Chesapeake Bay

A view of docks and boats in the waterside town of Cape Charles VA
Cape Charles on Virginia's lower Eastern Shore is a bayside gem with many opportunities for visitors to enjoy the water. NPS Photo

Overview

Over 41 million acres are connected through the waters that flow to and through Chesapeake Bay. The National Park Service strives to connect people to the opportunities and adventures throughout the watershed. Inspiring stewardship across this vast region supports recreation, business, tourism, learning, and a thriving natural resource for all to enjoy.

States: DC, DE, MD, NY, PA, VA, WV4102602470

Hours

  • Sunday: Closed
  • Monday: 9:00AM - 4:00PM
  • Tuesday: 9:00AM - 4:00PM
  • Wednesday: 9:00AM - 4:00PM
  • Thursday: 9:00AM - 4:00PM
  • Friday: 9:00AM - 4:00PM
  • Saturday: Closed

Fees & Passes

    Map

    Things To Do

    Category

    6 Results
      A rusty old metal ship with a large letter D sits half sunk in a waterway.

      Paddle to Sunken Ships at Dutch Gap Conservation Area

      Free

      Description

      Dutch Gap Conservation Area is a wooded area in Chesterfield County, Virginia that surrounds Henricus, the second successful English settlement in Virginia. Paddle the Lagoon Water Trail to view abandoned barges, relics of the river's industrial past.

      More info
      Pet FriendlyTime:2 Hours
      Blue kayak on calm, reflective waters

      Paddle the Susquehanna

      Free

      Description

      The Susquehanna River is the longest river in the Eastern United States and the 16th longest in the country at 444 miles long. The Susquehanna forms from two branches that meet in Sunbury, Pennsylvania. The North Branch comes from Cooperstown, New York and the West Branch that rises from the borough of Carrolltown, Pennsylvania.

      More info
      Pet Friendly
      Two children working on a booklet with a flowing river in the background

      Chesapeake Junior Ranger

      Free

      Description

      In the Chesapeake Junior Ranger, kids of all ages will learn about the rivers of the Chesapeake Bay watershed, different habitats of the Bay, how to be more environmentally friendly, and more

      More info
      Pet Friendly
      Small box on a forest floor surrounded by crunchy brown leaves

      Find Your Chesapeake Geotour

      Free

      Description

      Explore the Chesapeake Bay region as a modern day treasure hunter. All you need is a smartphone and a sense of adventure! Just download a geocaching app, and soon you’ll be following a trail of clues to a hidden treasure, called a cache.

      More info
      Pet Friendly
      Two people paddle a canoe with two other canoes in the background.

      Paddle the Anacostia Water Trail

      Free

      Description

      Discover the natural abundance of the Anacostia River as it threads through the heart of Washington, DC. Watch birds on Kingman Island or dock at the National Arboretum and roam the forest. The Anacostia River corridor has lots of options for outdoor fun and the Anacostia Water Trail can help you find them.

      More info
      Pet FriendlyTime:1-6 Hours
      Woman on a yellow kayak paddles among lotus blossoms

      Paddle the Sassafras River Water Trail

      Free

      Description

      The Sassafras River Water Trail is a 22 mile-long route located in the Upper region of the Chesapeake Bay. The river trail offers several options for paddle trips in beautiful landscapes that are rich in history.

      More info
      Pet Friendly

    More Images

    A view of docks and boats in the waterside town of Cape Charles VA
    A view of docks and boats in the waterside town of Cape Charles VA
    A family walks along the beach searching for fossils at Calvert Cliffs.
    A family walks along the beach searching for fossils at Calvert Cliffs.
    A series of waterfalls and rocky conditions show the fall line on the Potomac River
    A series of waterfalls and rocky conditions show the fall line on the Potomac River
    At sunset, a boater returns to the docks used by working watermen at Tangier Island.
    At sunset, a boater returns to the docks used by working watermen at Tangier Island.
    Four youngsters paddle kayaks on calm waters of the Susquehanna River
    Four youngsters paddle kayaks on calm waters of the Susquehanna River