Local Photography Destinations

Find photography destinations recommended by the NIHCC in Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Washington DC and West Virginia

Delaware

Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge
Primary Subject(s): Birds, Nature & Gardens, Sunrise & sunset

2591 Whitehall Neck Road, Smyrna, DE 19977
(302) 653-6872
https://www.fws.gov/refuge/bombay_hook/

See the Wildlife Calendar for the best times to see flora and fauna.


Horseshoe Crabs on Delaware Bay Primary Subject(s): Nature & Wildlife
Peak Time: May – June

https://www.beach-net.com/whats-here/horseshoe-crabs.php

https://www.delmnh.org/shorebirds/

Near the full and new moons of May and early June, predominantly at night, hundreds of thousands of horseshoe crabs will make their way on to sandy beaches to spawn. This spawn also serves as fuel for the migration of shorebirds from Tierra del Fuego at the southern tip of South America to the Northern Arctic circle where these birds will nest. There is also some spawning activity on Maryland inland sandy beaches both in the Chesapeake Bay and along the coast if you don’t want to travel so far.

If you intend to observe the horseshoe crab spawning on the Delaware Beaches make sure you stick around until day time to observe the shorebirds which feed on the horseshoe crab eggs.


Nemours Mansion and Gardens
Primary Subject(s): Historic Location, Gardens, Water features in Pool
Peak Time: Spring-Fall

www.nemoursmansion.org

Patterned after Versailles, Dupont family mansion.


Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge
Primary Subject(s): Nature, Birds & Wildlife

11978 Turkle Pond Rd. Milton, DE, 302-684-8419

https://www.fws.gov/refuge/prime_hook/


Maryland

Annapolis (downtown, Naval Academy)
Primary Subject(s): Historic, architecture, night and day shots

www.ci.annapolis.md.us


Assateague Island National Seashore
Primary Subject(s): Landscapes, waterscapes, wild ponies

www.nps.gov/asis


B&O Train Museum – Baltimore
Primary Subject(s): Museum, trains

www.borail.org


Baltimore Zoo
Primary Subject(s): Zoo

www.marylandzoo.org


Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge
Primary Subject(s): Nature, Birds, Wildlife & Flowers

2145 Key Wallace Drive, Cambridge, MD 21613

https://www.fws.gov/refuge/Blackwater/
Schedule of Wildlife


Brookside Gardens
Primary Subject(s): Nature, Flowers, Gardens & Butterflies

1400 Glenallan Ave., Wheaton, MD 20902
301-962-1480

www.montgomeryparks.org/brookside/

May – Sept: “Wings of Fancy” Live Butterfly Exhibit in a large greenhouse

Best to visit weekday mornings after school is out.
There is a fee of $6.

NOTE: “Wings of Fancy” will close at 12 noon during the following National Weather Service conditions: Heat Advisory, Excessive Heat Warning, Code Red or Purple Air Quality Alert.
The exhibit may also close at other times during severe thunderstorms or other emergencies. Please call or check the website before your visit.


C&O Canal National Historical Park
Primary Subject(s): History, Nature & Architecture
State: DC, MD, WV

Georgetown Visitor Center, 1057 Thomas Jefferson Street, NW Washington, DC 20007 (202-653-5190 Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center, 11710 MacArthur Blvd., Potomac, MD 20854 (301-767-3714
Brunswick Visitor Center is located at 40 West Potomac Street Brunswick, MD 21716 (301-834-7100) Williamsport Visitor Center, Cushwa Basin, 205 W. Potomac St., Williamsport, MD 21795 (301-582-0813) Hancock Visitor Center, Bowles House near lock 52, 439 East Main Street, Hancock, MD 21750, (301- 678-5463)
Cumberland Visitor Center, Western Maryland Railway Station, Room 304, 13 Canal St., Cumberland, MD 21502 (301-722-8226)

The park is open during daylight hours. Some visitor centers operate on a seasonal schedule. Contact each current hours of operation. There is access to a limited area of the Potomac’s Great Falls from the Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center


