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Fort McHenry guides

Everything to sort out before you visit Fort McHenry: what entry costs and what is free, when to go, how to get there, what to see inside, the story of 1814 and how to see the fort from the water.

Fort McHenry Tickets 2026: Prices, Free Entry & Where to BuyWhat the $15 covers, what's free and where to buy it.Read the guide →Fort McHenry Hours 2026: Best Time to Visit & How LongOpening hours, closures, flag-change times and how long to stay.Read the guide →How to Get to Fort McHenry 2026: Parking, Bus, Boat & TollsCar, free parking, Circulator, Water Taxi and the tunnel tolls.Read the guide →What to See at Fort McHenry 2026: Fort, Cannons & KidsThe film, the star fort, the cannons, the seawall, kids and facilities.Read the guide →Battle of Baltimore 2026: Fort McHenry, the Flag & Anthem1814, the casualties, Key's anthem and where the flag is today.Read the guide →Fort McHenry by Boat 2026: Water Taxi, Cruises & SailsWater Taxi, cruise, history boat or sail, and a day around the fort.Read the guide →

Tours

Add the harbor

The three tours most visitors choose between. None includes fort entry; each has its own page with what you see of the fort.

Inner Harbor History Boat Tour Lowest price New1.5 hoursFree cancellation

Inner Harbor History Boat Tour
Live guideFort viewsWater Taxi boat

Baltimore Heritage, the city's preservation nonprofit, narrates 300 years of harbor history live on a Water Taxi boat. Twice as long as the cruise and cheaper, but too new for reviews.

What's included
  • 90 minutes on the water with a live guide
  • Views of Fort McHenry from the water, no stop
  • Boards at the Water Taxi dock behind 201 E Pratt St
  • Restroom on board, bring your own snacks
  • Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
Full tour details
From$28per person Reserve
Inner Harbor Sightseeing Cruise Most booked ★ 4.745 minutesFree cancellation

Inner Harbor Sightseeing Cruise
Passes the fortNarratedBar on board

Watermark's 45-minute loop of the harbor, past the Domino Sugars sign and out to the star fort on its point. The quickest way to see Fort McHenry the way the British fleet did.

What's included
  • 45-minute cruise with narration
  • Passes Fort McHenry from the water, no stop
  • Boards at the Watermark booth, 555 Light St
  • Drinks and snacks for sale at the bar
  • Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
Full tour details
From$34per person Reserve
Small-Group Historic Neighborhoods Tour Stops at the fort ★ 4.61.5 hoursFree cancellation

Small-Group Historic Neighborhoods Tour
20-min fort stopSmall groupVan

A local guide drives up to 14 guests through Mount Vernon, Federal Hill and Locust Point, then stops 20 minutes at Fort McHenry. Good for context, short on fort time.

What's included
  • 90-minute guided tour by air-conditioned van
  • 20-minute stop at the Fort McHenry visitor center
  • Fell's Point, Mount Vernon, Federal Hill and Locust Point
  • Star fort entry ($15) not included
  • Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
Full tour details
From$48per person Reserve

Plan your date before you go

45 minutes on the harbor, past the Domino Sugars sign and out to the star fort, with a bar on board. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before.

Check dates for the Inner Harbor sightseeing cruise