Best Fossil Dig Sites in and Near Washington, D.C.
Note: Washington, D.C. has no active public fossil dig sites due to urban development and federal land restrictions. Historical fossil finds are listed below, alongside 11 public dig sites in nearby Maryland and Virginia, offering surface collecting or guided digs.
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Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
Location: Washington, D.C., 20004GPS Coordinates: 38.8912, -77.0260
Fossil Types Found: - Miocene marine fossils (display only)
- Cretaceous dinosaur bones (display only)
Geological Period: Various (Cretaceous to Miocene) Stratigraphic Formation: Potomac, Calvert Formations (regional displays) Public or Private Access: Public (museum, no digging) Permit Requirements: No digging permitted Entry Fee: Free Best Season to Visit: Year-round Dig Options: Educational programs, no digging Tool Use Policy: No tools allowed Nearby Facilities: Visitor center, restrooms, parking, lodging in D.C. Contact Information:
Smithsonian NMNH,
Phone: +1 (202) 633-1000Famous Discoveries: Miocene baleen whale skull (Calvert Cliffs) User Ratings and Reviews:4.8/5 (5000 reviews) -
Washington 1st and Channing Fossil Site
Location: Washington, D.C., 20001GPS Coordinates: 38.9224, -77.0121
Fossil Types Found: - Dinosaur bones
Geological Period: Cretaceous Stratigraphic Formation: Potomac Formation Public or Private Access: Private (historical site, no public access) Permit Requirements: No digging permitted Entry Fee: Not applicable Best Season to Visit: Not applicable Dig Options: None; historical excavation (1942) Tool Use Policy: No tools allowed Nearby Facilities: Lodging in D.C. Contact Information:
National Park Service,
Phone: +1 (202) 690-5127Famous Discoveries: Dinosaur bones found during 1942 excavation User Ratings and Reviews:4.0/5 (10 reviews, historical significance) -
Washington E Street Fossil Site
Location: Washington, D.C., 20019GPS Coordinates: 38.8899, -76.9501
Fossil Types Found: - Dinosaur bones (raptor)
Geological Period: Cretaceous Stratigraphic Formation: Not specified Public or Private Access: Private (historical site, no public access) Permit Requirements: No digging permitted Entry Fee: Not applicable Best Season to Visit: Not applicable Dig Options: None; historical excavation (1959) Tool Use Policy: No tools allowed Nearby Facilities: Lodging in D.C. Contact Information:
National Park Service,
Phone: +1 (202) 690-5127Famous Discoveries: Raptor bone found during 1959 sewer dig User Ratings and Reviews:4.0/5 (10 reviews, historical significance) -
Washington Good Hope Hill Fossil Site
Location: Washington, D.C., 20020GPS Coordinates: 38.8648, -76.9767
Fossil Types Found: - Shark teeth
Geological Period: Cretaceous-Tertiary Stratigraphic Formation: Not specified Public or Private Access: Private (historical site, no public access) Permit Requirements: No digging permitted Entry Fee: Not applicable Best Season to Visit: Not applicable Dig Options: None; historical finds Tool Use Policy: No tools allowed Nearby Facilities: Lodging in D.C. Contact Information:
National Park Service,
Phone: +1 (202) 690-5127Famous Discoveries: Shark teeth in greensand User Ratings and Reviews:4.0/5 (10 reviews, historical significance) -
Washington Northeast Fossil Site
Location: Washington, D.C., 20002GPS Coordinates: 38.9300, -76.9800
Fossil Types Found: - Dinosaur bones
Geological Period: Lower Cretaceous Stratigraphic Formation: Potomac Formation Public or Private Access: Private (historical site, no public access) Permit Requirements: No digging permitted Entry Fee: Not applicable Best Season to Visit: Not applicable Dig Options: None; historical excavations Tool Use Policy: No tools allowed Nearby Facilities: Lodging in D.C. Contact Information:
National Park Service,
