Annapolis Maritime Museum

The Annapolis Maritime Museum is dedicated to preserving and commemorating the maritime heritage of Annapolis and the neighboring waters of the Chesapeake Bay and features rotating exhibits celebrating the area's unique maritime heritage.

• The Annapolis Maritime Museum & Park is a small building located on waterfront that educates visitors about maritime heritage and Chesapeake Bay ecology. The interior of the building features large exhibits and artwork, including a model shallop boat and oysters, that can be interacted with.

Battle Creek Cypress Swamp

This 100-acre nature sanctuary contains the northernmost bald cypress swamp in North America; along the Patuxent River. As you walk on the quarter-mile boardwalk trail, listen to nature's harmony of calling frogs and songbirds.

Belle Isle State Park

Belle Isle State Park is an 892-acre park in Lancaster County, Virginia that spans across seven miles of shoreline on the Rappahannock River. The expansive park allows for many recreational opportunities, including hiking, biking, horseback-riding, camping, wildlife watching and more.

• The expansive Belle Isle State Park is located along a waterfront view of the Rappahannock River. Marshlands and forests run throughout the park. Large picnic shelters dot the park as well as a 1,000-foot boardwalk and observation deck.

Caledon State Park

Hike through old growth forest along the Potomac River. 11617 Caledon Rd, King George, VA 22485 540-663-3861

Calvert Cliffs State Park

Calvert Cliffs State Park is a day-use park featuring a sandy beach, unique fossils, recycled tire playground, a freshwater and tidal marshland and 13 miles of hiking trails located in Calvert County.

Calvert Marine Museum

The Calvert Marine Museum is located at the confluence of the Patuxent River and the Chesapeake Bay in Calvert County, MD and details the maritime and ecological history of Southern Maryland through exhibits, educational programs, boat trips and a guided lighthouse tour of two lighthouses.

• The Calvert Marine Museum is a small building located by the Patuxent River. The building also hosts numerous aquariums with marine animals, including river otters. A tall lighthouse stands by the building.

Chesapeake Bay Environmental Center

The Chesapeake Bay Environmental Center (CBEC) is a 510-acre preserved located in Queen Anne’s County, MD that promotes stewardship and sustainability through environmental education and habitat restoration in the Chesapeake Bay region.

• The Chesapeake Bay Environmental Center is a large preserve centered on a peninsula. Bordered by water, the preserve is filled with wetlands and forests. A visitor center stands on a marsh and features a dock, seating and picnic area and large rooms with information and maps.

Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum

Experience the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum and discover historic boats, engaging exhibits, and all-ages programming that celebrate the Bay's history, environment, & culture. Watch skilled craftsmen in the working shipyard and enjoy scenic waterfront views. Located in St. Michael’s, this captivating destination invites you to explore the Chesapeake story through hands-on learning, world-class exhibitions, & on-the-water experiences. Your Chesapeake adventure begins here.

• The image depicts a picturesque view of the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum. In the foreground, there are three boats docked at a wooden pier, their reflections shimmering in the calm water. The boat closest to the left is predominantly white with a wooden deck. Behind the boats are a series of buildings, beginning with a wooden structure with a prominent red roof on the left. This building has large windows and a rustic appearance. To its right, another building with a darker red roof can be seen, partially obscured by the boats. Further right, a small, white lighthouse structure with a black roof stands out, featuring a round, elevated balcony and a flagpole. The sky above is clear and blue, suggesting a sunny day.

Chickahominy Riverfront Park

The Chickahominy River, a tributary of the James River, makes for a great day or weekend trip from Richmond. 1350 John Tyler Memorial Hwy, Williamsburg, VA 23185 757-258-5020

Chippokes State Park

Chippokes State Park is one of the oldest continually farmed plantations in the US and explores and shares the history of its enslaved population on the site through programs, exhibits and a memorial.

• Chippokes State Park is a very large park with many fields, grasslands and gardens spread throughout its 1,947 acres. The park runs along the James River and has many sandy beaches.

