What clients say about Armel-Leftwich Visitor Center in Naval Academy (MD)
All tours cancelled to the public as of 1pm 2.28.26. So we drove in from Baltimore City for naval academy walking tour about an hour ago and once we walked in maybe about 20 minutes ago which is close to 1:00 p.m. on February 28th the guys the military guys at the visitor center checkpoint informed us that they were given the order that all public tours are cancelled to anyone who did not have DOD clearance due to issue with Iran.
Great experience on the Naval Academy driving tour! Our guide Mike was super knowledgeable and made the whole thing really interesting. Definitely recommend it if you’re in Annapolis. Tip: park at the City Dock and walk in through the “Barry” Gate—easy and convenient.
Taking a tour of Annapolis is absolutely worth the money!
The history and beauty of the yard is so interesting!
The crypt under the chapel is absolutely fascinating and stunning.
Arrived with a UK issued driving licence AND a UK issued passport but was told I couldn't get in without either a US issued driving licence or passport. Seems if you're not a US citizen you're not welcome. When the guard looked at my UK issued driving licence she asked "do you have a real one"!!! Unbelievable!
We took the Naval Academy walking tour. The tour guide did a very good job explaining everything and also giving us a good history lesson. He also had pictures on hand that he would pass around from time to time to show how the place looked when everyone was using it (such as when the sailors try to get the cap off the obelisk).
I cannot recommend this experience highly enough. Our guide, John Shelton, was immensely knowledgeable, insightful, highly engaging and possessed of a great sense of humor. Our 1-1/2 hours of education and entertainment with John flew by. To the entire tour staff, and especially John, many, many thanks, very well done and, of course, Beat Army!
We did the walking tour it was good without the tour we would not have known the history. Our guide was very knowledgeable and she has been working here since 2011. She did explain in detail and patiently answered all our questions.. the place itself is Huge and has lot of History… The chapel was was very good. The gift shop had very good Merch and souvenirs.
The visitor center is good, but definitely take a tour. We did the walking tour and really enjoyed seeing things in person and listening to the history and stories.
What an amazing stop when you're in Annapolis. History, tradition, technology all 8n one quick walk through. There is also the "bookstore" for Naval Academy merchandise at the end.
If you are able, do the walking tour. Best $18 I ever spent. My son and I went. Stephanie was the best tour guide. We learned so much about the history of the academy. Then we toured the campus. It was amazing!!!! We lucked out with a beautiful day too. The water was glistening and our tour guide gave us a recommendation for lunch which was amazing too. So much to see in Annapolis. Highly recommend and what a great gift shop too!
I had walking tours of the USNA twice. The first time I took a combination tour of Annapolis and the USNA, offered by a private company. The second time was an official walking tour sponsored by the Academy. Both were excellent. The movie was good; it will give you an appreciation for the life of a midshipmen. If you want to go on the cheap, you can ask for a physical map at the Visitors Center and wander around on your own. The buildings that you can enter (and your should, it's totally cool) are shaded in dark blue on the map, and the brochure gives you a virtual tour. When you get to the chapel, find the entrance to the John Paul Jones crypt. From the entrance of the chapel, walk to the right of the chapel and find the stairs leading down, under the rotunda. It's hard to find on your own, but not to be missed. Now that I am familiar with the campus, I'm going in on my own and lingering at the places that the tour breezed over. The Naval Academy museum is worth a stop, but you won't see it on the tour. (They may point it out.) In the museum, see a moon rock. The second floor has some awesome ship models. All well done! (And if you liked this place, also check out the Marine Corp. museum at Quantico, VA.)
We were so excited to take this tour. Unfortunately due to the tour guide Kathie, it was not enjoyable but stressful. The tour guide rushed the whole group throughout. The tour was cut short due to the guide having to be back at the Visitors Center when our tour was supposed to end. Kathie would start talking before everyone would arrive at the point of interests. Very rude in my opinion as a former tour guide in Europe. The only reason I gave it two stars is because she was knowledgeable but a bit scattered. In one of the halls it was clearly stated no food or beverages alloud, yet she was carrying and drinking a Gatorade. My husband is Veteran and fairly active but even some of the young participants lost interest in the tour an were just talking among each other. So sorry to leave this review of such a beautiful place but this is not how tours on this campus should be lead.
