Discover Annapolis Tours

Just because these are free, don't assume they're second-string attractions! Enjoy quality interpretation at these venues:

HistoryQuest is an orientation center housed in a 3-story (there's an elevator) 1790's commercial building at the waterfront (99 Main Street). Beautiful and interesting exhibits. Walking tours, horse and carriage rides, and our trolley tours (limited schedule) depart from there. Nice bathrooms!

There's a great self-guided walking tour of the Eastport neighborhood available.

Banneker Douglass Museum - the State's museum of African American history and culture. On Franklin Street, just off Church Circle. A two-minute walk from the Visitors Center. New construction and exhibits in 2006.

Check your e-mail for free on the computers at the Hard Coffee Bean & Booksellers, 36 Market Space, behind the Market House at the City Dock. If you are bringing your own wireless-enabled laptop, you can get free internet access anywhere in the Dock area, most of the way up Main Street, and everywhere in Eastport.

The diorama of the City Dock in the 18th century on display in the Waterfront Warehouse behind the Market House, near McGarvey’s restaurant. (Open only on weekdays during business hours, but worth the visit.)

Also in the Dock area is the Kunta Kinte-Alex Haley Memorial, comprised of a compass rose, a story wall, and a sculpture group. The memorial commemorates the arrival in America, through the City Dock, of Alex Haley's great-great-great-great-grandfather, Kunta Kinte. When you visit, consider why the sculptures depict Alex Haley reading to children, and not Kunta Kinte in chains.

The photographs of Annapolis in the Marriott Waterfront Hotel taken from the collections of the Maryland State Archives and Marion E. Warren. Beautiful printwork, and really interesting photos. Allow at least 20 minutes.

The State House permanent exhibits: covering the history of this oldest capitol in continuous legislative use in America, including the unique all-wood construction of the double dome; the significance of what Congress accomplished when they met in Annapolis 1783-1784; the “Jew Bill”; outstanding repoussé silver service for the USS Maryland; and much more. Allow 45 minutes. Join one of the free guided tours daily at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.

All the buildings on the Naval Academy yard that are open to the public--the Lejeune Swim Center, the Main Chapel, and Bancroft Hall--the dormitory, with its Memorial Hall, site of the 2007 Annapolis Peace Conference--are free. You can visit them on your own, but we recommend you take a guided tour from their visitor center to get the most out of your visit. (The Naval Academy museum is closed through 2008 for major renovation and expansion.)

In addition to the Naval Academy's Chapel, two beautiful, historic churches are open for visits:

St. Anne’s Episcopal (Romanesque Revival), in the middle of Church Circle
St. Mary’s Roman Catholic (Gothic Revival), Duke of Gloucester and St. Mary’s Streets

All programs at St. John's College for the student body are also free and open to the public, including concerts, films, art exhibits, Friday night lectures, etc.

SEASONAL

APRIL

The Croquet Match between St. John’s College v. the United States Naval Academy. Croquet is St. John’s only intercollegiate sport program; the Academy has 30. Held on the front lawn of St. John’s College.

MAY

May Day – May 1st, when homes and businesses celebrate Spring with flower baskets on their front doors. This tradition originated in Rome in 238 B.C. and was revived here in 1956.

The Chesapeake Bay Bridge Walk, where you can stroll the 4.3 miles across the eastbound span. Call 1-877-BAY-SPAN.

JUNE through AUGUST

Naval Academy Band concerts on Tuesday nights at City Dock. Come early for a bench seat, or bring your own chair or blanket. Some folks also bring a picnic supper, or get carry-out from shops nearby.

JUNE through SEPTEMBER

Wednesday Night Sailboat Races make for a colorful sight visible all around the Dock as over 100 boats head for the finish line near the Spa Creek bridge.

JULY

Fourth of July Celebration features old-fashioned Main Street parade at 6 p.m., Naval Academy band concert at 8 p.m., and fabulous fireworks over the harbor at 9:15 p.m.

AUGUST