See wild horses roaming along Assateague Island. Photo by Kimberly Robyn via Flickr

Best Places to Visit in the Chesapeake Bay Area with Kids

1. Assateague Island National Seashore

This barrier island off the coast of Maryland and Virginia is famous for the wild horses that roam the island and the beach. Outdoor activities abound, like kayaking, fishing, hiking, crabbing, and swimming. Bike through Assateague for a relaxing adventure your kids will love. There's also a Visitor Center to enjoy.

Where to stay: Most visitors to the area stay on neighboring Chincoteague Island, but if you're looking for a real outdoor adventure, try camping on Assateague.

2. Chincoteague Island

Another great place to see wild ponies is Chincoteague Island, located next to Assateauge Island on the Virginia side of the border. It's where many visitors to the area stay—and enjoy local seafood—before entering Assateague Island. Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge has lots of animals, 15 miles of hiking, and a great beach.

Where to stay: Marina Bay Hotel and Suites is a great waterfront hotel on Chincoteague. It's located steps from downtown and has an outdoor heated pool.

3. Virginia Beach, VA

Virginia Beach is one of the jewels of the Chesapeake Bay region. It boasts wide, sweeping beaches; a boardwalk full of entertainment; and plenty of family activities such as mini golf, an aquarium, and a water park. For a casual restaurant with a children's menu and ocean views, try Waterman's Surfside Grille.

Where to stay: Offering free breakfast, the Holiday Inn Express & Suites is a budget-friendly, oceanfront hotel option.

4. Norfolk, VA

This waterfront city in southeastern Virginia is home to the Virginia Zoo, one of our favorite zoos in the US. Families can also explore the maritime discovery center Nauticus (which includes a tour of the Battleship Wisconsin), meander through the Norfolk Botanical Garden, and enjoy plenty of outdoor activities like boating and biking.

Where to stay: The Norfolk Waterside Marriott is located on the pretty Elizabeth River waterfront in the heart of downtown Norfolk. Kids will love the indoor pool.

5. Cape Charles, VA

At this charming town, located on a peninsula off Virginia's eastern shore, families can choose from a variety of beach and water activities. Rent Jet Skis, go shell hunting, rent a golf cart, or take a carriage ride on Mason Avenue (also a great place to go shopping). Be sure to visit the LOVE sign at the corner of Bay and Mason Avenues. Bonus: The Cape Charles Beach is toddler-friendly!

Where to stay: The five-room, waterfront Northampton Hotel offers complimentary bikes and beach gear for guests to enjoy.

6. Annapolis, MD

Head to Maryland's capital city for history and fun on the water. Explore the Annapolis Maritime Museum & Park and tour the US Naval Academy. If you have little ones, don't miss the Chesapeake Children's Museum. Kayaking, canoeing, sailing, and boating are great family water activities. And check out Sandy Point State Park, one of our favorite family-friendly beaches near DC.

Where to stay: The Westin Annapolis is pet-friendly, located near many attractions, and features an indoor pool and an on-site restaurant.

7. St. Michaels, MD

St. Michaels is a quaint coastal town with a gorgeous harbor and plenty of history. Enjoy unique shops, boating and kayaking, biking, fresh seafood, and so much more. Kids will love the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, featuring 18 acres of waterfront displays and interactive exhibits.

Where to stay: The waterfront St. Michaels Harbor Inn, Marina, & Spa offers an outdoor pool, bikes for guests to use, free coffee and tea, and a 50-slip marina. 

8. Cambridge, MD

Combine learning and outdoor fun with a visit to this boatable and walkable town on the banks of the Choptank River. A visit to the Harriet Tubman Museum & Educational Center is a must, and the nearby Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge is a great place to hike and see wildlife.

Where to stay: The luxurious Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Golf Resort, Spa, and Marina boasts several pools, a kids club, a game room, and so much more.

9. Chesapeake Beach, MD

This small town offers activities to suit any mood. When you want to relax, you can lounge and hunt for shark teeth on Breezy Point Beach. Want to learn something new? Explore the Chesapeake Beach Railway Museum. And if you're looking for thrills, head to Chesapeake Beach Water Park or rent a Jet Ski, boat, or kayak. The Chesapeake Beach Railway Trail is also a great place to walk, bike, and see wildlife.

Where to stay: The Inn at Herrington Harbour in nearby Rose Haven has its own private beach and offers free beach toys, chairs, kayaks, and paddleboards.

10. Baltimore, MD

There is so much for families to see and do in Baltimore, much of it centered around the city's famed Inner Harbor. The Port Discovery Children's Museum and the B&O Railroad Museum are fantastic for kids, as is the Baltimore Aquarium. Cheer on the Orioles at the famous Oriole Park at Camden Yards. You can also tour historic ships, ride a dragon boat or water taxi, and so much more.

Where to stay: The Hyatt Regency Baltimore Inner Harbor has a sixth-floor outdoor pool with gorgeous harbor views.

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