Chesapeake Bay
Designation:
Location: District of Columbia, Delaware, Maryland, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia
📘 Park Overview
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.
🌤 Weather Information
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.
Images
Cape Charles on Virginia's lower Eastern Shore is a bayside gem with many opportunities for visitors to enjoy the water.
Credit: NPS Photo
Calvert Cliffs is a well known destination for fossil hunting.
Credit: NPS Photo / Middleton Evans
Great Falls marks the fall line of the Potomac River.
Credit: NPS Photo / Middleton Evans
At sunset, a boater returns to the docks used by working watermen at Tangier Island.
Credit: NPS Photo / Starke Jett
Four youngsters paddle kayaks on calm waters of the Susquehanna River in Pennsylvania.
Credit: Susquehanna Greenway Partnership
Cape Charles on Virginia's lower Eastern Shore is a bayside gem with many opportunities for visitors to enjoy the water.
Credit: NPS Photo
Calvert Cliffs is a well known destination for fossil hunting.
Credit: NPS Photo / Middleton Evans
Great Falls marks the fall line of the Potomac River.
Credit: NPS Photo / Middleton Evans
At sunset, a boater returns to the docks used by working watermen at Tangier Island.
Credit: NPS Photo / Starke Jett
Four youngsters paddle kayaks on calm waters of the Susquehanna River in Pennsylvania.
Credit: Susquehanna Greenway Partnership
Activities
Topics
Operating Hours
Entrance Fees
No entrance fees listed.
Entrance Passes
No entrance passes listed.
3-Day Weather Forecast
Friday, Dec 19
Moderate rain
High: 51.1°F | Low: 31°F
Humidity: 76%
Wind: 28.4 mph
Rain Chance: 84%
UV Index: 0.2
Sunrise: 07:20 AM
Sunset: 04:46 PM
Moon: New Moon (1%)
Visibility: 5 mi
Dew Point: 39.3°F
Cloud Cover: 84%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Saturday, Dec 20
Sunny
High: 40.3°F | Low: 27.9°F
Humidity: 63%
Wind: 17.4 mph
Rain Chance: 0%
UV Index: 0.4
Sunrise: 07:21 AM
Sunset: 04:47 PM
Moon: New Moon (0%)
Visibility: 6 mi
Dew Point: 26°F
Cloud Cover: 0%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Sunday, Dec 21
Partly Cloudy
High: 50.5°F | Low: 31.1°F
Humidity: 63%
Wind: 19.7 mph
Rain Chance: 0%
UV Index: 0.4
Sunrise: 07:21 AM
Sunset: 04:47 PM
Moon: Waxing Crescent (1%)
Visibility: 6 mi
Dew Point: 33.5°F
Cloud Cover: 0%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Weather Alerts (5)
Wind Advisory issued December 19 at 8:59AM EST until December 19 at 10:00PM EST by NWS Baltimore MD/Washington DC
Effective: Dec 19, 2025 8:59am
Expires: Dec 19, 2025 5:00pm
* WHAT...West winds 20 to 35 mph with gusts up to 55 mph expected.
* WHERE...DC, and portions of central, north-central, northeast, and
northern Maryland, and central, northern, northwest, and western
Virginia.
* WHEN...From noon today to 10 PM EST this evening.
* IMPACTS...Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Tree
limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result.
Wind Advisory issued December 19 at 12:46PM EST until December 20 at 1:00AM EST by NWS Mount Holly NJ
Effective: Dec 19, 2025 12:46pm
Expires: Dec 20, 2025 1:00am
* WHAT...West winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts of 40 to 50 mph.
* WHERE...Portions of central and northern Delaware, northeast
Maryland, central, northern, northwest, and southern New Jersey,
and east central and southeast Pennsylvania.
* WHEN...Until 1 AM EST Saturday.
* IMPACTS...Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Tree
limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...The strongest winds are expected to occur
during the second half of the afternoon into the early evening.
Wind Advisory issued December 19 at 8:59AM EST until December 19 at 10:00PM EST by NWS Baltimore MD/Washington DC
Effective: Dec 19, 2025 8:59am
Expires: Dec 19, 2025 5:00pm
* WHAT...West winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 50 mph expected.
* WHERE...In Maryland, Calvert, Charles, and St. Marys Counties. In
Virginia, Central and Southeast Prince William/Manassas/Manassas
Park County.
* WHEN...From noon today to 10 PM EST this evening.
* IMPACTS...Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Tree
limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result.