Columbia Crossing River Trails Center

Need a map of paddling and hiking trails along the Susquehanna River? The Columbia Crossing River Trails Center has you covered. 41 Walnut Street, Columbia,PA 17512 717-449-5607

Deltaville Maritime Museum

Explore Chesapeake Bay history at the Deltaville Maritime Museum through exhibits on wooden boatbuilding, oyster restoration, living shorelines, and hands-on boatbuilding experiences. Connect with the Bay’s maritime culture and environmental heritage along the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail.

• The image depicts an aerial view of a rural community center with a prominent building in the foreground. The building is rectangular with a light gray exterior and a bright red roof. Nearby, a small group of people gathers around a flagpole featuring multiple flags. A winding path lined with planted shrubs and trees leads from the building to an area with several tents or stalls set up under canopies. Beyond the main building, more structures with red roofs are visible, surrounded by lush, green landscaping and trees. A gravel parking lot on the right side of the image contains several vehicles, while additional cars are parked on grass to the left. Dense forest encircles the area in the background, under an overcast sky.

First Landing State Park

English colonists who crossed the Atlantic Ocean in 1607 arrived at the spot now commemorated as First Landing State Park. They would travel further upriver before choosing to build the settlement they called Jamestown. First Landing State Park is in Virginia Beach, VA and is the state’s most visited park. The 2,888-acre park offers camping, picnicking, swimming, boating and more along the Chesapeake Bay. 2500 Shore Dr, Virginia Beach, VA 23451 757-412-2300

• First Landing State Park is a large waterfront park in Virginia that runs along the Chesapeake Bay and offers picnicking, camping, hiking, swimming and more.

Fort Washington Park

Built to defend the river approach to Washington, DC, Fort Washington has stood as silent sentry for over 200 years. As technologies advanced so did Fort Washington, from the brick and stone of the 19th century to the concrete and steel of the 20th century. Joining the National Park Service in 1946, the park continues to protect the Potomac River.

• This 341-acre park was created to preserve its many historic structures. The park's namesake is the 19th century brick and stone fort which stands guard on the shore of the Potomac River. Throughout the park are gray concrete batteries built in the late 19th and early 20th century and other modern and historic buildings. Recreation opportunities include 8 reservable picnic areas, a playground, basketball court, fishing areas, and 3 miles of hiking trails.

Great Falls Overlook

• (170 words) From the Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center parking lot, follow the sidewalks to the visitor center, passing the concessions building on your right and the public restrooms building on your left. At the visitor center building, turn right, walk about 25 feet and cross the wooden pedestrian bridge over Lock 20. Turn left and walk 1/2 of a mile on the towpath to the Olmsted Island trailhead, on your right. Trail is a series of boardwalks and bridges, crossing river channels and the Olmsted Island. Trail is a quarter mile long, with railings on both sides the entire way, and then arrives at Great Falls Overlook. The Overlook is a wooden deck. The Great Falls can be seen from the railing, where the Potomac River falls 60 feet or more. Across the river is Great Falls Park in Virginia. Two benches are along the left side of the deck area. A plaque honoring Frederick Law Olmsted is located on a large rock outcropping in the center of the deck area.

Havre de Grace Visitor Center

Located at the mouth of the Susquehanna River, visit Havre de Grace for waterfront walks, a charming downtown, hundreds of years of history, and one of the world's finest duck decoy museums. 450 Pennington Ave, Havre de Grace, MD 21078 410-939-2100

Henricus Historical Park

History comes alive at Henricus Historical Park. 251 Henricus Park Rd, Chester, VA 23836 804-748-1613

Historic Sotterley

Historic Sotterley, a National Historic Landmark and UNESCO Site of Memory, preserves over 300 years of history, offering powerful stories of the past alongside scenic trails, gardens, and views of the Patuxent River.

