Chesapeake Beach is a lovely town in Calvert County, Maryland, originally established as a resort community in the early 20th century. During the peak of its resort heyday, the town anchored Maryland's "Little Nevada" district, home to glamorous hotels, slot machines, and boardwalk attractions.
Though most of its Gilded Age resort attractions are gone today, visitors can still learn about the region's history at sites like the Chesapeake Beach Railway Museum or stroll its gorgeous Chesapeake Bay boardwalk, pier, and shoreline throughout the year. Excellent seafood restaurants abound, serving up Chesapeake-caught crab, fish, and seafood classics.
1. The Chesapeake Beach Rail Trail
The Chesapeake Beach Rail Trail is a rail-to-trail connector trail network located along the route of the former Chesapeake Beach Railway, which operated between 1900 and 1935 and served as a popular transportation route to the beachfront resort attractions of Chesapeake Beach, Maryland.
The railway corridor was redeveloped by the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission and now showcases the region's stunning marshland and creek areas for area walkers, joggers, and cyclists. Much of the trail sits atop a wooden boardwalk over Fishing Creek, creating unique natural panoramas for travelers.
Many of the area's attractions are accessible via the trail, including the Chesapeake Beach Railway Museum, located at the trail's trailhead.
2. The Chesapeake Beach Railway Museum
The Chesapeake Beach Railway Museum is a lovely cultural museum preserving the history of the Chesapeake Beach region, housed within the city's former Washington and Chesapeake Railway Company railway station.
The National Register of Historic Places-listed property was originally erected in 1898 and operated through the spring of 1935, noted as one of the most prominent examples of rural railroad architecture remaining on the East Coast. Today, the station has been converted into a local history museum, showcasing the history of the region's bayside resort and beachfront district via audiovisual presentations, photography, and interactive exhibits.
Exhibits include a collection of collected boardwalk artifacts, a retrospective of railroad entrepreneur and town planner Otto Mears, and the "Dolores" parlor car that formerly operated on the Chesapeake Beach Railway. It's a great museum to visit on your day trip from DC.
4155 Mears Ave, Chesapeake Beach, MD 20732, Phone: 410-257-3892
3. Daydreamer Sportfishing
Daydreamer Sportfishing offer group charter fishing excursion on the waters of the lovely Chesapeake Bay aboard the Daydreamer, a 38-foot Bertram charter boat designed by world-renowned yacht architect Ray Hunt. The lovely boat is decked out with twin 2006 Cummins diesel engines, a full galley, and an indoor air-conditioned salon with a television and private shower. Anglers can enjoy excellent opportunities for fishing throughout the year for rockfish that grow up to 50 pounds in size. Penn and Shimano tackle are offered for standup or trolling, while a full tuna tower is equipped with Raymarine electronics and a full GPS system.
4165 Mears Ave, Chesapeake Beach, MD 20732, Phone: 703-477-5272
4. Katherines Charter Fishing
Katherines Charter Fishing offers full-day and half-day trips aboard a gorgeous Coast Guard-certified boat with seating for groups of up to 30 people. The company operates two charming fishing charter boats, including its namesake Katherine, which was designed under the supervision of Bootie Collins and can reach top speeds of 20 knots. The company's Katherine II features state-of-the-art electronics within a 45-foot Carman fiberglass baybuilt-style structure. Anglers can make use of the boats' comfortable dinettes, which seat six people, and temperature-controlled cabin with full steering controls. All rentals include licenses, tackle, and optional fish cleaning services. Alcohol, food, and beverages are permitted on board.
3748 Harbor Rd, Chesapeake Beach, MD 20732, Phone: 240-676-1098
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5. Chesapeake Windsail Cruises
Chesapeake Windsail Cruises embark from the gorgeous seaside town of Chesapeake Beach and offer day sailing excursions on the waters of the stunning Chesapeake Bay. The charter company offers daily sailing cruises aboard the stunning Eternal Hope, a Coast Guard-certified 42-foot yacht. Passengers can see amazing area natural wonders like the historic Cliffs of Calvert from the yacht's decks or enjoy chances to spot marine wildlife like dolphins and ospreys on the bay's waters. Cruises last approximately two and a half hours, embarking throughout the day Tuesdays through Sundays between mid-May and October. After the cruise, passengers can dine at the delicious partner Rod 'N Reel Restaurant, which serves up some of the area's best seafood entrees.