Chesapeake Bay Environmental Center
Primary Subject(s): Wildlife Preserve, on the bay

www.bayrestoration.org


Concord Point Lighthouse
Primary Subject(s): Building, Architecture, Sunrise

www.concordpointlighthouse.org


Covered Bridges
Primary Subject(s): History & Architecture
State: MD, VA, PA

Maryland: http://www.mdcoveredbridges.com

Virginia: http://www.virginiadot.org/info/faq-covbridge.asp

Pennsylvania: http://pacoveredbridges.com/


Cunningham Falls
Primary Subject(s): Nature, Waterfalls, Flowing Water

Cunningham Falls State Park, Inc.
14039 Catoctin Hollow Road, Thurmont MD 21788

https://dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands/pages/western/cunningham.aspx

Cunningham Falls – more water in the early spring. Also, of note: Historic Catoctin Iron Furnace, annual maple syrup program, numerous special events.


Cylburn
Primary Subject(s): Gardens, historic buildings

www.cylburn.org


Fort Frederick State Park
Primary Subject(s): History

11100 Fort Frederick Road, Big Pool MD 21711, 301-842-2155

https://dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands/Pages/western/fortfrederick.aspx

See calendar of special events


Fort McHenry National Monument
Primary Subject(s): History

2400 E Fort Ave, Baltimore, MD 21230

http://www.nps.gov/fomc/index.htm

See calendar of special events


Fort Washington State Park
Primary Subject(s): History
Peak Time: Apr – Oct

From I-95/495 take exit 3, Indian Head Higway South/MD 210.
Travel about 4 miles to Fort Washington Road, turn right. The park is located at the end of the road.

www.nps.gov/fowa/index.htm
See calendar of special events


Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens
Primary Subject(s): Lilies
Peak Time: Summer

www.nps.gov/keaq


Ledew Topiary Gardens
Primary Subject(s): Gardens – Topiary and flowers
Peak Time: Spring-Fall

www.ladewgardens.com


Lily Pons
Primary Subject(s): Flowers (aquatic)
Peak Time: June (mid) – July (mid)

6800 Lily Pons Road, Adamstown, MD 21710,
800-999-5459

www.lilypons.com/

Lily Pons is a private dealer of aquatic plants and water gardening supplies. They allow public access to their extensive landscaped ponds.


Maryland Renaissance Festival
Primary Subject(s): Street Photography

Time: Last weekend in August, runs 9 weeks State: MD

www.rennfest.com


McKee Besher Wildlife Management Area
Primary Subject(s): Nature, Wildlife, Birds & Flowers

Off River Road adjacent to C&O Canal National Park

https://dnr.maryland.gov/wildlife/Pages/publiclands/central/mckeebeshers.aspx

The two sunflower fields are major attractions in July.
https://dnr.maryland.gov/wildlife/Pages/publiclands/central/sunflowers.aspx

There are two fields. The first is located just off River Road at the first parking lot for Mc-Kee Beshers. Take a step ladder.
The second field is on Sycamore Landing Road, just south of River Road. You’ll need to park along the side of the road for the second field since there isn’t a convenient parking lot. Each field covers a few acres.


Montgomery County Agricultural Fair
Primary Subject(s): Fair, animals, rides, night shots
Peak Time: Mid August

www.mcagfair.com


Naval Academy
Primary Subject(s): Historic
Peak Time: All year

www.usna.edu

Park in downtown Annapolis and enter through Gate 1 with valid ID


Soleado Lavender Farm
Primary Subject(s): Flowers
Peak Time: June to July

23611 W Harris Rd, Dickerson, MD

www.soleadolavender.com


Union Mills Homestead Civil War Encampment & Living History
Primary Subject(s): History & Civil War
Peak Time: July

Union Mills Homestead
3311 Littlestown Pike, Westminster, MD. 21158
410-848-2288

https://unionmills.org


Pennsylvania

Bucks County
Primary Subject(s): Building, Architecture, Nature

www.visitbuckscounty.com


Colonial Plantation
Primary Subject(s): History, Civil War & Architecture
Peak Time: Apr – Dec

Ridley Creek State Park, Media, PA 19063
(610) 566-1725

http://www.colonialplantation.org/index.html

There are several civil war reenactments and other events of historical significance.


