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.
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 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.
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.
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 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.
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 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 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.
Discover Columbia Crossing River Trails Center, where the Susquehanna River’s history, culture, and natural beauty come alive. Explore exhibits, learn about river commerce, conservation, and freedom seekers, launch boats and paddle craft from Columbia River Park, and enjoy scenic views from the Riverview Deck. Access nearby land and water trails and connect with the vibrant stories that have shaped this vital river corridor.
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
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 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.
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.
Paddle 53 miles along the Susquehanna River from Harrisburg to Maryland, experiencing scenic vistas, historic river towns, and unique wildlife habitats. Interpretive panels, trail maps, and access to the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail enrich the journey along one of the Chesapeake Bay’s vital tributaries.
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.
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
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
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, 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 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.
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
Discover a vital haven for birds, wildlife, and native plants at Rappahannock River Valley National Wildlife Refuge. At this Chesapeake Gateways Network Site, traverse the tidal marshes, woodlands, and grasslands that spans across five counties. Explore trails, watch wildlife, and connect with the region’s rich ecological and cultural heritage.
Discover Chesapeake maritime heritage at the Reedville Fishermen’s Museum. Explore hands-on exhibits, historic boats, and a real 1875 waterman’s home. Located on scenic Cockrell Creek, this Chesapeake Gateways Network Site highlights Bay’s menhaden industry and its lasting impact, bringing the maritime story to life for all ages.
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!
Discover the Susquehanna National Heritage Area, where Lancaster and York Counties meet along the river that helped shape our nation's story. Explore riverside visitor centers, scenic trails, and engaging exhibits that highlight the region’s natural beauty, diverse communities, and pivotal role in American history. Enjoy hands-on experiences, seasonal programs, and connections to the Chesapeake Bay watershed.
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.
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.
Explore the Zimmerman Center for Heritage where historic architecture, river art, native history, trails, and boat tours reveal the Susquehanna River’s lasting impact on American history.
