<p>Which of the Service Academies is the most beautiful looking? Be honest.</p>
<p>I haven't been to USNA, but between USAFA and USMA, I'd have to say that overall, USMA is "more beautiful" (though I could probably make the arguement the other way, too),. I still think that USAFA has the backdrop natural view, of the range right there, but the buildings at West Point are pretty awesome and it's right on the river there. </p>
<p>This is a completely subjective question though, because one persons thoughts about beauty can be completely different from another. I still like USAFA MUCH better than USMA, even while I think USMA is slightly more aestheticlaly pleasing...</p>
<p>Overall, I would say that Navy is the prettiest, although I have never been to West Point. USAFA is very aptly described as the "Aluminum Womb", with all its modern, square, aluminum buildings.</p>
<p>Navy has all the architecture with the marble and granite buildings, and all the archways, and its right by the ocean.</p>
<p>Air Force has the mountains as a backdrop, which I personally prefer to the ocean.</p>
<p>USNA will take your breath away. There could be no finer setting surrounded by water and the views are spectacular.
Once in the yard the buildings are beautiful architecturally and boast a lot of history.</p>
<p>The CGA, though small in size, offers an impressive campus and they are undergoing renovation to Chase Hall. New Alumni Building. Many of the cadets say that getting up in the early hours is worth it for the view of the Thames.</p>
<p>Here's what I remember about my visits to each of the Academies: West Point - river & green, AFA - mountains & blue sky, USNA - water, historical town & beautiful campus, USCGA - water, quaint campus, hilly & small NE town, USMMA - water, NYC nearby.</p>
<p>cadetmom: excellent quicky summary of all the academies! It all depends on what you like. WP has the history (but dare I say that it can be very gray & prison-like); AFA is modern (mountains, but sterile buildings); Annapolis is my overall favorite for beauty, history and charm. CG & KP have their own charms along the water, but are much smaller. Thus, of the Big 3, I would pick USNA for beauty.</p>
<p>The skyline of Manhattan from Kings Point is awe inspiring, especially when you think of of what is missing today that was there on September 10, 2001. It is a constant reminder to the Midshipman of what they are there to protect.</p>
<p>I'e been to USAFA and USMA and I liked USAFA better because you can always see the mountains. USMA has a nice river and forest and stuff but busy cadets don't often get to walk around and look at them (I spent the whole day shadowing and we stayed between like 3 stone buildings with asphalt in the middle). It's kind of hard to miss the mountains, they're always right there. </p>
<p>Really, though, you shouldn't pick based on how pretty it is (at least thats what everyone tells me when I start talking about the mountains).</p>
<p>If you like mountains and cold air...USAFA</p>
<p>If you like the ocean...USNA</p>
<p>If you like an Eastern landscape with rivers and low hills blanketed in snow or in green grass...USMA</p>
<p>Haven't been to the other two.</p>