Exploring Chesapeake Beach, Maryland: A Scenic Trail, Small Town History & Bay Views
Discovering Chesapeake Beach, Maryland
Chesapeake Beach, Maryland is a charming waterfront town located just an hour from Washington, DC. Situated on the western shore of the Chesapeake Bay, this lovely spot offers stunning bay views, local history and small-town charm.
During my recent visit, I discovered the best things to do in Chesapeake Beach, MD for an amazing day trip by the bay. With its gorgeous tree-lined railway trail, interesting local history, and breathtaking views of the Chesapeake Bay, it's definitely worth exploring.
What You'll Discover in Chesapeake Beach, MD
Plan Your Chesapeake Beach, MD Day Trip
Chesapeake Beach Railway Trail: The Highlight of the Visit
Chesapeake Beach Railway Museum: A Little Museum Packed with History
Rod 'N' Reel Resort: Enjoy Chesapeake Bay Waterfront Views
Chesapeake Beach Veterans Memorial: A Meaningful Quick Stop
Explore Nearby North Beach: Another Charming Chesapeake Bay Town
Plan Your Chesapeake Beach, MD Day Trip: Best Things to Do!
Chesapeake Beach, MD is a small town and can be easily explored in an afternoon. You can walk between all of these destinations, as I always choose to do, but keep in mind the main road is very busy, so you may prefer to drive to the different locations.
Here are some helpful details to make your visit to Chesapeake Beach a success!
Location:
Chesapeake Beach is located on the Chesapeake Bay in Calvert County, MD. It's about 30 miles southeast of Washington DC and 30 miles south of Annapolis, MD.
Address for GPS & Parking:
Chesapeake Railway Trail: Park at Kellam's Field: 3825 Gordon Stinnett Ave, Chesapeake Beach, MD Note: Once parked, walk south past the Tot Lot and through the Rod 'N' Reel Marina parking lot towards the entrance to the Chesapeake Railway Trail.
Chesapeake Railway Museum & Rod 'N' Reel Resort: Park in any open spaces close to the museum in the Rod 'N' Reel Resort parking lot. The museum is located to the right of the Rod 'N' Reel entrance. Rod 'N' Reel address: 4160 Mears Ave, Chesapeake Beach, MD
Chesapeake Beach Veterans Memorial: Park one block south at Chesapeake Beach Town Hall: 8200 Bayside Road, Chesapeake Beach, MD
How Much Time Do You Need?
2 -3 hours: Visit the Railway Trail, Railway Museum, and Veteran's Memorial.
Half Day: Add time to enjoy Rod 'N' Reel Resort and get a bite to eat.
Full Day: Combine Chesapeake Beach with neighboring North Beach for more exploring, shopping, dining, and waterfront scenery.
Chesapeake Beach Railway Trail: The Highlight of the Visit
Chesapeake Beach Railway Trail
I visited this stunning trail on a beautiful fall day - it was spectacular! Offering both peaceful wooded sections and gorgeous water views, this walk has it all. Just under two-miles, and an easy stroll, this trail is not to be missed.
The trail follows the former route of the Chesapeake Beach Railway. This railway operated in early 1900s and brought passengers from Washington DC to the bustling Chesapeake Beach resort town. At that time, this area offered a thriving boardwalk, amusement rides and lots of entertainment including live music, a casino, dance pavilion and more.
Brick Pathway Chesapeake Railway Trail Fishing Creek Overlook on Railway Trail Fishing Creek Water View on Chesapeake Railway Trail
Shaped like a Y, the trail has a main section and a left and right segment. If you are short on time, I suggest you take walk the left portion - the scenic views of Fishing Creek at the end are lovely. The right segment is more rustic and mainly rougher wooded areas.
Paved Path Chesapeake Beach RailwayTrail Elevated Boardwalk on Railway Trail Marshland View on Railway Trail
What to Know Before You Go:
Trail Length: The total trail is just under 2 miles and is an out-and-back. I would budget anywhere from a half hour to an hour, depending on if you want to linger and enjoy the scenery or keep a quick pace.
Trail Surface: The walk is a combination of a elevated wooden boardwalk and a concrete pathway. It's an easy stroll with very little elevation.
Trailhead & Parking: Free parking is available at Killam's Field Parking Lot (3825 Gordon Stinnett Ave). Once parked, walk south past the Tot Lot and through the Rod 'N' Reel parking lot to the beginning of the trail.
Trail Features: Offering a peaceful walk through the forest and stunning tidal marsh views, the trail also features heritage signage, educational exhibits and plenty of opportunities to view the local wildlife.
