does naval academy offer tours

For Visitors

Hours of Operation

January – february.

Monday – Friday 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Saturday & Sunday 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Gift Shop open until 5:00 p.m.

March – December

Daily 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Closed on the Following Days

• Thanksgiving Day
• Christmas Day
• New Year’s Day
• Easter Before Noon

Contact Information

52 King George Street Annapolis, Maryland 21402 Phone: 410-293-8687 Email: [email protected]

Welcome to the U.S. Naval Academy! We are thrilled to have you visit the Yard. Whether you have a day to explore or a long weekend in Annapolis, we can’t wait to see you. Plan your trip here .

Maryland Residents Frequent Tour Program

Present your Maryland driver’s license for your first tour with us. You will be given a MD Membership card. Every time you return with one or more guests, your tour will be free!

IMPORTANT: Anyone 18 years of age or older must present a valid, unexpired government issued driver’s license or identification card and an additional acceptable form of identification such as an SSN card, student ID, birth certificate, or voter registration card. Original, unexpired passports will gain admittance in lieu of the previously stated ID forms AND is required for visitors who are NOT U.S. citizens.

Please click here for additional acceptable forms of identification .

Experience the Historic U.S. Naval Academy

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U.s. naval academy tours.

Tour the U.S. Naval Academy on foot or by electric car. See the Yard, learn about the midshipmen, and experience Navy history. Public, private, and group tours are available.

NABSD is cashless. Credit or debit cards are accepted throughout the Yard.

Service Animals

Only service animals are permitted in the Visitor Center, U.S. Naval Academy buildings, on tours, and in ceremonial areas. Please be respectful of the ceremonial areas, especially in front of Bancroft Hall. They are clearly marked with signs. Do not jog, cycle, or walk your pets in these areas.

Parking & Shuttles

Parking is available daily at the Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium located at 550 Taylor Ave, Annapolis, MD 21401. Shuttles run during most major events before, during, and after. There are also several parking garages in Downtown Annapolis, rideshare options, trolley, and shuttles. Only vehicles with U.S. Naval Academy IDs, DoD credentials, or handicapped tags may enter the grounds.

The U.S. Naval Academy boasts the oldest Navy Museum in the country.

U.S. Naval Academy Museum

Located in Preble Hall on the grounds of the U.S. Naval Academy, the museum offers two floors of exhibits about the history of seapower, the development of the U.S. Navy, and the role of the U.S. Naval Academy in producing officers capable of leading America’s Sailors and Marines.

Our displays combine historical artifacts with video and audio technology to bring to life the stories of the men and women who have served their country at sea. Whether you are a casual visitor, a student of naval history, or a member of the Brigade of Midshipmen, the Museum stands ready to make your visit a memorable one.

For more information, visit the U.S. Naval Academy Museum website .

Admissions Briefings

U.S. Naval Academy Admissions briefings, lasting approximately one hour, are held at 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday, on the second deck of the Visitor Center, excluding all federal holidays, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. 

Naval Academy Tours in Annapolis, MD

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The Naval Academy is a “must see” attraction in Annapolis, Maryland with its beautiful 338-acre campus, known as the Yard, and its scenic location on the Chesapeake Bay. The U.S. Naval Academy is a four-year training facility for officers of the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. Designated a National Historic Site, the Naval Academy has a distinguished history and French Renaissance and contemporary architecture. A 90-minute guided walking tour is available to the public and provides visitors with an overview of the experiences of the midshipmen as well as the history, culture, recreation and educational resources available onsite.

Getting to the Naval Academy

The Visitor Access Center is located at Gate 1, Randall St. and Prince George St. Pedestrian entrances to Gate 1 are located on Randall Street (between Prince George and King George Streets) and on Prince George Street at Craig Street. Both entrances are just a block from the Annapolis City Dock. To enter the campus, everyone 16 and older must have a photo ID. There is no public parking available for visitors, except for those with a handicapped tag (a pass is required from the Visitor Access Center). The closest public parking garage is Hillman Parking Garage, 150 Gorman Street, located just off of Main Street. Parking meters throughout downtown Annapolis are limited to 2 hours. Annapolis is located 33 miles east of Washington, DC and 30 miles southeast of Baltimore.

