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A Visitor's Guide to Cambridge, Maryland

Cambridge is a charming historic town on the Choptank River, a major tributary of the Chesapeake Bay, on the Eastern Shore of Maryland . Located in Dorchester County, Maryland, just 90 miles southeast of Washington DC, the waterfront community makes a great getaway destination for those who enjoy outdoor recreation and exploring small towns. The historic district features brick paved streets with parks, a marina, museums, and a lighthouse on the water. The area attracts nature lovers, birders, photographers, cyclists, and paddlers to the Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge. Over the past few years, Cambridge has been experiencing a renaissance, as old buildings are being renovated and returned to their former glory. One-of-a-kind shops, boutiques, and galleries, as well as a variety of new restaurants, have opened.

Getting to Downtown Cambridge

From Washington, DC, Virginia, Baltimore, and points west: Take Route 50 East, pass over the Chesapeake Bay Bridge , continue on Route 50 for about 40 miles. After you cross the Choptank River Bridge, make the first right onto Maryland Avenue. Go about a half-mile, cross over a small drawbridge and continue straight where Maryland Avenue becomes Market Street. Turn Right on Spring Street. At the intersection of High Street, you are in the center of town. Take a Right on High Street and continue to the end of the street to reach Longwarf Park and the lighthouse. There is a parking lot next to the lighthouse and street parking throughout the town.

Major Attractions Near Cambridge

• Choptank River Lighthouse - 10 High Street Cambridge, MD. The replica of a six-sided screw-pile lighthouse that guided mariners along the Choptank River for generations is open to the public for free, self-guided tours daily from mid-May through October.
• Harriet Tubman Museum & Education Center - 424 Race Street Cambridge, MD. The small museum highlights the life and stories of Harriet Tubman, the Underground Railroad heroine and Dorchester County native. She escaped slavery and returned to lead dozens of others to freedom. Open Tuesday through Saturday. Also pay a visit to the Harriet Tubman Underground Visitor Center at 4068 Golden Hill Road. It marks the entrance to the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Scenic Byway . The visitor center offers exhibits, a film, restrooms, picnic facilities, and staff to offer further information and guidance to visit other sites along the byway.
• Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge - Established in 1933 as a waterfowl sanctuary for birds, Blackwater is located 12 miles south of Cambridge and consists of more than 25,000 acres of tidal wetlands, open fields, and deciduous forests. Visitors may bike, walk, or drive along the trails to view wildlife. There are three paddling trails, as well as hunting/fishing/crabbing opportunities.
• Richardson Maritime Museum & Boatworks - Maryland Avenue & Hayward Street; Cambridge, MD. Founded in memory of a prominent local boatbuilder, the museum displays ship models and boatbuilding artifacts. The Ruark Boatworks Build-A-Boat Program gives student groups the opportunity to learn about maritime heritage while building their own boat and model.

Where to Eat and Dine

• The Wine Bar & Shop - 414 Race Street. Wine Bar
• Bistro Poplar - 535 Poplar Street. French
• Canvasback Restaurant and Irish Pub - 420 Race Street. French, Italian, and Irish
• Don Chuy Mexican Taqueria - 411 Academy Street. Mexican
• Jimmie and Sooks - 527 Poplar Street. Raw Bar and Seafood
• Portside Seafood Restaurant - 201 Trenton Street. Seafood
• RAR Brewing Taproom - 504-506 Poplar Street (443) 225-5664. Brewpub
• Snapper’s Waterfront Café - 112 Commerce Street. American and Seafood
• Ava's Pizzeria - 534 Poplar Street. Pizza
• Blackwater Bakery - 429 Race Street. Bakery
• Carmela Cucina - 400 Academy Street. Italian
• Cambridge House Bed & Breakfast - 112 High Street. American and Seafood

Hotels and Places to Stay

• Cambridge House Bed & Breakfast - 112 High Street
• Comfort Inn and Suites - 2936 Ocean Gateway
• Days Inn and Suites - 2917 Ocean Gateway
• Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Resort - 100 Heron Boulevard
• Holiday Inn Express Cambridge - 2715 Ocean Gateway

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Things to do in Cambridge Maryland: A Fun 3-Day Guide

If you are looking for things to do in Cambridge Maryland, you’ve come to the right place!