• The image displays a large, historical-style house situated on a well-maintained lawn under a clear blue sky. The building features a long, single-story structure with white wooden siding and a red gabled roof. There are multiple chimneys rising from the roof and black shutters on the windows. A cupola with a weathervane tops the center of the roof. Columns support the front porch that spans the length of the house. Surrounding the building, mature trees and shrubs add greenery, and sunlight casts soft shadows on the grass.

Historic St. Mary's City

Historic St. Mary’s City sits along a tributary of the Potomac River in St. Mary’s County, MD and preserves the site of the first European colonization in Maryland through exhibits, walking trails, active archaeological digs, school programs and more. 18751 Hogaboom Ln, St Marys City, MD 20686 240-895-4990

• Historic St. Mary’s City is an outdoor museum along the waterfront of the Potomac River fitted with reconstructed historic buildings, exhibits and artifacts to explore the history of Maryland's first settlement.

Holly Point Nature Park

Experience gardens, trails, and waterfront recreation at Holly Point Nature Park. Enjoy kayak access, wildflower meadows, wildlife sculptures, and community events celebrating Chesapeake Bay traditions. Contact the Deltaville Maritime Museum or visit the website for event details and schedules.

• The image shows a lush and vibrant garden bathed in sunlight. In the foreground, there is a small sandbox resembling a boat with a red edge and wooden sides. Surrounding the sandbox are various lush green plants, including low shrubs and flowering bushes. On the left, a garden bench made of wood is partially visible, situated under the shade of a large, leafy tree. Behind the bench, decorative birdhouses are lined up on a ledge. In the background, towering trees form a dense, green canopy. A narrow path meanders through the garden, bordered by plants and small flowering bushes. A garden hose is coiled neatly on the ground near the path, and a small whimsical statue is visible among the foliage on the right.

James City County Marina

Visitors to Historic Jamestown can access the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail by renting a canoe or kayak at this local marina. 2054 Jamestown Rd, Williamsburg, VA 23185 757-565-3699

James River Association

As stewards of the James River, James River Association connects communities and youth with conservation projects and learning opportunities. 211 Rocketts Way # 200, Richmond, VA 23231 804-788-8811

Jefferson Patterson Park & Museum

Jefferson Patterson Park is in Calvert County, Maryland and expands for 560-acres along the shoreline of the Patuxent River. The site itself is an important archaeological site and showcases archaeological dig sites, hiking trails, interpretive exhibits and more.

• Jefferson Patterson Park sits along the shoreline of the Patuxent River. The site itself is home to many archaeological digs, trails, exhibits and more.

Ker Place

Visit the town of Onancock, a historic center of commerce on Virginia's Eastern shore. Collect a passport stamp at Ker House, a Federal-period Georgian-style house.

Kiptopeke State Park

3540 Kiptopeke Dr, Cape Charles, VA 23310 757-331-2267

Leesylvania State Park

Leesylvania State Park is on the shores of the Potomac River. 2001 Daniel K Ludwig Dr, Woodbridge, VA 22191 703-730-8205

Machicomoco State Park

Machicomoco State Park, located on the York River, is dedicated to telling the story of Virginia's Indigenous peoples. Its name, Machicomoco, means "a special meeting place" in the Virginia Algonquian language. At the park, miles of trails, a fishing pier, a paddle craft launch, and campground sites offer many ways to recreate at the park. Visit the interpretive area to learn more about Native American culture and history.

• A state park in coastal Virginia. The park has large agricultural fields in the center and is bounded on three sides by a wide river. A paved hiking trail follows the fields around the entire park, where it meets up with campgrounds, fishing piers, historic areas, and boat launches around the perimeter. In the historic area, a historic plantation house stands in addition to a model Indigenous longhouse constructed artistically from a metal structure.

