Chesapeake Bay
National Park · District of Columbia, Delaware, Maryland, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia
NPS Photo
Estuary in the U.S. states of Maryland and Virginia
The Chesapeake Bay is the largest estuary in the United States. The bay is located in the Mid-Atlantic region and is primarily separated from the Atlantic Ocean by the Delmarva Peninsula, including parts of the Eastern Shore of Maryland, the Eastern Shore of Virginia, and the state of Delaware. The mouth of the bay at its southern point is located between Cape Henry and Cape Charles. With its northern portion in Maryland and the southern part in Virginia, the Chesapeake Bay is a very important feature for the ecology and economy of those two states, as well as others surrounding within its watershed. More than 150 major rivers and streams flow into the bay's 64,299-square-mile (166,534 km2) drainage basin, which covers parts of six states and all of Washington, D.C.
About Chesapeake Bay
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.
Park Photos
Activities
Operating Hours
NPS Chesapeake Bay Office Hours
All Park Hours above refers to the core hours the Chesapeake Bay Program Office is open. This program office manages the National Park Service's responsibilities under the Chesapeake Bay Initiative and the Chesapeake Gateways & Water Trails Network. The office core hours are from 9 am to 4 pm Monday through Friday. The office is closed on federal holidays. Quite frequently, the office is open for business at least one hour earlier and one hour later than core hours.
| mon | tue | wed | thu | fri | sat | sun |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9:00AM - 4:00PM | 9:00AM - 4:00PM | 9:00AM - 4:00PM | 9:00AM - 4:00PM | 9:00AM - 4:00PM | Closed | Closed |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to enter Chesapeake Bay?
Chesapeake Bay is free to enter.
What are the best activities at Chesapeake Bay?
Popular activities at Chesapeake Bay include: Boating, Compass and GPS, Geocaching, Guided Tours, Paddling, Junior Ranger Program, Wildlife Watching.
What is the weather like at Chesapeake Bay?
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.
How do I get to Chesapeake Bay?
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
Free Admission
Weather
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.
Directions
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.
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Official Resources
NPS Official WebsiteMore Parks in District of Columbia
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