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25 Jul 2025 Local Adventures & Superhost Shawn’s Travels
When life has been go-go-go, sometimes the most radical thing you can do is step outside. Not just out of your house—but out of your thoughts. Out of the stress. Into stillness, sunshine, and a slower rhythm.
That’s what happens here at Chesapeake Paradise.
When our retreat guests wander into the woods, hop on a bike, or take a quiet stroll along the shore, they often tell us it’s the first time they’ve heard themselves breathe in months. These outdoor experiences aren’t just fun—they’re transformational. And the best part? They’re all just minutes from your door.
Here’s your guide to the trails, paths, and peaceful places waiting for you.
Just under an hour from Chesapeake Paradise, Calvert Cliffs State Park offers dramatic 24-million-year-old fossil-bearing cliffs, a sandy beach, hiking trails, and the chance to find prehistoric shark teeth right along the shoreline.
One of the most exciting draws is the beachcombing—visitors often walk away with fossilized shark teeth, shells, and other treasures. The park also offers fishing, both freshwater and tidal marshland, and a recycled tire playground for kids.
Admission: Cash only – $5 per vehicle (MD residents), $7 for out-of-state visitors
Pro Tip: Bring a baggie and a sharp eye—you never know what prehistoric surprise might be waiting in the sand.
Just 20 minutes from Chesapeake Paradise, this elevated walking and biking path follows the historic route of the early 1900s Chesapeake Beach Railway.
The trail winds above Fishing Creek and tidal marshlands rich with wildlife. Birdwatchers love spotting bald eagles, osprey, and herons. Benches along the way make it easy to pause and take in the scenery.
Pro Tip: Pair your trail walk with a visit to the Chesapeake Beach Railway Museum for a deeper look at the area’s history.
Only 13 miles from Chesapeake Paradise, this 340-acre waterfront park offers over a mile of natural shoreline, five miles of scenic trails, and peaceful ponds. It’s perfect for walking, fishing, kayaking, or simply enjoying a quiet picnic.
Admission: $6 per vehicle. Summer weekends and holidays require a free reservation pass.
About 35 minutes away in Annapolis, Quiet Waters Park features open meadows, wooded trails, playgrounds, covered picnic areas, and the whimsical Fairy House Trails that delight children and adults alike.
With 340 acres nestled between the South River and Harness Creek, the park also offers kayaking, seasonal ice skating, summer concerts, and art exhibits at the Visitor Center.
Less than 15 minutes from Chesapeake Paradise, SERC offers peaceful forest and wetland trails plus exhibits about Chesapeake Bay ecology. This 2,600-acre nature and research site is ideal for hiking, birdwatching, and learning about the Bay’s ecosystems.
Hours: Mon–Fri 9–4, Sat 9–3. Closed Sundays & federal holidays.
What to Bring:
Sturdy walking shoes or sandals
Refillable water bottle
Journal for reflections
Lightweight backpack with snacks
Bug spray and sunscreen
When to Go:
Spring & Fall: Cooler temps, fewer crowds
Early Mornings: Peaceful light, more wildlife
Evenings: Cooler air and stunning sunsets
Solo vs. Group:
Solo: Move at your own pace, reflect, and recharge
Group: Bond over discoveries and shared moments in nature
At Chesapeake Paradise, we’re not just offering a beautiful place to stay—we’re offering a soft landing and a fresh start.
Outdoor time here isn’t a distraction from the retreat—it’s part of the retreat. It’s where your breakthroughs happen when you least expect them. It’s where clarity meets quiet. Where you remember what it feels like to be present, embodied, and alive.
The trees, the trails, the sand beneath your feet… they all have something to teach you. And we’re here to hold that space while you listen.
Gorgeous August days are here and even more beautiful September is around the corner—and we have availability! Check out our accommodations and book here.