Maryland State House Tours

Maryland State House which includes heritage architecture and an administrative buidling
Maryland State House
Maryland State House
Maryland State House showing wildflowers and a garden as well as children
Maryland State House


Appreciate the superb architecture and fascinating history of America’s first peacetime capitol and the oldest state capitol still in legislative use.

Maryland State House is a grand civic building with an intriguing heritage that dates back to the American Revolution. Still in regular use by the Maryland General Assembly, Maryland State House is the only state house to have been used as the national capitol. Admire the stunning architecture of the state house and discover the stories behind its elegant wooden dome and tall lightning rod.

Stroll through the spacious gardens that front the Maryland State House and approach the beautiful building. Note its striking portico and the Georgian styling throughout the two-story brick structure. The portico features an elegant pediment and tall arched windows that flank the entrance. Gaze up to the octagonal tower and dome atop the state house.

While noted architect Joseph Horatio Anderson designed the building, it is the dome and lightning rod designed by Joseph Clark that made the greatest statement at the time. This imposing dome exterior is expertly constructed entirely of timber and topped with a tall lightning rod. The rod was constructed and grounded to the specifications of its inventor, Benjamin Franklin. It is said this was a political statement that aligned the Maryland State House with Franklin’s scientific theories and the nation’s independence.

Walk up the steps and enter the building to explore its spacious and ornately designed rooms. On the first floor is the Office of Interpretation, where you will find information for a self-guided tour. Stroll around the building’s public areas and imagine what the interior would have looked like during the Continental Congress’ meeting in 1783. Held in the Old Senate Chamber, this was the time when George Washington gave his resignation as commander-in-chief of the Continental Army, and the Treaty of Paris was ratified.

Maryland State House is located in the heart of historic Annapolis, within the lush State Circle gardens. The building is open to the public daily, except for Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Special tours are available with pre-booking at the Office of Interpretation. Entrance and tours are free but donations are encouraged. A bus stops nearby at Government House. After your tour of the Maryland State House, take a short walk west to see beautiful St. Anne’s Church.

Plan a trip to see Maryland State House

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DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Laurel
Sheraton Baltimore North Hotel
Chase at Baltimore Harbor

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Maryland State House

Historic Inns of Annapolis

Historic Inns of Annapolis

3.5 out of 5
58 State Circle, Annapolis, MD
Historic Inns of Annapolis
Graduate by Hilton Annapolis

Graduate by Hilton Annapolis

4 out of 5
126 West St, Annapolis, MD
Graduate by Hilton Annapolis
Annapolis Waterfront Hotel, Autograph Collection

Annapolis Waterfront Hotel, Autograph Collection

4 out of 5
80 Compromise St, Annapolis, MD
Annapolis Waterfront Hotel, Autograph Collection
Hilton Garden Inn Annapolis Downtown

Hilton Garden Inn Annapolis Downtown

3 out of 5
174 West Street, Annapolis, MD
Hilton Garden Inn Annapolis Downtown
The Westin Annapolis

The Westin Annapolis

4 out of 5
100 Westgate Cir, Annapolis, MD
The Westin Annapolis
86 State Circle - Luxury Boutique Hotel

86 State Circle - Luxury Boutique Hotel

2 out of 5
86 State Cir, Annapolis, MD
86 State Circle - Luxury Boutique Hotel
Fairfield Inn & Suites By Marriott Annapolis

Fairfield Inn & Suites By Marriott Annapolis

3 out of 5
200 Taylor Avenue, Annapolis, MD
Fairfield Inn & Suites By Marriott Annapolis
18th Cent. Charm in Historic Downtown Annapolis

18th Cent. Charm in Historic Downtown Annapolis

Annapolis
18th Cent. Charm in Historic Downtown Annapolis
134 Prince - Luxury Boutique Hotel

134 Prince - Luxury Boutique Hotel

2.5 out of 5
134 Prince George St, Annapolis, MD
134 Prince - Luxury Boutique Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Maryland State House

When visiting the Maryland State House in Annapolis, there's plenty to enjoy nearby, including live music, boating, and sailing. Don't miss out on photo tours that capture the beauty of this historic site, and be sure to check out the seating options available in the area. With a mix of cultural experiences and outdoor activities, your visit promises to be both entertaining and memorable.