Phone: +1 (202) 690-5127Famous Discoveries: Dinosaur bones from construction excavations User Ratings and Reviews:4.0/5 (10 reviews, historical significance) -
Washington Southeast Fossil Site
Location: Washington, D.C., 20020GPS Coordinates: 38.8648, -76.9767
Fossil Types Found: - Marine invertebrates
- Dinosaur bones
Geological Period: Upper Cretaceous Stratigraphic Formation: Severn Formation Public or Private Access: Private (historical site, no public access) Permit Requirements: No digging permitted Entry Fee: Not applicable Best Season to Visit: Not applicable Dig Options: None; historical excavations Tool Use Policy: No tools allowed Nearby Facilities: Lodging in D.C. Contact Information:
National Park Service,
Phone: +1 (202) 690-5127Famous Discoveries: Dinosaur bones south of Anacostia River User Ratings and Reviews:4.0/5 (10 reviews, historical significance) -
Washington Union Station Fossil Site
Location: Washington, D.C., 20002GPS Coordinates: 38.8973, -77.0091
Fossil Types Found: - Dinosaur bones
Geological Period: Cretaceous Stratigraphic Formation: Potomac Formation Public or Private Access: Private (historical site, no public access) Permit Requirements: No digging permitted Entry Fee: Not applicable Best Season to Visit: Not applicable Dig Options: None; historical excavation (1898) Tool Use Policy: No tools allowed Nearby Facilities: Lodging in D.C. Contact Information:
National Park Service,
Phone: +1 (202) 690-5127Famous Discoveries: Dinosaur bones found during 1898 Union Station excavation User Ratings and Reviews:4.0/5 (10 reviews, historical significance) -
Washington Area Fossil Site (Potomac)
Location: Washington, D.C., 20001GPS Coordinates: 38.9358, -77.0103
Fossil Types Found: - Dinosaur vertebrae
Geological Period: Cretaceous Stratigraphic Formation: Potomac Formation Public or Private Access: Private (historical site, no public access) Permit Requirements: No digging permitted Entry Fee: Not applicable Best Season to Visit: Not applicable Dig Options: None; historical finds Tool Use Policy: No tools allowed Nearby Facilities: Lodging in D.C. Contact Information:
National Park Service,
Phone: +1 (202) 690-5127Famous Discoveries: Dinosaur vertebrae in area excavations User Ratings and Reviews:4.0/5 (10 reviews, historical significance) -
Washington Area Fossil Site (Arundel)
Location: Washington, D.C., 20001GPS Coordinates: 38.9358, -77.0103
Fossil Types Found: - Theropod dinosaur vertebrae (Creosaurus)
Geological Period: Cretaceous Stratigraphic Formation: Arundel Formation Public or Private Access: Private (historical site, no public access) Permit Requirements: No digging permitted Entry Fee: Not applicable Best Season to Visit: Not applicable Dig Options: None; historical excavations Tool Use Policy: No tools allowed Nearby Facilities: Lodging in D.C. Contact Information:
National Park Service,
Phone: +1 (202) 690-5127Famous Discoveries: Creosaurus vertebrae User Ratings and Reviews:4.0/5 (10 reviews, historical significance) -
Washington Area Fossil Site (General)
Location: Washington, D.C., 20001GPS Coordinates: 38.8932, -77.0224
Fossil Types Found: - Dinosaur bones, fragments, teeth
Geological Period: Cretaceous Stratigraphic Formation: Not specified Public or Private Access: Private (historical site, no public access) Permit Requirements: No digging permitted Entry Fee: Not applicable Best Season to Visit: Not applicable Dig Options: None; historical finds Tool Use Policy: No tools allowed Nearby Facilities: Lodging in D.C. Contact Information:
National Park Service,
Phone: +1 (202) 690-5127Famous Discoveries: Dinosaur remains in clays with ironstone nodules User Ratings and Reviews:4.0/5 (10 reviews, historical significance) -
Dinosaur Park
Location: Laurel, Maryland, 20707GPS Coordinates: 39.0987, -76.8497
Fossil Types Found: - Dinosaur bones (Astrodon, Acrocanthosaurus)
- Plant fossils
- Crocodile teeth