Mason Neck State Park

Hike, paddle, or just take in the scenery at this park on the Occoquan River. High Point Rd, Lorton, VA 22079 703-339-2385

Mathews County Visitor & Information Center

The Mathews County Visitor and Information Center is located along Main Street in Mathews, Virginia and provides information for visitors looking to explore the area with maps, brochures, and event information. 239 Main St, Mathews, VA 23109 804-725-4229

• The Mathews County Visitor and Information Center is located along Main Street in Mathews, Virginia in a general store. The site provides information for visitors looking to explore the area.

Nanticoke River Discovery Center

Vienna, Maryland is home to the Nanticoke Discovery Center where visitors can learn about American Indian cultures, Captain John Smith's voyages, and more. 113 Old Ocean Gateway, Vienna, MD 21869 410-430-3273

Northern Neck National Heritage Area

Just a short drive from many Mid-Atlantic cities, the Northern Neck National Heritage Area offers a journey back in time. Whether for a day, weekend, or week, you’ll find endless opportunities to explore history, enjoy coastal charm, and experience natural beauty. From historic sites to scenic byways, there’s always something new to discover in this unique corner of Virginia.

Onancock Marina & Tangier Ferry

Onancock, Virginia is located along Virginia's Eastern Shore. The town's wharf & marina offers a jumping off point for boaters and paddlers looking for a scenic float after enjoying the historic downtown. You can also catch a ferry to Tangier Island from Onancock.

Piscataway Park

Piscataway Park is home to bald eagles, beavers, deer, foxes, ospreys, and many other species. To complement the surroundings, the park has, in addition to a public fishing pier and two boardwalks over fresh water tidal wetlands, a variety of nature trails, meadows, and woodland areas. The park is also home to National Colonial Farm.

• A wide creek surrounded by trees, grass, and other green folliage.

Point Lookout State Park

Point Lookout State Park, in St. Mary’s County, Maryland, sits on a peninsula bordered by the Chesapeake Bay and the Potomac River. The well-known park offers many recreational opportunities including swimming, fishing, boating, and camping. 11175 Point Lookout Rd, Scotland, MD 20687 301-872-5688

• Point Lookout State Park is a large park that sits on a peninsula surrounded by the Chesapeake Bay and Potomac River. The park includes a large lighthouse, museum and nature center which interpret the history and natural resources of the park and region.

Rappahannock River Valley National Wildlife Refuge

The Rappahannock River is known for its bald eagle population. 336 Wilna Rd, Warsaw, VA 22572 804-333-1470

Reedville Fishermen's Museum

Where the Destination is worth the Drive, the Reedville Fishermen’s Museum explores the history and importance of the fishing industry to the local and national economy. Its campus hosts a collection of artifacts and historical materials as well as a boat shop, model shop, pilot house and several land-based and water-going vessel exhibits that bring the heritage of the watermen and their industry to life. 504 Main St, Reedville, VA 22539 804-453-6529

• The Reedville Fishermen’s Museum is a small museum located along a creek that drains into the Chesapeake Bay. The museum explores and interprets the history and heritage of watermen in the region.

Sandy Point State Park

Sandy Point is, well...sandy! 1100 E College Pkwy, Annapolis, MD 21409 410-974-2149

Seaford Museum

Discover the Seaford Museum, a hidden gem in downtown Seaford, Delaware. Just steps from the Nanticoke River, this award-winning museum showcases the region’s rich history, from Harriet Tubman’s Underground Railroad connections to its maritime legacy. Explore interactive exhibits on shipbuilding and oyster shucking. After your visit, enjoy a scenic stroll along the River Walk, where Seaford’s waterfront industry stories come to life!

• The image depicts the entrance of the Seaford Museum, housed in a red brick building. The building features a set of stone steps leading up to a wooden door with an arched glass window above it. On either side of the entrance, there are large rectangular windows with white frames. Flanking the entrance are black railing and two lantern-style wall lights mounted on the brick walls. A manicured garden with green shrubs and vibrant orange lilies is situated in the foreground. To the right of the steps, a red sign with gold lettering reads “Seaford Museum.” Additionally, a blue mailbox is visible on the right side of the image. A large signboard is present near the steps, displaying images and text.

