Although there are many USA bays, none is more famous than the Chesapeake. Discover the many wonders of this expansive waterway, which helps define the Capital Region as one of America's most remarkable destinations.
For Marylanders, the Chesapeake Bay is a source of pride, beauty and inspiration. Gain the same sense of awe for this natural treasure as you explore the fishing villages, wildlife, marshlands and quiet waters that make up the Chesapeake USA bay region. Discover the area by sailboat or powerboat as you cruise along the bay and its tributaries, or stick to a landlubber’s perspective and enjoy a drive along the Chesapeake Country Scenic Byway. If you’re not sure where to start, try the Chesapeake Bay Gateways Network, which offers 130 different locations that allow visitors to experience first-hand the bay’s parks, wildlife refuges, maritime museums, historic sites and water trails. Be on the lookout for indigenous birds such as Great Blue Herons, sandpipers and ducks, or see if you can find the 30-plus lighthouses which stand guard throughout the watershed. From its romantic destinations like St. Michaels to its crabby culinary specialties, the Maryland Chesapeake Bay region truly offers something for everyone.
Spanning 180 miles, the Chesapeake Bay extends south through Virginia, highlighting the interconnectivity of the Capital Region’s ecosystem. The inlets lining the Virginia coast provide a wealth of recreational and educational opportunities. Go swimming, fishing or boating at any number of waterfront locations, including the beautiful Belle Isle State Park, whose acres of wetlands are home to innumerable species of wildlife. Fishing and sailing charters, learn-to-sail companies and kayaking outfitters are available to enhance your Chesapeake Bay travels. To learn more about those who depend on the bay for life and livelihood, stop by the Reedville Fishermen’s Museum, which examines the history of local boatmen. Or, take a cruise to the secluded Tangier Island, where natives still work the waters as in days of old, and even talk with an Elizabethan twang – a by-product leftover from the island’s earliest settlers.
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Chesapeake Bay beaches and islands remain some the Capital Region’s most beautiful destinations. Find everything you need to tour the historical cornerstone of the United States. Sign up now for travel information and exclusive offers!