My family discovered Cambridge in the middle of 2020 and now it’s one of our favorite places to visit! We just returned from a trip a few weeks ago and booked a return visit for next year.

I will share some of our favorite restaurants, where we stay, what to do at our resort, and things to do in Cambridge Maryland and St. Michaels – which is only a short ride away.

*Things to do in Cambridge Maryland Post contains affiliate links. Purchases made through links result in a small commission to us at no cost to you.

Table of Contents

Where to Stay in Cambridge Maryland

If you are looking for things to do in Cambridge Maryland, chances are – you are already booked at the Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Golf Resort, Spa & Marina.

I’m sure there are other hotels and AirBNBs in the area, but this resort is our favorite for so many reasons.

The rooms are spacious – which is ideal when staying with two kids. In the past, we’ve stayed in a standard two-queen room and found it perfect for comfortably sleeping all four of us.

For our most recent trip, we decided to try out the King family suite – which has a king-size bed and bunk beds – purely for the novelty of the bunk beds. The kids were delighted with bunks and we appreciated that it freed up space for a seating area between our bed and theirs.

The resort in Cambridge MD is situated right on the Chesapeake Bay and has gorgeous views, along with walking trails right along the bay. With plenty of benches and rocking chairs, you can easily wily away the day by relaxing and watching the water.

Things to Do at the Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Resort

There is so much to keep your family occupied at the Hyatt Chesapeake Bay – you genuinely don’t ever have to leave the resort if you don’t want to.

Let’s start with the pools – there are 3. An adult-only infinity pool, an activities pool with a waterslide, and an indoor pool to enjoy all year long. The indoor pool is home to the nightly movie – which plays as it gets dark, so your kids can swim and enjoy a flick at the same time!

Additionally, you’ll find the following activities on-site for free:

• Beach Volleyball
• Hiking Trails
• Giant Chess
• Frisbee Golf
• Horse Shoes
• Outdoor Fires (s’mores cost extra)

There is also an arcade, golf, private firepits, and a spa – but those are all additional expenses.

In season, from Labor Day to Memorial Day, there are additional activities available to rent on-site from Blackwater Adventures including bicycles, jet-skis, kayaks, paddle boats, stand-up paddle boards, and other boat rentals. You can also sign-up for guided tours!

When we went over Memorial Day, they also had hourly kids’ activities, bounce houses, games, and other fun things available at no additional cost.

Where to Eat: Cambridge MD Restaurants

There are restaurants on-site at the Hyatt, but we found the local fare to be much better. We generally eat lunch at the resort by the pool or from the marketplace (which also has sandwiches, coffee, snacks, and breakfast options) or skip it if we had a big brunch.

If you wanted to skip lunch at the resort, many of the breakfast and dinner restaurants below would also work for lunch.

Now let’s get into some of our favorite Cambridge, MD Restaurants.

Breakfast Restaurants in Cambridge MD

If you can only eat at one breakfast spot, make it Blackwater Bakery . Their breakfast meals are delicious and their baked goods are to-die-for! We always try to eat here on our last morning so we can load up on bakery items for the ride home. Of all the Cambridge MD restaurants, this is my favorite.

My husband is mad about the crab omelet, my kids love the avocado toast and acai bowl, and I’m crazy about the quiche. Their honey lavender chai is incredible – I’ve been looking for something similar at home, but nothing I find is as good as theirs.

For more of a grab-and-go meal, head to Bay Country Bakery for homemade donuts and coffee cake that will satisfy any sweet tooth. We didn’t have a chance to try their breakfast sandwiches – but we got to see (and smell) them being made. I’ll be adding one to my order next time.

