Chesapeake Bay NPS Photo
About this site

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

NPS · National Park Service

Chesapeake Bay

PASSLANDS ✦ VERIFIED PASS ACCEPTED CONFIRMED

Free — you won’t need your pass here.

Free entry — there is no entrance fee here, so you won’t need your pass to get in.

  • Fee type No fee — No fee is charged here.
  • HoursAll 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 Gat
  • Last verifiedJuly 6, 2026 · Confirmed
  • Official pagewww.nps.gov ↗
Where it is
38.9716, -76.4834
Get 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.

Common questions

Quick Yes / No / Depends answers for Chesapeake Bay — always confirm with the managing site before you go.

No Is there a fee at Chesapeake Bay?

No — it’s free to enter, so you won’t need your pass to get in.

Yes Can you kayak, paddle, or boat here?

Yes — there’s water for boating and paddling at Chesapeake Bay. Hand-launched craft usually need no permit; motorized boats may need registration or a launch fee.

Yes Can you watch wildlife or birds here?

Yes — Chesapeake Bay is a spot for wildlife and bird watching. Keep your distance and never feed animals.

Depends Can you bring a dog?

Usually only leashed and in developed areas, campgrounds, and paved paths — not on most trails or in buildings. Pet rules vary by park, so check first.

No Are drones allowed?

No — launching, landing, or operating drones is prohibited on National Park Service land.

Depends What are the 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 Gat

Nearby sites

Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail NPS Photo / Middleton Evans National Park Service

Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail

Confirmed

Free entry — there is no entrance fee here, so you won’t need your pass to get in.

Arts and CultureCraft DemonstrationsCultural Demonstrations
VA · No fee
Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge Jcantroot / Public domain · Wikimedia Commons U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge

Check

This U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service site may charge a fee your pass covers — confirm before you go.

BikingBoatingInterpretive Programs
MD · Fee unknown
Patuxent Research Refuge CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

Patuxent Research Refuge

Check

This U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service site may charge a fee your pass covers — confirm before you go.

BikingInterpretive ProgramsFishing
MD · Fee unknown
Baltimore-Washington Parkway NPS Photo National Park Service

Baltimore-Washington Parkway

Confirmed

Free entry — there is no entrance fee here, so you won’t need your pass to get in.

Auto and ATVScenic Driving
MD · No fee