Come join our colonial-clad host on a stroll around town and awaken 18th-century Annapolis. Did you know that for nine months in 1783-84, Annapolis served as the capital of the United States? There is much to see and learn in Annapolis, so come explore the city with us! On the tour you will see:
- Hammond-Harwood House - National Historic Landmark rumored by Jefferson to have the most beautiful doorway in colonial America
- Chase-Lloyd House - begun by Samuel Chase, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, and finished by Edward Lloyd IV
- Paca House - a five-part mansion built by William Paca, Maryland Governor & Declaration of Independence signer
- Brice House - impressive Georgian mansion built by James Brice, an aide-de-camp in General Washington's army
- Ogle House - home to two governors and where General Washington dined
- Government House - home to Maryland’s governors
- Saint Anne’s Church - built in Romanesque Revival style, this church has a window by Tiffany Studios and burial grounds that date from 1695 to 1790
- Waterfront Warehouse - where tobacco was once dried and packed
- Colonial Kitchen - in the Hammond-Harwood House, which would have been the center of activity when preparing for a social evening put on by the gentry
- Maryland’s State House - our nation’s oldest state capitol building in continuous legislative use. George Washington came here to resign his commission as commander-in-chief of the Continental Army in 1783.
- The Paca Garden - A formal 2 acre pleasure garden (visited when permissable)
Meeting Location
Main Street near the water in Historic District (Annapolis, MD)
(Exact meeting location details will be provided immediately upon purchase of tickets.)
- Do I have to purchase tickets in advance?
- Tickets should be purchased in advance as our tours may sell out. To maximize your chances of getting the day and time you prefer, please book well in advance.
- What is a Resident ticket?
- This is a special discounted ticket price for residents of Anne Arundel county! Any Anne Arundel resident who purchases one Adult ticket for full price is eligible for the discounted ticket rate. Both tickets have to be for the same tour and you must bring a valid photo ID proving that you are a county resident.
- What if it rains or the weather is inclement?
- The tour is held rain or shine. But don’t worry! Some of our best tours have taken place in less-that-perfect weather!
- Can we take photos during the tour?
- Photos can be taken everywhere on the tour with the exception of the colonial kitchen in the Hammond-Harwood House. This restriction is requested by the curator of the historic home involved.
- How much walking is involved? Is it a fast-paced tour?
- We will be on our feet for the entire 1-3/4 hour tour, walking at a casual pace for one mile.
- Are there restrooms available on the tour?
- Restrooms are available at the tour starting location and again at the State House about an hour into the tour. Our exact meeting location will be provided after your ticket purchase.
- What type of ticket should I purchase for a young child?
- Children under the age of 3 can participate in the tour for free! For children between the ages of 3 and 12, you can purchase a reduced price Child ticket.
- I'm an Annapolis local - will I enjoy this tour?
- Yes! Our tour guides share stories about Historic Annapolis that few natives have heard. You also have a chance to go inside some of the oldest and most famous buildings in Annapolis.
- Can I buy food or drinks along the way? What about souvenirs?
- Our tour is structured so that we can visit many Annapolis landmarks in the allotted time. This leaves very little time for any other stops.
- Is the tour wheelchair- and/or stroller-accessible?
- Yes, for the most part. The State House can be entered from the lower level where there is use of an elevator to go to main floor. The colonial kitchen involves 3 stairs which present no problem for strollers. Wheelchair participants usually find that they can see and hear amply from the doorway of the colonial kitchen.
- How long is the tour?
- The tour generally lasts 1-3/4 hours, but occasionally it will last up to 2 hours depending on how many questions are asked or if there are delays going through security at the State House that day.
- May I bring my dog on the tour?
- No. While we adore pets, we will visit the interiors of some government and historic buildings that do not allow them.
- Are the tours conducted in English only?
- Yes, the tours are only conducted in English. However, our non-English speaking guests will still enjoy the historic sights and interiors of legendary American houses. You can also arrange a private tour conducted in Spanish or German.
- Can I book a private tour?
- Yes, private tours are available. Most groups, however, decide to attend the public tour for two reasons. First, it is usually significantly less expensive. Second, part of the fun of the tours is interacting with all the other participants who take the public tour. We always maintain a ratio of 12 - 15 guests per tour guide. If you are interested in more information on private tours, click “Contact CapCityCol” to the left of the page.
- Are gift certificates available?
- Yes, we do offer gift certificates. For purchase and more information, please click “Contact CapCityCol” to the left of the page.
Refund/Rescheduling Policy
- Non-refundable, cannot be rescheduled.
- Once purchased, tickets cannot be refunded and cannot be rescheduled because your space is being guaranteed at the event.
Weather Policy
- Activity takes place rain or shine.
- The activity runs regardless of weather conditions. In the rare situation where the seller is forced to cancel the event, ticket-holders will be allowed to reschedule to another time (subject to availability).
Other Policies
- All tour participants must bring proper ID.
- Tour participants age 16 or over must bring sufficient ID to enter through the security checkpoint of the Maryland State House. Do not bring anything with you that would not pass through an aiport security screening.
- You must purchase at least 1 Adult ticket per Resident ticket.
- Limit 1 Resident ticket per Adult ticket. If you purchase more than one Resident ticket per Adult, you will be required to pay the difference in cash upon check-in.
Capital City Colonials
We love Annapolis and have many years of experience hosting guests in our beautiful city. Many of our tour guides have been guiding visitors through Historic Annapolis for over a decade.
We want your experience to be great, so we limit all of our tours to no more than 15 guests per guide.
Our photogenic senior guide, David Smith, is a past recipient of the Hospitality Person of the Year award, presented by the Maryland Tourism Council.
We want your experience to be great, so we limit all of our tours to no more than 15 guests per guide.
Our photogenic senior guide, David Smith, is a past recipient of the Hospitality Person of the Year award, presented by the Maryland Tourism Council.
