Located mostly on the east side of Chesapeake Bay in Maryland, Maryland’s Eastern Shore is a wide peninsula that is famous for an array of things—from its legendary seafood and wild horses to its gorgeous beaches and historic charm with many beautifully restored homes. The Easter Shore is home to hundreds of miles of shoreline, forests, cute historic towns and ocean resorts, and although fairly rural it is a hub for shopping, transportation and other services. Read on to discover the ten best things to do on a weekend in Maryland’s Eastern Shore.
Source: Chesapeake Bay Program / Flickr
Explore These 10 Beautiful Places On A Weekend In Maryland's Eastern Shore
1. Camp with Wild Horses
Make your childhood dreams of playing and running with the wild horses come to life by spending time at this 37-mile long barrier island, which is home to beautiful beaches, birds and wild horses. There are various natural trails, and camping is allowed on the ocean and bay sides of the island.
Address: 7206 National Seashore Ln, Berlin, MD
2. Visit Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge
Observe bald eagles in their nesting area, along with waterfowl. There is a visitor center, various walking and paddling trails, and even a wildlife drive. This refuge houses three different ecosystems and a large assortment of wildlife.
Address: 2145 Key Wallace Dr, Cambridge, MD
3. Visit Chesapeake City Historic District
Stroll around this historic town and explore beautiful restored homes, inns, shops, a museum, and more. There is also an outdoor summer concert series, along with bike trails for those who want to spend time outdoors.
Address: 100 Bohemia Avenue, Chesapeake City, MD
4. Adventure to Frontier Town
Go back in time to the Old West at this attraction that is more than 50 years old. Here, visitors can go for a ride on a stagecoach pan for gold, and take in a performance of Frontier Town’s legendary Old Wets show.
Address: Rt. 611, Stephen Decatur Highway, Ocean City, MD
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5. Go Fishing on Chesapeake Bay
With some of the best angling in town, Chesapeake Bay offers numerous fishing options including charters that will take you out for the day—both fishers and non-fishers are welcome.
6. Celebrate the National Hard Crab Derby
Join in on some local fun with this annual event, which takes place September 1 to 4 and consists of crab picking contests and crab races, and also includes a carnival, parade, arts and crafts, seafood, entertainment, and of course, fireworks.
Address: 715 Broadway, Crisfield, MD
7. Play the Slots at Ocean Downs
Have a fun-filled day at Ocean Downs, which is home to a raceway, casino and restaurant. Here you can try your luck at one of 800 slot machines, and partake in live horse racing daily, finishing off with a steak at Pacers.
Address: 10218 Racetrack Rd, Berlin, MD
8. Have Dinner at the Bartlett Pear Inn
Indulge your taste buds in a delicious feast at this inn, which has been named among the 100 best restaurants and features locally-sourced foods and artisanal cocktails served up in an elegantly casual atmosphere.
Address: 28 S. Harrison Street, Easton, MD
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9. Enjoy a Guided Canoe Tour
Let your native guide take the lead as you journey through Bending Water Park, which is the traditional home to the Accohannock Tribe. Get away from it all by immersing yourself in the midst of miles of trails and wetlands that make up the Maryland wilderness.
10. Follow Harriet Tubman’s Footsteps
Known as the famous conductor of the Underground Railroad, Harriet Tubman was a former slave who made history. Visit the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Byway, which retraces her historic journeys via a self-guided driving tour that covers more than 125 miles and includes 36 significant historical sites along the way.
This article was written by Kamala Kirk.