Take a photo of the giant donut painted on the walls of the bakery while you are there – it’s the perfect backdrop for a fun family picture.

For simple diner food that is authentic and delicious, we also really like Cambridge Diner . The portions are enormous and taste exactly like you want a diner breakfast to taste – homestyle and delicious!

Dinner Restaurants in Cambridge MD

When we first started going to the area, the restaurants in Cambridge MD meals weren’t as plentiful, but now there are tons of yummy spots popping up around town!

Let’s start with Snapper’s Waterfront Cafe and Tiki Bar . We’ve been to other spots on the water for dinner in Cambridge, but Snapper’s blows them all out of the water. Their broiled crabcakes are made with crab shucked at the factory next store and the jerk chicken tastes like it’s from Jamaica.

Ava’s Pizza was originally from St. Michaels, but they just opened up a location in Cambridge, MD that’s just as good. The meatballs melt in your mouth, the Caesar was delightful, and then there’s the pizza!!! We tried the Mediterranean Pie, a Meatball Breeze, the Chef’s Favorite, and a monthly special. Each was better than the next!

High Spot , owned by Ava’s, is new to Cambridge as well. It’s located in the heart of Downtown Cambridge and features American-style food with an upscale twist. From fried pickles to burgers, crabcakes to fried chicken, this restaurant will please even the pickiest eaters.

Things to Do in Cambridge Maryland

Cambridge, Maryland is set in gorgeous Dorchester County and is situated right on the Chesapeake Bay. It’s close to nearby St. Michaels, and not far from Annapolis either. There are so many things to do in Cambridge Maryland, and the surrounding areas, so I put together a guide for an ideal first visit.

3-Day Itinerary w/ Cambridge Maryland Restaurants

Day 1 – Arrival

• Check into the Hyatt Chesapeake Bay , explore the resort to get your bearings, and play a round of mini golf before dinner.
• Grab some crabcakes at Snapper’s Waterfront Cafe and Tiki Bar for dinner
• Stay for live music or head back to the resort for a nightcap.

Day 2 – Explore Cambridge

• Head to Bay Country Bakery for donuts and cinnamon buns.
• Spend the day at the pool, play some frisbee golf, and talk a walk around the docks
• Grab lunch at the poolside cafe located near the indoor pool
• Sail on the Skipjack Nathan in season or head to Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge for a kayaking adventure all year.
• Snack on a burger at High Spot
• Catch a movie at the indoor pool

Day 3 – Visit St. Michaels

• Wake up and grab a coffee at the marketplace before driving the 40 minutes to St. Michaels
• Sip mimosas during brunch at The Galley – voted the best brunch on the Chesapeake
• Visit the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum to explore a lighthouse, learn about boatmaking, and find out the role St. Michael’s played during the war.
• For lunch, go to the St. Michael’s Ava’s Pizza for a slice of prosciutto and mozzarella pizza.
• If you didn’t go sailing yet, take a trip on Sail Seline
• Otherwise, head down Talbot Street for cute boutiques, ice cream parlors, and home decor stores.
• Indulge in the seafood sampler at The Crab Claw
• Back at the resort, rent a firepit by the water for S’mores at Sunset

Departure Day

• Check out and head to Blackwater Bakery for a crab omelet. Stock up on snacks for the way home.
• Drive to the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Visitor Center and National Park to learn about Harriet Tubman and her role in the Underground Railroad at this interactive exhibit.

So that our list of things to do in Cambridge Maryland. Would you head to this vacation spot?

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STAY. EAT. PLAY.

Whether you are coming by sea or by land – there is so much to see and do in Cambridge!

Restaurants

Places to Visit

Experience Cambridge

Cambridge yacht basin.