Covered Bridges
Primary Subject(s): History & Architecture
State: MD, VA, PA

Maryland: http://www.mdcoveredbridges.com

Virginia: http://www.virginiadot.org/info/faq-covbridge.asp

Pennsylvania: http://pacoveredbridges.com/


Eastern Pennsylvania State Penitentiary
Primary Subject(s): Abandoned Property

www.easternstate.org


Edgar J Kaufmann House (Fallingwater)
Primary Subject(s): Architecture
Peak Time: Apr – Nov

1478 Mill Run Road, Mill Run, PA 15464
724-329-8501

www.fallingwater.org

Frank Lloyd Wright’s architecture, surrounded by deep forests.


Gettysburg Battle Reenactment
Primary Subject(s): History, Civil War
Peak Time: July

Gettysburg National Military Park, 1195 Baltimore Pike, Suite 100, Gettysburg, PA 17325

www.nps.gov/gett/index.htm

Civil War Re-enactments www.gettysburgaddress.com/HTMLS/Reenact.html


Longwood Gardens
Primary Subject(s): Gardens and Conservatory

www.Longwoodgardens.org

Beautiful gardens, first founded by the Dupont family, lots of special events and different areas to explore! The mushroom soup is a must have.

Tripods allowed in Conservatory in the morning only, need permit. Book in advance for special events, especially during the Christmas lights display.


Virginia

Arlington National Cemetery
Primary Subject(s): Cemetery

www.arlingtoncemetery.mil


Blue Ridge Nature Center
Primary Subject(s): Nature, Wildlife & Flowers

11661 Harpers Ferry Rd., Purcellville, VA 20132
540-668-7640

http://www.blueridgecenter.org/

“Our 894 acres are home to deep woods, streams, a working farm, wildflower meadows, historic farmsteads, apiaries, and wildlife.”


Bull Run Regional Park
Primary Subject(s): Nature, Bluebells and Water

7700 Bull Run Drive Centreville, VA 20121
T: 703-631-0550

www.nvrpa.org/park/bull_run

Early April: Bluebells Bloom
Free for locals, there is a fee of $7 for non-residents


Chincoteague Island, Wallop Island
Primary Subject(s): Water, birds, wild ponies, sunrise & sunset, shuttle launches

www.chincoteaguechamber.com


Covered Bridges
Primary Subject(s): History & Architecture
State: MD, VA, PA

Maryland: http://www.mdcoveredbridges.com

Virginia: http://www.virginiadot.org/info/faq-covbridge.asp

Pennsylvania: http://pacoveredbridges.com/


George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate
Primary Subject(s): Museum

www.mountvernon.org


Great Falls National Park
Primary Subject(s): Nature, Waterfalls, Flowing Water

9200 Old Dominion Dr., McLean, VA 22102

www.nps.gov/grfa/

See C&O Canal for Maryland access.
$5.00 Vehicle Pass. Good for three consecutive days for one vehicle, including motorcycles, in Great Falls Park and C&O Canal National Historical Park in Maryland. $20.00 Annual Pass. Good for one year from the date of purchase in Great Falls Park and C&O Canal National Historical Park in Maryland.


Huntley Meadows
Primary Subject(s): Nature, Birds, Wildlife & Flowers

Huntley Meadows Park & Visitor Center
3701 Lockheed Blvd., Alexandria, 703-768-2525

www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/huntley/

1,425 acres Fairfax County’s Hybla Valley has 1⁄2 mile boardwalk wetland trail, wildlife observation platforms and a 2 mile interpretive trail system. Offers some of the best wildlife watching in the Washington metropolitan area with excellent views of beavers, frogs, dragonflies and herons. Huntley. Is well known as a prime birding spot, with over 200 species identified in the park. Visitors center closed Tuesdays, but the park is open. Hours vary; see web site.


