Explore Five Scenic Nature and History Getaways Across Washington and Maryland

The articles spotlight scenic destinations for travelers seeking wildlife, history, and outdoor recreation. Maryland’s Terrapin Nature Park on Kent Island offers Chesapeake Bay shoreline, wetlands, and habitat for resident and migrating wildlife. In Washington, San Juan Island combines whale-watching, historic sites, and parks, while Chuckanut Drive links coastal views with hiking and stops in Bellingham and Larrabee State Park. Stevenson provides a base for exploring the Columbia River Gorge through activities such as hiking, boating, and zip-lining, and Suquamish on the Kitsap Peninsula pairs Puget Sound views with Native American history and a casino.
Kent Island was occupied by the Matapeake people before Maryland’s first permanent European settlement was established there in 1631. Stevensville later became a steamboat center after its founding in 1850.
San Juan Island visitors are advised to reserve ferry travel in advance because ferries often fill up in summer and waits can last several hours. San Juan Transit also serves parts of the island seasonally, from mid-May through late September.
Chuckanut Drive is a 24-mile scenic byway, designated in 1993, that follows sandstone cliffs along the coast; its dramatic scenery has earned it comparisons to California’s Big Sur.
Stevenson’s Columbia Gorge Museum offers exhibits on local history and art, along with interactive workshops designed for children. The article says the Columbia River area was home to Native American tribes who relied on fishing, fur trapping, and trade.
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