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Thomas Point Shoal Lighthouse tours create the perfect launchpad for post-tour immersion at the Annapolis Maritime Museum, included in your ticket for a bundled dive into Chesapeake heritage. Built in 1875, this last intact screwpile lighthouse in its original spot pairs boat-access history with shore-based exhibits on bay life. The combo delivers unmatched authenticity, from keeper stories at sea to oystering artifacts on land.
Start with the 2-hour lighthouse boat tour from the museum dock, then explore indoor galleries on naval history and watermen culture. Walk to nearby Ego Alley for yacht-watching or the State House for colonial ties. Evenings offer seafood dinners linking back to the bay's working past.
Prime season spans May through October with calm waters; book 2026 tours now at $95 per person. Expect 2-2.5 hour outings with docent guides; weather can turn breezy, so pack layers. Weekends fill fastest, with two daily slots at 9:30 AM and 12:00 PM.
Annapolis pulses with naval academy cadets and watermen descendants who share tales of storms and rescues at the lighthouse. Museum docents connect visitors to living maritime traditions, from crab pots to lighthouse maintenance by Coast Guard volunteers. Locals tip: Pair tours with weekend markets for fresh bay oysters.
Book Thomas Point Shoal Lighthouse tours early via uslhs.org or thomaspointshoallighthouse.org, as 2026 dates from May to October sell out fast on a first-come basis. Opt for the 9:30 AM slot to visit the Annapolis Maritime Museum immediately after, using your included admission before peak crowds. Tours run two hours (30-minute boat each way plus interior docent-led visit), leaving afternoons free.
Wear comfortable walking shoes for museum floors and waterfront paths; bring sunscreen, hat, and water for bay breezes. Download the museum app for self-guided audio tours on skipjacks and lighthouse keepers. Confirm vessel docking at the pier nearest Horn Point Marina behind 723 2nd St.