Great Chesapeake Bay Loop Getaway Guide

Hook & Cook Tasting Tours

Thu, 06 Jun 2024 15:16:08 +0000

You hook ’em, they cook ’em! Dinner doesn’t get any fresher than this. Catch a giant rockfish or pull in a teeming crab pot and let “seasoned” guides cook up a dockside feast. Bait, tackle, license and oven mitts are all included.

Bunky’s Charters: Cook Your Catch Tour

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Charter Fishing & Crabbing Tours

Thu, 06 Jun 2024 15:15:28 +0000

Our most accomplished captains guide you to the Bay’s best fishing spots to catch red drum, striped bass, flounder, Spanish mackerel, blue catfish, Chesapeake channa and famed Maryland blue crabs. Tours include licenses and all the gear you need, so you can kick back and enjoy.

Tuna the Tide Charter Services

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Paddling Tours

Thu, 06 Jun 2024 15:15:00 +0000

Glide through networks of water trails on a sunrise kayak tour, steer your canoe through moonlit marshlands or get your om on during paddleboard-yoga classes. Whatever your paddle preference, there’s something for you. Outings include equipment, instruction and a boatload of fun.

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Natural History Tours

Thu, 06 Jun 2024 15:14:16 +0000

Want to forge family memories fossil hunting, learn about the ecology of the Bay or marvel at majestic ospreys tending to their young? Our Storytellers have the keys to unlock the Bay’s magic and offer adventures that are sure to wow your full crew.

Megalodon Adventure Charters

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Sightseeing Tours

Thu, 06 Jun 2024 15:13:55 +0000

From sunup to sundown, Maryland is always ready for a close-up. Hop on water taxis, yachts or guided cruises to admire photo-worthy beaches, enchanting lighthouses and jumping Spanish mackerel as you explore this fun-sized state’s super-sized waterways.

Tumblehome Cruises

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The Bay’s Natural Beauty

Thu, 06 Jun 2024 15:13:20 +0000

At nearly 200 miles long, the Bay is the nation’s largest estuary and an ideal spot for relaxing amid natural splendor. Its serene waters, shores and marshes are home to 3,000-plus species of plants and animals.

At the Chesapeake Bay Environmental Center in Grasonville, stroll trails or paddle peaceful waters as green-winged teals take flight, river otters dive and terrapins lumber.

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History Tours

Thu, 06 Jun 2024 15:11:51 +0000

Sail back in time to meet pirates, privateers and other swashbuckling types on maritime history cruises and museum experiences. Storytellers will enthrall you with everything from accounts of Maryland’s Indigenous peoples to the delicious lore of Smith Island Cake — sometimes as you enjoy views upon views of glistening waterways.

Rent-A-Tour

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Activities & Family Fun on the Bay

Wed, 05 Jun 2024 14:15:12 +0000

From nature excursions to water parks, there are endless family-friendly activities in the Chesapeake Bay area.

Outdoor Adventures

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Map

Wed, 05 Jun 2024 14:10:36 +0000

Explore the Chesapeake Bay

Use this map to help plan your Chesapeake Bay adventure. These cities and towns exemplify the area’s history, heritage and charm. Many are found along scenic byways and are home to Storyteller experiences — the perfect ingredients for a Chesapeake Bay getaway.

Discover quintessential Chesapeake Bay towns.

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Picture-Perfect Chesapeake Bay Adventures

Wed, 05 Jun 2024 14:08:38 +0000

Feast your eyes on all the Chesapeake Bay has to offer — from colorful sunsets that warm up the horizon to succulent seafood dishes and tranquil shores.

Tag your photos with #MDinFocus for a chance to be featured on our platforms. Follow us on Instagram @visitmaryland.

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The Bay’s Bounty

Wed, 05 Jun 2024 14:04:11 +0000

Plentiful waters make the Chesapeake Bay the perfect place to catch your own shellfish or enjoy the Bay’s bounty served fresh at seafood restaurants.

Experience the Bay

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Watermen’s Life Tours

Wed, 05 Jun 2024 13:59:35 +0000

Learn how to tong for oysters, pull a crab pot or cast a line from the locals most in the know — Chesapeake Bay watermen. If relaxing is more your speed, Storytellers will do the work and spin a yarn while you soak up the scenery. Bait, tackle, tongs and tall tales included.

