Thomas Point Shoal Lighthouse: Tours, History and Visitor Guide 2026
Thomas Point Shoal Lighthouse offers guided interior tours through the U.S. Lighthouse Society, departing from the dock behind the Annapolis Maritime Museum at 723 2nd St, Annapolis, MD. Tours run on select Saturdays and Sundays from May through October, cost $90 per person as of 2026, and last two hours including a 30-minute boat ride each way. The 2026 season is nearly sold out, so check uslhs.org for remaining dates and 2027 ticket releases in February.
About Thomas Point Shoal Lighthouse
Thomas Point Shoal Lighthouse is a screwpile lighthouse sitting on a hexagonal platform about 2 miles off the shores of Annapolis in the Chesapeake Bay. It was first lit on November 28, 1875, making it one of the oldest active navigational aids in the bay. The lighthouse was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1999, one of twelve maritime structures in the country to hold that distinction.
What makes it exceptional among American lighthouses is its status as the last screwpile cottage-style lighthouse standing at its original location in the United States. Most other screwpile lighthouses were either destroyed by ice floes, storms, or decommissioned, but Thomas Point Shoal survived intact. The design, with iron piles screwed into the seabed and a wooden cottage perched above the waterline, was developed by Irish engineer Alexander Mitchell and proved well-suited to the soft-bottomed Chesapeake.
The lighthouse was automated in 1986, when the last keeper left the station. Since then, the Chesapeake Chapter of the U.S. Lighthouse Society has led restoration efforts, bringing the structure back to its 19th-century appearance. A Fresnel lens originally showed a flashing red light every 20 seconds; the light remains active today as a working Coast Guard aid to navigation.
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1875 | First lit on November 28, 1875 |
| 1986 | Automated; last keeper departs |
| 1999 | Designated a National Historic Landmark |
| 2009 | Receives Preserve America Steward Award |
| 2021 | Featured on a U.S. Postal Service Forever Stamp |
How to take a lighthouse tour
The official interior tours are run by the U.S. Lighthouse Society in partnership with the Annapolis Maritime Museum. Tickets are sold through the USLHS tour calendar at uslhs.org on a first-come, first-served basis. As of 2026, the price is $90 per person, and admission to the Annapolis Maritime Museum is included.
Two tours depart each day: one at 9:30 a.m. and one at 12:00 p.m. Each tour lasts two hours total, with a 30-minute boat ride to the lighthouse, an approximately one-hour guided interior tour led by a docent, and a 30-minute return ride. Guests meet at the dock behind the Annapolis Maritime Museum, 723 2nd St, Annapolis, MD 21403, and should arrive at least 30 minutes before departure.
Tour dates in 2026 run on select Saturdays and Sundays from late May through mid-October. The 2026 season is largely sold out as of late June 2026, with only isolated slots remaining. The 2027 season goes on sale in February 2027. Check thomaspointshoallighthouse.org/tours for the latest availability.
Several requirements apply. Guests must be at least 12 years old and at least 48 inches tall and 90 lbs. There are vertical ladders and strenuous activity inside, so the tour is classified as an Adventure Tour. Open-toed shoes, sandals, and flip-flops are not permitted. Pets and service animals cannot be accommodated due to the limited space and vertical access points. Full refunds are available if you cancel at least 48 hours in advance.
Viewing the lighthouse from the water
If the official tours are sold out, the lighthouse is still very visible from the water and from the western shore near Thomas Point Park. The structure sits roughly 2 miles off Annapolis, well within range of kayaks and small sailboats on a calm day.
Sandy Point State Park, located at 1100 E College Pkwy, Annapolis, MD 21409, offers a launch point for kayakers and canoeists. The park has ample parking and a boat ramp, and the lighthouse is visible from the shoreline on clear days. Paddling out toward it gives you the classic photo angle from the water without requiring a tour ticket.
Annapolis is a major sailing hub, and several charter operators offer half-day and full-day Chesapeake Bay sails that pass near the lighthouse. Watermark Cruises, based near the Annapolis City Dock, runs sightseeing cruises on the bay. Check current schedules and pricing at watermarkcruises.com, as departure times and rates vary by season.