Smallwood State Park

Smallwood State Park, along a tributary of the Potomac River, offers a unique mix of historical significance and modern-day boating conveniences.

Southern Maryland National Heritage Area

Tangier Island

Tangier Island is an offshore watermen community in the Chesapeake Bay. With unique views reachable only by ferry and a surprising history, visiting Tangier is an experience unlike any other. Stories from the island include Native American connections, colonial settlements, a British fort, and salvation for enslaved peoples who found their freedom on the island's shores.

Tangier Island History Museum

Only accessible by ferry, Tangier Island is an offshore fishing community located in the Chesapeake Bay. The Tangier Island History Museum provides information about the unique history of the island, and also serves as a gift shop. Visit to discover fascinating stories and speak to locals about things to do during your visit.

The Thomas Stone House

The curved, five-part layout of the Thomas Stone House, along with its casual symmetry and mixed architectural styles truly make it a visual showcase.

• Three stone structures stand next to each other. A large stone house with white pillars in the middle, another smaller stone house to it's right-hand side, and a smaller white stone structure connected to the middle house. They are surrounded by a large green field.

Urbanna Marina

A great place to launch your boat on the Chesapeake National Historic Trail! 210 Oyster Road, Urbanna, VA 23175 804-758-5440

Westmoreland State Park

York River State Park

A natural preserve on the York River where the estuary shines. 9801 York River Park Rd, Williamsburg, VA 23188 757-566-3036

Historic Jamestowne - Trail Headquarters

• Historic Jamestowne - Trail Headquarters
• The trail shares a headquarters with Historic Jamestowne, an historic site and visitors center managed by Colonial National Historical Park. Visitors to this coastal Virginia island can explore the site where English colonists built their first successful settlement. Jamestown was the starting point of John Smith's voyages, which form the basis for the trail's route today. Take in the natural beauty of the James River, bike around the loop road, go on a guided tour, and more.

Zimmerman Center for Heritage

• Zimmerman Center for Heritage
• The Zimmerman Center for Heritage sits on the banks of the Susquehanna River and is part of the Susquehanna National Heritage Area. The Susquehanna River has long been a gateway to exploration and a corridor of culture and commerce. As rich in history as it is in breathtaking scenery, spectacular wildlife and soul restoring recreation, the river is a place for experiencing the stories of America.

• Paddle & Visit an Archeological Museum
• Once the site of the Indigenous town of Quomocac, Jefferson Patterson Park is an archeological site and home to the Maryland Archaeological Conservation Laboratory. A kayak launch provides visitors with access to the Patuxent River and St. Leonard's Creek.

• Skiffin’ Down to Nottingham on Mattaponi Creek
• If the tide is high, navigate a skiff through the twists and turns of Mattaponi Creek. Picnic at Nottingham, a colonial tobacco port active in the 1600s.

• Paddle Mattaponi Creek
• This 3.5 mile journey along Mattaponi Creek departs from Selby's Landing within Patuxent River Park.

• Paddle to Sunken Ships at Dutch Gap Conservation Area
• 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.

• Go Birding at Patuxent River Park
• A short drive from Washington DC and Baltimore, Patuxent River Park boasts more than 7,000 acres of parkland along the Patuxent River. It boasts some of the best birding in the state, along with trails, a boat launch, museums of rural life, and a replica American Indian village.

• Audio Tour of a Patuxent Town
• Discover thousands of years of archeology at Jefferson Patterson Park & Museum. Over 65 archeological sites tell the story of American Indian technology, innovation, and craft within the Chesapeake Bay landscape. Take an audio Tour the museum, laboratory, and woodland village, walk the park trails, and paddle the Patuxent river.