Shopping

The nearest shopping spot is Westfield Annapolis Mall, just 3 miles from the Maryland State House, offering a variety of family-friendly stores. Additionally, if you're up for a drive, visit Dutch Country Farmers Market, located 20 miles away, for unique gifts and local specialties.

Recreation

Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium, located 0.9 miles from the Maryland State House, offers an energetic atmosphere perfect for sports enthusiasts. The Ballet Theater of Maryland, 0.8 miles away, provides a romantic and cultural experience through captivating dance performances. For outdoor enthusiasts, Bay Hills Golf Club, 5 miles away, features beautiful golfing landscapes.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of sailing at Annapolis Sailing School, located 1 mile from the Maryland State House, where you can embrace the water sports culture. For a scenic adventure, hike the B&A Trail, 9 miles away, offering beautiful views and outdoor excitement.

Nightlife

Annapolis offers vibrant nightlife options! Start with a show at The Colonial Players, located just 0.1 miles away, for a cultural experience. For some excitement, head to Annapolis Bowl, 3 miles away, where adventure awaits. If you're feeling lucky, Maryland Live Casino is 18 miles away for thrilling casino vibes.

Find the best attractions near Maryland State House

If you’re visiting the Maryland State House in Annapolis, you'll find a variety of attractions to explore. Enjoy the beautiful urban parks, historic houses, and nearby marinas that offer a perfect blend of outdoor activities, cultural experiences, and family-friendly fun. Don’t miss the chance to delve into the rich history of the Maryland State House itself, a significant landmark that showcases the state’s heritage and charm.

  • U.S. Naval Academy: Explore the prestigious U.S. Naval Academy, located just 0.5 miles from the Maryland State House. This historic site offers a glimpse into military life and features stunning architecture, beautiful grounds, and the renowned Naval Museum, making it a must-see for history and art enthusiasts.
  • Chesapeake Bay Bridge: At 5 miles away, the Chesapeake Bay Bridge is a marvel of modern engineering. Spanning the bay, its impressive structure provides breathtaking views and a connection between Maryland's eastern and western shores, perfect for photography and sightseeing.
  • Sandy Point State Park: Also 5 miles from the Maryland State House, Sandy Point State Park is a natural oasis perfect for outdoor adventures. With scenic views of the bay, hiking trails, and picnic spots, it’s an ideal place to relax and enjoy nature.

Best time to go to Maryland State House

Visitor numbers around Maryland State House is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Maryland State House is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January35.6°F (2.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
February37.9°F (3.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
March44.6°F (7.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
April55.0°F (12.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
May64.2°F (17.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
June73.0°F (22.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
July78.4°F (25.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
August76.8°F (24.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
September70.7°F (21.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
October60.4°F (15.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
November48.7°F (9.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
December41.5°F (5.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Maryland State House

Visiting the Maryland State House can be budget-friendly with several money-saving tips. Enjoy free entry to the State House and consider traveling between December and February when accommodation prices are lower. Mondays typically offer the best hotel rates, while Saturdays are the most expensive. Utilize Expedia to find affordable hotels and consider booking a package to save on flights and activities. Join Expedia's One Key membership for extra discounts and OneKeyCash for future stays. Look for eco-certified hotels for sustainable options and enjoy flexible booking choices.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Maryland State House are December to February, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May to June and September, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Maryland State House is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Maryland State House is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool makes it easy to customize your travel experience by allowing you to input your budget, preferred destination, and additional criteria. You can sort the results by price, starting with the most affordable hotels. Plus, you have the option to narrow down your choices by hotel type—selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay near the Maryland State House with your flights and activities by booking a package through Expedia.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.