Explore the South Atlantic Coast: Take a Trip to Chesapeake Bay Down to the Outer Banks

 

 

We know you’re all itching to get out on the road and explore the outdoors after various lockdowns, restrictions, and other limitations at the height of the pandemic.  So we’re bringing you a great guide for some wonderful stop-offs on the Southern Atlantic Coast!

The Southern Atlantic Coast Drive is about 1,800 miles long if you begin in Virginia Beach, VA and end in Key West, Fl, but we’re going to make two stops only on this round: Chesapeake Bay in Maryland, and then onwards to the Outer Banks in North Carolina. Hop on in your new Atlantic Hyundai, and head on off into the sunset for the road trip of your dreams. What are you waiting for?

Chesapeake Bay
325-350 Miles from Atlantic Hyundai

 

The Chesapeake Bay area is a 64,000 square mile watershed; it’s Mid-Atlantic estuary at the south end of Cape Henry and Cape Charles.  It reaches into 6 different states, and each of them have wonderful regional activities and sites to visit.  For today’s travels, however, we’re focusing on the Maryland region.  The Chesapeake Bay area is rife with gorgeous natural vistas such as marshes, wetlands, sprawling beaches, rivers and creeks, and of course the Atlantic Ocean.  You’ll find all manner of flora and fauna to observe, including Bald Eagles, Bobcats, songbirds, blue crab, lion's mane jellyfish, and more!  The area is home to plenty of museums, historic sites, opportunities for kayaking, swimming, and sailing, as well as beautiful art galleries and sculpture parks.  Our list here is by no means exhaustive, and if you’re combining it as a stop-off with an Outer Banks visit we know there will be a lot to see and do.  No matter how many times you visit the bay, you’ll always find something new to see and explore!

 

 

Give in to your sense of adventure and see all that the Chesapeake Bay has to offer!  From nature trails to boating to history museums, there’s plenty to do for families, kids, solo travelers, and more.

 

Great Places to Visit in Chesapeake Bay, MD

 

• Explore the Great Chesapeake Bay Loop

• Visit the City of Annapolis

• Cape Henry Lighthouse

• Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel

• Janes Island State Park

• Tangier Island

• Watermen’s Museum of Nautical History

• Gunpowder Falls State Park

• Chesapeake Beach Water Park

• Casemate Museum of Fort Monroe

• Patuxent River NAval Museum

• Flag Ponds Nature Park

• Annmarie Sculpture Garden & Arts Center

• Lemon Tree Gallery and Studio

• Jefferson Patterson Park and Museum

• Rip Raps Island

• Yorktown Arts Foundation

 

Get cozy in any of these great accommodations in the Chesapeake Bay area, many of which have beautiful coastal locations and views!

 

Where to Stay in Chesapeake Bay, MD

 

• Sunset Beach Hotel

• The Tides Inn

• Rod ‘N’ Reel Resort

• Pier450 The Quarters Motel

• Cape Charles/Chesapeake Bay KOA Resort

• Virginia River Cottages

• Lowes Wharf Marina Inn

• Brampton Bed and Breakfast

• The Inn at Herrington Harbour

 

 

We’ve selected a shortlist of top-notch eateries in the area. Many of them cater to specialty diets such as vegan, vegetarian, and gluten free, and most of them are kid/family friendly as well!

 

Where to Eat in Chesapeake Bay MD

 

• Chesapeake Landing in St Michaels, MD

• Hemingway’s Restaurant in Stevensville, MD

• Knoxie’s Table in Stevensville, MD

• Stevensville Crab Shack in Stevensville, MD

• Kentmorr Restaurant in Stevensville, MD

• Bridges Restaurant in Grasonville, MD

• The Narrows Restaurant in Grasonville, MD

• Barbara’s On the Bay in Betterton, MD

• Ledo Pizza in Chesapeake Beach, MD

• Hook & Vine Kitchen and Bar in North Beach, MD

• MaMa Lucia By the Bay in Chesapeake Beach, MD

• Twisted Bakesters in Chesapeake Beach, MD

 

 

Outer Banks

550-650 miles from Atlantic Hyundai

 

This stunning series of barrier islands is set just off the coast of North Carolina, and is often called “OBX” for short.  Just like the Chesapeake Bay area, this vibrant and bustling area is home to plenty of history, museums, nature, and adventure.  Whether you’re the outdoorsy type who prefers a day of fishing, boating, windsurfing, hiking, or swimming, or you’re the low-key traveler who prefers soaking up the sun, snacking around the city, and a slower paced vacation, you’ll find it here!   Hankering for a sense of adventure?  Why not make it a point to schedule a dive at one of the shipwreck sites along the coast.  Or take a step back in time to the mysterious and spooky Roanoke Island colony.  The area is also known for its varied wildlife including sea turtles, great blue herons, wild horses, alligators, and more.   Whether you’re riding this trip as a solo destination, or you’re pairing it with a Chesapeake Bay trip, you’re in for a real treat;  as you can see, there’s no shortage of activities to enjoy.

 

 

From B&Bs to kitschy classic motels to beautiful coastal hotels, there’s a style of lodging for everyone in your vacation plans.  Check out these local recommendations!

 

Where to Stay in Outer Banks, NC

 

• Avon Motel

• Hatteras Island Inn

• Haven on the Banks

• White Doe Inn

• Hatteras Sands Camping Resort

• Cahoons Cottages

• First Colony Inn

• PierView Oceanfront Cottages

• Surf Side Hotel Obx

 

Tickle your tastebuds with some of these great local restaurants. Many of them offer dietary options such as vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free choices.

Where to Eat in Outer Banks NC

 

• Gidgets Pizza & Pasta in Avon, NC

• It’s All Gravy Italian Eatery in Nags Head NC

• The Froggy Dog in Avon, NC

• Sheila’s Carolina Kitchen in Rodanthe, NC

• Bad Bean Baja Grill in Kitty Hawk, NC

• Owens’ Restaurant in Nags Head, NC

• Black Pelican Oceanfront Restaurant in Kitty Hawk, NC

• Buxton Munch Co in Buxton, NC

• Good Winds Restaurant in in Rodanthe, NC

 

Slather on the sunscreen, because we’re going to have some serious fun in the sun at OBX!  From nature trails to whale watching to fishing and swimming, we’ve got you covered with lots of family-friendly activities which are just as fun to do solo or with friends.

 

 

What to See and Do in Outerbanks NC

 

• Camp Hatteras Lighthouse

• Bodie Island Lighthouse

• Fort Raleigh National Historic Site

• Chicamacomico Life Saving station 

• Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge

• Avon Fishing Pier

• Pea Island Art Gallery

• Coquina Beach

• Elizabethan Gardens in OBX

• Kitty Hawk Kites

• Whalebone Welcome Center

• Pirates Island Golf and Arcade

• Paradise Fun Park

• Captain Johnny’s Dolphin Tours

• Wild Horse Adventure Tours

• Nags Head Dolphin Watch & Research Center

• Sanctuary Vineyards

• The Lost Colony: An American Mystery

• OBX Ghost Tours

 

We’d love to hear from you!

 

Let us know in a comment where you’d love to visit along the Southern Atlantic Coast, or some of your own recommendations of what to see and do in Chesapeake Bay and the OBX area.