Headquarters of U.S. Navy

The U.S. Naval Academy is a Maryland attraction that brings people from all around. Built in 1939, Colonel Henry Huddleston Rogers donated his collection of historic ship models to get the museum started. Now the main hall of the museum contains a variety of artifacts and works of art. A one and a half year renovation was completed in 2009. The museum is open Monday through Saturday from 9 - 5:00 pm and Sunday from 11 - 5:00 pm.

While the initial exhibit included only the ship models, over the years the collection has expanded to include a variety of naval artifacts and memorabilia. The Back Gallery includes an exhibit known as "100 Years and Forward...'' There are also artifacts from the USS Constitution and the USS Monitor. Also at the museum are paintings, flags, uniforms, prints, firearms, swords medals, sculpture, manuscripts, rare books, ship instruments, photos, and personal memorabilia. Any member of the Navy or Navy enthusiast will love taking a trip back through the history of the developments and accomplishments of the United States Navy. The Beverley R. Robinson Collection includes 6,000 prints that show the naval history of Europe and the New World from 1514 to World War II.

The Macolm Storer Naval Medals Collection is on display and will interest the entire family. This display features 1210 commemorative coin-medals from 254 BC through 1936. While you are visiting, be sure to visit the United States Navy Trophy Flag Collection. This display features a combination of 600 United States flags and foreign flags that were captured by the United States.

After visiting the museum, spend some time in Maryland's capital city of Annapolis. Located right on the Chesapeake Bay, Annapolis offers a variety of shopping, dining, and entertainment options. There are several theatres including Annapolis Symphony Orchestra, the Ballet Theatre of Maryland, and the Bay Theatre Company. Tour the waterways on a boat, take a fun Segway tour of the town, or take a Historic Annapolis Foundation Tour by foot. There are a variety of museums and historical sites including the Maritime Museum, the Charles Carroll House, The Barracks, the Government House, the Maryland State Archives, and the Kunta Kinte-Alex Haley Memorial.

For those planning to spend a few days in Annapolis while they visit the U.S. Naval Academy will be pleased to find the city is home to several hotels and bed & breakfasts. Many of the B&B's are within walking distance of the areas most popular attractions. Annapolis area restaurants feature a variety of seafood and traditional fare. Choose from the Ram's Head Tavern, Harry Browne's, or Davis' Pub. Buddy's Crabs and Ribs and the Chart House are both right on the water and feature Maryland favorites like steamed crabs, rockfish, and a variety of oyster dishes. For those looking for nightlife, Annapolis offers a lot of young, hip establishments that are standouts in an area filled with charm. If you are planning a trip to the U.S. Naval Academy, turn it into a trip the whole family will love and plan to have a great time in Annapolis.