Great Chesapeake Bay Loop Getaway Guide - 2024 Great Chesapeake Bay Loop Getaway Guide

The Chesapeake Bay shares reminders of its past at every turn. Maritime museums translate that history into immersive stories for everyone to enjoy. Understand the life of watermen, explore the inner workings of a lighthouse and admire the craftsmanship of traditional Maryland decoy carvers all at these memorable museums.

Annapolis Maritime Museum & Park Heritage Tours on the Wilma Lee

The Wilma Lee is one of the only skipjacks still sailing the Bay. Storyteller Gwen Mayes narrates a nautical view of historical Annapolis and reveals how oysters shaped the town and are saving the Bay. Save time for museum exhibits in historical McNasby’s Oyster Company.

“We take you on a boat that was used for dredging oysters … When people take a heritage tour thinking they just want to get out on the water, they come away in awe of the area’s history and the interconnectedness of the Bay.” Gwen Mayes Annapolis Maritime Museum & Park Heritage Tours on the Wilma Lee

Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum

The Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum in St. Michaels tells countless stories. But for Storyteller and Vice President of Education & Interpretation Jill Ferris, the museum’s working shipyard, vintage sailing outings and hands-on history aren’t about telling well-worn tales — they’re about helping visitors forge their own Chesapeake stories.

“People come who’ve lived their whole lives here … There’s something powerful about seeing yourself represented in the museum. Those moments — the exhibits, the artifacts, the vessels — are really just tools for people to connect and to share their humanity. It’s rewarding and so much fun.” Jill Ferris Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum

Calvert Marine Museum

The Calvert Marine Museum is home to sharks and otters, a lighthouse, hands-on fossil digs, historical Chesapeake Bay boat excursions and — of course — a famously massive megalodon shark skeleton. Storyteller Melinda Quinn loves sharing the joy of learning that runs deep in this amazing place.

“Where else can you play with horseshoe crabs, terrapins and otters all in the same day? It’s my chance to introduce everybody to the animals I fell in love with on the Bay. And at least once a day, I can get someone to say, ‘Oh my gosh! I never knew that!’” Melinda Quinn Calvert Marine Museum