Overview
Chesapeake Beach is in Southern Maryland. Along with North Beach, it forms the closest seaside community to Washington, D.C.
2 sights · 3 things to do · 9 places to eat · 5 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Chesapeake Beach
Bayside History Museum
Helps visitors understand the role the Chesapeake Bay environment had in shaping the cultures of the bayside communities from Fairhaven to Plum Point, from prehistoric times to the present.
Chesapeake Beach Railway Museum
Chesapeake Beach Water Park
A pool, lazy river, water slides, splashing area for the little ones... what more could you ask for on a hot, summer day?
North Beach Farmers' Market
The market includes local vendors with plants, vegetables, baked goods, meats, cheeses, eggs, and other fresh goods.
Rod 'N Reel Summer Concerts
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Apr–Oct. Summer highs reach about 90°F; winter lows dip to about 30°F. Very hot (Jul) — plan outdoor time for mornings. Wettest: Jul and Jun. (climate data from nearby Washington, D.C.)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- DCA Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, Washington — 29 mi away (major hub). Directions
- BWI Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, Baltimore — 34 mi away (major hub). Directions
Maryland Route 260 terminates at the Chesapeake Bay in Chesapeake Beach. Coming from Washington, D.C., take Route 4 from the Beltway to MD-260. Coming from Annapolis, head south on Route 2. From the Baltimore Beltway (I-695) take MD-301 S to MD-4 S.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
- Places to stay listed here: about $3–$3 a night (typical $4), from 2 listed prices.
- Estimated daily budget per person (room, two meals, local transport and an activity): budget ~$50, mid-range ~$80, comfortable ~$170.
See the Sleep guide ↓ for places to stay.
Sample 1-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Bayside History Museum, North Beach Farmers' Market, Chesapeake Beach Water Park
- Lunch Traders
- Afternoon Chesapeake Beach Railway Museum, Rod 'N Reel Summer Concerts
- Dinner Neptune's Seafood Pub
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Get in
By car
Maryland Route 260 terminates at the Chesapeake Bay in Chesapeake Beach. Coming from Washington, D.C., take Route 4 from the Beltway to MD-260. Coming from Annapolis, head south on Route 2. From the Baltimore Beltway (I-695) take MD-301 S to MD-4 S.
From Washington's Capital Beltway (I-95/495), take Route 4 south into Calvert County. Take the Route 260 ramp to the Beaches. See ALL below. From the Baltimore Beltway (I-695), take Route 301 south to Route 4 south into Calvert County. Take the Route 260 ramp to the Beaches. See ALL below.
From Annapolis, take Route 2 south to Route 260 east. Follow Route 260 until it ends at the Chesapeake Bay. Turn left and go north approximately 0.6 mile.
From Southern Maryland, take Routes 2/4 north to Sunderland. When Routes 2/4 split, take Route 2 north to Route 260 east (right). Follow Route 260 until it ends at the Chesapeake Bay. Turn left and go north approximately 0.6 mile.
By bus
Maryland Commuter Bus Route #820 operates service to/from Washington, D.C. on weekdays.
By boat
Chesapeake Beach is on Chesapeake Bay. Daytime mooring is available along the town pier in North Beach (small boats only). Otherwise, you'll need to make arrangements at one of the several marinas in the area as there are no public dingy docks in the area.
See
Do
Buy
You'll find great shopping: antique shops, fine arts gallery, novelty shops, gift shops, flower shop. All shopping and restaurants are within walking distance of the pier, boardwalk and beach.
Eat
Chesapeake Beach
Eat Little Panda
Good Chinese takeout.
North Beach
Eat The Bakist
Bakery with lots of yummy cookies, cakes, and other baked goods. Also serves a great breakfast with coffee options and smoothies.
Eat Dairy Freeze
A fast food-like place that serves good hamburgers, milkshakes, and ice cream sundaes. On fair weather days you can sit outside and enjoy your food in the sunshine!
Eat Plaza Mexico
Good Mexican food for a decent price. Indoor and outdoor seating as well as a bar.
Sleep
Marinas
Stay North Beach Pier Boat Slips
The Town of North Beach now offers boat slips at the end of the pier for visitors and residents. There are a total of 19 slips that are approximately 15 feet by 30 feet in size. The approximate depth at a normal low tide is minus four mean low water. The slips are free to use, but there is no overnight docking, visitors must sign in at the welcome center, and all boats must be undocked by 10:30PM.
Nearby
Prince Frederick
City / town · 8 listings · 11 mi away
Upper Marlboro
City / town · 12 listings · 14 mi away
St. Michaels
City / town · 8 listings · 18 mi away
Waldorf
City / town · 4 listings · 20 mi away
Largo
City / town · 15 listings · 20 mi away
Clinton-Camp Springs
City / town · 16 listings · 21 mi away
Kent Island
City / town · 15 listings · 21 mi away
Bowie
City / town · 19 listings · 22 mi away
My experience
Write about your trip here. Notes save automatically in this browser as you type; back them up from My journal.