Ida Lee Park
Primary Subject(s): Nature, Gardens & Architecture
Peak Time: June – August

60 Ida Lee Drive, NW, Leesburg, VA 20176

www.leesburgva.gov

Near the heart of old town Leesburg, great day of shooting and lunch!


Lake Anna Winery – Renaissance Festival
Primary Subject(s): Festivals
Peak Time: May or June

5621 Courthouse Road, Spotsylvania, VA 22553
540.895.5085

http://lawinery.com/

The winery has a Renaissance Festival on property, In addition, you have access to the lake (a bit more of a drive), but lots of opportunities for shooting in this area.


Long Branch Hot Air Balloon Festival
Primary Subject(s): Festival
Peak Time: October

830 Long Branch Lane, Millwood, VA 22646
877.868.1851

www.historiclongbranch.com/balloonfestival.htm


Manassas National Battlefield Park
Primary Subject(s): Battlefield, Nature, Boardwalk & Bluebells

6511 Sudley Road
Manassas, VA 20109

www.nps.gov/mana/index.htm

National Park: $3 per person, good for 3 days. National Park Pass accepted Bluebells bloom by the old bridge early April. www.nps.gov/mana/naturescience/bluebells.htm


Marby Mill
Primary Subject(s): Landscapes, watermill

www.blueridgeparkway.org

About 25 miles south of Roanoke


Meadowlark Botanical Gardens
Primary Subject(s): Gardens & Flowers

9750 Meadowlark Gardens Court Vienna, VA 22182
703-255-3631

www.nvrpa.org/park/meadowlark_botanical_gardens/

95 acre complex of large ornamental display gardens and unique native plant collections. Walking trails, lakes, more than twenty varieties of cherry trees, irises, peonies, an extensive shade garden, native wildflowers, gazebos, birds, butterflies, seasonal blooms and foliage.


Oatlands Plantation
Primary Subject(s): Gardens, Flowers & Architecture
Peak Time: April – December

20850 Oatlands Plantation Lane, Leesburg, VA 20175
703.777.3174

http://www.oatlands.org/

Oatlands is beautiful throughout the year. The facility is closed January through March.


Occoquan National Wildlife Refuge
Primary Subject(s): Nature & Birds
Peak Time: Mid April through Mid July State: VA

Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge, 13950 Dawson Beach Rd., Woodbridge, VA

www.fws.gov/occoquanbay/index.html

Excellent place to photograph Osprey


Riverbend Park
Primary Subject(s): Nature, Birds, Wildlife & Flowers

8700 Potomac Hills St., Great Falls, VA
703-759-9018

www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/riverbend/


Shenandoah National Park
Primary Subject(s): Nature, Birds & Flowers

http://www.nps.gov/shen/index.htm


Washington D.C.

Basillica – National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception
Primary Subject(s): Church, Cathedral

www.nationalshrine.com


C&O Canal National Historical Park
Primary Subject(s): History, Nature & Architecture

State: DC, MD, WV

Georgetown Visitor Center, 1057 Thomas Jefferson Street, NW Washington, DC 20007 (202-653-5190 Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center, 11710 MacArthur Blvd., Potomac, MD 20854 (301-767-3714
Brunswick Visitor Center is located at 40 West Potomac Street Brunswick, MD 21716 (301-834-7100) Williamsport Visitor Center, Cushwa Basin, 205 W. Potomac St., Williamsport, MD 21795 (301-582-0813) Hancock Visitor Center, Bowles House near lock 52, 439 East Main Street, Hancock, MD 21750, (301- 678-5463)
Cumberland Visitor Center, Western Maryland Railway Station, Room 304, 13 Canal St., Cumberland, MD 21502 (301-722-8226)

The park is open during daylight hours. Some visitor centers operate on a seasonal schedule. Contact each current hours of operation. There is access to a limited area of the Potomac’s Great Falls from the Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center


Cherry Blossoms
Primary Subject(s): Flowers
Peak Time: March – April

The Tidal Basin, Washington, DC

www.nationalcherryblossomfestival.org/

Schedule varies year to year; be sure to check newspapers or web site.


