USA Naval Observatory
Observatory · Observatory Circle ·

USA Naval Observatory

Observatory · Observatory Circle ·

Official time source, stargazing tours, oldest operational telescope

USA Naval Observatory by null
USA Naval Observatory by Photo by Chief Warrant Officer 4 Seth Rossman, US Navy (Creative Commons)
USA Naval Observatory by null
USA Naval Observatory by null
USA Naval Observatory by null
USA Naval Observatory by null
USA Naval Observatory by null
USA Naval Observatory by null
USA Naval Observatory by null
USA Naval Observatory by null
USA Naval Observatory by null
USA Naval Observatory by null
USA Naval Observatory by null
USA Naval Observatory by null
USA Naval Observatory by null
USA Naval Observatory by null
USA Naval Observatory by null
USA Naval Observatory by null
USA Naval Observatory by null
USA Naval Observatory by null
USA Naval Observatory by null

Information

3450 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, DC 20392 Get directions

Information

Static Map

3450 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, DC 20392 Get directions

+1 202 762 1467
usno.navy.mil
@navaloceanography
𝕏
@navyoceans

Features

wheelchair accessible parking lot
wheelchair accessible entrance

Last updated

Nov 22, 2025

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"Gaze up at the Stars Washington DC is home to the Naval Observatory, the official source of time for the US military and by extension, the country. Computers, cellphones and cable TV boxes all have their clocks set to the time kept here. The observatory offers tours that take place after sunset so you can peer into the large telescope and see the twinkilng stars hanging high up in the sky and you can ask all the questions you want of the astronomers who will be guiding you around. Hands down, this is one of the best FREE tours in town! It is also one of the most difficult tours to sign up for as they fill up weeks in advance. The tours are only offered on select Mondays from 8:30pm to 10pm and they may be cancelled at any time. Reserve as early as you can!"

D.C. Hidden Gems and Treasures
Photo by Chief Warrant Officer 4 Seth Rossman, US Navy (Creative Commons)
United States Naval Observatory

Jeremy U.

Google
The word salads here are DELICIOUS! I mean, who doesn't love a good word salad with such fresh ingredients. I mean, did you know that "Community Banks are in the Community"?..and "It is time for us to do what we have been doing and that time is everyday". It's truly exquisite!

Florence P.

Google
We can’t visit it !! No intérest

A. Seth M.

Google
When this was Vice President Cheney's residence, Google Maps had the entire area inside the circle blurred. It's nice to be able to see it, again. The comment about being able to look into the White House by telescope was intriguing, to say the least, and very revealing given the past residential history.

Unorthodox M

Google
Officer Dodd is completely unhinged and ignorant when it comes to addressing the people she works for… the public. Hopefully she gets the training she so desperately lacks.

Steven K.

Google
Came here often waiting on the VP to get on the chopper and watching the tourists on the grounds along with the deer. Now retired I saw it as a tourist ...love it. Lol brought back memories.

Lee M.

Google
Did not see any starts because of massive light polution, however was able to peer into the white house with the telescope which was interesting to say the least!

Jerry S.

Google
When I try to log on to their site it tells me it's an unsecure site and unsafe it seems like the Navy could do better than that

Chas K.

Google
Home of the world's oldest and continually operational telescope, plus some amazing books and special clocks.