Visiting Tips

• Arrive at least 30 minutes before your tour to allow time to explore the exhibits in the Armel-Leftwich Visitor Center. The USNA Gift Shop features a selection of USNA, U.S. Navy, and USMC merchandise, hats and souvenirs. Items are also available to purchase online.
• Be sure to bring a photo ID. It is required to enter the campus.
• Wear comfortable clothing and shoes. The tour includes walking a distance of about one mile through the Naval Academy Campus.
• Allow time after the tour to explore on your own. Visitors are allowed on campus from sunrise to 5 pm or sunset, whichever is later, daily.

Major Points of Interest 

Lejeune Physical Education Center – The Athletic Hall of Fame, an Olympic-size pool and wrestling arena are located here. Visitors learn about the athletic requirements of the midshipmen. Dahlgren Hall – The building houses space for social activities for the Midshipmen as well as the Drydock Restaurant that is open to the public and. There are a variety of ship and aircraft memorabilia on display. Bancroft Hall – The dormitory houses the more than 4,400 midshipmen and contains 1700 rooms, 5 miles of corridors and about 33 acres of floor space. The rotunda, Memorial Hall, and a sample room are open to the public. Tecumseh Court – A statue of the Indian warrior Tecumseh stands at the site of the noon formations for the Midshipmen. Naval Academy Chapel – Catholic and Protestant services are conducted in the chapel and are open to the public. Religious services of other faiths are held at other locations on the campus. Approximately 200 weddings are held here every year. It is on the tour route except when there are weddings, funerals and special events. The Main Chapel is generally closed on Friday afternoons for wedding rehearsals and Saturdays for weddings. 

Additional Things to Do

• Noon formation is one of the daily attractions on the Navy Yard . It is held, weather and schedule permitting, Monday through Friday during the academic year and Monday through Saturday during the summer.
• Visit the Naval Academy Museum , located in Prebble Hall, after your guided tour and see the famous Gallery of Ships and more than 50,000 naval artifacts.
• Enjoy lunch at the Drydock Restaurant in Dahlgren Hall or The Naval Academy Club or walk a short distance to Main Street and enjoy dining and shopping in the heart of Annapolis.
• Many events are open to the public including musical and theatrical events, religious services and athletic games.

Contact Information Armel-Leftwich Visitor Center of the United States Naval Academy Visitor Information & Naval Academy Guide Service Website: www.usna.edu

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Tours and tea at usna.

May 6, 2020 9:00:00 AM

The United States Naval Academy (USNA) is more than an institution of higher learning and military instruction. Its 338 acres on the former grounds of Fort Severn are rich in U.S. and Naval history. As such, the entire campus, also known as The Yard, is a designated National Historic Landmark on the country’s list of National Register of Historic Places .

To qualify for this honored designation, properties must exhibit national historic significance. Approximately 2,300 places on the National Register’s list of 90,000 places are deemed to have such outstanding historical significance that it receives the National Historic Landmark distinction.

Although the safety and security of Academy Midshipmen, faculty, and staff are always paramount, history buffs and the interested public can visit The Yard to experience the historic sites, buildings, and monuments in person. Visitors may explore on their own with a self-guided walking tour. However, the extraordinary stories behind these sites are brought to life in incredible detail by the knowledgeable and professional Official Certified Guides of USNA from the Naval Academy Business Services Division (NABSD).

All guided tours depart from the Armel-Leftwich Visitor Center located just inside Gate 1 at 52 King George Street. The 90-minute guided walking tours begin in the morning and then at scheduled times throughout the day.  Seasonal schedules may be found online on the NABSD website .