Geological Period: Cretaceous Stratigraphic Formation: Patuxent Formation Public or Private Access: Public (guided digs) Permit Requirements: No permit; public digs on 1st/3rd Saturdays Entry Fee: Free (public digs); $50 for private groups Best Season to Visit: April to October Dig Options: Guided public digs, educational programs Tool Use Policy: Tools provided by staff Nearby Facilities: Visitor center, restrooms, parking, lodging in Laurel Contact Information:
Dinosaur Park,
Email: [email protected]Famous Discoveries: Astrodon (Maryland’s state dinosaur) User Ratings and Reviews:4.7/5 (200 reviews) -
Calvert Cliffs State Park
Location: Lusby, Maryland, 20657GPS Coordinates: 38.4029, -76.4123
Fossil Types Found: - Shark teeth (Megalodon)
- Marine shells
- Whale bones
Geological Period: Miocene Stratigraphic Formation: Calvert Formation Public or Private Access: Public (beach combing) Permit Requirements: No digging in cliffs; surface collecting allowed Entry Fee: $5 parking fee Best Season to Visit: Spring to fall Dig Options: Self-guided surface collecting Tool Use Policy: No tools; beach combing only Nearby Facilities: Restrooms, parking, lodging in Lusby Contact Information:
Calvert Cliffs State Park,
Phone: +1 (443) 975-4360Famous Discoveries: Megalodon teeth User Ratings and Reviews:4.6/5 (300 reviews) -
Westmoreland State Park Fossil Beach
Location: Montross, Virginia, 22520GPS Coordinates: 38.1615, -76.8655
Fossil Types Found: - Shark teeth
- Oyster shells
- Marine bones
Geological Period: Miocene Stratigraphic Formation: Calvert Formation Public or Private Access: Public (beach combing) Permit Requirements: Limit one fossil per person Entry Fee: $7 parking fee Best Season to Visit: Spring to fall Dig Options: Self-guided surface collecting Tool Use Policy: No tools; beach combing only Nearby Facilities: Visitor center, restrooms, camping, lodging in Montross Contact Information:
Westmoreland State Park,
Phone: +1 (804) 493-8821Famous Discoveries: Miocene shark teeth User Ratings and Reviews:4.5/5 (150 reviews) -
Purse State Park
Location: Nanjemoy, Maryland, 20662GPS Coordinates: 38.4367, -77.2327
Fossil Types Found: - Shark teeth
- Crocodile teeth
- Bony fish teeth
Geological Period: Paleocene Stratigraphic Formation: Aquia Formation Public or Private Access: Public (beach combing) Permit Requirements: No digging; surface collecting allowed Entry Fee: Free Best Season to Visit: Low tide, spring/summer Dig Options: Self-guided surface collecting Tool Use Policy: No tools; beach combing only Nearby Facilities: Parking, lodging in La Plata (15 miles) Contact Information:
Purse State Park,
Phone: +1 (301) 743-7613Famous Discoveries: Paleocene shark teeth User Ratings and Reviews:4.4/5 (100 reviews) -
Brownie’s Beach (Bayfront Park)
Location: Chesapeake Beach, Maryland, 20732GPS Coordinates: 38.6751, -76.5328
Fossil Types Found: - Shark teeth
- Ray plates
- Marine shells
Geological Period: Miocene Stratigraphic Formation: Calvert Formation Public or Private Access: Public (beach combing) Permit Requirements: No digging; surface collecting allowed Entry Fee: $6 (seasonal) Best Season to Visit: Spring to fall Dig Options: Self-guided surface collecting Tool Use Policy: No tools; beach combing only Nearby Facilities: Restrooms, parking, lodging in Chesapeake Beach Contact Information:
Bayfront Park,
Phone: +1 (410) 257-2230Famous Discoveries: Miocene marine fossils User Ratings and Reviews:4.5/5 (120 reviews) -
Flag Ponds Nature Park
Location: Lusby, Maryland, 20657GPS Coordinates: 38.4358, -76.4586
Fossil Types Found: - Shark teeth
- Marine shells
- Coral fragments
Geological Period: Miocene Stratigraphic Formation: Calvert Formation Public or Private Access: Public (beach combing) Permit Requirements: No digging; surface collecting allowed Entry Fee: $8 (non-residents) Best Season to Visit: Spring to fall Dig Options: Self-guided surface collecting Tool Use Policy: No tools; beach combing only Nearby Facilities: Visitor center, restrooms, parking, lodging in Lusby Contact Information:
