Would you recommend this as a visit? How long should we allow?

Absolutely. Maybe 1/2 day + unless you're really into the Navy, Naval history, or have youngsters interested in a great, inexpensive, undergraduate education.
M (fmr LCDR MC USNR)

The Naval Academy was one of those delightful finds. I live in DC, so Annapolis is close. I am not really that interested in the military, but found the Academy tour absolutely fascinating and beautiful.

The town of Annapolis is also fun to tour and walk around in. The tour probably lasts two hours tops.

You could spend a full weekend visiting the Academy and roaming around the town.

mikemo - a "MC USNR"? No wonder I've had a hard time reading some of your posts -- you use too many abbreviations & acronyms. It's bleeding over from your former Navy days.

Yes, the USNA is a wonderful place to visit! Plan on at least 1/2 day for the guided tour and to also explore the NAVY museum on your own. Try to time it so you're there around lunchtime; you'll see the "Plebes" line up and march (sorry, i think there's a name for this but it escapes me) in formation into the dining hall. VERY cool and moving!!! Definitely spend time roaming the historic town too, as there are many nice shoppes and seafood restaurants on the waterfront. Annapolis is a treasure!!!

The Naval Academy is wonderful and beautiful. We used to go and spend the an afternoon or a morning just walking around. I say "used to" as since 9/11 you must park outside of the academy and walk in. The grounds are beautiful and the chapel is also beautiful. The town of Annapolis is charming and wonderful to spend at least 2 days there. Many walking tours, shops, restaurants. Have fun! I live here and never get tired of going down there!

Budman,
Very simple: Naval officers on active duty are USN or USNR: regular Navy or Reserve - much of the front line fighting in War II was done by Res officers. The Navy was/is very protective of her Reg Staff officers - most MC in the conflicts in RVN and following were/are USNR.
Line Officers (ship drivers, aviators, etc) have "Star" 1100/2100 designators, and any of those may assume command at sea or elsewhere in an emergency:
The various staff corps officers as in MC (physicians - gold oak leaf w/silver acorn), DC (dentists), NC (nurses), MSC (comissioned medical execs, pharmacists, etc.), SC (supply/logistics) are down the food chain and never get command ex in a nucl event, lol!
M

mikemo - you must have misunderstood my post.

I was joking that when you post, you use a lot of abbreviations and acronyms. I figured that it was a combination of you having been in the Navy and being a Medical Officer -- that explains it.