4160 Mears Avenue Dock A, Slip 15, Chesapeake Beach, MD 20732, Phone: 855-561-8810
6. Kyran Lynn Charters
Kyran Lynn Charters are one of Chesapeake Beach's top fishing charter companies, operating out of the city's Rod 'N Reel Marina. The company offers excursions traveling as far as locations such as Annapolis, Solomons Island, Tilghman Island, and Deale aboard its Kyran Lynn charter boat, helmed by Captain Marty Simounet. Dinner cruises travel to nearby Harrison's Chesapeake House on Tilghman Island, serving up excellent seafood fare and exploring the beautiful waters of Maryland's Chesapeake Bay coastline. The bay's waters offer some of the East Coast's top chances to catch striped bass, doormat flounder, big gray trout, and other bottom-dwelling fish species.
4165 Mears Ave, Chesapeake Beach, MD 20732, Phone: 410-474-4105
7. Big Worm Fishing Charters
Big Worm Fishing Charters are helmed by Captain Drew "Worm" Payne, taking up to 49 passengers on fishing excursions throughout the Chesapeake Beach, Kent Island, Annapolis, Baltimore, and Northern Virginia areas of the Chesapeake Bay. All excursions are offered aboard the gorgeous Big Worm 52-foot deadrise charter vessel, which was custom-constructed by Millennium Marine and has been inspected by the United States Coast Guard to ensure top safety standards. Throughout the year, passengers can enjoy prime opportunities for catching striped bass, rockfish, speckled trout, bluefish, and black and red drum on the waters of the bay. The charter service is a great choice for team-building events, lunch and dinner cruises, bachelor and bachelorette parties, and other private special events, offering onsite DJ services and catering options.
3150 Karen Dr., Chesapeake Beach, Maryland 20732, Phone: 410-474-4428
8. Traders Seafood Steak and Ale
Traders Seafood Steak and Ale has been a local favorite dining destination in the Chesapeake Beach region for over half a century, originally opened as the Seabreeze in 1956 by Bill O'Mara. Since 2000, it has been owned and operated by Jim and Gary Luckett, serving up casual Chesapeake Bay seafood favorites at reasonable prices. It has been voted as Chesapeake Beach's Best Breakfast, Best Deck Dining Destination, and Best Nightlife Option by regional newspapers. High-quality seafood favorites like crab Imperial, Maryland crab cakes, and fried butterfly shrimp platters pair with gourmet pub burgers, sandwiches, and appetizers. At breakfast, diners can enjoy three-egg omelettes, Belgian waffles, or homestyle favorites like sausage gravy and biscuits. Keno, Racetrax, and Maryland lottery games are offered, along with electronic bingo and live music night events.
8132 Bayside Rd, Chesapeake Beach, MD 20732, Phone: 301-855-0766
9. Ledo Pizza
Ledo Pizza has been a tradition in the Chesapeake Bay region since 1955, originally founded in Adelphi, Maryland. Today, the franchise operates several locations throughout the Baltimore and Annapolis regions, including a location in Chesapeake Beach's downtown district. The chain is known for its high-quality fresh rectangular pizzas, crafted with homemade dough, gourmet cheese, and traditional Italian tomato sauce. Menu favorites range from traditional pizza varieties like thick-cut pepperoni to unique takes like tzatziki, Korean barbecue, or hot honey pizzas. Shareable appetizers like panko-breaded shrimp pair with gourmet calzones, strombolis, and cheesesteak subs or pitas.
8416 Bayside Rd, Chesapeake Beach, MD 20732, Phone: 410-257-1705
10. Chesapeake Beach Municipal Water Park
There’s nothing quite like soaking up the summer sun at an action-packed water park like Chesapeake Beach Municipal Water Park. Chesapeake Beach is open to the public from Thursday through Sunday, with season passes available to those who plan to frequent this water park.
Perfect for birthday parties and summer gatherings, Chesapeake Beach offers cabana and pavilion rentals, a full-service restaurant called the Beachcomber Grille, and plenty of nearby hotels and restaurants to help you maximize your visit.
There are also regular activities at the park such as swimming lessons and summer camps that visitors can take advantage of if they’re going to be in the area for an extended amount of time.