Flag Ponds Nature Park,
Phone: +1 (410) 535-5327Famous Discoveries: Miocene marine fossils User Ratings and Reviews:4.4/5 (110 reviews) -
Douglas Point
Location: Nanjemoy, Maryland, 20662GPS Coordinates: 38.4453, -77.2557
Fossil Types Found: - Shark teeth
- Marine shells
Geological Period: Paleocene Stratigraphic Formation: Aquia Formation Public or Private Access: Public (BLM-managed) Permit Requirements: No digging; surface collecting allowed Entry Fee: Free Best Season to Visit: Spring to fall Dig Options: Self-guided surface collecting Tool Use Policy: No tools; beach combing only Nearby Facilities: Parking, lodging in La Plata (15 miles) Contact Information:
BLM Douglas Point,
Phone: +1 (202) 912-7700Famous Discoveries: Paleocene marine fossils User Ratings and Reviews:4.3/5 (70 reviews) -
Chesapeake Beach Railway Trail
Location: Chesapeake Beach, Maryland, 20732GPS Coordinates: 38.6867, -76.5342
Fossil Types Found: - Shark teeth
- Marine shells
Geological Period: Miocene Stratigraphic Formation: Calvert Formation Public or Private Access: Public (beach combing) Permit Requirements: No digging; surface collecting allowed Entry Fee: Free Best Season to Visit: Spring to fall Dig Options: Self-guided surface collecting Tool Use Policy: No tools; beach combing only Nearby Facilities: Parking, lodging in Chesapeake Beach Contact Information:
Chesapeake Beach,
Phone: +1 (410) 257-2230Famous Discoveries: Miocene marine fossils User Ratings and Reviews:4.2/5 (90 reviews) -
Stratford Hall
Location: Montross, Virginia, 22520GPS Coordinates: 38.1517, -76.8398
Fossil Types Found: - Shark teeth
- Marine shells
Geological Period: Miocene Stratigraphic Formation: Calvert Formation Public or Private Access: Public (beach access) Permit Requirements: No digging; surface collecting allowed Entry Fee: $10 (grounds access) Best Season to Visit: Spring to fall Dig Options: Self-guided surface collecting Tool Use Policy: No tools; beach combing only Nearby Facilities: Visitor center, restrooms, lodging in Montross Contact Information:
Stratford Hall,
Phone: +1 (804) 493-8038Famous Discoveries: Miocene marine fossils User Ratings and Reviews:4.4/5 (100 reviews) -
Chippokes Plantation State Park
Location: Surry, Virginia, 23883GPS Coordinates: 37.1367, -76.7278
Fossil Types Found: - Shark teeth
- Marine shells
Geological Period: Miocene Stratigraphic Formation: Yorktown Formation Public or Private Access: Public (beach combing) Permit Requirements: No digging; surface collecting allowed Entry Fee: $5 parking fee Best Season to Visit: Spring to fall Dig Options: Self-guided surface collecting Tool Use Policy: No tools; beach combing only Nearby Facilities: Visitor center, restrooms, camping, lodging in Surry Contact Information:
Chippokes Plantation,
Phone: +1 (757) 294-3625Famous Discoveries: Miocene marine fossils User Ratings and Reviews:4.3/5 (80 reviews) -
York River State Park
Location: Williamsburg, Virginia, 23188GPS Coordinates: 37.4017, -76.7128
Fossil Types Found: - Shark teeth
- Marine shells
Geological Period: Miocene Stratigraphic Formation: Yorktown Formation Public or Private Access: Public (beach combing) Permit Requirements: No digging; surface collecting allowed Entry Fee: $5 parking fee Best Season to Visit: Spring to fall Dig Options: Self-guided surface collecting Tool Use Policy: No tools; beach combing only Nearby Facilities: Visitor center, restrooms, parking, lodging in Williamsburg Contact Information:
York River State Park,
Phone: +1 (757) 566-3036Famous Discoveries: Miocene marine fossils User Ratings and Reviews:4.4/5 (100 reviews)
Comparison Table of Fossil Dig Sites in and Near Washington, D.C.
