
Best of Annapolis Tour: Colonial, State House, Naval Academy
Traveler rating
4.7/5
Based on 18 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Best of Annapolis Tour: Colonial, State House, Naval Academy worth booking?
Best of Annapolis Tour: Colonial, State House, Naval Academy is a 2.3-hour experience in Annapolis, United States, from $34 per person. It scores 70 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.7/5 rating across 18 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 70 / 100
- Rating
- 4.7/5 (18)
- Duration
- 2.3 hours
- From
- $34 per person
Uncover the rich history of Annapolis on this engaging tour, showcasing Colonial Annapolis, the Maryland State House, and the U.S. Naval Academy. Guided by a knowledgeable colonial-costumed expert, wander through the historic district and delve into the city's 18th-century Golden Age. Stand in the Maryland State House, where pivotal moments in American history unfolded, including George Washington's resignation. Discover the U.S. Naval Academy's storied past and the life of midshipmen on the Yard. Perfect for history buffs and families alike, this tour offers a comprehensive view of Annapolis’ unique culture and heritage. - Enjoy a guided stroll through historic Annapolis with a colonial-costumed guide - Visit the Maryland State House, the oldest state capitol in continuous use - Explore the U.S. Naval Academy and learn about midshipmen life - Suitable for all ages with a focus on cultural and historical experiences
What you get
About this experience
Uncover the rich history of Annapolis on this engaging tour, showcasing Colonial Annapolis, the Maryland State House, and the U.S. Naval Academy. Guided by a knowledgeable colonial-costumed expert, wander through the historic district and delve into the city's 18th-century Golden Age. Stand in the Maryland State House, where pivotal moments in American history unfolded, including George Washington's resignation. Discover the U.S. Naval Academy's storied past and the life of midshipmen on the Yard. Perfect for history buffs and families alike, this tour offers a comprehensive view of Annapolis’ unique culture and heritage. - Enjoy a guided stroll through historic Annapolis with a colonial-costumed guide - Visit the Maryland State House, the oldest state capitol in continuous use - Explore the U.S. Naval Academy and learn about midshipmen life - Suitable for all ages with a focus on cultural and historical experiences
What's included
Included
- Guide
Not included
- Gratuities
What you'll see and do
Colonial Annapolis Historic District
Spend 45 minutes discovering the earliest days of this colonial capital, once known as the Athens of America. A thriving shipping industry brought great wealth to the small seaport, attracting visitors from around the world. Wander past the still-standing homes of four of Maryland's signers of the Declaration of Independence—more than any other city in America. These historic mansions, which once hosted Founding Fathers, feature ballrooms and formal gardens that set the stage for lavish social functions during the city's 18th-century Golden Age.
45 minutes here
Maryland State House
Explore the Historic Maryland State House during a 45-minute stop at the oldest state capitol of its kind in continuous use. Learn about the monumental events that unfolded here, including the signing of the Treaty of Paris and General George Washington's resignation as Commander of the Continental Army, which paved the way for more than two centuries of democratic succession. Please note that a photo ID is required for all guests ages 18 and older, which must be a physical U.S. government-issued photo ID or original passport (scans or pictures are not accepted).
45 minutes here
United States Naval Academy
Conclude the 2 hours and 15 minute tour with a 45-minute exploration of the U.S. Naval Academy, the undergraduate college of the country's naval service. Established in 1845 under the tenure of George Bancroft, the Academy prepares young men and women to become professional officers of competence, character, and compassion in the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. Today, the Yard is home to roughly 1,400 midshipmen training for future leadership roles. Please note that due to federal guidelines, access to the U.S. Naval Academy is restricted to guests bearing a U.S.-issued Real ID or a U.S. passport, as international passports and international IDs are not accepted.
45 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Annapolis
Your colonial-attired guide will meet you outside of our land office at 188 Main Street in the heart of downtown Annapolis. Plan to arrive 15 minutes early, as the tour will begin at 10:00am promptly.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Your colonial-attired guide will meet you outside of our land office at 188 Main Street in the heart of downtown Annapolis. Plan to arrive 15 minutes early, as the tour will begin at 10:00am promptly.
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, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Watermark Harbor Cruise
Know before you go
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 17 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
9 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
8 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Traveler reviews
17 verified traveler reviews for Best of Annapolis Tour: Colonial, State House, Naval Academy. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Our guide Susannah was...
