CHESAPEAKE BEACH — Rod ’N’ Reel Resort has completed a multi-phase transformation and is welcoming guests to a revitalized waterfront destination on the Chesapeake Bay just in time for the 2026 summer season and its 80th anniversary.
The family-owned property, established in 1946 as a restaurant, marina and charter fishing hub, has refreshed nearly every aspect of the guest experience while preserving its historic roots as a community gathering place in Calvert County. The upgrades span dining, accommodations, marina operations and event spaces, positioning the resort as a convenient waterfront escape for visitors from Washington, D.C., Baltimore and across Southern Maryland.
“Rod ’N’ Reel has always been about bringing people together on the waterfront,” said Mary Lanham, CEO of Rod ’N’ Reel Resort. “With these renovations, we’ve honored our history while creating a more elevated, seamless experience for today’s guests, from the marina to our restaurants and event spaces. We’re excited to welcome everyone this summer and beyond.”
Located less than an hour’s drive from both major metropolitan areas, the resort offers a true Chesapeake Bay waterfront experience without crossing the Bay Bridge. The centerpiece of the transformation is the updated Rod ’N’ Reel Restaurant, which now features a modern aesthetic, enhanced waterfront views and a menu focused on locally sourced seafood and seasonal ingredients.
Full marina access has returned following dredging, with new slips, private fishing charters and transient docking available for boaters. Guests can combine overnight stays with on-water activities, reinforcing the property’s original identity as a hub for fishing and bayfront recreation.
The resort now offers five distinct dining concepts: 1936 Bar & Grill, CBQ, The Dock, Otto’s Brew Bar and the signature Rod ’N’ Reel Restaurant. Event and wedding venues include the Chesapeake Ballroom, The Wedding Dome, Bayview Terrace, South Beach ceremony site and The Overlook, allowing for multi-day celebrations, corporate retreats and private gatherings in one location.
Hotel and wellness amenities feature indoor and outdoor pools — including a rooftop pool and pool house — a fitness center, sauna, spa and barber services. Additional offerings include dedicated gaming areas, bingo and a year-round schedule of live entertainment.
A highlight of the summer calendar is the return of the Rock the Dock waterfront concert series, running May through October. The 2026 lineup features tribute bands spanning multiple genres, combining live music, dining and bay views. The series kicks off Memorial Day Weekend on May 21.
As the resort prepares to mark 80 years since its founding, the revitalization serves as both a celebration of its past and a step toward future growth. Planned enhancements include expanded event spaces, additional guest rooms and a waterfront atrium to support its evolution into a year-round destination.
“While so much has evolved, our commitment to this community and to creating memorable guest experiences remains the same,” Lanham added. “We’re proud of where we’ve been and excited for what’s ahead.”
Rod ’N’ Reel Resort is now open for dining, overnight stays, marina use and private events. Southern Maryland residents and visitors alike will find a refreshed yet familiar destination that continues to anchor Chesapeake Beach as a place for family gatherings, waterfront dining and community events.
The property’s location in Calvert County makes it easily accessible for day trips from St. Mary’s, Charles and Anne Arundel counties, further strengthening its role in the regional tourism landscape. With summer approaching, the combination of new amenities and traditional bayfront charm positions Rod ’N’ Reel for another strong season serving both longtime patrons and new guests.
