Chesapeake Bay
Washington D.C. · Delaware · Maryland · New York · Pennsylvania · Virginia · West Virginia
Over 41 million acres are connected through the waters that flow to and through Chesapeake Bay. The National Park Service strives to connect people to the opportunities and adventures throughout the watershed. Inspiring stewardship across this vast region supports recreation, business, tourism, learning, and a thriving natural resource for all to enjoy.
About Chesapeake Bay
Chesapeake Bay is a located in Washington D.C. and Delaware and Maryland and New York and Pennsylvania and Virginia and West Virginia. Annapolis, Maryland has a warm humid temperate climate with hot summers and no dry season. Over the course of a year, the temperature typically varies from 29°F to 86°F and is rarely below 19°F or above 91°F. The warm season lasts from May 30 to September 18 with an average daily high temperature above 77°F. The cold season lasts from November 29 to March 4 with an average daily high temperature below 50°F.
The Chesapeake Bay office is located off of Aris T. Allen Blvd in Annapolis, Maryland. Traveling east on Route 50, take the exit towards Riva road and 665, Aris T. Allen Blvd. Continue on 665 to Forest drive. Our office is on the left through the first light, across from the Safeway.
💰 Entrance Fees & Passes
Entry to Chesapeake Bay is completely free. There are no general entrance fees or vehicle passes required to access this park unit.
🥾 Things to Do
Chesapeake Bay offers visitors a diverse selection of outdoor experiences. You can participate in a wide array of activities, most notably Boating, Compass and GPS, Geocaching, Guided Tours, and 3 other recreational activities, depending on the season and weather conditions. Path options exist for both casual strollers and expert backcountry adventurers.
📦 Recommended Gear & Packing Checklist
Custom items selected for activities at Chesapeake Bay
🥾 Activity-Specific Gear
📋 Visitor Planning Tips for Chesapeake Bay
- →Beat the Crowds: Arrive at the main gates or trailheads of Chesapeake Bay before 8:00 AM. Parking spaces at popular locations fill up extremely fast, especially during warm peak season weekends.
- →Verify Conditions: Weather and trail accessibility inside Chesapeake Bay can change rapidly. Always verify the latest road conditions and local weather advisories before starting your trek.
- →Leave No Trace: Help protect the delicate ecosystems of Chesapeake Bay. Stay on marked trails, pack out all of your waste, and keep a respectful distance from wildlife.
Over 41 million acres are connected through the waters that flow to and through Chesapeake Bay. The National Park Service strives to connect people to the opportunities and adventures throughout the watershed. Inspiring stewardship across this vast region supports recreation, business, tourism, learning, and a thriving natural resource for all to enjoy.
Frequently Asked Questions about Chesapeake Bay
About the Author
James R. Mitchell
Founder & Lead Writer — National Park Data
James has visited all 63 designated US national parks and has been writing about outdoor travel for over 12 years. He spent 8 years as a wilderness guide in the Rocky Mountains before founding National Park Data to help visitors plan better, safer, and more enjoyable park trips.
More Parks Nearby
African American Civil War Memorial
Over 200,000 African-American soldiers and sailors served in the U.S. Army and Navy during the Civil War. Their service helped…
Anacostia
Welcome to Anacostia Park, your neighborhood national park in the heart of Washington, DC! Enjoy exercise along the river trail…
Belmont-Paul Women's Equality
Home to the National Woman's Party for more than 90 years, this was the epicenter of the struggle for women's…
Capitol Hill Parks
The Capitol Hill Parks include several park areas east of the U.S. Capitol. Included in this group are Folger, Lincoln,…
Captain John Smith Chesapeake
People first arrived in the Chesapeake Bay during the last ice age. As glaciers melted, diverse societies learned to thrive…
Carter G. Woodson Home
Before Dr. Carter G. Woodson, there was very little accurate written history about the lives and experiences of Americans of…