4079 Gordon Stinnet Avenue, Chesapeake Beach, Maryland 20732; Phone: 410-257-1404
11. Breezy Point Beach
Experience the best of the bay at Breezy Point Beach, one of the most popular beaches and camping grounds in the area.
In fact, Breezy Point is so popular, that there have been times when they’ve had to turn people away. Not to worry though, this can be avoided by coming early or booking your space at the campground ahead of time. At Breezy Point, there is half a mile of lovely sandy beach to enjoy, a netted swimming area for protection and security, a great playground for children, and a 200-foot pier ideal for avid fishers and crabbers.
Shaded picnic areas make the perfect place to set up “camp” for a day trip to the beach, while there are plenty of restrooms and outdoor showers for day trippers and campers alike to enjoy.
5300 Breezy Point Road, Chesapeake Beach, Maryland 20732, Phone: 410-535-0259
What is Chesapeake Beach, MD known for? What to do. What are the top attractions to visit in Chesapeake Beach, MD?
The top attractions to visit in Chesapeake Beach, MD according to local experts are:
- The Chesapeake Beach Rail Trail
- The Chesapeake Beach Railway Museum
- Daydreamer Sportfishing
- Katherines Charter Fishing
- Chesapeake Windsail Cruises
- Kyran Lynn Charters
- Big Worm Fishing Charters
- Traders Seafood Steak and Ale
- Ledo Pizza
- Chesapeake Beach Municipal Water Park
- Breezy Point Beach
Hotel Spotlight: Rod 'N' Reel Resort, Chesapeake Beach, MD
Situated on the Maryland seashore, next to a glistening bay, Rod 'N' Reel Resort is a favorite place for families and couples to stay and play. As it is only an hour’s drive from D.C. and Baltimore, and a two and one half hour’s drive from Richmond, VA and Philadelphia, PA, the resort attracts guests from all over the East Coast of the United States. There is so much allure: beaches, boating, casinos, museums, live entertainment, great food, a full-service spa, and a boardwalk for a romantic stroll.
Rod 'N' Reel Resort has 72 guest rooms, close to the action of the area, but so quiet, cozy, and exquisitely furnished, that the rooms are perfect places to escape the sun, or collapse after a busy day. All of the rooms at Rod 'N' Reel Resort have a work desk with an ergonomic chair, free internet and Wi-Fi, K-cup coffee makers, a table and chairs, an iHome docking station, a hair dryer, iron, and ironing board, and fine furnishings.
In addition to the in-room amenities, all guests of the resort have access to the fitness center, which contains weight training gear, cardio equipment, and a sauna, use of the indoor pool, complimentary continental breakfast from Monday to Friday, and free Starbucks coffee, tea, and cookies in the lobby. DVDs and games can be borrowed at the front desk, forgotten items purchased in the sundries shop, and business needs can be met in the business center, which houses computers, printers, and a fax machine. Wheelchair loans are available at the front desk.
The Limited Waterview Rooms have a partially obstructed view of the bay, with trees or buildings the culprits. They are furnished with one king or two double beds.
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The Waterview Rooms have diagonal views of Chesapeake Bay and either a king bed with a pullout sofa, or two double beds. The Waterview Rooms with Balconies have sliding glass doors out to a balcony furnished with a table and seating for two. The rooms contain one king or two double beds.
The Waterview Double Rooms are spacious, and have two double beds. These rooms also offer a waterfront step-out balcony with two chairs and a table, plush robes, and a wet bar.
The Waterfront Junior Suites have all the amenities of the Waterview Double Rooms, with more room to spread out and enjoy the view.
The Waterfront King Suite has ample living space and panoramic views. There is one king bed and a pullout sofa in the sitting room. The suite also boasts a two-person whirlpool tub, a sitting area, and a three-sided fireplace.
The Rod ‘N Reel Restaurant has been open since 1946 and has been owned and operated by three generations of the same family. It is popular with locals and has stunning views of the bay. The specialty of the restaurant is fresh, locally-caught seafood and shellfish. The restaurant is renowned for the excellence of its jumbo crab cakes, lobster, and the crab imperial.
Guests may enjoy their meal in the restaurant, or take it back to their suite for al fresco dining on their balcony. A children’s menu is available.
