Explore Historic Annapolis on Foot

Explore Historic Annapolis with a guided walking tour—map and stories at your fingertips

NPS/King

Stroll through centuries of history on a self-guided walking tour of downtown Annapolis, Maryland, a Chesapeake Gateways Network Experience. Much like Boston’s Freedom Trail, this route weaves together significant places that tell the city’s story as a center of political, cultural, and maritime life along the Chesapeake Bay.

The walk begins at City Dock, where waterborne commerce once connected Annapolis to the wider Bay and beyond. From there, the route leads to notable sites such as the Maryland State House, where the Continental Congress met, and the U.S. Naval Academy’s historic John Barry Gate, linking the city to the nation’s maritime legacy. Along the way, visitors encounter homes of free and enslaved African Americans, including the Butler and Maynard Burgess Houses, as well as landmarks of faith and community such as St. Anne’s Church and Asbury United Methodist Church. The Banneker-Douglass-Tubman Museum highlights the enduring story of African American heritage and activism in the Chesapeake region.

The walking tour can be followed at your own pace using your mobile device and the NPS App, guiding you through Annapolis’s streets, churches, gardens, and public squares that reflect the diverse stories of the people who shaped the city and the Bay. The tour itself is free, though some museums and buildings may require admission when open. To learn more, explore the App or visit the Chesapeake Gateways website.

Details

Duration

60-90 Minutes

Time varies depending on how many sites visitors explore along the route.

Activity

Self-Guided Tours - Walking

Age(s)

1 and Older

Suitable for all ages; some sites may include stairs or uneven surfaces.

Pets Allowed

Yes with Restrictions

Pets are welcome along outdoor portions of the route but are not permitted inside most public buildings.

Activity Fee

No

The walking tour itself is free. However, admission fees may apply at individual buildings or museums along the route when they are open to the public.

Location

Historic Annapolis Maryland

Reservations

No

Season

Year Round

Time of Day

Any Time

Accessibility Information

Visitors are encouraged to consider these conditions when planning participation. The walking tour follows city sidewalks and public walkways. Many routes include curb cuts at intersections with both visual and audible crossing signals. However, sidewalk conditions vary widely. Some areas, particularly around the Maryland State House, feature newer, smoother brickwork that is easier to navigate. Other sections follow older brick sidewalks that are uneven, which may present challenges for visitors using wheelchairs, strollers, or those with limited mobility. Not all curbs extend fully to the street surface. Several tour stops also require navigating stairs. Service animals are welcome.

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