Chesapeake Bay offers visitors the experience of a timeless maritime way of life
Seafood, boating, history and nature make this a ‘must’ destination in Maryland.
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Seafood, history, boating, and natural beauty – it’s all there in beautiful Maryland.
Nestled in the Mid-Atlantic is America’s largest estuary. Maryland’s beloved Chesapeake Bay boasts nearly 12,000 miles of coastline and a timeless maritime way of life. This must-visit destination offers visitors an unforgettable experience, from quintessential Bay towns to scenic trails to mouth-watering seafood, there truly is something for everyone.
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THE HEART OF THE CHESAPEAKE BAY
Discover the Great Chesapeake Bay Loop — a collection of small towns, scenic byways, maritime history, Chesapeake cuisine and endless opportunities to experience the water and shore with a certified Chesapeake Bay Storyteller. Travel along Maryland’s various scenic byways such as the Chesapeake Country All-American Road to experience this one-of-a-kind route taking visitors around the Bay on multi-night adventures, offering stops to see and meet the people who live along its shores and keep the area’s more than 300 years of history and culture — and ties to the water — alive.
IMMERSE YOURSELF IN MARITIME CULTURE
Trained by the state of Maryland and the National Park Service, Chesapeake Bay Storytellers create truly authentic Chesapeake experiences both on land and on water. Storyteller Capt. Everett Landon of Experience Smith Island explains, “You can experience everything from bustling port cities to charming little commercial fishing villages. There’s so much to see and do, whether you’re interested in exploring local history, getting out on the bay or just soaking up the peaceful environment.”
Travelers to Smith Island and beyond are always greeted by a lifestyle connected to the waters of the Bay— communities that have long relied on crabbing, oystering, fishing and boat building for their livelihoods. “We started our tour business, Experience Smith Island, to show the richness of our community through hands-on demonstrations along with a personal guided tour of the island on our Chesapeake Bay dead-rise boat,” says Capt. Landon. “The communities of the Bay are living examples of this heritage, where watermen continue to work the waters much like their ancestors did. Visitors not only see these traditions in action but also hear stories passed down through generations, fostering a deep connection to the area. Maryland’s certified Chesapeake Bay Storytellers can play a vital role in this experience by sharing authentic stories that enhance visitors’ understanding of the region’s history and culture.”
For those seeking rich history, outdoor adventure and cultural experiences, the Chesapeake Bay is an ideal, educational journey into America’s maritime history. Museums like the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum in St. Michaels, the Annapolis Maritime Museum and the Smith Island Cultural Center provide rich insights into the region’s past. Discover the artistry of waterfowl decoy carving at the Havre de Grace Decoy Museum or visit the C&D Canal Museum in Chesapeake City, home to historic gardens and homes from the 1800s.
The Chesapeake Bay’s extensive watershed means that no matter where you are in Maryland, waterways are easily accessible. The Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge near Cambridge is a can’t-miss spot for nature lovers — a refuge that’s home to a diverse range of wildlife and year-round beautiful views. Explore the shorelines of the Chesapeake for a treasure trove of fossils at Calvert Cliffs State Park. Paddle trails, biking trails, and plentiful hiking offer visitors unique ways to experience the natural beauty of the Chesapeake.
TASTE OF THE CHESAPEAKE
Savor the fresh seafood on the Maryland Crab & Oyster Trail – restaurants featuring fresh Maryland blue crab and local Chesapeake Bay oysters, known for their size and flavor. In warm weather, a classic cultural experience is a Maryland crab feast and locals are always happy to teach the art of crab picking. Dine on Maryland’s Catfish Trail, where conservation meets culinary exploration, and together visitors can make a positive impact on Maryland’s waters. For those with a sweet tooth, don’t miss a hefty helping of Smith Island Cake, the official state dessert – a towering confection of eight to ten thin layers of yellow cake with rich chocolate frosting in between.
PLAN YOUR CHESAPEAKE BAY ADVENTURE
Maryland’s Chesapeake Bay region is like nowhere else you’ve been — it’s a destination that offers something for every traveler. From luxury waterfront accommodations, bucolic horse country, and vibrant scenic views, the region warmly invites visitors to take part in its history, explore its natural beauty and enjoy its welcoming communities. There’s never been a better time than now to plan a multi-night vacation to see everything the Bay has to offer.
Maryland’s Chesapeake Bay is ready to welcome new and longtime visitors with open arms and unforgettable experiences.
For more information, visit VisitMaryland.org.
This story was created by Content Works, Postmedia’s commercial content division, on behalf of the Maryland Office of Tourism.