The guided Historical Walking Tour visits the most popular locations through The Yard.  Visitors can expect to see:

• Bancroft Hall
• Memorial Hall
• Statue of Tecumseh
• Herndon Monument
• The Main Chapel and Crypt of John Paul Jones
• Noon Meal Formation (during the Fall and Spring)
• Lejeune Hall

Don’t feel like walking?  Catch a ride!  Visitors may comfortably experience USNA highlights during a 75-minute Guided Riding Tour.  These electric vehicle GEM tours may be booked in advance with a minimum of two and up to five passengers.  Sites visited during this tour include:

• Main Chapel
• Parade Ground
• Sports Complexes
• Jewish Chapel
• Monuments and Memorials along the Severn River Seawall
• Foremast of the USS MAINE
• The Ellyson Air Park
• Historic Cemetery

In addition to public tours, both private and group tours are available. One of the more unique tour experiences is the Tour and Tea at the US Naval Academy.  Following a tour of many of The Yard’s highlights and the USNA Museum, participants will attend afternoon tea at the Naval Academy Club.  Following British afternoon tea tradition, attendees will sample finger sandwiches, scones, and other sweet treats, with their choice of tea or coffee.  A USNA souvenir and postcard book are given as favors to commemorate the special occasion.  The Tour and Tea cost is $60 per person with a group minimum of 20 people.

Additional private group tours are also available.  Special interest groups will enjoy a one-hour tour to visit the Jewish Chapel and Levy Center, where Midshipmen gain an appreciation for faith-based traditions.  While groups interested in leadership training will benefit from the Corporate Leadership Program, where retired military officers serve as facilitators. And music appreciation groups will take a deep dive into music history with the Annapolis Music Man Tour.

Group tours for students include Navy Way Boot Camp for 1st through 5th graders, educational field trips for 4th through 12th grade, a Junior Leadership Program for 13-15-year-olds, as well as admissions briefings for those interested in learning more about attending the Naval Academy. 

Extend your time at The Yard and enjoy lunch at The Alley or Drydock Restaurant. In the mood for something lighter? Grab a cup of coffee and a light snack at the newest cafe on the Yard, 1845 Coffee .  Ask about the discounts available for tour participants.

The Naval Academy campus is open to the public provided visitors comply with strict access requirements.  All visitors 18 years and older will need to provide an unexpired U.S. government-issued photo ID card or unexpired passport.  All non-US citizens must present an original unexpired passport for entry.  Please see the Armel-Leftwich website for additional access details. 

Because of the ongoing pandemic, the Yard is not currently open to the public. We hope to see everyone on the Yard soon.

Topics: Insider

Written by Bill the Goat

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What is it Like to Attend the United States Naval Academy?

Cole is an Atlanta-based tutor specializing in math tutoring , science tutoring , and a number of other subjects. He earned his bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering from the United States Naval Academy in 2015. See what he had to say about his experience there below:

Describe the campus setting and transportation options.

Cole: Navigating the United States Naval Academy’s campus—or better known as Yard—is easy due to the relatively small size of the campus. The Naval Academy is considered a military installation, so gates surround the property; however, the campus is only a short walk from the heart of downtown Annapolis, Maryland. Due to the small size of the campus, academic buildings are within a ten minute walk from the dormitory, which makes cars and bikes unnecessary for students.  

How available are the professors, academic advisers, and teaching assistants?

Cole: The Naval Academy is fairly unique in that professors are hired to teach as opposed to completing research. This means that the emphasis remains on the students, which is reflected by their dedication to aid students’ success. At about a 20:1 student-teacher ratio, class sizes are very small in comparison to normal colleges. In addition to the class sizes, teachers are flexible with their schedules and will work with students to actively correct any deficiencies. These two qualities enhance the undergraduate learning experience. As is similar with many colleges, the role of academic adviser is performed by teachers. Another great quality about the academics is the fact that no teaching assistants are hired. Furthermore, a student can communicate directly with a teacher about any problems.

How would you describe the dorm life—rooms, dining options, location, socialization opportunities with other students?

