Kayak Through Spooky Shipwrecks on This Day Trip an Easy Drive From DC

Take a kayaking tour through a massive shipwreck graveyard that doubles as a great birdwatching spot.

Nanjemoy, Maryland

Drive time from DC: 1 hour.

Kayaking is cool, but kayaking through the eerie remains of around 200 World War I-era shipwrecks? Now that’s just objectively cooler. The Ghost Fleet in Mallows Bay—the largest ship graveyard in the Western Hemisphere—is certainly among the creepiest kayaking spots in the region. Some of the rusted wreckage juts from the water, offering a landing place for osprey, bald eagles, and herons. The remains of other ships are just under the surface, their presence a spooky shadow to glide past. There are no paddle rentals at the bay, so you’ll either need to bring your own equipment or sign up for a tour with Atlantic Kayak. The outfitter runs tours in tandem kayaks for two hours ($65 a person) or three hours ($85 a person), providing some more information about the history and ecosystem.

A stretch of time paddling in the sun calls for casual fuel. On your way north, make a stop in La Plata, Maryland, where you’ll find comfort fare at Marie’s Diner. The lengthy menu features buttermilk short stacks, club sandwiches, a variety of burgers. They also serve dipped ice cream cones — ideal for cooling down and capping off a day outdoors.

Looking for more day trip ideas? Check out our Perfect Saturdays series.