Annapolis Historic Walking Tour: Harbor, Naval Academy & City Dock Highlights
Walk the harborfront and campus lanes of Annapolis on a focused two-hour tour that blends maritime life, colonial architecture, and military pageantry. Expect water views, photo stops, and insider stories about the Treaty of Paris and Washington’s resignation.
The Experience
Before You Go
Bring ID for the Naval Academy
Visitors 18+ need a REAL ID or U.S. passport to pass through Academy security—carry it on the tour.
Wear grippy, comfortable shoes
Expect cobblestones and uneven dock surfaces; low-profile hiking shoes or sturdy sneakers work best.
Hydrate and time your visit
Bring a refillable water bottle and consider morning or late‑afternoon start times for softer light and fewer crowds.
Ask about accessibility needs
The tour is wheelchair‑accessible on most paved sections—notify the guide in advance for the smoothest route.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •William Paca House & Garden — a quieter colonial garden oasis a short walk from the dock
- •Ego Alley at sunrise — early light and empty benches make for the best boat portraits
Wildlife
- •Ospreys
- •Great blue herons
Conservation Note
The tour highlights the city’s relationship with the Chesapeake; avoid single‑use plastics, stay on paved paths, and support local efforts to improve bay water quality.
Annapolis served as a brief U.S. capital where the Treaty of Paris was welcomed and where George Washington resigned his commission in 1783.
Photographer's Notes
- • City Dock/Ego Alley for boats and reflections
- • State House steps for civic architecture and framing
- • Naval Academy Chapel exterior for stained-glass and spires
What to Bring
Comfortable walking shoesEssential
Protect feet on cobbles and uneven docks for the two‑hour tour.
Refillable water bottleEssential
Stay hydrated during warmer months and between stops.
Smartphone or compact cameraEssential
Capture harbor scenes, Naval Academy architecture, and State House details.
Light rain jacket
Coastal weather can shift quickly—pack a packable shell for drizzle or wind.
Common Questions
How far does the tour walk?
About 1.5–2 miles over two hours, mostly flat with short stops for commentary and photos.
Do I need ID to visit the Naval Academy?
Yes—visitors 18 and older must show a REAL ID or U.S. passport to pass Academy security checkpoints.
Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Much of the route uses paved sidewalks and ramps; cobblestone sections and docks can be uneven—inform the guide beforehand so they can adjust stops.
Are restrooms available during the tour?
Yes; there are public restrooms near City Dock and at the Naval Academy visitor center (access may depend on security rules).
Can the tour be customized for special interests?
Yes—the guide welcomes requests in advance and can emphasize maritime history, architecture, or family anecdotes on a private tour.
What’s the cancellation policy?
Full refund for cancellations made at least 24 hours before the tour; no refund within 24 hours of the start time.
Book This Experience
Check AvailabilityDuration
2 hours
Location
Annapolis, Maryland
Difficulty
easy
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; requires steady walking on flat to cobbled surfaces for 1.5–2 miles.
Ready to Explore Annapolis?
Book your guided walking tour and discover the hidden stories of this historic mountain city.
Check Availability & Book Now