Located on the Choptank River near the mouth of Cambridge Creek, we offer boaters walkable access to downtown Cambridge. With a maximum depth of 13 feet, we are an ideal stop for boats large and small. Whether you are out for a day trip or taking a weekly excursion on a 200-foot luxury yacht, we can accommodate you. Fuel dock available.

Daily $1.50 per foot Single 30/$5/Double 30 or Single 50/$10/Double 50 or 100/$20

Weekly $6.00 per foot Single 30/$25/Double 30 or Single 50/$50/Double 50 or 100/$100

Dock & Dine Weekdays: $10 flat Weekends & Holidays: $15 flat Rate includes 4 hours of dockage. Transient electric rates apply.

Inquire about annual rates.

Upcoming Events

Cambridge second saturdays, every second saturday.

5:00 pm – 9:00 pm Downtown Cambridge

PowWow / Eagle Festival

Powerboat races, may 21 - 22, 2024, eagleman triathalon, june 9, 2024, 4th of july fireworks, july 4, 2024, ironman triathalon, september 21, 2024, october 6, 2024.

Home » Travel Guides » United States » Maryland (MD) » 15 Best Things to Do in Cambridge (MD)

15 Best Things to Do in Cambridge (MD)

Near the mouth of the broad Choptank River, Cambridge is a quaint town with a distinct maritime character. The history of this place is entwined with water-based trades like oystering, crabbing and boatbuilding.

Harriet Tubman (c. 1822-1913), the best-known Underground Railroad “conductor” was born into slavery close to Cambridge. After escaping in 1849, she made many daring returns to the Eastern Shore to guide some 70 enslaved people to freedom.

You can visit numerous sites around Dorchester County on the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Byway, like the extraordinary visitor center for the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historical Park.

The national park is within the Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, a huge marshy expanse on the route of an epic waterfowl migration in fall.

1. Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historical Park

Coinciding with the 100th anniversary of Harriet Tubman’s death in 2013, 480 acres of the Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge were designated a National Historical Park.

The $22 million visitor center here opened in 2017, in a series of four buildings designed like barns, reminiscent of the places where Tubman slept during her expeditions.

Windows allow you to ponder a landscape that has changed little since Tubman’s time, and the buildings are clad with zinc, which will dull over time to signify the ongoing healing process that has occurred since the Civil War.

The main exhibition inside has interactive stations devoted to themes like the Underground Railroad, how Tubman’s efforts are relevant today, and Tubman’s family, faith and early years against the backdrop of the Choptank River.

2. Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge

Cambridge is the gateway to a vast marshy region, touted as the “Everglades of the North”. At close to 29,000 acres the Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge has a variety of habitats, among them tidal wetlands, freshwater lakes, hardwood & evergreen forest, open fields and farmland.

The refuge was established in 1933 as a waterfowl sanctuary, and from late fall is the scene of an amazing migration of waterfowl, dominated by Canada geese, but also including swans, cranes and more than 20 duck species.

Bald eagles are also present here all year round. In summer there are fewer bird spotting opportunities, but this is the best time to explore the maze of waterways (insect repellent may be needed), with rentals available from companies like Blackwater Adventures.

3. Downtown Cambridge

Along Race Street, Poplar Street and High Street, Cambridge’s historic center is packed with culture, museums, excellent dining and lots of intriguing little detours.

One of these is Christ Episcopal Church. Although the current Gothic Revival building is from 1883, there has been a church here since 1692, and no fewer than five Maryland governors are buried in the cemetery.

The brick-paved High Street is especially quaint, and eventually leads to the waterfront at its eastern end.

At 206 stands the fine Italianate Dorchester County Courthouse (1854), site of an escape by Harriet Tubman’s niece Kessiah and her two children from the slavery auction block here in 1850.

There are many clues to Cambridge’s maritime heritage, from the paintings of schooners in gallery windows to the displays for the craft of boatbuilding at the Richardson Maritime Museum.