Wind Advisory issued December 19 at 2:54PM EST until December 19 at 10:00PM EST by NWS Wakefield VA
Effective: Dec 19, 2025 2:54pm
Expires: Dec 19, 2025 10:00pm
* WHAT...West winds 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 45 mph.
* WHERE...Dorchester, Inland Worcester, Maryland Beaches, Somerset,
and Wicomico Counties.
* WHEN...Until 10 PM EST this evening.
* IMPACTS...Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Tree
limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result.
Effective: Dec 19, 2025 3:06pm
Expires: Dec 19, 2025 3:16pm
Monitoring message only. Please disregard.
Park Events
Christmas in the Park
🎄 Holiday Parade & Tree Lighting Celebration 🎄
Kick off the holiday season with joy and community spirit! The festivities begin with a lively parade featuring the local high school marching band and a grand entrance by Santa Claus on his sleigh. Afterward, families are invited to visit with Santa at the Rodgers Tavern Museum, explore a charming Christmas Village, and enjoy seasonal refreshments at Roundhouse Park.
As the evening draws to a close, gather together as the sky darkens for the magical moment when the community Christmas tree is lit, officially welcoming the holiday season.
✨ A perfect holiday tradition for families, friends, and neighbors—don’t miss it!
Location: Rodgers Tavern Museum 259 Broad Street, Perryville, MD 21903
Date: Dec 13, 2025 12:00am to Dec 13, 2025 12:00am
Paid Event
USS Monitor Legacy Program: Rear Admiral David Dixon Porter
⚓USS Monitor Legacy Program: Rear Admiral David Dixon Porter
Dive into the extraordinary life of Rear Admiral David Dixon Porter, son of famed War of 1812 naval hero Commodore David Dixon Porter. Following in the wake of his distinguished father, the younger Porter began his seafaring career at just 10 years old. After a brief period serving alongside his father in the Mexican Navy, he officially joined the U.S. Navy in 1829, launching a remarkable career that would leave a lasting mark on naval history.
Join John Quarstein for an engaging lecture that brings Porter’s expansive naval service to life from his early adventures to his pivotal roles in American maritime history.
✨ Event Details:
-
📍 Location: The Mariners’ Museum and Park
100 Museum Dr, Newport News, VA 23606 -
📅 Date: Friday, December 19, 2025
-
🕛 Time: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM EST
Set sail into history and uncover the story behind one of the Navy’s most influential leaders!
Location: The Mariners' Museum and Park 100 Museum Dr, Newport News, VA 23606
Date: Dec 19, 2025 12:00am to Dec 19, 2025 12:00am
Paid Event
Richardson Maritime Museum Boatyard Bash - Where Heritage Drops Anchor!
⚓ Boatyard Bash at the Richardson Maritime Museum
📅Date: Saturday, October 10, 2026
🕛 Time: 12:00 – 6:00 PM
📍 Location: 103 Hayward Street, Cambridge, MD
“Where Heritage Drops Anchor”
Set sail for an unforgettable afternoon on Cambridge Creek at the RMM Boatyard Bash, a lively celebration of Chesapeake Bay maritime heritage! Bring your friends and family for a day packed with great food, music, boats, and community spirit.
🎉 Event Highlights:
-
🎶 Live Music All Afternoon – Relax by the water with upbeat, local sounds
-
🦪 Fresh Oysters on the Half Shell – A true taste of the Chesapeake
-
🍔 Food Truck Court + Beer – Grab a bite and enjoy creekside refreshments
-
🚤 Classic Boat Showcase – Explore antique and traditional vessels up close
-
🛍️ Local Artisans & Vendors – Shop handcrafted goods and maritime treasures
-
🔨 Nonprofit Partners – Meet organizations making waves in the community
-
🔨 Live Auction – Bid on unique experiences and one-of-a-kind items
🌊 Support a Great Cause
All proceeds benefit the Richardson Maritime Museum’s youth and community programs, helping preserve maritime history and hands-on boatbuilding skills for future generations.
Drop anchor with us and celebrate the Bay’s enduring traditions!
Location: Richardson Maritime Museum, 103 Hayward Street, Cambridge, MD 21613
Date: Oct 10, 2026 12:00am to Oct 10, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Visitor Center & Contacts
📍 Physical Address:
1750 Forest Drive
Suite 140
Annapolis, MD 21401
🏤 Mailing Address:
1750 Forest Drive
Suite 140
Annapolis, MD 21401
📞 Voice Phone: 4102602470
✉️ Email: chesapeake_info@nps.gov