The Annapolis Maritime Museum itself, the departure point for official tours, sits on the waterfront and offers views across the bay. The museum campus at 723 2nd St is free to walk around, and the dock area provides a clear line of sight toward the lighthouse on clear days.
Getting to Annapolis
Annapolis is 30 miles south of Baltimore and 30 miles east of Washington D.C., making it accessible by car from both cities in under an hour without heavy traffic. From Baltimore-Washington International Airport (BWI), the drive takes approximately 25 to 35 minutes via MD-2 South.
Parking in downtown Annapolis near the waterfront is available in several garages. The Gotts Court Parking Garage at 25 Northwest St is a short walk from the Annapolis Maritime Museum. Weekend rates in the garages typically run $2 to $3 per hour, though rates vary. Street parking in the historic district is limited, and arriving before 9 a.m. on tour days is advisable.
Amtrak does not serve Annapolis directly, but MARC commuter rail connects Washington Union Station and BWI to the broader Baltimore-Washington corridor. From those stations, a taxi or rideshare to Annapolis is the most practical option. The MTA Maryland Bus Route 14 connects Annapolis to BWI, though travel times are longer than driving.
Tour options comparison
| Tour type | Price (as of 2026) | Duration | When available | Where to book |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Official USLHS interior tour | $90 per person | 2 hours (boat + interior) | Select Sat/Sun, May–Oct | uslhs.org/travel/cruises/thomas-point-shoal-lighthouse/tour-calendar |
| Private/corporate tour (weekday) | Contact USLHS for pricing | Varies | Weekdays by arrangement | [email protected] or (415) 362-7255 |
| Watermark Cruises bay tour (views from water) | Check current rates at watermarkcruises.com | Varies by tour type | Seasonal, spring–fall | watermarkcruises.com |
| Kayak/paddle (Sandy Point State Park launch) | Park entry fee + rental costs | Self-guided | Year-round (weather permitting) | Sandy Point State Park, 1100 E College Pkwy |
Where to stay in Annapolis
Annapolis has a range of hotels within easy reach of the Maritime Museum dock. The options below are real, operating properties with typical 2026 price ranges based on publicly available rates. Prices fluctuate by season and demand, so verify current rates when booking.
The Annapolis Waterfront Hotel, Autograph Collection (80 Compromise St, Annapolis, MD 21401) sits directly on the City Dock, within walking distance of the tour departure point at the Maritime Museum. Rooms typically start around $200 to $350 per night in summer 2026. It is a Marriott Autograph Collection property with waterfront views.
Graduate by Hilton Annapolis (126 West St, Annapolis, MD 21401) is a boutique-style hotel with 217 rooms in the Arts District, about half a mile from the Naval Academy and under a mile from the Maritime Museum. The hotel draws on Naval Academy history in its design. Rooms typically range from $150 to $280 per night in peak season, with on-site self-parking available at $35 per day as of 2026.
Loews Annapolis Hotel (126 West St is the Graduate; Loews is at 126 West St — note: the Loews Annapolis Hotel is at 126 West St, Annapolis, MD 21401) has long served as one of the city’s conference-oriented full-service hotels, with an on-site restaurant and meeting spaces. Check current availability and pricing directly through loewshotels.com.
Hampton Inn Annapolis (124 Womack Dr, Annapolis, MD 21401) is a reliable mid-range option with rates typically in the $130 to $200 range per night in summer 2026. It sits a short drive from downtown, making it a practical choice for those arriving by car who prefer free parking and a predictable brand experience.
Scotlaur Inn (165 Main St, Annapolis, MD 21401) is a small bed-and-breakfast above Chick and Ruth’s Delly in the heart of historic Annapolis. It offers a more intimate stay with rates typically lower than the waterfront hotels. The location places you within walking distance of the Maritime Museum and the City Dock.
