naval academy tours schedule

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

Stay Informed & Stay Ahead

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. 

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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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Annapolis Harbor & USNA Cruise

Dates available.

Available April - October See highlighted dates below. Call for future dates/times. 410-268-7601 x 100

Upcoming Dates

Mon 12:00 pm - 12:40 pm

Mon 1:00 pm - 1:40 pm

Mon 2:00 pm - 2:40 pm

Mon 3:00 pm - 3:40 pm

Description

Step aboard the classic Harbor Queen for a narrated cruise of the Annapolis Harbor and the banks of the U.S. Naval Academy. Hear the history of the Naval Academy, Annapolis’ role as a historic seaport, the region’s waterways, and catch a glimpse of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge. This cruise is an Annapolis tradition and fun for the whole family.

Departure Location

Annapolis City Dock 1 Dock Street, Annapolis, MD, 21401

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Naval Academy Tours

Naval Academy tours are a must-do! Wander the Yard’s scenic walkways by foot or cover more ground quickly by electric car. Either way, you’ll enjoy a behind-the-scenes look at the life of a midshipman and the rich and tumultuous history of one of the greatest fighting forces on Earth!

BUY TICKETS

Looking to bring your own group of 20 or more?

Contact us to book a Come-As-a-Group Tour .

PUBLIC TOURS

Guided by experts who will wow you at every turn with deep knowledge and fascinating stories, our popular  public tours   are offered daily and last about 90 minutes. get your tickets online ahead of time or in person when you arrive at the visitor center..

Visit all the historical and monumental highlights, get the inside scoop on admissions and learn about the midshipmen experience in our most popular tour. Leaves daily from the Visitors Center.

Duration: 90 minutes.

Ride the Yard: GEM Car Tour

Tour Duration:   75 minutes

Bring your child’s safety seat for GEM Riding Tour.   Per Maryland Law, any child, age 0-7, who is shorter than 4 feet, 9 inches, must be secured in a child safety seat.

USNA Admissions Briefing & Walking Tour

Sign up for a complimentary 1-hour Admissions Briefing at 10:00 a.m. or 2:00 p.m. led by an active-duty Navy or Marine Corps admission officer. These admissions experts will address any questions you may have about gaining entrance to the Naval Academy. No appointment is required—simply join us on the 2nd floor of the Visitor Center at either 10:00 a.m. or 2:00 p.m.  

Once you’ve been briefed on the admissions process, head downstairs to the 1st floor of the Visitor Center for a behind the scenes look of life on the Yard through our guided walking tours. Explore the home of the 4,500+ midshipmen including highlights such as Bancroft Hall, The Chapel, John Paul Jones’ Crypt and more from our knowledgeable tour guides! Tours begin at 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. and last approximately 90-minutes, beginning and ending at the Visitor Center. It is encouraged to purchase your tickets ahead of time online to ensure your preferred timeslot.

Tour Duration: 90 minutes

2023 Dates:   July 13, 27, August 3, and 10

Student Youth Leadership Program

Upcoming Dates: July 8, July 29, & August 12, 2023

COME-AS-A-GROUP TOUR: FOR GROUPS OF 20+

If you'd like to bring your own group of 20 or more, we offer tours designed for all ages and interests: school trips, scouts, seniors, group day-trippers, families and more led by engaging naval academy experts, your crew will explore some of the most intriguing spots on the yard. read about some of our popular tours below, and we'll help you plan the right one..

Contact us about your group to get started!

Group Walking Tour

Duration: 90 minutes

USNA Tour & Tea

Tour Duration: 3 hours

Military Reunion Tour

Duration: 2.5 hours

Jewish Chapel & Levy Center Tour

Corporate Leadership Program

Learn about the history of our beloved USNA song "Anchors Aweigh" as well as the fascinating life of Charles Zimmerman and his connections to historical events and other intriguing facts. This tour ends with a musical-themed walking tour of the USNA and a free performance from the Navy Band. Available for groups of 20+.

Navy Way Boot Camp

Duration: 1 hour

Educational Field Trips

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United States Naval Academy 

Armel-Leftwich Visitor Center

52 King George Street

Annapolis, MD 21402

410.293.TOUR

[email protected]

Hours: 7 Days a Week, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

©2021 Naval Academy Business Services Division

EVENTS & PROGRAMS 

Travel in 2025

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If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Amy Garwood . 

Trips dates and locations are subject to change. 

NOTE - Links/photos and additional information will be added as they become available.

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The Rise and Fall of Poland Booking Link 9-20 September National WWII Museum 1-877-813-3329 ext 325

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October 2025

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Masters in the Air Booking Link 8-15 October National WWII Museum 1-877-813-3329 ext 325

Portugal Alluring Alentejo 12-20 October AHI 1-800-680-4244

Cruise the Heart of Europe 19 October-3 November AHI 1-800-680-4244

December 2025

Montreal & Quebec City Christmas 3-8 December PWD 1-877-953-8687

Holiday Markets 5-13 December AHI 1-800-680-4244

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