Naval Academy Observatory, Annapolis

The Naval Academy Observatory is one of many "rarely-seen" views of the Annapolis area, located at Bowyer Road and Phythian Road, overlooking College Creek and the Severn River. Celestial navigation was an important aspect of the USNA curriculum, when it was founded in 1845, to train future naval officers. Construction of the first observatory was completed in 1854, and the Clarke refracting telescope first became operational here in 1857.

That original Clarke telescope was restored and the new observatory building was constructed as a gift to their alma mater from the Naval's Academy class of 1941 at their 50th reunion. The observatory offers great opportunities for contemplating the stars and other interesting phenomena beyond Earth.

Image Courtesy of Flickr and saturn ♄.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Annapolis. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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Create Your Own Self-Guided Walk to Visit This Sight

Sight Name: Naval Academy Observatory
Sight Location: Annapolis, USA (See walking tours in Annapolis)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Naval Academy Campus Walking Tour

Walking Tours in Annapolis, Maryland

Create Your Own Walk in Annapolis

Creating your own self-guided walk in Annapolis is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.

Annapolis Introduction Walking Tour

Nestled along the banks of the Severn River flowing into the Chesapeake Bay on the East Coast of the United States is the capital of the US state of Maryland, Annapolis. Dubbed “America’s Sailing Capital”, Annapolis thrives on its nautical roots and colonial history, boasting more 18th-century buildings still in use than any other city in the country.

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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.2 Km or 1.4 Miles

Annapolis Historical Houses Tour

One of the first planned cities in colonial America, first the capital of the Colony and then of the State of Maryland, Annapolis is rich in history, predating the Revolutionary War by decades. Although many structures from its early days are either gone, destroyed by neglect, or completely renovated, several magnificent 18th-century homes are still in place and retain their original beauty.

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Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.6 Km or 1 Miles

Naval Academy Campus Walking Tour

Established in 1845 under George Bancroft, the US Naval Academy in Annapolis is the city's most prominent complex. Situated right at the confluence of Severn River and Chesapeake Bay, this prestigious institution, where future naval officers receive their education and training, has on its campus some truly magnificent structures.

At the heart of it stands Bancroft Hall, the largest... view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.7 Km or 1.1 Miles

Best Pubs and Taverns in Annapolis

America’s Sailing Capital, Annapolis, has no shortage of exciting places where locals and visitors alike can enjoy great beer and seafood till late at night. For extra fun, on top of regular treats, the majority of local pubs, saloons, and bars host live music shows on a regular basis, as well as different contests.

Galway Bay Irish Pub, nestled in the heart of downtown, offers an authentic... view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.2 Km or 0.7 Miles