The United States Naval Academy is a military campus in Annapolis, Maryland, where general visitors enter on foot through designated gates during public-visitation hours. Before you go, plan for the identification and security checks, and use the Visitor Center to get oriented.
- Location: Annapolis, Maryland; the Visitor Control Center is inside Gate 1 at 351 King George Street, Annapolis, MD 21402.
- Pedestrian hours: 6 a.m.–8 p.m. from March 1 through October 31, and 6 a.m.–6 p.m. from November 1 through February 28.
- Entry: General visitors enter on foot through Gate 1 or Gate 8 during public-visitation hours.
- Parking: Visitors without qualifying credentials must park outside the Academy and walk in.
Where is the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis?
The United States Naval Academy sits in Annapolis, Maryland, and its Visitor Control Center is inside Gate 1 at 351 King George Street. That address gives you a specific destination for visitor access; general visitors should plan to enter on foot rather than drive onto the Yard.
For a broader sense of the surrounding historic district, you can connect a campus visit with how to get around downtown Annapolis.
What do you need to enter the Academy?
Visitors age 18 and older need an acceptable government-issued identification document to enter the Academy.
Accepted documents include a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or state ID, a U.S. passport or passport card, or an Enhanced Driver’s License issued by Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont or Washington. Visitors under 18 without acceptable ID must be escorted by a responsible adult who has valid identification.
Expect bag checks and screening by magnetometer. Random personnel and vehicle searches may also occur at gates and elsewhere on the installation. Prohibited items include weapons and knives, bags larger than a typical purse, coolers, boxes and mace, so keep your belongings simple.
Check the official site before you go: the U.S. Naval Academy directs visitors to consult its Armel-Leftwich Visitor Center website when planning a trip, and access requirements can be time-sensitive.
How can you orient yourself on the Naval Academy campus?
The Armel-Leftwich Visitor Center, located in Halsey Field House, is the campus starting point for visitor information and orientation.
The Visitor Center includes exhibits, an information desk, a free film, a guide service and a gift shop. Proceeds from Visitor Center tours and tax-free gift-shop merchandise benefit the Brigade of Midshipmen. If you want to learn more about the museum, its hours, exhibits and entry are a separate part of planning your visit.
How do you get to the Academy from Village Inn?
Allow about a 14-minute drive to the United States Naval Academy from Village Inn rooms. General visitors cannot obtain temporary vehicle passes, so plan to park outside the Academy and walk in through Gate 1 rather than drive onto the Yard.
Parking options include downtown Annapolis garages, Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium and two-hour parking meters around City Dock. All-day parking is available in downtown garages and at the stadium. Gate 1 vehicle entry is restricted to authorized personnel, so it is not an entry option for general visitors.
The Pass & ID Office inside the Gate 1 Visitor Control Center is open Monday–Friday, 7–11 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m., excluding federal holidays. Those office hours are separate from general pedestrian access hours.
FAQs
Can general visitors drive onto the Naval Academy campus?
No. General visitors cannot obtain temporary vehicle passes and should park outside the Academy before walking in.
Which gates can general visitors use?
General visitors enter on foot through Gate 1 or Gate 8 during public-visitation hours.
Is there a visitor center at the Academy?
Yes. The Armel-Leftwich Visitor Center is in Halsey Field House and has an information desk, exhibits, a free film, a guide service and a gift shop.