Cole: The academic and military aspects of the Academy are very different. Students will be expected to effectively juggle military and academic responsibilities. That being said, dorm life is vastly different than many civilian colleges. All students must reside in the main dormitory named Bancroft Hall. The layout of the dorms is probably fairly similar to civilian dormitories; however, students are required to reside in Bancroft the entire four years. Because the school is government-funded, students will be expected to attend breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the main dining hall. Students will also be required to attend other military obligations that occur sporadically throughout the week. While this all may seem strict, there are still plenty of opportunities for students to socialize; many clubs meet during the evening. Unfortunately, students are not allowed to leave the campus during the week, so socialization is confined within the gated area (it is still relatively large).

Which majors/programs are best represented and supported?

Cole: While STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) majors are the most supported at the Academy, many pursue Humanities degrees. Prospective students should keep in mind that everyone graduating from the Academy will fulfill the requirements for a Bachelor’s of Science; furthermore, regardless of your declared major, a student will be required to take several STEM related courses. These include: calculus, physics, engineering, and computer science. I personally studied Aerospace Engineering (AE) because I wanted to become an engineer and thought that AE was a unique challenge. I would say that, overall, the STEM programs are exemplary compared to other colleges. From the caliber of the teaching staff to the available technology, I was impressed by my academic experience.

How easy or difficult was it for you to meet people and make friends as a freshman? Does Greek life play a significant role in the campus social life?

Cole: The Academy is structured hierarchically. This means that freshmen are considered the most subordinate in comparison to the rest of the classes. This can be daunting for students who were not aware of this before attending the school. Freshman year—or better known as plebe year—is especially difficult because ritualistic tasks create an environment of stress. Plebe year is designed to indoctrinate students with a sense of military understanding and respect. Let me be clear: prospective students should do research before applying to understand if this school is a good fit.  For some this is not the best fit, but for others, the Naval Academy will open some incredible doors. That being said, plebes will generally form great bonds with roommates and teammates. Unfortunately, Greek life is not allowed at the Academy. Regardless, students will form lasting bonds going through this program.

How helpful is the Career Center and other student support services?

Cole: Students that attend the Naval Academy will receive a free four-year education in return for five years of obligatory service. Students will commission as Naval or Marine Corps officers upon graduation and can be assigned to a variety of communities. Within the Navy, these can include Surface Warfare, Submarines, Aviation, SEALs, or EOD. For those that join the Marine Corps, they will receive assignments upon successful completion of follow-on training. One of the best advantages of attending the Naval Academy is the opportunities that come after leaving the service. With professional leadership and technical experience, many employers prefer Naval Academy graduates over other candidates.

How are the various study areas such as libraries, the student union, and dorm lounges?

Cole: Many students will study in the library or academic buildings. The library provides a relaxing atmosphere and features a coffee bar for late-night studying. Other academic buildings are also open at night if the library becomes too crowded.

Describe the surrounding town.

Cole: The Naval Academy campus sits adjacent to downtown Annapolis, which is a city that is rich in history. From the Academy, the Chesapeake Bay and other maritime activities can be observed and enjoyed. Not only is Annapolis a quaint, yet excitable town, it is conveniently located halfway between Baltimore and Washington D.C. Downtown D.C. can be easily reached without a car if a student wants to go on a day trip. Prospective students should understand that venturing outside the gates is only authorized during the weekend, and that this policy is strictly enforced.

How big or small is the student body? Were you generally pleased or displeased with the typical class sizes?

Cole: The student body is comparably small to many civilian universities. With only about 4,500 students enrolled, prospective students can expect to be in classes with a 20: 1 student-teacher ratio. As aforementioned, this small classroom size allows a student to interact directly with the teacher when a concept is misunderstood. In addition to the small classroom size, my experience has shown that teachers are generally flexible with their schedules. These are some great perks when considering academic performance.  

Describe one memorable experience with a professor and/or class. Perhaps one you loved the most or one you regret the most.

Cole: One of my most memorable experiences occurred throughout my Senior Design class. For our Capstone (term) project, we built a satellite that would communicate with us in space. Myself and several other colleagues built the housing structure, integrated the radio transponder unit, and organized the chip boards within the small container. It was really interesting to view the final project and realize that our small device would not only be in space, but that it would be communicating with us on Earth!

Check out Cole’s tutoring profile .

The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Varsity Tutors.

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