Bee Hive on Railway Trail Ducks in Chesapeake Beach View from Chesapeake Beach Railway Trail
Chesapeake Beach Railway Museum: A Little Museum Packed with History
Chesapeake Beach Railway Museum is the perfect stop to visit after walking the railway trail. This little museum sure does pack a lot of history into a small space! You can walk from the trail to the museum since it's only about a half a mile away, but the route isn't very peaceful. Bayside Road is very busy, making it difficult to cross and walk along, so driving might be the way to go.
Exhibits at Chesapeake Beach Railway Museum Interior of Railway Museum at Chesapeake Beach
The museum tells the story of what Chesapeake Beach was like during its heyday. There are numerous old photos, displays, and memorabilia depicting the booming Chesapeake Beach of old and explaining the railway's history of transporting visitors from Washington DC to the beach for swimming, fishing, dining and entertainment in the early 1900s.
What to Know Before You Go:
Address: Chesapeake Bay Railway Museum is located at 4155 Mears Ave, Chesapeake Beach, MD. It's located in the same area as the Rod 'N' Reel Resort.
Parking: You can park for free in any of the parking spaces out front of the museum in the Rod 'N' Reel parking lot.
Admission: The museum is always free to enter.
Hours: It's open daily from 1pm - 4pm April through October. This year they are extending their season to include all weekends in November. Be sure to check their website for additional hours for special occasions.
Is the Chesapeake Beach Railway Museum Worth Visiting?
Absolutely! This quirky little museum has something of interest for everyone. Housed in the original 1898 Depot and featuring The Delores, the last known passenger and parlor car from the late 1800s line, you will feel like you've stepped back in time. I would budget about a half an hour to explore at this stop.
Rod 'N' Reel Resort: Enjoy Chesapeake Bay Waterfront Views
I love discovering beautiful hotels, and one of the nicest surprises of my visit to Chesapeake Beach was visiting the Rod 'N' Reel Resort! Even if you aren't staying overnight, be sure to pop in to see the beautiful renovated lobby and stunning waterfront views.
Originally built in 1946, the Rod 'N' Reel started as a small restaurant, marina, and charter fishing operation. In the past nine years, the property has gone through a major transformation. The massive renovation included adding new hotel rooms, tastefully renewing the existing rooms, building impressive banquet and event space, and introducing a stunning grand central atrium with panoramic Chesapeake Bay views.
Rod 'N' Reel Waterside Waterfront Stage at Rod 'N' Reel Resort
My favorite place at the resort is The Dock Restaurant, a large patio area overlooking the Chespeake Bay, and the Bandshell, an open-air waterfront stage. To get to these scenic spots, just walk straight through the lobby and exit through the back doors towards the bay. The Bandshell hosts a wide variety of live music and performances. Be sure to check their calendar for the latest events.
What to Know Before You Go:
Address: 4160 Mears Ave, Chesapeake Beach, MD
What to See: The renovated lobby, waterfront deck restaurant, and clamshell event stage are must-sees when stopping by the Rod 'N' Reel.
Best For: This resort offers gorgeous Chesapeake Bay views, a relaxing vibe, and fun live music events.
Tip: Make sure you check the Rod 'N' Reel Resort website for current events, live music, and visitor access to the outdoor areas.
Chesapeake Beach Veterans Memorial: A Meaningful Quick Stop
Before heading home, be sure to visit the Chesapeake Beach Veterans Memorial at 8217 Bayside Road. Situated directly on the bayfront, this memorial honors all national heros. fallen service members, POWs, those still missing, and veterans from every branch of service.
This tribute park is a beautiful spot to pay respect to those who have served our country throughout the years. Spend some time walking around, reading the memorial inscriptions and appreciating the bayfront views.
Note: Parking is not available at the memorial park, so you should plan to park at Chesapeake Beach Town Hall, located one block away at 8200 Bayside Road.
Explore Nearby North Beach: Another Charming Chesapeake Bay Town
If you are game for additional exploring, consider adding a visit to nearby North Beach, Maryland. Located just one mile north of Chesapeake Beach, this charming town boasts small-town appeal, with a waterfront boardwalk, sandy beach, fishing pier, local shops and restaurants overlooking the Chesapeake Bay.
Fishing Pier at North Beach Waterfront Homes in North Beach MD
These two towns make an excellent combination for exploring this stretch of the Chesapeake Bay. If you're interested in learning more about what North Beach has to offer, take a look at my guide: North Beach, Maryland: A Scenic Walking Tour of a Charming Chesapeake Bay Town.
Is Chesapeake Beach Worth a Visit?
I absolutely loved exploring this unique small town! It had a bit of everything: beautiful nature hikes, interesting history, a stunning hotel & resort, and breathtaking waterfront views everywhere.
If you're planning a trip to Chesapeake Beach, I highly recommend including North Beach to your itinerary. North Beach features more shops, restaurants, and an actual beach to hang out on.
Whether you're a local looking for a hassle-free new place to explore or planning a day trip along Maryland's Chesapeake Bay, add Chesapeake Beach to your list!
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