Most of downtown Cambridge’s eateries are concentrated along Race Street and Poplar Street, where your choices include modern American, pizza, pub fare, breakfast food, Indian, BBQ, Mexican and steaks.

4. Harriet Tubman Museum and Education Center

You can stay on the Harriet Tubman trail downtown at this small but well-researched museum. With the help of detailed information boards and a short film, the Harriet Tubman Museum and Education Center tells her story.

You’ll find out about her childhood, her devout religious beliefs, the injury she suffered in her youth, her initial escape to Philadelphia in 1849 and the many returns she made to the Eastern Shore to rescue family and friends.

The museum made headlines in 2019 for an impressive and touching mural on an external wall. Depicting Tubman in a rowboat with an arm outstretched, the work was painted by Michael Rosato and commissioned by the Dorchester Center for the Arts.

5. Visitor Center at Sailwinds Park East

Strategically placed by the Choptank River Bridge to welcome people traveling down the Delmarva Peninsula, there’s a visitor center for Dorchester County on the waterfront in Cambridge.

The Visitor Center at Sailwinds Park East is designed to catch your attention, sitting beneath a giant, sail-like canopy evoking a schooner.

This is a good resource for practical information and material like maps and brochures, but is also an attraction in its own right. Inside, there are exhibits about Cambridge and Dorchester County on two levels.

Outside is a fantastic lighthouse-themed playground, a fountain for the Grand National Waterfowl Association, a restful garden with native plants, an amphitheater for events, a beach area on the river and a stretch of boardwalk a mile long.

6. Richardson Maritime Museum

Wooden boatbuilding is a skill with more than 300 years of history on the Eastern Shore, and there’s a museum in a fine old bank building on High Street in Cambridge that tells its story.

The Richardson Maritime Museum is named for celebrated local boatbuilder, James B. Richardson.

The main exhibit pays tribute to the region’s craftsmen with a comprehensive display of preserved boatbuilding tools, from planes to saws to bevels.

You can also check out an exceptional lineup of models for the many different sailboats on the Chesapeake Bay. Among them are pungys, bug eyes and skipjacks, the vessels of choice for oyster dredging, long a key source of income in Cambridge.

7. Heritage Museums and Gardens of Dorchester

The headquarters of the Dorchester County Historical Society can be visited at a campus on a quiet residential street in Cambridge.

The showpiece here is the Meredith House, built around 1760 and displaying artifacts and home furnishings to give a sense of domestic life in the county down the years.

On the same site, the Neild Museum deals with rural life in Dorchester County, presenting a combined wheelwright and blacksmith shop, a stronghouse from the 1700s and formal herb gardens.

Other trades and aspects of local history can be explored at the Robbins Heritage Center, devoted to the canning industry, trapping, hunting, timbering, Native American history and the War of 1812 in Dorchester county.

8. Blackwater Adventures

The extensive sheltered waters all around Cambridge are an outdoor playground, perfect for activities like paddling, jet skiing, fishing, powerboating and much more.

Blackwater Adventures, located at Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Resort and the Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, offers everything you could need to make the most of this unique environment.

You can rent kayaks, paddle boats, bicycles, catamarans and stand-up paddleboards, or something a bit more powerful. There are also step-on, step-off guided bus tours of the area, as well a wide choice of guided paddling and bicycle tours.

9. Harriet Tubman Birthplace Marker

In the Blackwater Wildlife Refuge you can take a moment to visit one purported site of Harriet Tubman’s birth.

Tubman’s exact year and place of birth have been difficult to pinpoint. In 2021 the location for her father Ben Ross’s cabin was believed to have been discovered, further west in Peter’s Neck.

But along Greenbrier Road to the east there’s a place in a verdant landscape where you can pull off the road and reflect.

A marker has been erected here, and is accompanied by an interpretive sign with details about Tubman’s early years, the experience of African Americans in mid-19th century Dorchester County and the origins of the Underground Railroad.