Solomons Island Heritage Tours

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Sailing Tours

Wed, 05 Jun 2024 13:53:20 +0000

Whether you want to raise the sails and raise a glass, cruise on a historical ship or glide along on a state-of-the-art schooner, captains stand at the ready to show you the best of Maryland’s waters.

Shardana Sailing Charters

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Chesapeake Bay Beaches

Wed, 05 Jun 2024 13:52:01 +0000

Beaches in the Chesapeake Bay are in a class of their own. Whether you want to sunbathe, float in the refreshing waves or camp along the shore, you have an abundance of options to choose from.

Here is just a handful of the many Chesapeake Bay beaches that provide top-notch relaxation and recreation.

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Lighthouse Tours

Wed, 05 Jun 2024 13:20:25 +0000

You can get fantastic views of almost all Maryland’s charming, historical lighthouses from the water. Traverse cresting waves to find these landmarks along sandy beaches, perched on scenic shores and in hidden coves. Some also boast tours, small museums and stairs you can climb to alluring vistas.

Thomas Point Shoal Lighthouse Tour

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Chesapeake Bay Lighthouses

Wed, 05 Jun 2024 13:18:42 +0000

Maryland boasts 20-plus lighthouses, each with a fascinating history and loads of Chesapeake Bay charm. Visit them for overnight stays, sail out to explore them or marvel from a distance — just make sure you see them all.

Peruse exhibits in the Annapolis Maritime Museum, then ride the waves to the Thomas Point Shoal Lighthouse in Maryland’s capital city.

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Chesapeake Bay History & Maritime Museums

Wed, 05 Jun 2024 13:11:26 +0000

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

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Get to Know Your Storytellers

Wed, 05 Jun 2024 13:06:37 +0000

Known for being some of the most engaging and knowledgeable guides in the state, Chesapeake Bay Storytellers have received instruction from the Maryland Office of Tourism, the U.S. National Park Service and each other — and they’re waiting to welcome you aboard your very own Chesapeake Bay adventure.

Throughout the following pages, you’ll meet some of these guides. Look for the symbol next to each Storyteller’s name for insight on the type of tour being described.

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Scenic Drives on Chesapeake Bay Shores

Wed, 05 Jun 2024 13:00:35 +0000

Looking for the perfect road trip? Maryland’s Great Chesapeake Bay Loop has you covered. Road-trip ready, themed scenic and historic byways skirt this brilliant body of water and take you on wonderful “roads less traveled.”

Wind through towns and cities with enchanting inns and hotels, great seafood restaurants and museums that put you in touch with area traditions. Soak up views of only-in-Maryland architecture and sunlight dancing on the Bay’s surface.

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The Charm of Bay Towns

Wed, 05 Jun 2024 12:57:32 +0000

Alluring small towns, such as Chesapeake City (pictured), steeped in beloved heritage sites are sprinkled along the shores of the Chesapeake Bay. Visitors looking for a picture-perfect and uniquely Maryland getaway are drawn to quaint inns, delicious seafood, stunning vistas, historical lighthouses, fun festivals, fantastic shopping and so much more.

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Chesapeake Bay Getaway Trip Ideas

Wed, 05 Jun 2024 12:53:59 +0000

Plan Your Getaway on the Great Chesapeake Bay Loop

You’re welcome to visit and explore Maryland’s Great Chesapeake Bay Loop, which surrounds the largest estuary in the United States. Sail the Bay’s sparkling waters and breathe in the slightly salty air. Taste the flavors of its fresh seafood and local produce from farms along the shore, and feel the freedom of escaping land as you get out on the water. Enjoy quaint waterfront towns, taking time to talk to the locals — some of whom have lingering accents from ancestors who came to the area more than 300 years ago.

When it comes to places to stay along the way, you’ll find plenty of options. Whether you’re looking for a quiet, tucked-away escape at a cozy bed and breakfast, a relaxing few nights at a luxury hotel, a rustic camping or cabin experience, or a culturally enriching holiday at a historical inn, the Great Chesapeake Bay Loop is the perfect destination.

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Chesapeake Bay Storytellers

Wed, 05 Jun 2024 03:29:28 +0000

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