• Delaware's Indigenous Heritage on Your Beach Trip
• Visit the Nanticoke Indian Association's museum, located in Millsboro, Delaware. Learn about the Tribe's history, traditions, and craftsmanship firsthand. The museum features an exhibit on traditional clothing, a store with items made by tribal citizens, and more.

• Tour Tribal Museums Near Richmond
• The Pamunkey Indian Museum is the museum of the Pamunkey Indian Tribe and is located on the tribe's reservation in coastal Virginia. On display are objects that showcase the tribe's history, artistic traditions, and role in historical events.

• See Inside a Longhouse at Henricus Historical Park
• The town of Henricus was built by the English a few years after the establishment of Jamestown. The area was formerly occupied by the Arrohateck people, who were displaced by English arrival. At Henricus Historical Park, tour a recreated Arrohateck village and learn about the well-known indigenous people, such as Pocahontas, who came to Henricus.

• Swim in the Otsego Lake
• Swim in the clear waters of the Otsego Lake, the northernmost point of the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail. Public beaches are available within Glimmerglass State Park.

• Boating in Rock Creek Park
• Rent kayaks, canoes and stand up paddle boards from one of two boat houses along the Potomac River.

• Multi-Park Loop
• Park your car and stretch your legs! Visit four different National Parks in Washington, DC and begin logging miles on seven different National Historic or National Scenic trails!

• Paddle the Susquehanna
• 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.

• Bicycle to a marina from Reedville, Virginia
• Bicycle from Reedville, an historic village at the northeastern part of the Northern Neck of Virginia, to a marina for a fishing trip or charter tour on the Potomac and Chesapeake Bay.

• Explore by bicycle from Westmoreland State Park
• With Westmoreland State Park as a base, ride a loop connected with the Northern Neck Heritage Trail to explore Stratford Hall, the birthplace of George Washington, Colonial Beach, wineries, historic sites and the Potomac River shoreline. A map and more information is available from the Northern Neck Tourism Commission at www.northernneck.org.

• Find Your Chesapeake Geotour
• 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.

• Paddle the Anacostia Water Trail
• 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.

• Paddle the Sassafras River Water Trail
• 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.

• Paddle the Patuxent River Water Trail
• The Patuxent River Water Trail offers visitors the opportunity to paddle the river, camp along its banks and visit its numerous parks, historic sites, sanctuaries and wildlife areas. The 110 mile-long river is unique in that it is the longest river that flows entirely within the state of Maryland.

• Paddle the Potomac River
• Beginning at Jennings Randolph Lake to the mouth of the Potomac, you may choose to paddle the 355 miles to the Chesapeake Bay or take a single or multi-day trip; all will give you a different view of the ways that previous residents used the river and its banks for their livelihood, transportation and recreation.

• Paddle the Nanticoke Water Trail
• Launch your canoe, kayak, or boat from public piers along the length of the Nanticoke River and Fishing Bay. Local museums tell the story of the river's history, including its significance to American Indian communities like the Nanticoke and Nause-Waiwash.

• Tour Indigenous D.C.
• Our nation's capital is full of American Indian heritage - if you know where to look. Use your mobile device to take a self-guided tour of Washington DC that highlights monuments, museums, historic sites, and artworks relevant to the indigenous community. Learn about the original inhabitants of the land on which DC now stands and visit the world-class Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian.

• Paddle Leonardtown to Colton's Point
• Paddle approximately 12 miles from Leonardtown to Colton's Point via kayak or canoe, stopping at Newtowne Neck State Park. The trip is mostly on Breton Bay, but joins the Potomac and the mouth of St. Clement's Bay near Colton's Point.

• Bicycle between Point Lookout and Leonardtown, MD
• Bicycling on a section of the Southern Maryland PHT On-Road Bicycling Route between Point Lookout and Leondardtown, MD

• Explore the tidal Potomac from the Northern Neck by boat
• Through the watermen’s heritage tour program, visitors to Tidewater Virginia, including the Northern Neck, can experience the time-honored history and traditions of working watermen through a customized tour.