10. Spocott Windmill

The only post mill in the whole of Maryland stands a few miles west of Cambridge by Gary Creek, and is part of an outdoor museum with an ensemble of historic buildings going back to the 19th century.

The original windmill, able to turn in any direction to meet the wind, was raised in 1852 and blown down in a blizzard in 1888.

The current Spocott Windmill is an accurate replica, built by Cambridge boat builder Jim Richardson, also known for the Richardson Maritime Museum.

Since then a number of old buildings have been relocated to this site, among them a doctor’s office, colonial cottage (c. 1800), country store and a one-room schoolhouse (c. 1868).

11. Long Wharf Park

Keep going north on High Street and you’ll soon come to the Choptank riverfront, once the scene of bustling river trade, where oystermen brought their catch ashore.

Long Wharf Park fronts the Cambridge Yacht Basin, able to accommodate some surprisingly large boats.

A floating monument to the oyster industry, the skipjack Nathan of Dorchester is moored next to Long Wharf Park, and can be boarded for public sailing trips, charters and special events throughout the summer.

The park also hosts the Cambridge Farmers’ Market on Thursday afternoons, May through November.

12. Choptank River Lighthouse

One of Cambridge’s favorite sights is a replica lighthouse that can be reached via a pier next to Long Wharf Park.

The Choptank River Lighthouse was built in 2012 and is a reproduction of an historic screwpile lighthouse positioned here until it was dismantled in 1964.

Funded for the most part by local residents, the new lighthouse was more than two decades in the making, and serves as a small museum that can be visited daily, May through October.

You can soak up the views, and browse exhibits recording the maritime heritage of Dorchester County.

13. Dorchester Center for the Arts

Based on Cambridge’s Historic High Street there’s a dynamic community arts center run by a non-profit organization.

This was founded in 1970 and serves the entire Eastern Shore community with exceptional gallery shows and classes in a variety of media for all ages and levels.

Exhibitions at the Dorchester Center for the Arts usually run for a month at a time and feature work by local and regional artists.

As well as annual members’ and young people’s shows, exhibits have dealt with themes like art therapy, textiles, Harriet Tubman, model boats, African American quilts and more.

The gift shop deserves a mention as another place to pick up something unique and handmade on High Street.

14. Bill Burton Fishing Pier

On both banks of the Choptank River, long stretches of the old Emerson C. Harrington Bridge have been preserved as a promenade and fishing pier.

The longest can be accessed across the river at Trappe, and is officially the Bill Burton Fishing Pier State Park.

The Emerson C. Harrington Bridge was dedicated by Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1935, and runs parallel to the modern crossing, which replaced it in 1987.

On the Cambridge side, the pier is half a mile long, and is a popular location for strolls, jogging, crabbing and fishing.

A few species commonly caught in the Choptank are striped bass, perch, croaker, catfish and sea trout. When we compiled this list the pier had been temporarily closed to the public.

15. Gerry Boyle Park

Another place where you can get down to the Choptank riverfront in Cambridge is this public park at the tip of Great Marsh Point.

Gerry Boyle Park has a boat ramp, two soft launch areas, a playground, pavilion, walking path, fishing areas and a small beach.

The setting is an attraction in its own right, and this is a breathtaking place to be at sunrise or sunset, or to watch Cambridge’s Fourth of July fireworks.

The park is also on the course of the grueling and internationally renowned triathlon races, Ironman Maryland in September, and Ironman 70.3 Eagleman in June.

15 Best Things to Do in Cambridge (MD):

• Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historical Park
• Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge
• Downtown Cambridge
• Harriet Tubman Museum and Education Center
• Visitor Center at Sailwinds Park East
• Richardson Maritime Museum
• Heritage Museums and Gardens of Dorchester
• Blackwater Adventures
• Harriet Tubman Birthplace Marker
• Spocott Windmill
• Long Wharf Park
• Choptank River Lighthouse
• Dorchester Center for the Arts
• Bill Burton Fishing Pier
• Gerry Boyle Park

Top Things to Do in Cambridge, MD

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• Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge
• Harriet Tubman Museum and Educational Center
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• Long Wharf Park
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• Gerry Boyle Park at Great Marsh
• Blackwater Adventures

• Destinations

10 Best Things to Do in Cambridge, Maryland

Last Updated By VI on April 12, 2024 in Things to Do in Maryland & Places to Visit

Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge

Harriet tubman museum and educational center, the choptank river lighthouse, spocott windmill and village.

