Annapolis is about 30 miles south of Baltimore, and the United States Naval Academy is the main reason many visitors make the trip. Founded in 1845, the academy trains the Navy’s future officers on a waterfront campus beside the Severn River, and its grounds are open to visitors who go through the Armel-Leftwich Visitor Center at 52 King George Street. The center is the best place to begin. Interactive screens, maps and videos explain admissions, student life and careers, and a 13-minute film called The Call to Serve repeats every 15 minutes. A second exhibit at Halsey Field House sets out the academy’s mission and the life of a midshipman. There is also a museum and a gift shop, and profits from tours, merchandise and meals support the Brigade of Midshipmen. From the center you can join one of three guided options: a Historical Walking Tour, the GEM Driving Tour or the Anchors Aweigh Music Tour, all led by professional guides from the academy’s business services division.
How to visit
The visitor center is open daily from 9:00 to 17:00 from March to December. Its website gives 9:00 to 16:00 for January and February, though a footer elsewhere on the site says 9:00 to 17:00 all year, so confirm the winter hours before you travel. It is closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, New Year’s Day and Easter before noon. The academy is a working military base, and visitors are asked to review the access information on the academy’s website before buying tickets, since ID and entry rules apply and can change.
What to expect
Start with the exhibits and the film to orient yourself, then choose a guided tour or explore on foot with the visitor center’s guidance. During the academic year, midshipmen gather for a noon formation on most days, weather permitting, which is a memorable sight if your timing works. On parade days the full Brigade performs at Worden Field, and visitors should arrive early, by about 16:00.
Admissions briefings run for about an hour on weekdays and Saturday for families thinking about applying, and do not suit casual sightseers. Maryland residents can present a driver’s license on a first tour to receive a membership card that makes later return visits with guests free.
Making the most of it
Combine the academy with a stroll through the historic center of Annapolis, a short walk from City Dock, and a cruise on Spa Creek or the Severn for a view from the water. Annapolis is easy to reach from Baltimore by car in under an hour, and a day trip works well from either the Inner Harbor or a Harbor East hotel. Check tour times when you arrive, because walking tours leave at set times rather than on demand.
What to expect
The experience
A visitor center with exhibits and a short film, plus optional guided walking, driving and music tours of the academy grounds.
Best time
A weekday around noon during the academic year, to see the midshipmen’s formation.
How long
Two to three hours including the film and a guided tour.
Tips
Read the base access information before buying tickets, confirm January and February hours and arrive early on parade days.
Quick picks
- Best for
- History and military buffs, families with older children and anyone making a day trip to Annapolis.
- Families
- Older children enjoy the film, the midshipman life exhibit and the noon formation.
- Couples
- Pair it with a late lunch and a waterfront stroll at City Dock.
- Pair with
- The Annapolis harbor cruise or the Annapolis food tour.
- Time needed
- Half a day with the drive from Baltimore.
Good questions
Where is the Naval Academy visitor center?+
The Armel-Leftwich Visitor Center is at 52 King George Street in Annapolis, about 30 miles from Baltimore.
What are the Naval Academy visitor center hours?+
From March to December it is open daily from 9:00 to 17:00, and in January and February its site gives 9:00 to 16:00. It is closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, New Year’s Day and Easter before noon.
What tours are offered?+
Guided options include a Historical Walking Tour, the GEM Driving Tour and the Anchors Aweigh Music Tour, led by professional guides.
Is there a film at the visitor center?+
Yes, a 13-minute film called The Call to Serve plays every 15 minutes.
Do I need ID to enter the Naval Academy?+
The academy is a working military base with access rules, so read the access information on its website before buying tickets and bring valid ID.