Dunbarton Oaks
Primary Subject(s): Flowers & Gardens

1703 32nd Street, NW, DC 20007 (located in Georgetown)
202-339-6400

www.doaks.org/

Flowers bloom through the year, (see blooming times). Gardens are closed during inclement weather, federal holidays and on Christmas Eve. Admission is $8 for adults, $5 for children and seniors.
Commercial photography is not allowed. No tripods or monopods.


National Arboretum
Primary Subject(s): Nature, Gardens & Flowers

www.usna.usda.gov/

There are two entrances: 3501 New York Avenue, NE, DC 20002 24th & R Streets, NE, off of Bladensburg Road. (best)


National Cathedral
Primary Subject(s): Church, Cathedral

www.cathedral.org


National Mall
Primary Subject(s): History, Gardens, Flowers, Statues & Architecture

www.nps.gov/nacc/index.htm

Lots of photogenic monuments, memorials, museums and small secluded gardens. Don’t forget about the Vernal Equinox (March) when there is alignment of full moon with monuments. Can also be viewed from Arlington, VA


Rock Creek Cemetery
Primary Subject(s): Cemetery, Stained Glass & Sculpture

St. Paul’s Rock Creek Episcopal Parish
Rock Creek Church Road & Webster St., NW, Washington, DC 20011

https://www.rockcreekcemetery.org

Open daily 8:00 am until 6:00 pm
Dates to 1719 and contains may sculptures and monuments. It is of note because of the several mausoleums with stained glass. There are also many notables in residence,


Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum
Primary Subject(s): Historic

http://airandspace.si.edu/


Smithsonian National Zoo
Primary Subject(s): Zoo

http://nationalzoo.si.edu


US Botanic Gardens
Primary Subject(s): Gardens & Flowers

100 Maryland Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20001

www.usbg.gov/

Use of tripod requires a permit; call (202) 226-4145


West Virginia

Blackwater Falls
Primary Subject(s): Nature, Waterfalls

www.blackwaterfalls.com

P.O. Drawer 490, Davis, WV 26260, (304) 259-5216

Named for the falls of the Blackwater River whose amber-colored waters plunge five stories then twist and tumble through an eight-mile long gorge. More water in early spring. Lots of special events.


C&O Canal National Historical Park
Primary Subject(s): History, Nature & Architecture

State: DC, MD, WV

Georgetown Visitor Center, 1057 Thomas Jefferson Street, NW Washington, DC 20007 (202-653-5190 Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center, 11710 MacArthur Blvd., Potomac, MD 20854 (301-767-3714
Brunswick Visitor Center is located at 40 West Potomac Street Brunswick, MD 21716 (301-834-7100) Williamsport Visitor Center, Cushwa Basin, 205 W. Potomac St., Williamsport, MD 21795 (301-582-0813) Hancock Visitor Center, Bowles House near lock 52, 439 East Main Street, Hancock, MD 21750, (301- 678-5463)
Cumberland Visitor Center, Western Maryland Railway Station, Room 304, 13 Canal St., Cumberland, MD 21502 (301-722-8226)

The park is open during daylight hours. Some visitor centers operate on a seasonal schedule. Contact each current hours of operation. There is access to a limited area of the Potomac’s Great Falls from the Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center


Harpers Ferry, WV
Primary Subject(s): History & Festivals

There is Harpers Ferry Historical Park, which includes much of the oldest part of the town.

Park Visitor Center is at 171 Shoreline Drive, Harpers Ferry, WV 25425

www.nps.gov/hafe/index.htm

And there is the town of Harpers Ferry, which is very quaint with many old buildings and is host numerous festivals and craft/art fairs. www.historicharpersferry.com/