• See the Complete List

More than 250 bird species call the refuge home, along with a wide variety of threatened and endangered plant and animal species. Recreational opportunities abound, including changes for wildlife watching, hiking, fishing, hunting, crabbing, and paddling. Map

Harriet Tubman Museum and Educational Center , 424 Race St, Cambridge, MD 21613, Phone: 410-228-0401

The Choptank River Lighthouse , 100 High St, Cambridge, Maryland 21613, Phone: 410-463-2653

Spocott Windmill and Village , 1609 Hudson Rd, Cambridge, MD 21613, Phone: 410-228-7670

Christ Episcopal Church and Cemetery

Christ Episcopal Church and Cemetery , 601 Church St, Cambridge, MD 21613, Phone: 410-228-3161

Ocean Odyssey Crab House and Restaurant

Ocean Odyssey Crab House and Restaurant , 316 Sunburst Hwy, Cambridge, MD 21613, Phone: 410-228-8633

Heritage Museums and Gardens of Dorchester

1003 Greenway Dr, Cambridge, MD 21613, 410-228-7953

Snappers Waterfront Cafe and Tiki Bar

112 Commerce St, Cambridge, MD 21613, 410-228-0112

• 1. Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge
• 2. Harriet Tubman Museum and Educational Center
• 3. The Choptank River Lighthouse
• 4. Spocott Windmill and Village
• 5. Christ Episcopal Church and Cemetery
• 6. Ocean Odyssey Crab House and Restaurant
• 7. Heritage Museums and Gardens of Dorchester
• 8. Snappers Waterfront Cafe and Tiki Bar

Cambridge is a lovely Eastern Shore city in Dorchester County, Maryland , originally settled in 1684 as one of the oldest cities in Maryland. Throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, the city was known for its connection to prominent civil rights movements, serving as a stop on the Underground Railroad during the Civil War. Since 2003, its charming main street has been designated as a Maryland Main Street, home to lovely shops, dining destinations, and tourist attractions.

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Visiting Cambridge

You may have driven right through Cambridge if you travel Route 50. Next time, plan on stopping to see what the town has to offer!

Cambridge is the county seat of Dorchester County, Maryland. The town was settled in 1684 and is one of the oldest towns in Maryland. 

The town sits on the Choptank River. Route 50 crosses the Choptank on the north end of town.

The Cambridge Municipal Yacht Basin provides a good place for visiting boaters to dock . The marina can accommodate large cruising yachts as well as smaller boats.

Cambridge’s historic downtown is a good place to get out of the car and take a stroll . There are shops, galleries, and restaurants to visit. Downtown is also the location of several annual festivals and events including the Taste of Cambridge Crab Cook-Off and Festival, and the monthly Second Saturday festivities. There are many downtown restaurants for visitors to choose from. Most are casual and many feature local seafood.  

Learn more about things to see and do in the Cambridge area – Cambridge Attractions .

Places to Stay

• For the Resort Life: If resort amenities, golf, and a waterfront setting are your thing, The Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay resort hotel is for you.
• For Cost-Saving Convenience: The Holiday Inn Express is a popular place to stay , with a convenient highway location. Comfort Inn & Suites and Days Inn & Suites are additional options.
• For All the Comforts of Home: Vacation home rentals are also available in Cambridge, with both waterfront and in-town properties to choose from.

