Chesapeake Bay Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, eat, stay, and things to do in Chesapeake Bay, plus essential travel tips and safety information.


Introduction to Chesapeake Bay

Chesapeake Bay is the largest estuary in the United States and spans across six states including Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Delaware, West Virginia, and New York. It offers visitors a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and thrilling recreational opportunities.

List of Places to Visit in Chesapeake Bay

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Chesapeake Bay boasts an impressive collection of museums and historical sites that give visitors an insight into the region’s rich history. The following are some must-visit attractions:

  • Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum: This museum is dedicated to telling the story of the Bay’s history and traditions through interactive exhibits and boat tours.
  • Historic St. Mary’s City: A living history museum that takes visitors back to the 1600s.
  • Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historical Park: A tribute to the life and legacy of Harriet Tubman, a famous abolitionist who helped many slaves escape to freedom via the Underground Railroad.
  • Virginia Living Museum: A wildlife sanctuary and museum featuring hundreds of animal species and interactive exhibits.

Natural Attractions of Chesapeake Bay: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Chesapeake Bay offers a breathtaking landscape that is home to a wide range of flora and fauna. Here are some places to explore the great outdoors:

  • Assateague Island National Seashore: A pristine beach area featuring pristine undeveloped coastline, marshes, dunes, wild ponies, and more.
  • Shenandoah Valley: A picturesque region with panoramic vistas, stunning waterfalls, and hiking trails that offer visitors a chance to experience the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
  • Patapsco Valley State Park: A nature lover’s paradise where visitors can hike, swim, mountain bike, and camp amid the serene atmosphere of the park.
  • Great Falls Park: Located along the Potomac River, the park offers stunning views of the river and the scenic Mather Gorge.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Chesapeake Bay

Chesapeake Bay is a renowned destination for outdoor enthusiasts who love to bike or hike. Here are some of the most scenic routes:

  • Capital Crescent Trail: This 11-mile trail runs along the length of the Potomac River and provides bikers with some spectacular views.
  • Chesapeake & Ohio Canal Trail: This 184.5 miles long trail offers hikers and bikers an excellent opportunity to explore the scenic beauty of Chesapeake Bay.
  • Appalachian Trail: A popular hiking trail for those looking for an adventure in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Best Things to Do in Chesapeake Bay: Activities and Tours

Chesapeake Bay offers visitors a plethora of activities and tours to explore its natural beauty and rich culture. Here are some must-do activities:

  • Kayaking or Canoeing: Visitors can paddle their way through the calm waters of Chesapeake Bay, exploring its coves and inlets.
  • Wine Tours: Take a guided tour of the numerous wineries in the region, with the opportunity to sample some of the unique blends of wine.
  • Sailing: Chesapeake Bay is known for its favorable winds and offers visitors the chance to indulge in sailing.
  • Crabbing: Try your hand at catching a Chesapeake Bay “blue crab” using a crab net or a crab pot.

Week-Long Itinerary for Chesapeake Bay

Day 1: Visit the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum and take a boat tour.

Day 2: Explore the Assateague Island National Seashore and see the wild ponies.

Day 3: Take a kayaking tour of the Bay’s coves and inlets.

Day 4: Visit the amazing Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historical Park.

Day 5: Spend time hiking in the Patapsco Valley State Park.

Day 6: Take a wine tour of the region’s wineries, followed by a seafood feast.

Day 7: Go sailing on Chesapeake Bay and enjoy watching the sunset.

Food and Drink Scene of Chesapeake Bay

Must-Try Dishes

Chesapeake Bay is famous for its seafood, and there are plenty of local dishes that you must try:

  • Blue Crabs: The Bay’s iconic dish and the quintessential Chesapeake Bay delicacy.
  • Oysters: Another classic dish, Chesapeake Bay oysters are some of the best in the country and can be served raw, roasted, or fried.
  • Crab Cakes: Enjoy a delicious crab cake made from authentic blue crabs.

Local Beverages

The region is home to some excellent wineries and breweries. Here are some popular beverages to try:

  • Balderdash Cellars: Visit this winery for its unique red and white wine blends.
  • Flying Dog Brewery: Known for its craft beer selection, enjoy a pint of one of their beers at the taproom.
  • Distillery Lane Ciderworks: Enjoy a glass of handcrafted hard cider made from locally sourced apples.

Where to Stay in Chesapeake Bay: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Chesapeake Bay offers a wide range of accommodation options for visitors. Here are some popular choices:

  • The Inn at Perry Cabin: A historic hotel located on the banks of Chesapeake Bay with luxurious amenities.
  • Chesapeake Bay Beach Club: Situated on Kent Island, the hotel offers stunning views of the Bay and modern amenities.
  • Tidewater Inn: Located in downtown Easton, this hotel is ideal for those looking for a cozy retreat.
  • Hostels and Guesthouses: For budget travelers, there are also some excellent hostels and guesthouses in the region.

What to Buy in Chesapeake Bay: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

There are plenty of great souvenirs and local products to take home from Chesapeake Bay. Here are some popular choices:

  • Crab Mallets: Take home a traditional crab mallet, perfect for cracking open a blue crab.
  • Oyster Knives: A must-have for any seafood lover, an oyster knife is essential to shuck oysters.
  • Chesapeake Bay Blue Crab Seasoning: Make your own Chesapeake Bay-style crab feast with this famous seasoning.

Local Culture and Customs of Chesapeake Bay

Chesapeake Bay is known for its laid-back and friendly culture. The locals are proud of their fishing heritage and love to share their regional cuisine with visitors. Respect for the environment and nature is also an important value in the Bay area.

Best Time to Visit Chesapeake Bay

The best time to visit Chesapeake Bay is from May through October when the weather is comfortable, and there are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy.

Do’s and Don’ts of Chesapeake Bay

Do:

  • Be respectful of the environment and pick up after yourself.
  • Try the local cuisine, especially the seafood.
  • Take a boat tour or a kayaking trip to explore the Bay’s unique ecosystem.

Don’t:

  • Litter or pollute the Bay.
  • Get too close to wild animals such as the wild ponies on Assateague Island.

Safety and Health

Safety in Chesapeake Bay

Chesapeake Bay can be a dangerous place for those who are unaware of its potential hazards. Always exercise caution when participating in any outdoor activities such as boating, swimming, or hiking.

Health in Chesapeake Bay

Chesapeake Bay is considered clean, and visitors should have few concerns about health hazards.

Getting to Chesapeake Bay: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Chesapeake Bay

  • Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport
  • Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport
  • Dulles International Airport

Bus Stations Near Chesapeake Bay

  • Greyhound Bus Lines
  • Megabus

Other Options

  • Amtrak: Runs train services from major cities such as Washington DC and Philadelphia.

How to Get Around in Chesapeake Bay

Renting a car is the best way to get around Chesapeake Bay.

Where to Go Next from Chesapeake Bay: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Annapolis: A charming city with a rich history and beautiful architecture, located less than an hour from Chesapeake Bay.
  • Virginia Beach: A bustling seaside resort town known for its beaches, nightlife, and entertainment.
  • Washington DC: The nation’s capital, with plenty of attractions and landmarks to explore.

Conclusion

Chesapeake Bay is a unique destination that offers visitors a diverse range of experiences, from outdoor adventures to cultural attractions and historical sites. Whether you’re a nature lover or a foodie, Chesapeake Bay has something to offer everyone. Plan your trip today and discover all that this beautiful region has to offer!

Thomas Point Lighthouse Thomas Point Lighthouse Sandy Point and the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Sandy Point and the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Chesapeake tidal wetlands Chesapeake tidal wetlands Out on the water Out on the water