Things to do / Travel Guide
The coastal areas and barrier islands of four eastern states set the stage for all kinds of outdoors fun, wet or not, in the eastern North Carolina, Virginia, and Maryland region. That fourth state, of course, is Delaware. You have nothing to fear when the Chesapeake Bay, the James River, Albemarle Sound, the Great Dismal Swamp, and Pamlico Sound are on your side. From the wild horses of Assateague Island to the underwater maritime museums of Virginia Beach, the whitewater adventure of the James near Richmond to mountain biking the Great Dismal Swamp, the bluefin tuna of Ocean City, Maryland, to the trout-fishing inland - memorable times in the lap of nature are the name of the game.
Land-based Activities in Eastern North Carolina, Virginia, and Maryland
So what's with that Rolling Stones song, anyway? The wild horses that roam Assateague Island may really drag you away if you get too close. From a distance, though, they're beautiful, graceful animals. This island off the Delmarva Peninsula is one of the only places in the world that you can witness wild ponies. Other live attractions include the great blue heron and the snowy heron.
On the seat of a bicycle you never have to leave the shore, whether you're in North Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, or Delaware. If you like biking, you're in luck! It's one of the best ways to explore the Delmarva Peninsula, from Tangier Island to Chincoteague Island, or the Crossroads of Delmarva - Salisbury, Maryland. Here's a preview: flat farmland and historic farmhouses, wild ponies and other exotic wildlife, sailboats, marshy grasslands (from a paved road), and more.
How about mountain biking through swamp forests on the sandy double-track of the Washington Ditch Road? This topography can be found in the Great Dismal Swamp, where 200 species of birds reside, along with otters, mink, red foxes, and deer. The Swamp happens to also be perfect for hiking activities, and there are plenty of hiking trails based on old logging roads to be found. If you want more hiking opportunities, a good idea is to head to Cape Hatteras for maritime forest trails bordering freshwater marshes. The whole of Pea Island can be explored in a search for waterfowl and serene viewing.
Change your hiking pants for plaid, and unpack your clubs for a splendid time at one of the many top-rated golf courses in the eastern North Carolina, Virginia, and Maryland region. As far south as Sunset Beach, North Carolina - at the Ocean Ridge Plantation, to the supremely-designed island course of the Golden Horseshoe Golf Club in Virginia, to the massive 16,000-square-foot greens of Links at Lighthouse Sound, the region does not disappoint if your idea of vacation is a good game on a rolling green fairway
Water Activities in Eastern North Carolina, Virginia, and Maryland
One of the best ways to see the wildlife on Assateague Island, and in the rest of the area, is by kayak. There are barrier islands to follow all the way from Little Assawoman Bay, all the way around into the Chesapeake. There's nothing to stop you from continuing along the Chesapeake. There are over 200 miles of shoreline on the Virginia side of the bay, and more on the Maryland side.
You've surely heard about crabbing along Maryland's shores. But need we mention the myriad possibilities for fishing in this coastal region? The waters are prime territory for reeling in such sporting prizes as bluefin tuna, white marlin, wahoo, yellow fin tuna, and even mahi-mahi. Ocean City is acclaimed for fishing in Maryland, and Virginia's James River is excellent for catching catfish and largemouth bass, while the entire Pamlico Sound could be considered a hotspot for hooking a big fish.
Whoa now, so whitewater kayaking and rafting is your game? Then head over to the James River. The ride starts off easy enough, drifting slow or fast through Richmond's suburbs and downtown area. Out the other side of the city, though, you will be awed by awesome Class III-IV rapids, where the Appalachian terrain of western Virginia breaks for the impending Atlantic coastal plain.
The James reaches the ocean finally at Virginia Beach, where the freshwater is traded for saltwater - it's time to trade your kayak or raft for scuba gear and a bright diving flag. Searching for aquatic life? Octopi, soft corals, tropical fish, spade fish, and mussels all crowd around the Chesapeake Light Tower, a sure favorite around Virginia Beach.
The waters near Virginia Beach, along with Norfolk and Newport News, have served as some of the U.S.'s most ship-traversed waters since the Anglo Saxons ever crossed the Atlantic Ocean. It's no wonder, therefore, that you'll find such supreme wreck diving sites as those of the John Morgan and the Eureka.
Next door, North Carolina's Outer Banks get even better: the area has been dubbed “The Graveyard of the Atlantic,” and in its waters you can get a sight of WWII-era subs, freighters, and old-time schooners. Off the coast of Beaufort you can visit Blackbeard the pirate's Queen Anne's Revenge, sunk around 250 years ago in less than 30 feet of water.
The eastern North Carolina, Virginia, and Maryland region also boasts some unique additional activities. For example, with all the beaches on the Delmarva Peninsula, like Rehoboth Beach and Dewey Beach, beach hopping has become all the rage. The boardwalks, such as that at Rehoboth Beach (again) and Virginia Beach, are considered some of the best in the world. Finally, seashell searching has caught on in North Carolina, for such beauties as the Scotch Bonnet and the giant Queen Helmet.
The eastern North Carolina, Virginia, and Maryland region should be your pick for outdoors recreation if sandy shores and clear-water estuaries excite you. If you desire a place to explore among grassy islands and pristine wildlife, this coastal region should be high on your list.
Outdoor Recreation in Richmond, Virginia Beach, Williamsburg, North Carolina's Outer Banks
Outdoor-Sports-Recreation
Kitty Hawk Beach - North Carolina
Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge
North Carolina's Outer Banks
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