Explore your Chesapeake - wade into its waters, delve into its human stories, fall in love with its natural beauty. We want to connect you with the Chesapeake Bay and its rivers through its exceptional parks, wildlife refuges, museums, sailing ships, historic communities, trails and more. Below you'll find links to a number of websites that will help you get out and explore the Chesapeake.
Use the tabs below to find great places to visit in the Chesapeake Bay region or search through over 500 public access sites in Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania and D.C. to find opportunities for boating, fishing, wildlife observation and beach use.
The Chesapeake Bay Gateways Network spans seven states and Washington, D.C., to connect you with the Bay's special places. From parks, refuges and water trails to historic museums and vessels, experience your Chesapeake at a Gateway near you.
Experience the Chesapeake Bay region the way John Smith did 400 years ago on the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail, which includes scenic paddling and hiking opportunities along the routes Smith explored in the 1600s.
Visit the websites of the various state tourism offices to learn about their exciting events, places and travel opportunities: Maryland | Virginia | Pennsylvania | Washington, D.C. | West Virginia | Delaware | New York
State parks offer many great opportunities for family and outdoor activities, from playgrounds and picnic areas to hiking, biking and overnight stays. Find a state park: Maryland | Virginia | Pennsylvania | West Virginia | Delaware | New York
From Blackwater to the Blue Ridge Mountains, the Chesapeake region offers some of the most breathtaking and richly historic national parks and wildlife refuges in the country. Plan your visit today: National Parks | National Wildlife Refuges
From colonial times until the advent of modern satellite technology, lighthouses rose to the challenge of guiding vessels through the Chesapeake Bay's channels and byways. Visit one of the Bay's guiding lights today.
The Chesapeake Bay Gateways Network has something for everyone - from special parks and museums to historic communities, land and water trails. Each month, the Network highlights some of its sites that offer you a unique look at life on the Chesapeake. These thematic lists can help you explore the Network and experience your Chesapeake.
Learning about Boat and Shipbuilding - To celebrate fathers and father figures, learn about boat and shipbuilding as you explore the Chesapeake Bay Gateways Network this Father's Day. These Gateways offer you the opportunity to take a walk through the historic boating and shipbuilding experience that is unique to the Chesapeake region. Board historic vessels, tour fisheries, visit port towns and learn first-hand what it means to be a waterman in the Chesapeake Bay.
Visit a historical fishery as you tour a landmark built in the 1860s. You can learn about boating and shipbuilding as well as Captain Salem Avery, the seaman who built the house.
In addition to learning about the rich history of Chesapeake boating and shipbuilding industry, you have the opportunity to watch and get involved in the shipbuilding process. See the historic Bay working boats, guns, ship models, the 1879 Hooper Straight Lighthouse, and explore various exhibits, including a new exhibit on recreational boating and the bay.
A traditional 18th century ship, the Schooner Sultana sails the Bay providing visitors hands-on education in the history and natural environment of the Chesapeake Bay and its watershed. With its rich American and British naval heritage, the Schooner is a floating classroom.
Enjoy a two-hour sailing experience on the Nathan of Dorchester, one of the last remaining skipjacks, and learn about the rich history of the Chesapeake and its boating industry.
Home to a collection of artifacts and historical material covering the history of menhaden fishing from its inception to the present, the museum exhibits include a history of watermen's' activities from early native American practices to those used today by oystermen, pound fishermen and crabbers. From the museum's deck there are views of Cockrell's Creek from which two modern fleets still set out to fish for menhaden from May through December.
MarylandBeautiful.com is the #1 online Maryland Tourism Guide to Maryland vacation attractions and events located in Maryland.
B&O Railroad Museum – Baltimore and Ellicott City, and Mount Clare, Maryland If you are a fan of the B&O, or any railroad for that matter, you will want to visit the B&O Railroad Museum. The museum is the oldest, most comprehensive American railroad collection in the world. In 1829 businessmen, surveyors, and engineers set... [Continue Reading]
B&O Railroad Museum – Baltimore and Ellicott City, and Mount Clare, Maryland is a post from: Maryland Tourism
Have you always been interested in codemakers and codebreakers? Here is a chance to get to know the story behind the closed doors of the world of Cryptology. The National Security Agency/Central Security Service (NSA/CSS) is home to America’s codemakers and codebreakers. The National Security Agency has provided timely information to U.S. decision makers and... [Continue Reading]
National Cryptologic Museum – Fort Meade, Maryland is a post from: Maryland Tourism
Baltimore Inner Harbor – Baltimore, Maryland Take a run down area of town which was a port area populated by dockworkers, sailors and other types that probably wouldn’t be the type you would want to hang out with and turn it into one of the areas most attractive tourist areas and you have the history... [Continue Reading]
Baltimore Inner Harbor – Baltimore, Maryland is a post from: Maryland Tourism
GoatMan Hollow helps raise money for the Riverdale Volunteer Fire Department. GoatMan Hollow has always set out to make the community better through entertaining the public. GoatMan Hollow is comprised of an all volunteer staff from surrounding communities through out Maryland, D.C. and Virginia. Started in Hyattsville Maryland, GoatMan Hollow has operated in Riverdale Park and is now located in College Park Maryland in the old 94th Aero Squadron Restaurant located at: 5240 Paintbranch Parkway, College Park Maryland 20740. GoatMan Hollow will be open Friday and Saturday Nights in October starting October 01, 2011. GoatMan Hollow's website can be found through a google search using keywords "GoatMan Hollow".
