If you’re looking for a fun weekend getaway with your dog, consider exploring the nearby Chesapeake Bay area! A short drive can take you and Fido to wander on the beach and trails, meet some local pups in a dog park bar, and learn about the ancestors of the legendary Chesapeake Bay Retriever. Learn about all the things you and Fido can enjoy in the Bay.
Charm City
Baltimore’s largest city includes a pedestrian walkway on Baltimore’s Waterfront Promenade, where a pedestrian walkway takes you and Fido alongside the Inner Harbor. The walk includes a stop at Bark Social, where Fido can meet some new friends off-leash at the dog park while the bipeds enjoy a beer from the tap. After a little fun and froth, you can visit the birthplace of The Star Spangled Banner, Fort McHenry for a little history and a great view.
Best Beaches in the Bay
The calm, picturesque beaches of the Chesapeake provide lots of opportunities for you and Fido to unwind. As you leave Baltimore, visit Downs Memorial Park Dog Beach where your pup can play in the water and on the beach. From there, head over to Virginia Beach to explore First Landing State Park Beach, the most visited state park in the Old Dominion. The site is named for the Jamestown colonists that landed in the area in 1607 and contain 20 miles of winding trails.
Amazing Annapolis
Maryland’s “Capital on the Water” provides a wealth of entertainment for you and Fido to enjoy together! SUP with your pup thanks to the crew at CapitalSUP and enjoy a paddleboard adventure with your best friend. You and Fido can paddle around Quiet Waters Park and stop at the two dog parks and the dog beach. Handy dog wash stations at the Bark ‘N’ Bean at the north end of the park will clean up sandy paws and allow you to grab a coffee. If you and Fido prefer a less active day together, take the Watermark Journey – Cruise on the Bay for a pet-friendly excursion offering great views of Thomas Point Shoal Lighthouse and a synopsis of Chesapeake Bay’s history.
Chesapeake Country Roadtrip
Perhaps you and Fido prefer to hit the road. Take the Chesapeake Country Scenic Byway on a journey of more than 400 miles traveling from Chesapeake City to Smith Island, where you can take a break from diving and ride the pet-friendly ferry managed by Smith Island Cruises. Historic towns like Galena and Centreville along the way provide stops where you can watch wetland wildlife and immerse yourself in the Chesapeake atmosphere.
Colonial Canines
Take a short drive inland to visit Colonial Williamsburg to explore over four centuries and 300 acres of history at the country’s largest living history museum. You and Fido can walk the streets of the town and learn from costumed actors about what it was like to live during colonial times. If your pup is on his best behavior, you can visit the Historic Area, ride the shuttle buses, and stop by the visitor center. You and Fido can also visit nearby Historic Jamestown, home to the first English settlement in the United States, where a living history guide can take you for a walking tour of the park.
Noteworthy Norfolk
Norfolk, Virginia, is home to seven miles of Chesapeake Bay waterfront and is an often overlooked cornucopia of fun for you and Fido. Stop by Bea Arthur Dog Park to blow off some steam. The beautifully maintained park includes a lush lawn and provides toys for a game of fetch. Enjoy a Sunday afternoon at the Sunday Dog Days at Norfolk Botanical Gardens, a weekly event at dog-friendly venue. If you and Fido prefer seeing plants “in situ”, visit the Grandview Nature Preserve and take the winding trail to a sandy beach.
Whether you are looking for a short getaway or a week of adventure, you and Fido can find something in the Chesapeake Bay area. Plan your next trip today!