Plan Your Adventure at the U.S. Naval Academy

Who Can Visit

We are excited to welcome you to the U.S. Naval Academy! There are so many ways to enjoy your time here. But first, make sure you are familiar with the access requirements to get on the Yard. For the General Public, pedestrian access is regularly allowed for general public visitation, tours and USNA special events; however, vehicle access is not allowed.

Enforcement of the REAL ID Act of 2005 to access USNA and NSA Annapolis went into effect on 07 May 2025.

Acceptable IDs for visitors accessing USNA through the Pedestrian Gate 1 Visitor Control Center include:
REAL ID Compliant Driver’s License or State ID card (look for the five point star on the driver’s license).
U.S. Passport and U.S. Passport card. Foreign passports are not permitted for general access.
Enhanced Driver’s License (MI, MN, NY, VT, WA).
Note: This does NOT affect access by credentialed personnel (CAC, DBIDS, Dependents, Retirees).

All persons over the age of 18 must have a valid REAL ID, Enhanced Driver's License or U.S. Passport. Visitors under the age of 18 without a valid ID must be escorted by a responsible adult with a valid ID. Prior to entering the installation, Visitors may undergo an ID and bag check and be screened through a magnetometer.

Before your visit, please check the CNIC website for the most up-to-date requirements to access USNA and NSAA.

Real ID

(Effective May 2025) Please note that as a result of the REAL ID Act, some state/territory IDs are not sufficient for access to the Academy. Please check the Current Status of States/Territories to see if your state or territory's ID is compliant with the REAL ID Act. Drivers' licenses and state IDs from states that aren't compliant must be accompanied by an acceptable second form of ID (SSN Card, Certified Copy of a Birth Certificate, U.S. Citizen ID Card, etc.).

Before your visit, please check the following Department of Homeland Security (DHS) website for the current list of compliant and non-compliant states and territories.

Visitor Tips:

Payment

NABSD is cashless and only accepts credit or debit card throughout the Yard.

Dining

Picnicking is not allowed on the grounds of the Academy, but visitors may eat at 1845 Coffee and the Alley Restaurant.
The Naval Academy Club is open to the public for lunch, weekdays from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Service Animals
Only service animals are allowed in the Visitor Center, USNA buildings, on tours, and in ceremonial areas.
Please be mindful of the ceremonial areas, particularly in front of Bancroft Hall. They are clearly marked with signs. Do not jog, cycle or walk your pets

Check out and “Like” the Facebook pages for Naval Academy Tourism and Naval Academy Museum, and comment on Trip Advisor.

Prohibited Items

The following items are prohibited from being brought through the USNA gates:

ANY TYPE of Weapons, Knives, explosives (including fireworks), any type of firearm or air gun to
include blank guns or toys regardless of carrying permit and ammunition.
Bags larger than a typical purse (e.g., duffle bags, backpacks, large camera bags and coolers)
Mace / pepper spray (OC) or any other kind of propelled chemical agent for self defense
Any type of alcohol for consumption (beer, liquor etc)
Illegal / illicit Drugs of any kind to include marijuana. (Prescription meds from a medical doctor are authorized, being they are in a prescription bottle with the patient's name on the bottle)
Vehicles not vetted by the visitor control center
Anything else considered a plausible threat by a screener (police officer / MA).