How to Plan a USNA Field Trip

If you're searching for field trip ideas that combine 180 years of tradition, maritime history, and hands-on leadership learning—all set against a gorgeous waterfront backdrop—then the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis is calling your name.

Whether you're leading a group of curious kids, ambitious high schoolers, or thoughtful college students, a field trip to “The Yard” checks every box. It’s a memorable, meaningful Annapolis day trip that blends history, service, and future-thinking into one dynamic experience. And as a bonus—every visit directly benefits the midshipmen!

Let’s walk through what makes a Naval Academy field trip unforgettable, and how to plan your own.

Why Choose the Naval Academy?

Each year, over 17,000 students from across the country visit the Naval Academy. These groups range from local scout troops and East Coast schools to high schools from as far as California, who often build their visit into a multi-day tour that includes D.C. and Baltimore.

So why all the excitement? Simple: the U.S. Naval Academy offers a one-of-a-kind blend of academic enrichment, military tradition, and interactive programs that inspire students at every age. Whether you’re planning summer field trips or a fall adventure, the Naval Academy has something for everyone.

A Longstanding Connection With the Scouts

The USNA has a strong and ongoing relationship with scout organizations. In fact, the Academy recently reinstated a special scout patch, and each year, Navy Football Scout Day draws more than 2,000 scouts and their families. It’s a fantastic mix of game-day fun and a deeper dive into life at the Academy. Many of the visiting scouts also take a tour of the Yard while they’re here, making it a perfect weekend outing.

Field Trip Options for All Ages

Whether you’re wrangling little ones or guiding future college students, there’s a USNA tour designed just for your group. We can accommodate anywhere from 20 people to hundreds, depending upon the group’s specific needs. With 50 tour guides on the roles, we can handle it all with a little planning! While most school and scout groups come in the spring, there is plenty of availability in the fall as well.

Before these tours, many groups watch “The Call to Serve,” a brief and moving overview of life at the Naval Academy shown all day at the USNA Armel-Leftwich Visitor Center. This gives them a good overview before they step into the story themselves.

And remember to keep your group fueled up for their day on the Yard. We offer boxed lunches for groups, as well as dining options at The Alley and Drydock Restaurant (soon to include our cafe catering menu)!

Navy Way Bootcamp: Start Them Young! (Grades 1 -5)

This one-hour adventure is pure fun—and a surprising lesson in discipline! Your little mid will get to watch the company formation and yell their own rousing chants. According to Heather Skipper, Deputy Director, Operations, Marketing & Outreach of the Naval Academy Business Services Division (NABSD), “It’s a great way to engage our youngest students. They learn what it’s like to be a midshipman through the physical motions of learning how to drill, salute properly, and follow commands. I can tell you the chaperones are also so excited because it really teaches them to listen and follow instructions.” At its conclusion, group leaders see a transformed company that listens much better than they did just an hour before. Parents and teachers, take note!

Historical Yard Tour: Step Into a Midshipman’s Footsteps (Grades 6–College)

This 90-minute guided historical walking tour is the cornerstone of the Naval Academy field trip experience. Students explore the stunning campus and learn about the USNA’s founding and history, current midshipmen life, and academic programs, gaining a better understanding of service, structure, and leadership.

Skipper says, “It allows our students to step into the footsteps of our current midshipmen, learning about their daily activities, their schedules, their academics, and their physical journey.” It’s a great glimpse into daily midshipman life. As many of these students explore what they might like to do following their high school career, this tour offers them the chance to learn about future opportunities, not only here at the Academy, but at other institutions too.

Student Youth Leadership Program: Get a Real Taste of the Academy (Middle and High School)

Offered several times each summer, this half-day immersive program is a popular pick. “This program gives students who may have an interest in leadership skills or character-building programs, as well as an interest in perhaps applying to the USNA at some point in their future, a peek behind the curtain to see what it’s like to be a midshipman today,” notes Skipper. The program includes presentations from Naval Academy alumni (now certified guides), role-playing exercises, and team-building scenarios. Know someone curious about attending? This is the place to be: it’s high-quality leadership education, both hands-on and inspiring.

“Anchors Aweigh” Music Tour (Music Students)

Perfect for bands and choirs, this newly updated tour explores the Academy’s musical traditions. Retired Navy musician Dave Hanner shares the story of Charles Zimmerman, composer of the famous “Anchors Aweigh” fight song. The tour ends on a high note with a performance by the Naval Academy Band at the Zimmerman Bandstand. A must for music lovers!

Don't Miss the United States Naval Academy Museum

No visit is complete without a stop at the United States Naval Academy Museum in Preble Hall. With exhibits on naval history, ship models, and maritime innovation, the museum adds rich context to everything students see during the tour. It’s a highlight for teachers looking to align with a history or social studies curriculum—and it’s air conditioned, which is always a plus on warm weather field trips that are outdoors for a time!

Plan Your Visit in Just a Few Clicks

Booking a field trip is simple. Just head over to NavalAcademyTourism.com, where you'll find detailed tour descriptions and a “Book a Tour” button for easy scheduling. Once your request is submitted, a friendly member of the booking team will reach out to confirm the details.

Want to expand your trip? The Chesapeake Crossroads Heritage Area offers plenty of additional stops around Anne Arundel County. Pair your USNA tour with another historical site or nature walk for a well-rounded Annapolis day trip.

It’s More Than a Field Trip—It’s a Mission

Each field trip to the Naval Academy supports the Brigade of Midshipmen. All proceeds from official USNA tours, purchases at the USNA Gift Shop or Navyonline.com, and meals at on-campus spots like The Alley Restaurant or 1845 Coffee go directly toward extracurricular programs like the arts, music, theater, and club sports.

So while your students are discovering leadership, naval history, and teamwork, you’re also helping to foster those same values in today’s midshipmen.

Take a Field Trip With Us!

Field trips to the Naval Academy are more than just educational—they’re transformative. With beautiful scenery, engaging activities, and a powerful connection to service and citizenship, it’s no wonder that schools, scouts, and other groups return year after year. We love welcoming groups aboard the Yard. The energy they bring is contagious, and when it’s mixed with the mystique of Annapolis history, it makes for an unforgettable trip. We strive to provide an experience where they can step into history-in-the-making and become part of it themselves.

Ready to inspire the next generation? Book your tour, pack some comfy shoes, and head to the Yard. It’s time to make history—one student at a time.

On The Yard