Annapolis & Naval Academy: Private Half-Day Tour from DC

The Maryland Statehouse Where the Revolutionary War Officially Ended

You get a private air-conditioned bus with a step-on guide who walks you through the Naval Academy grounds, the Maryland Statehouse (where the Revolutionary War formally ended), and two of the finest colonial homes in America. Lunch and shopping time in the historic district is built in, and the whole half-day keeps groups under twelve so you're not lost in a tour bus crowd.

Step-by-step itinerary

• Visit US Naval Academy grounds
• See Maryland State House
• Pass by colonial Georgian mansion
• Pass by Hammond-Harwood House
• Lunch and shop in Historic District
• Pass by early US college site
• Drive through Eastport area
• Stop for scenic Annapolis view

The Experience

The Maryland Statehouse sits in the center of Annapolis, and it's the oldest state capitol still in continuous use — built in 1772, and the place where Congress formally ended the American Revolutionary War in 1783 and 1784. That's the kind of detail that stops you mid-walk through the historic district. Your guide will take you through the colonial architecture that fills these streets, pointing out the Hammond-Harwood House (built 1774, modeled on an Italian villa) and the brick Georgian mansion across from it, both of them among the best-preserved examples from the British colonial period you'll see anywhere on the East Coast.

The Naval Academy grounds are the other half of the morning. Established in 1845 as a National Historic Landmark, it's the second oldest of the five US Service academies, and the campus sits right along the Chesapeake region with views that explain why Annapolis earned its reputation as America's sailing capital. You'll walk the grounds themselves — not just drive past — and your step-on guide will talk through the history of midshipmen training and the officer corps. The tour keeps groups small, capped at twelve people, which means you're not shuffling through in a crowd of forty.

After the Academy, you stop in the Annapolis Historic District for lunch and shopping. The downtown has restaurants and shops lining the streets, and you've got time to sit down and eat rather than grab something from a cart. On the way back to Washington, the route takes you through Eastport, the working side of Annapolis settled in 1665, sandwiched between Spa Creek and Back Creek — it's the kind of neighborhood detail that fills in how a place actually lives, not just how it looks in photographs.

What’s included

• Private air-conditioned transportation from Washington DC to Annapolis.
• step-on guide for the entire tour.
• access to Naval Academy grounds.
• Maryland Statehouse viewing.
• Hammond-Harwood House and colonial home visits.
• lunch and shopping time in the Annapolis Historic District.
• scenic drive through Eastport neighborhood.

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyPets welcomeInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Monumental Tours Inc.

Is this one for you?Pick this tour if you want to see the Naval Academy and colonial Annapolis without arranging your own transport from DC or navigating the historic district on foot — the private bus and guide handle the logistics, and the small group size means you're not competing for space at each stop.

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Top questions

How long is the tour?

It's a half-day tour. The exact duration isn't specified, but it includes the Naval Academy, Maryland Statehouse, two historic houses, lunch in the historic district, and a drive through Eastport.

What's included in the price?

Private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle and a step-on guide. Lunch is not included, but there's a scheduled stop in the Annapolis Historic District where you can eat and shop.

How many people can go on this tour?

Up to 12 people per tour, which keeps the group small enough to move through sites without feeling crowded.

Can I bring a stroller or pram?

Yes, infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller. Service animals are also allowed.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

No, this tour is not wheelchair accessible.

Where does the tour start?

The tour departs from Washington DC and travels to Annapolis, about 30 miles away. Specific pickup details should be confirmed when booking.

What's the Hammond-Harwood House?

A historic house built in 1774 and modeled on the design of Villa Pisani in Italy. It's one of the premier colonial houses remaining in America from the British colonial period and is included as a stop on the tour.

Can I visit the Naval Academy as a civilian?

Yes, the tour includes a walk on the Naval Academy grounds, which are open to visitors. The guide will show you the campus and explain its history as a National Historic Landmark.