How to Tour Chesapeake Bay

Chesapeake Bay is the United States' largest estuary. The Bay is over 200 miles long and the watershed encompasses over 2500 square miles. Located between Virginia and Maryland, the region is known for its sports fishing, crabbing, beaches and quaint waterside towns.

Instructions

1. Visit Annapolis.The town of Annapolis, Maryland, located on the north end of Chesapeake Bay, is home to the United States Naval Academy. The town is also known for its many bed and breakfast inns, the Chesapeake Children's Museum and many seaside restaurants.

2. Shop the Outlets. The Prime Outlets at Queenstown, just outside of Annapolis near the north end of the Bay, is home to over 100 discount retailers, such as the Gap, Jones NY and Banana Republic. Towards the southern end of Chesapeake Bay, there are several outlet shopping centers in the Tidewater area of Virginia, including Prime Outlets at Williamsburg.

3. Take a sailing lesson. Sailing is an ideal way to experience the natural beauty of Chesapeake Bay. Sailing lessons are given by operators in most cities along the Bay, especially in Annapolis and Hampton, Virginia.

4. Go fishing. Fish are varied and abundant in Chesapeake Bay. Take a fishing charter or buy a one-day fishing license and set out on your own. Bait, tackle and licenses are available in virtually all seaside towns.

5. Cross over the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel. The 20-mile Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel scans the lower part of the Chesapeake Bay and connects Virginia's eastern shore with Hampton Roads, Virginia. The toll road consists of two tunnels and two trestle bridges.