Thomas Point Shoal Lighthouse

The basics

Tours of the Thomas Point Shoal Lighthouse are available during a few months of the year; dates are listed on the United States Lighthouse Society website, where you can also book tickets. Tours begin with a boat trip departing from Annapolis to the lighthouse, where docents then guide visitors around the lighthouse and explain the history of the light, the life of a lighthouse keeper, and the role of the modern-day coastguard. Tours typically last for around two hours, including the boat ride there and back.

Things to know before you go

• Closed-toe shoes are mandatory for the lighthouse tours.

• Visiting the lighthouse requires climbing steps.

• No one under the age of 12 or shorter than 4 feet (1.2 meters) are allowed on the tour.

• Pets are not permitted.

How to get there

Boat tours depart from a dock on the Annapolis shoreline, located behind the Annapolis Maritime Museum—the tour boat is typically docked at the closest pier to the Horn Point Marina. From the Annapolis Historic District, the dock is around a 10-minute drive or 30 minutes on foot.

When to get there

Tours of the lighththouse are seasonal, with dates changing each year; typically tours start from June and run to the middle of October, taking place twice a day on Saturdays. Tours often book up in advance, so secure your tickets via the United States Lighthouse Society website. It is recommended that you arrive 30 minutes before your tour departure time.

Annapolis Maritime Museum and Park

Before or after your tour, it’s worth visiting the Annapolis Maritime Museum and Park. The museum introduces visitors to the Annapolis area’s maritime heritage and the ecology of Chesapeake Bay through exhibits, interactive displays, aquariums, and events that include sailboat cruises on the bay.