond-Harwood House, the Paca House, and the lively Annapolis City Dock. Hear the fascinating story of the friendly rivalry between the U.S. Naval Academy and St. John's College, two institutions that have shaped the character of this unique city. Along the way, your guide will bring everyday colonial Maryland life to vivid detail, from the merchant class to the working poor. Covering less than a mile on foot, this tour is an accessible and immersive introduction to one of America's most historic cities.
What you get
About this experience
Step back in time on this 2-hour guided walking tour through the beautifully preserved Historic District of Annapolis, Maryland. Visit the Maryland State House, once the capitol of the United States, and explore a colonial kitchen and dining room inside a stunning Georgian mansion. Stroll past iconic landmarks including St. Anne's Parish, the Hammond-Harwood House, the Paca House, and the lively Annapolis City Dock. Hear the fascinating story of the friendly rivalry between the U.S. Naval Academy and St. John's College, two institutions that have shaped the character of this unique city. Along the way, your guide will bring everyday colonial Maryland life to vivid detail, from the merchant class to the working poor. Covering less than a mile on foot, this tour is an accessible and immersive introduction to one of America's most historic cities.
What's included
Included
- Entrance into Maryland State House (Photo ID Required for 18+)
- Expert Led 2 Hour Walking Tour by Colonial-Clad Guide
What you'll see and do
Maryland State House
Offering tours through the Historic District of Annapolis, Maryland's foremost colonial site and Colonial Capital of the United States in 1783-84. These walking tours feature colonial-clad guides through the historic district of Annapolis. You will go inside the Maryland State House - where General George Washington resigned his commission (Photo ID Mandatory for those 18 and over to enter the State House).
60 minutes here · Admission included
St. Anne's Episcopal Church
You will visit St. Anne's Church, a 1774 mansion, view the houses of two of our signers of the Declaration of Independence, and learn about life in Colonial Maryland.
Pass by without stopping
William Paca House & Garden
We will learn about this historic house and visit from the outside
Pass by without stopping
The Kunta Kinte - Alex Haley Memorial
A powerful tribute honoring the legacy of Kunta Kinte, the African ancestor immortalized in Alex Haley's Roots, marking the spot in Annapolis, Maryland where he arrived in America as an enslaved person in 1767.
60 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Annapolis
All tours will start at the Visitor Center located at 26 West Street. Look for your guide in colonial gear.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
The tour ends at the City Dock by the Market House.
Options you can book
Annapolis Colonial and Maritime History Walking Tour
Private
Private Walking Tour: Just your group and the guide; customizations and requests possible - just ask!
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat
- Group size
- Up to 20 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- DC by Foot
Know before you go
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 14 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
7 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
The guide
6 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Pace and timing
2 mentionsSeveral reviewers found the schedule tight or the day long.
Small groups
2 mentionsThe group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.
Traveler reviews
14 verified traveler reviews for Annapolis Colonial and Maritime History Walking Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
William is absolutely...
William is absolutely magnificent. This is a must do tour! He taught us so much in such a shortime. He’s amazing
Response from the operator: Thank you! We're thrilled William made the tour so informative and memorable. We truly appreciate your wonderful recommendation!
via Viator
Extremely unprofessional guide
This was an extremely disappointing tour and fell far short of what was advertised. From the very beginning, William was not waiting for us at the designated meeting point, and we had to look for him. The tour was supposed to introduce us to the colonial and historic sites of Annapolis. Instead, we spent roughly the first 30 minutes standing around listening to what felt more like a history trivia session than a guided walking tour. There was very little walking, sightseeing, or effort to actually show us the historic places we had come to see. The most frustrating moment occurred when a random passerby approached William with a history question. William completely shifted his attention away from us—his paying guests—and spent a considerable amount of time enthusiastically discussing history with this person while we stood there waiting. It was incredibly disrespectful and unprofessional. Even more troubling was William’s attitude toward our accents. He made a comment that only people who were born in the United States could visit the Naval Academy. The comment was not only incorrect but came across as prejudiced and made us feel unwelcome and uncomfortable. Throughout the tour, William showed little interest in what we wanted to see or learn about. Our interests were largely ignored, and to make matters worse, he ended the tour approximately 15 minutes earlier than scheduled. We booked this tour expecting an engaging walk through historic Annapolis with a knowledgeable guide who would show us the city and make us feel welcome. Unfortunately, we received neither the experience that was advertised nor the level of professionalism one should expect from a paid private tour. I cannot recommend this guide.
