On The Yard

Ah, Valentine’s Day in Annapolis. A day to celebrate love in its many forms. The bluster of winter will soon blow away, replaced by the staple of flowers and cards given, received, and appreciated. This year, rather than the tried-and-true for your Valentine’s Day, spend time with the ones you love on the Yard. With some of the most romantic spots in Maryland, the Yard is a wonderful place to share. Smaller crowds at this time of year create the perfect timing to enjoy your loved ones and the wonder of the surroundings at the Naval Academy.

This Valentine’s Day, (or really any day you want to celebrate one another), plan a fun and romantic day at USNA. Explore some of the most idyllic locations at the Naval Academy, learn the history of triumph and glory, and see how loyalty and honor shape the USNA, midshipmen, and history. Take one of our most interesting tours to discover even more about the Yard (and perhaps each other).

Come Aboard at the Armel-Leftwich Visitor Center

Begin your day at the Visitor Center. Check in and enjoy some fascinating exhibits. Watch the short but riveting movie “The Call to Service,” which is bound to get your heart thumping with pride for these men and women that are willing to sacrifice so much for our freedoms. While you’re here, you can also peruse the USNA Gift Shop for a sentimental memento to remember the day. To get a real feel for the heart of this special place, hop on a regularly offered public tour or sign up for a private walking or driving tour.

Enjoy the Breathtaking Views

Once you’ve experienced the Visitor Center and a tour, stroll along the Sea Wall, located directly in front of you as you exit the center. You’ll head Northeast, passing Rickett’s Hall, home of the USNA athletic department and training facilities, as well as other departments. You’ll then pass by Farragut Field, the original parade ground that now hosts athletic practices and sporting events. Along the walk, you can take in the views of Spa Creek, the Severn River, and the very visitable neighborhood of Eastport, Annapolis.

When you reach the point, you’ll see the Triton Light, which is both a symbolic and physical operational beacon, welcoming all those who travel out to sea back home safely. This beautiful spot is the perfect place to enjoy some of the most incredible scenery in Annapolis. You can spread a blanket here, cuddle up, and watch the boats go by. Open a book of poetry, get lost in an interesting story, or grab your sketchpad. Be inspired to share your story at this beacon. 

Continue your walk along the Severn until you reach the soaring Robert Crown Sailing Center. Make a left there, then a right on Santee Road and another left right before Ingram Field, and head back to the heart of the Yard, the Quadrangle. Across the way, you’ll see the silhouette of the historic Zimmerman Band Stand, where you can enjoy a 360 degree view of the most recognizable buildings on the Yard, including Bancroft Hall, the trio of Mahan, Maury and Sampson Hall Buildings, and the USNA Chapel. You’ll find yourself immersed in the grandeur and history of the academy while looking upon the heart of the Yard.

Warm Up with a Meal

After spending a chilly day on the Yard, grab a hot coffee made with locally roasted beans from 1845 Coffee, which is off the Quadrangle at 2 Truxton Road and open on the weekends until 3pm. Housed in the oldest extant building on the Yard (the old Gate 3 Gatehouse) and staffed by several “Johnnies," this cool coffee shop not only offers a range of delicious coffee beverages and smoothies, but has provisions like fresh salads, wraps, and house-baked pastries. For a cozy sit-down meal, you can also head to The Alley, right across the way on Truxton Road. This beautifully decorated restaurant attached to the Naval Academy Club (NAC) features local cuisine and a bar. They serve lite fare from 3-5pm on Thursdays and Fridays, and offer dinner for members from 5-9pm on those days. Fuel up and head to the Chapel, directly in front of you. Make a left on Maryland Ave and a right on Blake Road to get to the entrance. Wander inside and spend some time enjoying this sacred space. Make sure to head downstairs to see the hushed crypt of John Paul Jones, the father of the Navy.

Then, as the stars come out, wander back to where your day began and enjoy the beauty of the Yard as you stroll the tree-lined walkways in the winter dusk. There are so many romantic locations in Annapolis, and the Yard is full of them. Whether you are Naval Academy Valentines, have a special love for the area, or are visiting for the first time, plan a trip to the Yard and treat your Valentine to a day they’ll love!

m/map-of/United-States-Naval-Academy-Map