Tour guide Bonnie did an excellent job. Very thorough tour of the grounds, buildings, and memorials. She even roped in a midshipman to accompany us and he answered questions as well.
You need a REAL I.D. for access. Easy parking on a weekday. Nice historical exhibit, bathrooms, and vending at the Visitor Center. Huge store with many collectibles. Gorgeous base and crypt of John Paul Jones is exceptional
Excellent tour in a tiny little car. Learned so much about the culture of the naval academy. Wonderful tour for both locals and visitors. Great place to take photos and hear all about the navy and the naval academy. Very interesting stories that went along with each stop on the tour. Had a chance to get out and actually see these up close. Highly recommend.
Had a delightful tour which is at a reasonable price. Impressive campus, and the atmosphere no doubt inspires a patriotic passion among Americans. Nice tribute to Nimitz. And John Paul Jones' crypt is very impressive. Really worth a visit.
The US Naval Academy is a great place to visit. A unique atmosphere. The tour guides are very knowledgeable. Getting tour tickets and purchasing items at the visitor center is a great way to support the midshipmen. Be prepared to walk a lot.
Beautiful visitor center! We loved seeing the history & interactive displays that inform about the different aspects of the Naval Academy. Beautiful area outside to sit by the water as well. Lots of great merch, souveniers and cool trinkets in the store as well.
The Naval Academy your is amazing and worth way more than the $14 for the walking tour. Tour took just under two hours, and was packed so full of info…the guide was amazing.
Ok, here is the deal: I am a 26 year Army veteran and loves it whenever Army beats Navy in football. I will also say, during my Army career, I have worked in many joint assignments and the Navy personnel were always amazing teammates and it was an honor to serve with them so when the wife and I took a quick 3 day trip to Maryland, we decide to visit the Naval Academy, attend church services and go on the 90 minute tour. We had an amazing time and even though we like to travel a lot, today was one of the best days in a long time. Church service was beyond great and our tour was awesome. We had the lovely Claire who truly loves Navy and shared so many insightful stories and history with us. Clair is classy, fun, and wonderful. We are thankful and blessed to share 90 minutes with her. We also talked to some of the midshipmen and took photos with them. And lastly, don't forget to walk out the gate and explore Annapolis as a midshipman would; you won't be disappointed. Here are some photos from our visit!
This is not an accessible tour and no accommodations were made for me including communication that I would not be able to go into the buildings. The person selling the tickets never said anything and the tour guide Jack was completely dismissive to me and my needs. Three different times leaving me sitting in my wheelchair at the bottom of the stairs without once communicating with me. We finally left halfway through since I couldn’t see anything and the tour guide didn’t conduct any of his talks at the bottom of the stairs. For future reference if anyone is in a wheelchair or has difficulty walking it should be noted that you cannot take this tour unless future accommodations are made.
Our group comprised of International Military Students and staff took a Naval Academy walking tour and we had a great experience! Our tour guide, Bob, was top notch and provided a wealth of knowledge and experience. Thank you Bob for a wonderful tour.. we will be back!
Easy parking on a weekday. Tour was at a good price. Our favorite part was seeing the swim and dive center with the tribute to great athletes for each sport. We saw Staubach’s Heisman trophy in there and some tributes to David Robinson. The wall with gold footballs for each time they beat Army was another hit. The Chapel and John Paul Jones crypt is so well done, it was a great honor to see this part of the Academy. Beautiful campus. Can’t wait to see a football game here one day.
This is the visitor's center at the US Naval Academy. Very nice, informative displays and a gift shop. You need ID to get on to the Naval Academy grounds and no weapons (pocket knives, etc. allowed). We really enjoyed our visit.
I had an awesome experience at the US Naval Academy Visitor Center, gift shop and grounds when I visited Annapolis recently. They have a very informative video about the most recent class and I am glad I watched it. I did not have time for a formal tour so I toured some of the grounds. I saw a wedding party come out of the chapel which was touching and memorable.
The gift shop is a must see and has some great items. The view of the United States Sailboat Show from the Naval Academy grounds is also a must see. Highly recommend this and thank you for your service to our country!
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