First opened by Otto Mears in 1900, the original Chesapeake Beach Resort featured a boardwalk lined with concession stands, a roller coaster, a band shell, dancing and other forms of entertainment. It was also home to the Belvedere Hotel, which was on the property for two decades until it was destroyed by fire; the full resort facilities were damaged by hurricane in 1933. In 1946, the amusement park was refurbished, and in 1948 slot machines were added.
In 2004, Chesapeake Beach Resort and Spa was born, recapturing the original intent of the founders of this small town: to provide a bayside resort near Washington, D.C., Baltimore, Annapolis and the surrounding area. Today, Rod ‘N’ Reel Resort proudly continues this tradition, offering a relaxed destination where guests can get away – without going away.