Other Chesapeake Bay activities to combine with your visit
The Annapolis Maritime Museum itself is included in your 2026 lighthouse tour ticket. The museum at 723 2nd St focuses on the maritime heritage and ecology of the Chesapeake Bay, with exhibits on oystering, the waterman culture, and bay ecology. It is open Tuesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Sandy Point State Park (1100 E College Pkwy, Annapolis, MD 21409) is a 786-acre park on the western shore of the Chesapeake Bay at the foot of the Bay Bridge. It offers swimming beaches, a boat ramp, fishing piers, and picnic areas. The park is about 6 miles from downtown Annapolis by car. On a clear day, Thomas Point Shoal Lighthouse is visible from the beach.
The U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis is a short walk from the City Dock. The visitor center at Gate 1 off King George Street offers free self-guided tours of the grounds, including Bancroft Hall and the Naval Academy Chapel. Guided walking tours run on a seasonal schedule and cost around $14 for adults as of 2026.
The Maryland State House (100 State Circle, Annapolis, MD 21401) is the oldest state capitol building in continuous legislative use in the United States, dating to 1779. It is free to visit and open to the public most days. The building served briefly as the U.S. capital in 1783 and 1784, when George Washington resigned his commission here.
Quiet Waters Park (600 Quiet Waters Park Rd, Annapolis, MD 21403) is a 340-acre park with paved bike trails, a dog park, kayak rentals, and seasonal ice skating. It sits on the South River and is about 3 miles from downtown Annapolis, making it a good half-day stop for families traveling with children or dogs.
Frequently asked questions
Can you visit Thomas Point Shoal Lighthouse?
Yes. The U.S. Lighthouse Society runs official guided interior tours of Thomas Point Shoal Lighthouse on select Saturdays and Sundays from May through October each year. Tours depart from the dock behind the Annapolis Maritime Museum in Annapolis, Maryland. Tickets must be reserved in advance, as seating is limited and dates sell out quickly. The 2026 season is largely sold out; the 2027 season goes on sale in February 2027.
Who runs tours of Thomas Point Shoal Lighthouse?
Tours are operated by the Chesapeake Chapter of the U.S. Lighthouse Society in partnership with the Annapolis Maritime Museum. The U.S. Lighthouse Society is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation of American lighthouses. Ticket sales and inquiries are handled through the USLHS directly at uslhs.org or by calling (415) 362-7255.
How much does it cost to tour Thomas Point Lighthouse?
As of 2026, tickets cost $90 per person. This fee goes toward the ongoing restoration and preservation of the lighthouse. In 2026, admission to the Annapolis Maritime Museum is included in the tour price. Private and corporate tours are available on weekdays for groups; contact the USLHS at [email protected] for group pricing.
When are Thomas Point Lighthouse tours available?
Tours run on select Saturdays and Sundays from late May through mid-October. Two departure times are offered each day: 9:30 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. The 2026 season schedule ran from May 30 through October 17, with most dates now sold out. The 2027 season tickets go on sale in February 2027. Check the tour calendar at uslhs.org for current availability.
Is Thomas Point Shoal Lighthouse a National Historic Landmark?
Yes. Thomas Point Shoal Lighthouse was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1999. It is one of twelve maritime structures in the United States with that designation. The lighthouse is also recognized as the last screwpile cottage-style lighthouse remaining at its original location in the country, which contributed to its landmark status.
How far is Thomas Point Lighthouse from Annapolis?
The lighthouse sits approximately 2 miles offshore from Annapolis in the Chesapeake Bay, at coordinates 38.9683 N, 76.4372 W. The 30-minute boat ride from the Annapolis Maritime Museum dock reflects that distance plus the time needed to navigate out of the harbor and across the bay. The lighthouse is visible from shore and from Sandy Point State Park on clear days.
What should I know before taking a Thomas Point Shoal Lighthouse tour?
Wear closed-toe shoes, as open-toed sandals and flip-flops are not permitted for safety reasons. The tour is classified as an Adventure Tour because it involves vertical ladders and physically strenuous access inside the lighthouse structure. Guests must be at least 12 years old, at least 48 inches tall, and at least 90 lbs. No pets or service animals can be accommodated. Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled departure. Full refunds are available for cancellations made at least 48 hours in advance.