via Tripadvisor
Extremely unprofessional guide
This was an extremely disappointing tour and fell far short of what was advertised. From the very beginning, William was not waiting for us at the designated meeting point, and we had to look for him. The tour was supposed to introduce us to the colonial and historic sites of Annapolis. Instead, we spent roughly the first 30 minutes standing around listening to what felt more like a history trivia session than a guided walking tour. There was very little walking, sightseeing, or effort to actually show us the historic places we had come to see. The most frustrating moment occurred when a random passerby approached William with a history question. William completely shifted his attention away from us—his paying guests—and spent a considerable amount of time enthusiastically discussing history with this person while we stood there waiting. It was incredibly disrespectful and unprofessional. Even more troubling was William’s attitude toward our accents. He made a comment that only people who were born in the United States could visit the Naval Academy. The comment was not only incorrect but came across as prejudiced and made us feel unwelcome and uncomfortable. Throughout the tour, William showed little interest in what we wanted to see or learn about. Our interests were largely ignored, and to make matters worse, he ended the tour approximately 15 minutes earlier than scheduled. We booked this tour expecting an engaging walk through historic Annapolis with a knowledgeable guide who would show us the city and make us feel welcome. Unfortunately, we received neither the experience that was advertised nor the level of professionalism one should expect from a paid private tour. I cannot recommend this guide.
Response from the operator: Thank you for your feedback. We're sorry to hear the tour didn't meet your expectations. The tour intro is meant to give context before the walking portion begins. We've been doing these tours for many years and this is the first time we've heard this feedback, but we appreciate you letting us know. As for the moment at the State House, our understanding is the conversation with the other visitor was brief, and our guide checked in with your group about whether to continue before moving on. Regarding the comment about the Naval Academy, current security measures do restrict entry for anyone without valid U.S. identification, including for guides escorting guests. We're sorry if this came across differently than intended — it reflects a policy, not a judgment about our guests. We take all feedback seriously and will be addressing this with our guide directly.
via Viator
Discover Annapolis
Our tour with William, in costume, was a great way to learn about the city, capital (State and Nation!), and the history of Annapolis. The tour guide was very personable and full of interesting and memorable stories and anecdotes, shared while on the actual sites where they occurred. This tour experience will have broad appeal to visitors of all ages and levels of education. Highly recommended.
Response from the operator: Thank you! We're so glad you enjoyed exploring Annapolis with William. His stories and engaging style truly bring the city's history to life. We appreciate your wonderful recommendation!
via Tripadvisor
Best of the Best! The Bar has been set.
Phenomenal experience with a phenomenal guide! Mr. Web was exceptionably knowledgeable, friendly and possesses a talent for explaining the events, people and places that’s intriguing and elicits curiosity for history. Probably the best walking tours and guide I’ve ever experienced! Well done sir!
Response from the operator: Thank you! We're thrilled you had such a phenomenal experience with Mr. Web. His knowledge and storytelling truly bring history to life. We greatly appreciate your kind words!
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 2 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat
- Price range
- $49 to $149
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 5
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Who runs this experience
Operated by DC by Foot, who run 11 experiences we rank across 2 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 68.9.
See everything DC by Foot runsWhy this scores 57
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Annapolis Colonial and Maritime History Walking Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Annapolis.
How much does Annapolis Colonial and Maritime History Walking Tour cost?
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Prices start at $49 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Annapolis usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Annapolis Colonial and Maritime History Walking Tour take?
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Plan for about 2 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Annapolis is not rushed.
Is Annapolis Colonial and Maritime History Walking Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 57 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.1/5 across 14 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most popular in Annapolis, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Annapolis Colonial and Maritime History Walking Tour?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Annapolis Colonial and Maritime History Walking Tour suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Annapolis Colonial and Maritime History Walking Tour?
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Around 5 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Annapolis can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Annapolis and add a light layer if any part of the 2-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Annapolis Colonial and Maritime History Walking Tour start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Annapolis within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Annapolis?
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Annapolis, MD packs its best experiences into walkable neighborhoods, local food, and day trips nearby. Outty ranks every bookable tour and activity in Annapolis by rating quality, review depth, booking demand and value, so you can see the standouts before you book. On Outty we rank every Annapolis experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Tipsy History Tour: 300+ Years of Annapolis Drinking History, Annapolis Historic Walking Tour: Harbor and Colonial Downtown, Historic Annapolis Food Tour. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Annapolis?
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Spring and fall bring the best weather and lighter crowds in Annapolis, while summer has the widest choice of tours and evening activities. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Annapolis?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Annapolis Colonial and Maritime History Walking Tour?
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Included: Entrance into Maryland State House (Photo ID Required for 18+); and Expert Led 2 Hour Walking Tour by Colonial-Clad Guide. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Annapolis Colonial and Maritime History Walking Tour?
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All tours will start at the Visitor Center located at 26 West Street. Look for your guide in colonial gear. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Annapolis Colonial and Maritime History Walking Tour offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Annapolis Colonial and Maritime History Walking Tour?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Annapolis Colonial and Maritime History Walking Tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; and Transportation options are wheelchair accessible. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Annapolis Colonial and Maritime History Walking Tour if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Annapolis. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Annapolis Colonial and Maritime History Walking Tour?
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Across 14 reviews averaging 4.1 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, the guide, small groups. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted. One thing to know: Several reviewers found the schedule tight or the day long.
What booking options are available for Annapolis Colonial and Maritime History Walking Tour?
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There are 2 options to choose from, including Annapolis Colonial and Maritime History Walking Tour, Private. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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