Looking for the best ghost tours in Annapolis?
If you’re planning to visit Annapolis and you’re looking for a fun way to explore the local history, try a ghost tour! My friends and I have tried many ghost tours, and I’m here to offer some tips about how you can choose the best Annapolis ghost tour.
Let’s dive right into it – what’s the best ghost tour in Annapolis, and how do you choose the right one?
Short on time?
Not all ghost tours are the same. Before you book, think about the kind of experience you’re after, make sure it’s kid-friendly if needed, and be ready for a lot of walking (comfy shoes are a must!). Check the weather, look for smaller group sizes, and don’t forget to read the reviews. If you want my top pick for an all-around great experience, definitely check out this Annapolis ghost tour!
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The Best Ghost Tour in Annapolis!
If you want to skip the research and get an insider’s opinion on the best ghost tour in Annapolis, I’ve got you! My friend and I recently did this ghost tour in Annapolis, and we had a blast! You can explore haunted sites like the Middleton Tavern and the James Brice House, and learn all about the haunted encounters that took place in the city.
The tour is about an hour long, and it recently won a Viator award of excellence. Sometimes the subject matter can get dark, but your tour guide does a good job of helping you find the balance between staying creeped out and having fun. I highly recommend it!
➡️ Explore this scary, but fun Annapolis ghost tour!
Overall this tour isn’t too scary, but the stories associated with these buildings are a bit eerie. If you like ghost stories or you’re looking to learn about history in a fun way, this is a great tour to try!
10 Things To Know When Booking a Ghost Tour in Annapolis
If you want some tips and tricks for making the most out of your ghost tour, keep reading!
1. Know Your Tour Type
Annapolis has a lot of different types of ghost tours. Some are walking tours, while others are more interactive experiences, often featuring mediums or paranormal investigators.
When booking, make sure to check what kind of tour you’re getting! You don’t want to end up walking for hours and hours if you’re expecting some hands-on paranormal investigation during the tour.
I personally like the more informative, history-focused tours (I’m easily scared), but if you want to spot a ghost on your tour, I recommend looking for a tour where that’s part of the experience.
2. Not All Ghost Tours are Suitable for Children
Not all ghost tours are suitable for children, and some might have age restrictions in place. Be sure to double-check the age recommendations before booking.
Some tours can get a little intense, especially if they’re trying to scare you, so know the comfort level of the people in your group before you book your ghost tour!
3. Some Tours are LONG with a LOT of Walking
If you’re not a fan of long walks or you have little ones with you, make sure you check the duration of the tour.
Some ghost tours in Annapolis can last well over an hour, and there can be a lot of walking involved, especially in areas with uneven ground or cobblestones. Most tours accommodate people with different mobility levels, but if you have any concerns, be sure to talk with your tour guide in advance.
4. Pack Good Walking Shoes
I can’t emphasize enough the importance of having good walking shoes on these ghost tours. A lot of tours take you through uneven cobblestoned streets, and sometimes you have to climb many flights of stairs in certain haunted buildings, like the Middleton Tavern.
Also, consider bringing a jacket or light sweater. Evenings in Annapolis can get chilly since the city is by the water, even in the summertime!
5. Check the Forecast in Advance
Which brings me to my next point. I’ve found that the weather can make or break your ghost tour experience.
Annapolis weather can be pretty unpredictable, so it’s always a good idea to check the forecast ahead of time.
If it’s going to rain, you might want to reschedule your tour or at least bring an umbrella. Tours can still happen in the rain, but check with your tour guide in advance and understand their cancellation/rescheduling policy.
6. Be Ready for a Bit of a Scare
I’d say that most tours lean more towards the historical and informative side, but others can be downright scary with eerie storytelling and guides unexpectedly scaring you.
If you’re easily spooked or you’re not interested in a lot of theatrics, I recommend booking a more historic ghost tour. You can also read what other guests have to say about the tour in online reviews.
7. Some Tours Have Add-Ons
Some ghost tours offer add-ons, like a chance to use ghost-hunting equipment or special access to certain haunted spots. These add-ons can really enhance your experience, especially if you like hearing about paranormal encounters.
