Inside Gate 1: A Visit to the United States Naval Academy

From outside the brick walls of the United States Naval Academy, the average tourist probably wouldn’t realize that this sprawling complex offers some of the best history, tradition and architecture in Annapolis.

But for the 1.5 million people who visit the campus yearly, the Naval Academy is a memorable walk through the life of a midshipman.

Once inside, visitors can stroll down the academy’s long brick walkways, admire the various granite monuments or follow along with one of the many professionally guided tours.

The Yard, as the campus is more commonly known, sits on a 338-acre swath of Annapolis...