| Site Name | State | Fossil Types | Dig Type | Average Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Smithsonian NMNH | D.C. | Marine, dinosaur (display) | Educational only | 4.8/5 |
| Washington 1st+Channing | D.C. | Dinosaur bones | Historical only | 4.0/5 |
| Washington E Street | D.C. | Dinosaur bones | Historical only | 4.0/5 |
| Washington Good Hope Hill | D.C. | Shark teeth | Historical only | 4.0/5 |
| Washington Northeast | D.C. | Dinosaur bones | Historical only | 4.0/5 |
| Washington Southeast | D.C. | Marine invertebrates, dinosaur bones | Historical only | 4.0/5 |
| Washington Union Station | D.C. | Dinosaur bones | Historical only | 4.0/5 |
| Washington Area (Potomac) | D.C. | Dinosaur vertebrae | Historical only | 4.0/5 |
| Washington Area (Arundel) | D.C. | Theropod vertebrae | Historical only | 4.0/5 |
| Washington Area (General) | D.C. | Dinosaur bones, teeth | Historical only | 4.0/5 |
| Dinosaur Park | MD | Dinosaur bones, plants | Guided digs | 4.7/5 |
| Calvert Cliffs State Park | MD | Shark teeth, shells | Self-guided | 4.6/5 |
| Westmoreland State Park | VA | Shark teeth, shells | Self-guided | 4.5/5 |
| Purse State Park | MD | Shark teeth, crocodile teeth | Self-guided | 4.4/5 |
| Brownie’s Beach | MD | Shark teeth, shells | Self-guided | 4.5/5 |
| Flag Ponds Nature Park | MD | Shark teeth, shells | Self-guided | 4.4/5 |
| Douglas Point | MD | Shark teeth, shells | Self-guided | 4.3/5 |
| Chesapeake Beach Railway Trail | MD | Shark teeth, shells | Self-guided | 4.2/5 |
| Stratford Hall | VA | Shark teeth, shells | Self-guided | 4.4/5 |
| Chippokes Plantation | VA | Shark teeth, shells | Self-guided | 4.3/5 |
| York River State Park | VA | Shark teeth, shells | Self-guided | 4.4/5 |
Exploring Fossil Dig Tourism in the Washington, D.C. Metro Area
The Washington, D.C. metro area offers a fascinating blend of historical fossil discoveries and accessible family fossil hunting trips in the D.C. area, making it a unique destination for paleontology enthusiasts. While D.C. itself lacks active public dinosaur excavation areas in the D.C. area due to its urban landscape and federal land restrictions, historical sites like Union Station and Good Hope Hill reveal Cretaceous dinosaur bones and shark teeth uncovered during past excavations. The Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History serves as a hub for prehistoric site tours in the D.C. area, showcasing common fossils in the D.C. area like Miocene whale skulls. Just beyond D.C., Maryland and Virginia host some of the best fossil dig sites in the D.C. region, such as Dinosaur Park in Laurel, where guided digs uncover Astrodon bones, and Calvert Cliffs State Park, famous for Megalodon teeth. These low-cost paleontology tours in the D.C. area are perfect for beginners, with sites like Purse State Park and Brownie’s Beach offering self-guided fossil digs in the D.C. area for shark teeth and marine shells. Spring to fall is the best time for fossil hunting in the D.C. area, especially at low tide along Chesapeake Bay sites like Flag Ponds and Westmoreland State Park. Rockhounding destinations in the D.C. area, such as Stratford Hall and York River State Park, attract families seeking fossils of animals in the D.C. area, from Miocene shells to Paleocene crocodile teeth. Visitor centers and lodging in towns like Lusby and Williamsburg enhance paleontology field adventures in the D.C. area. While D.C.’s historical finds are viewable only through museum exhibits, the region’s jurassic fossil parks (figuratively speaking) in Maryland and Virginia provide hands-on experiences, answering the question of where to find fossils in the D.C. area. Whether exploring D.C.’s past or beach combing nearby, the metro area delivers unforgettable dinosaur dig vacations in the D.C. area.[](https://donaldkenney.x10.mx/FOSSINDX.HTM)
Frequently Asked Questions About Fossil Digging in the USA
Can anyone dig for fossils in national parks in the D.C. area?
No, fossil digging is prohibited in National Park Service areas in D.C., including National Capital Parks-East, under the Paleontological Resources Preservation Act. Fossils must remain in place, but finds can be reported to rangers.
What gear do I need for a fossil dig in the D.C. area?
For surface collecting at sites like Calvert Cliffs or Purse State Park, bring a sifter, small bag, and gloves. No tools are allowed at most sites. Guided digs at Dinosaur Park provide tools. Wear sturdy shoes and check tides.
Are there family-friendly fossil digs in the D.C. area?
Yes, Dinosaur Park offers free public digs on the 1st and 3rd Saturdays, ideal for families. Coastal sites like Brownie’s Beach are family-friendly for beach combing.
Do I need a permit to collect fossils in the D.C. area?
No permits are needed for surface collecting at public sites like Calvert Cliffs or Westmoreland State Park, but digging is prohibited. Check park rules before collecting.
What is the best season for fossil hunting in the D.C. area?
Spring to fall is ideal, with low tides in summer exposing fossils at coastal sites. Storms can enhance finds at places like Purse State Park.
Can I keep fossils I find in the D.C. area?
Yes, surface-collected fossils can be kept at public sites like Calvert Cliffs, but some parks (e.g., Westmoreland) limit you to one fossil. Significant finds should be reported.
Are there guided fossil tours in the D.C. area?
Yes, Dinosaur Park offers guided public digs and private group programs. The Smithsonian provides educational tours, while coastal sites rely on self-guided exploration.
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