On The Yard

We’re open and ready to see you IN PERSON!

We’re thrilled to welcome everyone back, and while it’s very hard to get INTO the Naval Academy as a student (with a competitive 8% acceptance rate), it’s much easier to get ONTO the Yard as a visitor if you know what to do. Here’s a quick primer on the Who, Where, How, What, Why, and When of visiting the Yard.

Who Can Visit?

The Yard is open to the general public; however, there are some important access requirements listed below that you need to follow to get aboard. Make sure you know what to bring before you visit!

• 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 (List of Acceptable Forms of ID). Original, unexpired passports will gain admittance in lieu of the previously stated ID forms AND are required for visitors who are NOT US citizens.
• Visitors under the age of 18 who do not have a valid picture ID must be escorted by an adult with a valid form of identification.
• If you possess a military ID (active, retired, dependent), CAC, or DBIDS credential (with driving privileges, from the USNA), you are allowed to drive aboard.
• If you have a government issued disability parking placard/license plates, you may be granted vehicle access at Gate 1 and Gate 8; the individual with the disability must be in the vehicle and provide ID (as stated above).
• All vehicles and contents are subject to search when being driven aboard.
• All others will need to park outside the Academy and walk in via Gate 1 through the security screening at the Visitor Access Center.

Where Is the Naval Academy Located?

Here’s our GPS Address: 52 King George Street, Annapolis, MD 21402 and a helpful map.

How Do I Get Onto the Naval Academy Campus?

For Drivers: Directions from Route 50/301 (East or West) to Gate 1

• Take Exit 24 Rowe Boulevard
• Stay in the right lane toward Annapolis
• After the exit, move to the left lane and continue straight until you reach the 2nd traffic light
• Turn left onto Taylor Avenue
• Continue straight on Taylor Avenue
• At the Firehouse, bear right onto Route 450 (Annapolis Street)
• Stay in the right lane
• Turn right at the traffic light onto King George Street
• Proceed to the end of King George Street until you see Gate 1 - United States Naval Academy
• Proceed to Gate 1
  
  

Directions from Route 50/301 (East or West) to Gate 8

• Take Exit 24 Rowe Boulevard
• Stay in the right lane toward Annapolis
• After the exit, move to the left lane and continue straight until you reach the 2nd traffic light
• Turn left onto Taylor Avenue
• Continue straight on Taylor Avenue
• At the Firehouse, bear right onto Route 450 (Annapolis Street)
• Move to the left lane
• Keep straight through the traffic light
• At the next traffic light, bear right onto Bowyer Road
• Keep straight to Gate 8
  
  

For Pedestrians from City Dock:

• From the Annapolis City Dock, walk one block on Randall Street.
• Pedestrian entrances at the Visitor Access Center at Gate 1 are located on Randall and Prince George Streets.
• The Armel-Leftwich Visitor Center may be accessed by turning right immediately after exiting the Visitor Access Center. Follow the signs.

For Parking by the Yard:

You can park at the Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium, (550 Taylor Avenue, Annapolis, MD), and take a short walk to 5 Park Place, then pick up the free Annapolis Circulator trolley. This free trolley will shuttle you around downtown Annapolis and drop you off at City Dock, the closest area to Gate 1 at the Academy.

For Downtown Annapolis Parking Garages

The Noah Hillman Parking Garage is the closest public garage, at 150 Gorman Street, a short walk to Gate 1 of the Naval Academy.

• The entrance on Duke of Gloucester Street is on the left, just past Conduit Street.
• Once parked in the garage, look for the stairs in the northeast corner of the garage.
• At the bottom of the stairs, walk straight down Gorman Street to Main Street.
• The Annapolis City Dock is just a block down the hill on Main Street.

Downtown Annapolis Metered Parking

There is closer two-hour maximum metered parking on Dock Street, just on the other side of the City Dock. See more downtown Annapolis parking here.

What Must I See On My Visit:

While you’re here, be sure to enjoy the following historic (and tasty) spots:

• Visitors Center and USNA Gift Shop,

• USNA Museum,

• The Chapel and Herndon Monument,
• Drydock Restaurant and Dahlgren Hall,
• The Alley (open for lunch),
• 1845 Coffee, and
• Whatever looks interesting as you wander the Yard - there is so much to see!

Why Should I Visit?

There are many reasons why you should visit the USNA. Among the most important is to show your support for the Brigade of Midshipmen, the future military leaders of our country. There is so much beauty, history and tradition that lives and breathes on the Yard. Truly, there is something memorable and meaningful for everyone. Find your own destination on the Yard and enjoy the journey while you’re here.

When Should I Visit?

You are welcome to visit at your leisure when the Yard is open to the public. For the best experience, we recommend that you plan your visit when you can take advantage of the Visitor Center, tours, and its many other amenities.

Visitor Center Hours:

January – February

Monday – Friday 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Saturday – Sunday 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

USNA Gift Shop is open until 5:00 p.m.

March – December

Daily 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

USNA Gift Shop is open until 5:00 p.m.

Closed on the following holidays:

• Thanksgiving Day
• Christmas Eve
• Christmas Day
• New Year’s Day
• Easter before noon
  
  
  

Now that you have the basics of getting on the Yard, check out this map that can also give you more ideas for your visit. Preparation is key, so make sure you review the requirements before you come see us. Be prepared to have a great and memorable time! We are so excited to welcome you back to the next chapter in our history. Book an unforgettable tour here, and, again, welcome (back) aboard!