GoatManHollow Theatrical Haunted Attraction, College Park Maryland is a post from: Maryland Tourism
Spring Grove Hospital Center – Catonsville, MD The Spring Grove Hospital Center Alumni Museum is located on the campus of Spring Grove Hospital Center on the ground floor for easy access. The museum’s modest collection includes photographs, records and drawings from throughout the hospital’s history, as well as a small library of hospital-related documents,... [Continue Reading]
Spring Grove Hospital Center – Catonsville, MD is a post from: Maryland Tourism
Maryland, like many states have jokes and stories that have been popular and passed on for generations. Some are confusing and you have to did deep to find their historical meaning. The Maryland State Moto is: “Fatti Maschii, Parole Femine” The technical translation means “Manly Deeds, Womanly Words” … say what? I prefer more simple... [Continue Reading]
Maryland Jokes and Nicknames is a post from: Maryland Tourism
Hampton Mansion – Towson, Maryland The Hampton Mansion is a sedate Georgian mansion, elegantly furnished and settled amid gardens and shade trees. And this is true, but the history of the Mansion is what is of interest to those searching for the founding of the area and what it took to make it the estate... [Continue Reading]
Hampton Mansion – Towson, Maryland is a post from: Maryland Tourism
Hot Air Balloon Rides over Maryland's Eastern Shore. Get a Bird's Eye View!
Delmarva Balloon Rides – Eastern Shore, Maryland is a post from: Maryland Tourism
Mother Seton House – Baltimore, Maryland In 1808 Mrs. Elizabeth Seton and her three daughters came to Baltimore from New York City to establish a boarding school for girls. They set up in the three-story, Federal-style house which offered to her for the use by the Sulpician Fathers.. When they arrived at the house Mrs. Seton heard... [Continue Reading]
Mother Seton House – Baltimore, Maryland is a post from: Maryland Tourism
Walters Art Museum – Baltimore, Maryland This museum is only one of a few museums in the world to present a panorama of art from the thrid millennium BV to the early 20th century. There are thousands of treasures that will literally take your breath away with their beauty. You can see mummies, arms and... [Continue Reading]
Walters Art Museum – Baltimore, Maryland is a post from: Maryland Tourism
Virginia.org is the #1 online Virginia Tourism Guide to Maryland vacation attractions and events located in Virginia.
First thing first: What is glamping? Glamping is the desire to be in and experience “the outdoors” but not really roughing it with tents, campers and equipment. Indeed, an equipped cabin could be considered glamping, as it’s an upgrade from a tent, but more on tent glamping in a bit. For now, go ahead and [...]
June 1 – 9, 2013 is National Fishing and Boating Week and we have five fun ways you can enjoy the water this week in Virginia. 1. Free Fishing Days - June 7-9 are designated Free Fishing Days in Virginia, where you are welcome to fish without a license in any freshwater or saltwater environments [...]
We’re always on the hunt for the best of Virginia – everything from hikes and drives to wines and eats. The list that follows includes 17 great BBQ joints for those who travel with their taste buds. Note that these are not ranked, but numbered, and we invite you to leave a comment below to [...]
June 1 is National Trails Day and the official kick-off to Virginia’s Great Outdoors Month. Below, find plenty to do and LOVE the outdoors. National Trails Day Events Haysi – The town of Haysi in the county of Dickenson invites you to a 3K trail event along with their annual Mile Long Yard Sale & [...]
You’ve found, photographed and LOVEd our LOVEworks, but have you found and also fallen in love with our quirky roadside wonders? Make it your mission to discover Virginia’s old school vibe. The Wytheville Office Supply is found quite easily on Route 21, but in case you just don’t see the big yellow sign, there’s a [...]
Cheers to summer! If wine festivals strike your fancy, we have quite a list for you – one you’re sure to LOVE. Get your weekend started at ValleyFest – Shenandoah Valley Beer & Wine Festival at Massanutten. The fun kicks off at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 25. Sample the wines and microbrews of the Valley [...]
Warm Virginia evenings are perfect for a number of things, but patio dining is one of the best. Find a place that has just what you want to eat along with a good view, and you’ve got a pretty nice thing going. Check out these hot spots, then comment below with a few recommendations of [...]
If you love to fish, you’re going to love Virginia. From streams, creeks, rivers, ponds, lakes and bays to all-out saltwater delights, the fish are plentiful and biting. Virginia has more than 2,800 miles of trout water in addition to stocked ponds, lakes and reservoirs. If you’re not handy with a rod and fly, there [...]
If you’ve been looking for a tasty way to spend a Saturday, look no further. It’s strawberry season and that’s just the beginning of the deliciousness that awaits you in Virginia. Love to try various types of barbecue or do you already have a favorite? If you’re a taster at heart, be sure to add [...]
Every day is wine tourism day in Virginia, but May 11, 2013 is the inaugural Wine Tourism Day in North America. Let’s celebrate! Virginia is home to more than 200 wineries and the world has taken notice as publications repeatedly hail Virginia as a wine region to visit and enjoy. Of course, boasting award-winning vintages doesn’t hurt. [...]
