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Things to do in Chesapeake Bay

The National Park Service lists 18 things to do at Chesapeake Bay. 10 have no extra fee, 10 need no reservation, and 15 allow pets. Each listing links to the full NPS page. Data is from the NPS snapshot of Oct 28, 2026.

Updated · NPS Data API

All (18) Paddling (8)Boat Tour (2)Boating (2)Sailing (2)Kayaking (2)Biking (1)Self-Guided Tours - Walking (1)

Bay Venture Outfitters, North East, MD

Bay Venture Outfitters in North East, Maryland offers kayak and paddleboard access to the North East River and nearby wetlands.

60-240 Minutes Spring, Summer, Fall Reservation required Fee applies Pets allowed

Boating

Blue Ridge Hills & Hollows

The Blue Ridge Hills & Hollows Bikepacking Route is a 300-mile cycling experience that connects eight memorials honoring displaced Blue Ridge communities.

1-8 Hours Year-round Pets allowed

Biking

Catamaran Epiphany Sailing Charters

Catamaran Epiphany Sailing Charters offers small group sailing experiences from St. Michaels, Maryland. Guests explore the Miles River and Chesapeake Bay while learning about maritime history, estuarine ecology, wildlife, and the importance of conserving the…

2-7 Hours Spring, Summer, Fall Reservation required Fee applies Pets allowed

Sailing

Chronic Sailing

Step aboard a sailboat to explore the Chesapeake Bay. Chronic Sailing offers hands-on sailing experiences from Annapolis that showcase scenic coves, lighthouses, and maritime history.

3-8 Hours Spring, Summer, Fall Reservation required Fee applies Pets allowed

Boating

Historic 1935 Lady Patty Sailing Charter

St. Michaels Sailing Charters offers authentic sailing experiences aboard the Historic 1935 Lady Patty Sailing Charter, a restored 1935 wooden ketch departing from St. Michaels, Maryland.

2-7 Hours Spring, Summer, Fall Reservation required Fee applies Pets allowed

Sailing

James River Batteau Company

Step aboard a hand-built replica of a James River Batteau and explore the history of Virginia’s rivers. Guided cruises include stories of the boatmen who carried goods and culture along the James, complimentary charcuterie and live music, and immerse you in…

2 Hours Spring, Summer, Fall Reservation required Fee applies

Boat Tour

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.

1-2 Days Spring, Summer, Fall Pets allowed

Paddling

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.

1-6 Hours Pets allowed

Paddling

Paddle the Baltimore Blueway

Choose from 30 miles of trails in the Inner Harbor, Outer Harbor, Middle Branch, and Patapsco River. Imagine yourself gliding alongside historic ships, seeing the skyline from the water, and paddling around Fort McHenry. Take a selfie with Mr.

1-6 Hours Pets allowed

Paddling

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.

Pets allowed

Paddling

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…

Pets allowed

Paddling

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.

Pets allowed

Paddling

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.

Spring, Summer, Fall Pets allowed

Paddling

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.

2 Hours Year-round Pets allowed

Paddling

Rappahannock Adventures

Rappahannock Adventures offers guided paddling, fishing, birding, hiking, and biking experiences on Virginia's Middle Peninsula.

2-7 Hours Year-round Reservation required Fee applies Pets allowed

Kayaking

Riverside Adventure Company Outfitter

Riverside Adventure Company in Mount Carmel, Pennsylvania offers paddling and cycling experiences along the Susquehanna River.

60-180 Minutes Year-round Reservation required Fee applies

Kayaking

Before you go

Check current alerts and closures, entrance fees and operating hours for Chesapeake Bay. Programs and tours can change with the season or be cancelled on short notice — confirm on the NPS page before you plan around one.

Things to do at nearby parks

Sources

  • National Park Service Data API — things to do, snapshot of Oct 28, 2026. Descriptions are short excerpts; photos are NPS photos shown from nps.gov with their credit.
  • Chesapeake Bay — things to do on nps.gov