The Best ______ on the Yard

If you’re planning a visit to the U.S. Naval Academy - or even if you’ve been before - there’s always something new (and delicious, inspiring, or exciting) to discover. The Yard is more than historic buildings and military formations; it’s a lively destination packed with great food, unforgettable experiences, and moments that connect you to Navy tradition. Think of this as your insider’s guide to the very best of the Yard (and a not-so-subtle invitation to come see it for yourself).

Get the Best Experience on the Yard

Best Coffee: 1845 Coffee

Whether you’re starting your day or need an afternoon pick-me-up, 1845 Coffee is the go-to spot on the Yard. Named for the year the Naval Academy was founded, this cozy café serves freshly brewed Ceremony Coffee Roasters coffee, espresso drinks, and freshly made pastries and sandwiches from the Central Kitchen in Dahlgren Hall in several relaxed settings. It’s a favorite stop for midshipmen, staff, and visitors alike - and a perfect place to pause before exploring more of the Academy. Head to one of the oldest (and most charming) buildings on the Yard at the historic Gate 3 Gatehouse. Grab a cup, take a breath, and enjoy the scene.

Best Crab Cakes: The Alley

When it comes to the best dining in Annapolis, crab cakes are non-negotiable - and The Alley delivers. Located inside the historic Naval Academy Club, The Alley is known for its Maryland-style crab cakes packed with flavor and local pride. Dining here feels like stepping into Navy history, with warm wood accents, nautical charm, and a menu that celebrates regional favorites, with everything made in-house in the Alley’s scratch-kitchen (down to the salad dressing)! This inviting and deliciously good spot is a must-visit for anyone craving a true taste of the Chesapeake, and it’s right here on the Yard.

Best Pizza: Drydock Restaurant

Casual, fun, and full of flavor, Drydock Restaurant is where you’ll find some of the best pizza on the Yard. This laid-back spot is perfect for families, groups, or anyone looking for an easy meal. Everything (salads, soups, sandwiches, pizzas, and more) is scratch-made and made to please. From classic slices to creative toppings, Drydock Restaurant serves up the slices that satisfy - exactly what you want after a day of walking around the Yard.

Best Musical Performances: The Chapel

The Naval Academy Chapel isn’t just an architectural icon - it’s also one of the most powerful performance spaces on the Yard. From organ recitals to choral concerts and ceremonial music, performances here are moving, memorable, and often open to the public. Don’t miss the famous sold-out performances for the All Saint’s Day Halloween Concert, or the powerful strains of the Messiah during the holidays. The soaring dome and incredible acoustics make every note resonate. Even if you didn’t plan to attend a performance, stumbling into one may easily become the highlight of your visit (but make sure to note that some events require tickets)!

Best Sporting Events: Alumni Hall

If you want to feel Navy spirit in action, head to Alumni Hall. This venue hosts basketball games, wrestling competitions, and more. Cheering on the midshipmen alongside fans and families is an electric experience and one of the most fun things to do in Annapolis. Bring your blue and gold and get ready to shout, “Go Navy!”

Best History Fix: The U.S. Naval Academy Museum and a USNA Tour

No visit to the Yard is complete without a stop at the U.S. Naval Academy Museum. Located in Preble Hall, the museum brings Navy history to life through iconic artifacts, exhibits, and rotating displays. As the Navy celebrates 250 years, an exhibit called “Navy Tech: Inventions and Innovations,” now showcases special items from the 250 years of innovation and technological development in the Navy and Marine Corps. Make no mistake, this is a “do-not-miss” museum, open every day of the week except Tuesdays. From historic flags to modern naval innovations, the USNA museum offers something for history buffs and casual visitors alike.

Hop on a USNA tour to go even deeper, exploring the Yard with guides who know it inside and out!

Best Souvenirs: USNA Gift Shop

Before you leave, make sure to stop by the USNA Gift Shop. From apparel and accessories to home décor and keepsakes, it’s the perfect place to pick up a reminder of your time on the Yard - or a gift for someone back home. And if you can’t make it in person, Navyonline.com has more REAL Navy apparel and gear that you can only get from the source. Best of all, every purchase from these shops supports the Brigade of Midshipmen, so shopping here truly gives back.

Why the Yard Has It All

What makes the Yard so special isn’t just that it offers great food, culture, and entertainment, it’s that everything is connected by purpose. Dining, shopping, touring, and attending events are all ways to support midshipmen and enrich their experience at the Academy, as profits from sales go toward funding the extracurriculars like cultural arts, music, theater, club sports, and more that bond them as a Brigade.

So whether you’re sipping coffee, cheering on the Navy teams, exploring the USNA museum, or enjoying some of the best dining in Annapolis, you’re part of something bigger. That’s what makes so much of the Yard the best place to be, no matter what you’re seeking.

On The Yard