Be sure to check ahead of time to see if any of these extras are included in the tour you’re interested in, or if they require a separate booking!
8. Paranormal Activity is Not Guaranteed
A lot of people sign up for ghost tours hoping for a supernatural encounter, but very rarely do people spot ghosts on these tours.
But honestly, the stories themselves are scary enough! While the tour guides CAN share creepy accounts of sightings, they can’t guarantee that you’ll see a ghost.
On the tour I went on, we didn’t catch any paranormal photos, but the stories alone were more than enough to get my heart racing!
9. Aim for a Smaller Group
I’ve found that ghost tours with a lot of people can take away from the eerie, intimate experience.
Smaller groups are more personal and you’re more likely to get your questions answered by the guide. When booking, try to figure out the group size, especially if you’re hoping for a more immersive, customized experience.
10. Check the Tour Reviews
And of course, you want to check the tour reviews before you book any tour. Reviews will give you insight into the quality of the guide, the spookiness level, and whether the tour is actually worth the price.
I always check reviews before booking, especially on sites like Viator and Tripadvisor. I’ve found them super helpful in picking out the best experiences!
Getting Around
Annapolis is a charming, walkable town, so getting around is usually no trouble, especially if you’re sticking to the historic district. Ghost tours typically begin near popular landmarks, and if you’re staying in or near downtown, you can easily walk to the starting point.
But if you’re staying farther out, public transportation or rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are convenient options for getting to the tour starting point.
Parking in Annapolis can be tricky, so it’s a good idea to arrive a little early to find a spot. If you’re planning to grab dinner or drinks before or after the tour, keep in mind that many of the best restaurants and bars are within walking distance of the main ghost tour routes.
➡️ Visiting from out of town? I recommend this car rental company to help you see more of Annapolis!
Where to Stay in Annapolis
Here are some of my favorite hotel options in Annapolis! (I promise these aren’t spooky):
Budget Option
For those looking to keep things affordable, Graduate by Hilton Annapolis is a great choice. With its cozy, quirky vibe and central location downtown, you’ll be close to the US Naval Academy and all the main attractions. It’s a stylish, budget-friendly spot that doesn’t skimp on charm.
Mid Range Option
The Annapolis Waterfront Hotel, part of the Marriott family, offers a solid mid-range option. Enjoy stunning harbor views, spacious rooms, and an unbeatable location just steps from City Dock and a variety of great restaurants.
Luxury Option
For a really special experience, the Historic Inns of Annapolis is the way to go. This collection of three elegant inns, housed in beautifully restored 18th and 19th-century buildings, offers top-notch amenities and a prime location. Perfect for those wanting a unique blend of history and luxury.
FAQs: Visiting Annapolis
Some frequently asked questions about visiting Annapolis, and planning a ghost tour.
Is the ghost tour scary? – Annapolis
Some Annapolis ghost tours are designed to be scary, and others are more focused on local history. It really depends on the tour you choose. I personally enjoy the tours that balance history with a little bit of a scare, but if you’re easily startled, check reviews or ask the tour company for more details.
What’s the scariest Annapolis ghost tour?
The Annapolis Ghosts & Graveyard Tour by US Ghost Adventures is considered one of the scariest ghost tours in Annapolis.
It focuses on the more haunted locations around Annapolis, and you can go into graveyards and former homes where eerie occurrences have been reported. If you’re into spooky stories and ghost sightings, this tour is for you!
Final Thoughts
Annapolis is a city worth visiting for its rich history. It is also known for being spooky, which makes it a popular destination for paranormal enthusiasts.
Ghost tours are some of the best things to do in Annapolis, and there are so many variations to choose from.
Make sure you pack comfortable walking shoes and a light jacket, and read the reviews before you book your ghost tour in Annapolis! Have a wonderful time, and happy travels!
About the Author
Sasha is the founder of Little Happy Travels, a blog with tips and inspiration for combining work + travel and living the digital nomad lifestyle. As a business coach and remote worker, she’s spent the last few years traveling the world while helping others do the same. Follow for guides, tips, and personal stories on working from anywhere!
