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 serves as a four-year training facility for officers of the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. Designated a National Historic Site, the Naval Academy boasts a distinguished history and a blend of 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 conveniently situated 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, located at 150 Gorman Street, 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 for purchase online.
• It is important to bring a photo ID, as it is required to enter the campus.
• Wear comfortable clothing and shoes since the tour includes walking a distance of about one mile through the Naval Academy Campus.
• Allocate time after the tour to continue exploring on your own. Visitors are permitted on campus from sunrise to 5 PM or sunset, whichever is later, daily.

Major Points of Interest

Lejeune Physical Education Center – Home to the Athletic Hall of Fame, an Olympic-size pool, and wrestling arena, visitors can learn about the athletic requirements of the midshipmen.
Dahlgren Hall – This building provides space for social activities and features the Drydock Restaurant, which is open to the public, as well as various ship and aircraft memorabilia on display.
Bancroft Hall – Serving as the dormitory for more than 4,400 midshipmen, it contains 1700 rooms and spans 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 marks the location of noon formations for the Midshipmen.
Naval Academy Chapel – The chapel conducts Catholic and Protestant services and is open to the public. Approximately 200 weddings are held here annually, and it features on the tour route, except during weddings, funerals, and special events. The Main Chapel is usually closed on Friday afternoons for rehearsals and Saturdays for weddings.

Additional Things to Do

• Noon formation occurs as one of the daily attractions at the Navy Yard. It is held, weather and schedule permitting, Monday through Friday during the academic year and Monday through Saturday during the summer.
• After your guided tour, visit the Naval Academy Museum, located in Prebble Hall, to see the famous Gallery of Ships and explore more than 50,000 naval artifacts.
• Enjoy lunch at the Drydock Restaurant in Dahlgren Hall, or visit The Naval Academy Club. Alternatively, take a short walk to Main Street for diverse dining and shopping options in the heart of Annapolis.
• A multitude of events are open to the public, including musical and theatrical performances, 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