Beautiful Walks in Annapolis: Touring the U.S. Naval Academy
- nancy9487
- Aug 31
- 6 min read
Explore the stunning Naval Academy campus with this enjoyable self-guided walking tour!
Annapolis is a charming city perfect for enjoying on foot. Known as one of the most walkable towns in the U.S., it offers cobblestone streets, a gorgeous historic district, delicious restaurants, and unique shops, all set against a picturesque waterfront.
Visiting U.S. Naval Academy
One of Annapolis' top attractions, a visit to the Naval Academy campus is a must for any tourist. As you stroll through "the yard," you will see remarkable detailed architecture designed in the late 1800s to early 1900s. Additionally, make sure to visit the many monuments placed throughout this beautifully landscaped campus.
If you like to explore at your own pace, as I always do, I hope you enjoy this 2.5 mile self-guided walking tour. This tour highlights the campus's top landmarks and most stunning waterfront views.
If you prefer guided tours, the Naval Academy offers several walking tours as well as a non-walking option with a 5-passenger electric vehicle. You can view all of the details on the Naval Academy Tourism website.
Naval Academy Self-Guided Walking Tour Highlights
Let me give you a preview of the amazing sites you will see when embarking on this walking route.
Visitor Access to Naval Academy
Pedestrians can enter the Naval Academy via Gate 1, located at the corner of King George Street and Randall Street in Annapolis. Upon entry, head to the Visitor Control Center, where you must present your ID and pass through a scanner. This process is simple, and you'll be exploring the stunning campus in no time. For details on visitor hours and access, visit the USNA site.
Before heading out for your walk around campus, you can explore the Armel-Leftwich Visitor Center for a look into the life of the midshipmen that attend this prestigious college.
Walk Along Spa Creek
Our tour begins with spectacular views of Spa Creek, where numerous sailboats and powerboats are anchored along the scenic Annapolis City Dock.
As you continue down Turner Joy Road and the sidewalk ends, you'll have to use the jogging lane outlined by the blue line on the road. Be careful, this lane is often used by the midshipmen for their daily runs.
The first landmarks you will come across on this route is the USS Maine Mast, the Naval Academy Paddle Bell and the Triton Light.
USS Maine Mast Memorial
The USS Maine Mast serves as a memorial to the soldiers who lost their lives in the 1898 explosion of the USS Maine in Havana Harbor.
Paddle Bell Memorial
The Paddle Bell honors U.S. submariners who were lost in the line of duty. Initially placed on the USS Paddle, a WWII submarine, this bell memorializes the 52 submarines and over 3,600 crew members lost during the war, along with the nuclear-powered submarines USS Thresher and USS Scorpion that sank during peacetime.
Triton Light Monument
The Triton Light is not only a significant monument honoring submariner's safe return, but also a current navigational beacon. The globe contains water from the 22 seas traversed by the USS Triton in 1960 when it circumnavagted the earth.
Santee Basin - Robert Crown Sailing Center
After passing the Triton Light, continue to follow the blue line towards the Robert Crown Sailing Center. At this building, you can cross the street and walk along the concrete path next to the sailboats. This is where the midshipmen learn their crucial sailing skills.
Cooper Road
As you turn left onto Cooper Road, you'll pass by the dining hall, as well as academic and administrative buildings. During my visit, maintenance work was being done on the exteriors of several of these buildings, so I couldn't take any photos of this area.
Next, you will turn right at Dahlgren Hall and walk through the parking lot towards "The Yard".
Submarine and Tamanend Monuments
As you enter "The Yard", a beautiful ceremonial area located in the center of campus, you will come upon the Submarine Monument. This memorial honors those lost at sea.
Continuing on the brick walkway, you will see Bancroft Hall, known as the world's largest single college dormitory. The Tamanend statue sits in front of this huge dormitory and is a replica of a wooden figurehead on the USS Deleware. Known as "the god of 2.0," midshipmen consider Tamanend a symbol of good luck and toss coins to the statue, hoping to achieve a 2.0 grade on their upcoming exams.
The Yard
Walking through the Yard is a pleasure! It is a beautifully landscaped garden area with charming red brick walkways.
Mexican War Midshipman Monument
Directly in the center of The Yard is the well-known Mexican War Midshipmen Monument. This monument recognizes the bravery of four men who died defending our country. These men, Henry A. Clemson, John R. Hynson, John W. Pillsbury and Thomas Branford Shubrick, all displayed immense courage in the line of duty.
Macedonian Monument and Mahan Hall
On the northwest side of the Yard, you will come across the Macedonian Monument. This monument symbolizes American naval victory. It was erected in 1924 to commemorate the capture of the British frigate HMS Macedonian by the USS United States during the War of 1812.
The stunning Mahan Hall sits directly in front of the Macedonian Monument. This Beaux-Arts style building was opened in 1907 and is glorious to view inside and out. This historical building is currently used for many purposes on campus, including classrooms, labs, offices, and a library.
College Creek and Fitch Bridge
As you make your way to the western side of campus, you will come to the Fitch Bridge. This pedestrain bridge crosses College Creek and leads to Hospital Point and the Naval Academy Cemetery. The cemetery is a hidden gem, offering a peaceful and serene spot well worth visiting. More information about the cemetery can be found in this post.
Don't miss this Globe Statue in front of Alumni Hall, called "Where the Severn Joins the Tide." From this spot, you can take in the breathtaking view of College Creek and Hospital Point in the distance.
As you head back through campus, you can check out the Naval Academy Museum and learn all about the academy's and navy's history through movies and interactive exhibits.
1845 Naval Academy Coffee House
The 1845 Naval Academy Coffee House is located in one of the oldest building on campus. Initially built as the Gate 3 Gatehouse in 1876, it was converted into a coffee shop in 2019. This historic spot now offers refreshments to both midshipmen and visitors. For more information about the history of this gatehouse, visit Navyonline.com.
Naval Academy Main Chapel
I've saved one of the best attractions for the end of our tour: the Naval Academy Main Chapel. This impressive site features a stunning iconic dome that can be seen throughout the streets of historic Annapolis. The Chapel's original section was built in 1908, and the Nave was added in 1939-1940. It is a non-denominational Christian chapel available to midshipmen, faculity and staff.
I was lucky to visit on the day the new class of midshipmen had their picture taken. You can see them lined up in front of the Chapel above. Don't forget to step inside to view the gorgeous interior of this church.
John Paul Jones Crypt
Without a doubt, the most unique site on the Naval Academy campus is the crypt of John Paul Jones, located in the lower level of the Main Chapel. Known as the "Father of the American Navy," John Paul Jones was famous for his daring actions and his iconic statement, "I have not yet begun to fight!" This location is a must-see during your campus tour.
Porter Road - Captain's Row
The last stretch of our tour takes us along the charming Porter Road. This street includes housing for Captains of the Naval Academy. Named Captain's Row, these beautiful homes, built in 1905, are impeccably maintained. In front of each house, a plaque displays the name of the Captain and family currently residing there.
Last, But Not Least - Bill the Goat
Our final highlight on this self-guided tour is Bill the Goat, the Naval Academy mascot. This bronze statue was presented to the Naval Academy in 1957. Since 1893, a live goat has been a feature at every Navy Football game. You can explore Bill the Goat's rich history on the Naval Academy website.
Naval Academy Walking Tour Map
Here is the map for this self-guided walking tour of the Naval Academy.
Plotaroute Navigation Link: Naval Academy Walking Tour
I hope you enjoy this amazing tour of the Naval Academy. It's truly a special outing and one of Annapolis's most beautiful walks.
Join me on my future urban hiking adventures!
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