If you think a $5 Subway Sandwich is a good deal…wait until you see what you can get at KIPTOPEKESTATEPARKfor UNDER $5!! Day-use parking fees at Kiptopeke are $3 weekdays and $4 weekends. It’s a bargain for a full-day of activities.
Kiptopeke, located on Virginia’s Eastern Shore just 3 miles north of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel is a natural area in transition. As a major migratory flyway for songbirds and raptors, the park has been restoring over-used farmland to forest over the last seven years.
Pack a picnic basket, beach gear, fishing rods, camera, and plenty of water for day filled with outdoor fun.
8am
Arrive and park at the picnic area.
8:30am-10:00
In the cool morning air, hike the Raptor and Baywoods Trails stopping at the Bird Banding Station, Hawk Observatory, and Butterfly Garden. Be sure to take a side trip onone of the Boardwalks for a beautiful look at the Chesapeake Bay.
10:30am-12noon
Grab the car and park down at the beach area/fishing pier.Load upthe beach gear and cool offwith the bay breeze and a dip in the water. Build a sandcastle, go beachcombing, catch some rays, and read a good book.
12noon-2pm
Grab the picnic basket and fishing gear,stop by the campstore to pick up some bait, and head over to the fishing pier. (Fees apply.)Stake out a picnic table (bring a tablecloth) and enjoy your lunch as you watch sailboats and fishing board glide by. Try your hand at catching croaker, bluefish, blue crabs, and eels. Rent a kayak for a unique experience on the water.
2pm-4pm
Cool off in the heat of the day by hiking up the Bayview Boardwalk(across from the Camp Store)to the Baywoods Trail and onto the Mockingbird Trail. The deep tree cover and shade are home to squirrels, songbirds, hawks, and fox. Keep your eyes peeled and your camera ready.
4pm-7pm
Load up the car and head over the Stingray’s, an Eastern Shore seafood staple, located just a few miles north of Kiptopeke on U.S. 13. The food is fresh and the atmosphere is nautical. Try the fried oysters or crab cakes for a true Eastern Shore experience.
7pm-9pm
Head back to the park for a sunset stroll along the beach. Look for the “green flash” as the sun sets behind the concrete ships. Listen for the night sounds of owls, crickets, and raccoons as they start their day while yours is winding down.
Check for ranger-led guided hikes and fishing programsat www.reserveamerica.com to check availability.