Please wait..
Please wait..
09-March-2026 Local Adventures & Superhost Shawn’s Travels
Did you know March 9th is National Crabmeat Day?
Yeah, we didn’t either, but it definitely got us feeling all the Maryland summer vibes over here. 🦀
The beautiful Maryland blue crabs in the photo above were caught by guests last summer right off the private pier at Chesapeake Paradise, our waterfront retreat on the Chesapeake Bay.
One of our favorite things to see is guests arriving as visitors and leaving with stories about the day they caught their own dinner from the Bay.
It’s one of those experiences that sticks with people.
Many visitors come to Maryland specifically to experience crabbing on the Chesapeake Bay, one of the region’s most iconic traditions. The Maryland crab season typically runs from spring through late fall, when blue crabs are plentiful and waterfront communities across the Chesapeake come alive with this beloved local pastime.
Crabbing in the Chesapeake Bay is more than just a fun activity. It is a Maryland tradition. Many of our guests discover this while exploring the area and planning activities from our Local Adventures guide, where we share some of our favorite things to do around the Chesapeake Bay and Annapolis area.
From dropping a line over the pier to carefully pulling it up and spotting that first crab hanging on, it’s the kind of moment that makes people smile like kids again.
For children, it’s pure excitement. The slow pull of the line. The suspense. That first glimpse of a blue crab coming out of the water.
For adults, it’s something even deeper, because catching, picking, and eating Maryland blue crabs is practically a state treasure.
There’s nothing quite like gathering around a table, cracking shells, and enjoying a meal that came straight from the Chesapeake Bay.
Most visitors assume summer is peak crabbing season, but locals know a little secret.
The best crabbing in the Chesapeake Bay actually happens from September through mid November.
During this time:
Crabs are bigger and heavier
They are fattening up for winter
The meat is sweeter and more plentiful
Fall on the Bay also tends to bring beautiful weather, fewer crowds, and peaceful waterfront sunsets, making it one of the most enjoyable times to visit Maryland’s coastal areas.
One of the simple joys guests love most at Chesapeake Paradise is ending the day by cooking their catch right on the property.
Guests often drop their crabs straight into the boiler pots on the pier and enjoy one of the freshest crab dinners imaginable.
There’s something special about:
catching your dinner
cooking it with family or friends
eating it while watching the sunset over the Bay
It’s the kind of memory that stays with people long after their trip ends.
If you’ve ever wanted to experience crabbing on the Chesapeake Bay, fall is one of the best times to visit.
Fall on the Bay brings beautiful weather, fewer crowds, and peaceful sunsets. If you're planning a visit, our Plan Your Stay guide shares helpful tips for getting here, what to bring, and how to make the most of your time at Chesapeake Paradise.
When you stay at Chesapeake Paradise, whether in the Chesapeake Paradise House or The Cottage, you’ll have access to our private waterfront pier, crabbing equipment for guests, and peaceful views of the Maryland Chesapeake Bay.
It’s the perfect place to slow down, enjoy time on the water, and maybe even catch your own Maryland blue crab dinner.
Fall is one of the most popular seasons here, when the crabs are at their biggest and the sunsets over the Bay are especially beautiful.
Check out our accommodations and availability for summer or fall stays:
https://chesapeakeparadise.com
Come for the water views.
Stay for the memories.
And you just might catch your own dinner. 🦀
If you're planning a trip to Maryland's Chesapeake Bay, you might also enjoy these guides:
Plan Your Stay – Travel tips, directions, and everything you need to know before arriving
Local Adventures – Things to do around the Chesapeake Bay and Annapolis area
Guest Favorites – Experiences past guests loved most during their stay
Wellness & Retreats – Retreats and restorative experiences at Chesapeake Paradise
Inside Chesapeake Paradise – Stories, updates, and behind the scenes life on the property