Our guide Susannah was great- friendly demeanor, professional, and knowledgeable. Kept the tour moving.
Response from the operator: Thanks for booking Watermark's Best of Annapolis Tour. We're pleased to hear that you enjoyed the tour, and we'll be sure to share your comments with your guide, Mistress Sussanah.
via Viator
Fantastic experience
Susannah was an amazing tour guide.. She went above and beyond for my wife and I. Part of the tour is to see the Naval Academy, which was the highlight for us. However, when we went to enter with the group, we realized that we did not have the correct identification get through security. We had to sit that portion of the tour out and catch up with the group when they were finished. Susannah was so concerned for us that she called us after the tour and offered to give us a private tour the next day at no cost if we wanted to come back which of course we did.. She absolutely did not need to do that, but it was just so generous with her time that we are very appreciative.
Response from the operator: Mark, Thanks to you and your wife for joining Watermark's Best of Annapolis walking tour. We understand how frustrating the Naval Academy's access ID requirements can be for our guests. We appreciate you taking the time to share your experience, and we'll be sure to pass on your kind words to Mistress Susannah.
via Viator
Fun time!
We really enjoyed this tour. Our tour guide Suzanna was very knowledgeable and kind. She was really good at projecting her voice so everyone could hear. It was awesome to be able to get to see so much of Annapolis and learn about it.
Response from the operator: Nikki, Thanks for booking Watermark's Best of Annapolis walking tour. We're pleased to hear that you enjoyed yourself, and we'll be sure to share your praise with your guide, Suzannna.
via Viator
Annapolis Fan!
Our guide Priscilla was super knowledgeable about the history of Annapolis, welcomed questions and was pleasant to talk with. We enjoyed that she kept us engaged along the way with her mini-history quizzes! We live in Maryland and have been to Annapolis many times over the years so it was great to be a more enlightened tourist for a couple of hours and enjoy neighborhood streets we had yet to visit and learn about new haunts we could try! I am sure that we will venture out again for another tour in the future. Thank you Priscilla!
Response from the operator: Wow! What a wonderful review of your Best of Annapolis walking tour. Thank you from all of us at Watermark. Our guides put so much time and effort into their grasp of the historic material and their colonial personae that this will be very well received by your guide Mistress Priscilla as well as the entire team.
via Viator
History came alive
Just had a great tour with watermark. Reine, our guide kept us moving and seemed to make the tour come to life. Her love and respect for these sites made the past personal and exciting.
Response from the operator: Thanks for booking Watermark's Best of Annapolis historic walking tour. We're pleased to hear that you enjoyed the experience and will be sure to share your kind words with your guide.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 2.3 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 6
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Who runs this experience
Operated by Watermark Harbor Cruise, who run 19 experiences we rank across 2 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 51.9.
See everything Watermark Harbor Cruise runsWhy this scores 70
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Best of Annapolis Tour: Colonial, State House, Naval Academy: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Annapolis.
How much does Best of Annapolis Tour: Colonial, State House, Naval Academy cost?
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Prices start at $34 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 Best of Annapolis Tour: Colonial, State House, Naval Academy take?
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Plan for about 2.3 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 Best of Annapolis Tour: Colonial, State House, Naval Academy worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 70 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.7/5 across 18 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Annapolis, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Best of Annapolis Tour: Colonial, State House, Naval Academy?
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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 Best of Annapolis Tour: Colonial, State House, Naval Academy suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2.3-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Best of Annapolis Tour: Colonial, State House, Naval Academy?
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Around 6 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 2.3-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Best of Annapolis Tour: Colonial, State House, Naval Academy 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 Best of Annapolis Tour: Colonial, State House, Naval Academy?
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Included: Guide. Not included: Gratuities. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Best of Annapolis Tour: Colonial, State House, Naval Academy?
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Your colonial-attired guide will meet you outside of our land office at 188 Main Street in the heart of downtown Annapolis. Plan to arrive 15 minutes early, as the tour will begin at 10:00am promptly. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Best of Annapolis Tour: Colonial, State House, Naval Academy 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 Best of Annapolis Tour: Colonial, State House, Naval Academy?
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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 Best of Annapolis Tour: Colonial, State House, Naval Academy wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; and Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Best of Annapolis Tour: Colonial, State House, Naval Academy if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Best of Annapolis Tour: Colonial, State House, Naval Academy?
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Across 18 reviews averaging 4.7 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
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