Annapolis

Historic Harbor town that will reward you a memorable visit.  One of the best boating destinations in the United States.  I may be inclined to say the best but I am a little biased. Home to the United States Naval Academy and the Capital of Maryland.  There is much history and many options for tourists both for the boating and the land based kind.  The options for holding you boat while here are many, grab a mooring ball, anchor in the harbor's mouth or visit one of the marinas that line the harbor.  You can even tie to the wall in the famous Ego Alley.  The Annapolis Harbor Master manages the mooring field's and the city dock.  Mooring are first come first serve and the city dock will take reservations through the Harbor Masters office.  Dining and Shopping abound with all budgets in mind.  You can also tour the Naval Academy for a small fee.  If you have never anchored your boat and have always wanted to this is a great place to get the feel of not being tied to a dock.  Get a mooring ball.  They have lines you attach to your bow cleats.  You will notice a number on the ball, you can call the water taxi give the your ball number and they will pick you up and drop you off at you boat. It is a great experience!!!

Cape Charles

One of my personal favorites.  Kings Creek is our marina of choice, floating docks, pool, beach, and one of the best restaurants we have visited by boat, Aqua. Cape Charles offers a small town experience with up and coming dining and lodging.  The location is just north of the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay, this offers the clearest water any where on the Chesapeake.  The fishing is excellent with many species available to chase.  

THE TIDES INN

A true classic, located on Carter Creek in Irvington, VA  This is a true 4 star resort with golf, dining, spa, two pools, and marina.  You will be greeted by a wonderful staff, floating docks and picturesque grounds.  They have bikes and a shuttle to take you in to town. Town is very small but a good bike ride.  If you can take the shuttle into Kilmarnoc for some good furniture/art shopping. This is a great destination for a long weekend or a couple night stay on your way south.

Saint Michaels

A town with a historic look and feel. The harbor of Saint Michaels  welcomes boats and yachts of all shapes and sizes from many different ports of call.  The town boast many excellent restaurants and shops.The maritime museum is of interest for history buffs. The crab house is also a favorite for visitors to the town.  Several Marinas line the harbor including St. Michaels marina and Harbor View marina. Harbor View has rooms and a spa. Both have pools and dining on site.  The town is great to take the family shopping, dining and unwinding. Weekends tend to be pricey at the marinas so if you have a dingy

you can anchor near by and dingy in.

Rock Hall

Sitting at the edge of the Chester river on the northern shore line is this historic town.  Today Rock Hall is a waterfront community with a traditional harbor and several marinas for the pleasure boater.  Our favorite spot is actually just around the back side of Rock Hall on Swan Creek. Swan Creek is beautiful, and home to good anchoring and two very nice marinas. We will spend most of our time here on the hook! Swan Creek is a very relaxing place to visit!

Waiting for you just inside the mouth of the Patuxent river is the quaint town of Solomons. A peninsula  with a long tradition of boating on the Chesapeake. Home of the Calvert Marine Museum, Solomons has several very nice marinas, shops, and restaurants. Solomons was established in 1867 and has the feel of a by gone time when working the bounty of the bay was what one did in this town.  Today you can bike, boat, and relax quite easily here. Zahniser's is our go to marina here. They have a great staff and great facilities. They are a full service marina.

Solomons is also a great launching point for destinations in the southern bay.


SOLOMONS ISLAND

RIVER MARSH MARINA

With out a doubt this is one of the kids favorite spots on the bay.  All of the amenities  of a typical 4 STAR resort . This property a Hyatt brand resort has Golf, several restaurants, 3 pools including an indoor version, poolside service, spa, nature path, beautiful views of the Choptank river,and good docks.  Fuel & pump out on site.  The marina has typically offered a buy 2 nights get the third free during the week. Check with marina for availability. The Crabbing is good just outside of the marina so bring the traps.  

THESE LOCATIONS KEEP US COMING BACK YEAR AFTER YEAR. NOT ONLY DO WE LOVE THESE PLACES, THEY ARE GREAT FOR ALL AGES.

FAMILY FAVORITES

THE REAL BOATERS GUIDE

Cruising The Chesapeake