Best Places to Boat in the Bay

As the height of boating season approaches, we thought we'd look forward to all summer has to offer and compile a short list of our favorite places to boat in the bay. Of course, this is not a comprehensive list, so feel free to add your favorites in the comments!

Baltimore's Inner Harbor
Sure, it's crowded. Maybe it's a little touristy. But isn't it fun to see Baltimore from the water? There are a variety of marina/docking faciltiies, and of course, lots of places to eat and shop and explore. Just make sure you don't contribute to the polluted water, as Baltimore is working to make the Inner Harbor swimmable by 2020. 

Choptank River
It's the longest river in the Delmarva Penninsula, and it's perfect for all sorts of boating activities. The crabbing is good here, but so are the views - it's surrounded by beautiful forests, and it's not uncommon to see deer or otters on shore. The Suicide Bridge Restaurant is a great place to eat - and we love on-the-water dining! The Choptank River Lighthouse is neat to see by boat as well.

Annapolis
Maybe for those of us who live right here, Annapolis is not the most thrilling of boating locations. But take a look at it with new eyes - it's charming, there are lots of great shops and restaurants, and the Naval Academy is a neat place to walk around if you've never been before. Annapolis is the perfect little waterfront town, and a great place to tie up for half a day.

St. Michaels
Another quaint, cute boating town. St. Michaels is also known for its small shops and restaurants, and has the added benefit of being home to the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum. It's a really interesting museum, full of rich Maryland boating history, and has a lighthouse as part of the experience. 

Where are your favorite places to boat in the Chesapeake, and why? Let us know in the comments below!