The Rod ‘N Reel’s breakfast menu even has seafood options on it; guests who are crab meat lovers will appreciate the eggs scrambled with crab, or omelets stuffed with crab meat.
The Boardwalk Café is outdoors and is open on weekends, weather permitting. As its name implies, it is located on the boardwalk and serves drinks and casual food. Live entertainment makes this café a popular place to be.
The Chesapeake Beach Salon and Spa promotes beauty and relaxation, and has a goal of serving customers fully, inspiring wellness, peace, joy, and positivity. Elegant surrounding salute the spa’s emphasis on beauty.
The spa offers a variety of massages, including the classic Swedish massage, a hot stone massage, massages for the upper body, one for the legs and feet, a headache and tension relief massage, and a prenatal massage. Each massage can be upgraded to add aromatherapy or a scalp massage. Body treatments available at the Chesapeake Beach Spa include a hydrating wrap, a detoxification wrap, and a soothing body scrub that exfoliates from head to toe.
Many facials are on the spa’s menu. All guests are given a complimentary skin analysis to guide their selection of facial. Classic facials are available, as are peels, treatments for sensitive skin, delicate eye areas, and acne-marked skin. The spa’s facials focus on exfoliation, hydration, oil control, smoothing the skin, and managing the visible signs of aging.
Makeup services are offered by the Chesapeake Bay Salon. Guests can get everyday makeup, or makeup for special occasions. Brow and lash tint is performed here. Instructional makeovers are on hand for youth and for adults.
The Chesapeake Bay Salon performs waxing, does manicures and pedicures, and has a full-service hair salon offering the usual services in addition to hair repair with hydrating infusions, scalp therapy, and the control of damage done in chlorinated pools.
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There is an amazing array of things to do at Chesapeake Bay Resort. Set on a beautiful bay of the Atlantic Ocean, the beach is a huge attraction for beachcombers, sandcastle-builders, swimmers, and sunbathers. There are three main beaches in the area, all with wide sand beaches, netted swimming areas, and picnic tables. North Beach has a fishing pier and a boardwalk with shops and attractions.
Fishing fans will find ample opportunity to use their rod and reel. There are daily trolling trips and bottom fishing trips leaving from the harbor; charter fishing boats are available and make a great group activity. The Rod ‘N Reel Marina, next to the hotel, has the largest charter fishing fleet in Maryland. Rods and tackle can be bought or rented at the bait shop, where a large selection of bait is on sale.
Guests who fancy traveling the waves on their own can rent kayaks, paddleboards, canoes, jet skis, 16 foot Carolina skiffs, and 24-foot pontoon boats. At the same location, landlubbers can rent bicycles.
Chesapeake Bay Resort has two casinos and promotes responsible gambling. Both of the casinos now feature the popular video pull tab machines.
History buffs will enjoy the Chesapeake Bay Railway Museum and the interactive Bayside History Museum, both of which are within walking distance of the hotel.
Families will love the local Chesapeake Bay Water Park, which offers water slides, fountains, waterfalls, a lagoon, and a children’s activity pool.
The resort has a fitness center with a wide range of equipment, a sauna, and an indoor pool.
Chesapeake Bay Resort is a beautiful place for a wedding. Vows can be exchanged on the beach, in the Ballroom, which seats 100-250 guests, or in the smaller Bayview Room, which seats 50-110 persons. The resort’s wedding specialists can help you personalize your day, and gladly assist in organizing every detail, including flowers, menus, music, silverware, décor, place settings, and music.
Every wedding booked at Chesapeake Bay Resort includes in its package the service of an expert wedding planner, an open bar with four hours of draft beer, wine, and sodas, a champagne toast for every guest, fresh fruit, cheese, and crackers platters, fresh vegetable crudités with signature dip, and an overnight stay for the newlyweds in a suite with a king bed and a bay view balcony.
Chesapeake Bay Resort is a perfect blend of business and pleasure: members of your corporate function can work hard all day, and then enjoy beaches and entertainment, or maybe a round of golf or a deep-sea fishing charter. Meeting rooms are available to hold up to 375 guests, and there is a wide range of meeting rooms, small and large. Certainly the resort’s easy distance from several major cities makes it an ideal place for your next business meeting, corporate retreat, or team-building exercise.
4165 Mears Avenue, Chesapeake Beach, Maryland 20732, Phone: 866-312-5596
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