More Information About Cambridge, MD

• Cambridge, MD – The official Town of Cambridge website
• Downtown Cambridge – Information about downtown Cambridge events
• Visit Dorchester – Dorchester County tourism website
• Nathan of Dorchester – This skipjack, docked in Cambridge, is available for public sails
• Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge – This wildlife refuge is a good place to see eagles and waterfowl 
• Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Visitor Center – Gateway to the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Scenic Byway. 
• Traveler Reviews   at TripAdvisor.com

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A newly revitalized downtown, filled with shops, galleries and restaurants, makes Cambridge, which is on the banks of the Choptank River, a destination rather than a pass-through town on the way to the beach. Events like the springtime Groove City Jazz & Blues Fest add flavor.

For lodging, Cambridge has a variety of B&Bs along High Street, as well as the 400-room Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Golf Resort, Spa and Marina .

Just south of Cambridge is the Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge , 27,000 acres of marshland sometimes called the “Everglades of the North.” You’ll find plenty of migratory birds here – especially ducks and geese, along with other wildlife.

Harriet Tubman , who helped enslaved people escape to freedom during the Civil War, was born in Cambridge. Look for area tours that depict her role as the conductor of the Underground Railroad. Annie Oakley was another Cambridge native.

Escape to Cambridge, Maryland

Cambridge, Maryland is nearly as dog-friendly as Alexandria and offers historic tours and outdoor adventures.

by Beth Lawton

May 28, 2021

Photo by Jill Jasuta for Dorchester County.

Downtown Cambridge, Maryland.

With a cute and quaint downtown, industrial roots and significant history, the small city of Cambridge, Maryland is a great retreat for a long weekend this summer. 

Located about 95 miles away from Alexandria on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, Cambridge sits on the Choptank River, just slightly east of the Chesapeake Bay and just north of the Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge. 

Here’s what we found in Cambridge and nearby Easton, St. Michaels and Oxford — all great for history buffs and nature lovers alike. 

Cambridge was founded in 1684 and is one of the oldest Colonial cities in Maryland. It was incorporated as a city in 1793 and developed as a hub of food processing and canning in the late 1900s. In the 1960s, as the local food packing industry declined, Cambridge became a focal point in the Civil Rights Movement. 

In the past 20 years, Cambridge’s downtown has seen significant revitalization, with a thriving food and arts scene. Historic tours, water sports, bird watching and hiking opportunities abound. 

Photo Courtesy of Dorchester County

The Harriet Tubman Visitor's Center.

HISTORIC SELF-GUIDED TOURS 

In the pandemic era, Dorchester County has launched a variety of self-guided walking tours. One of the more popular tours focuses on Harriet Tubman, who was born in Dorchester County and was considered a hero for leading people out of slavery through the Underground Railroad. A scenic driving tour points out dozens of Civil War-era and Tubman-focused sites in Dorchester County and nearby Caroline County. Learn more at harriettubmanbyway.org. Of course, don’t miss the Harriet Tubman Museum, 424 Race St. in Cambridge. 

A variety of guided and group tours are also available in the spring and summer months. Chesapeake Ghost Tours offers tours in Cambridge and nearby St. Michaels and Easton. ( chesapeakeghosts.com )

In addition, the Dorchester County Office of Tourism offers guides for tours of the Chesapeake Mural Trail and dozens of local historic sites. More information is at visitdorchester.org/see-and-do/tours . 

For those into architectural history, the Dorchester County Office of Tourism also has suggestions for a church tour that includes the Christ Episcopal Church (built in 1883) and a drive out scenic Route 16 southwest to the Old Trinity Church, the oldest Episcopal church in continuous use in the United States (built in 1675). Just a bit further on Route 16 is Bethlehem M.E. Church, the oldest Methodist church in the county. Yet a few more miles south is St. Mary’s Star of the Sea Catholic Church (built in 1872). The drive passes through lush wetlands just west of the Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge. 

Photo by Jill Jasuta

Osprey land at the Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge.

WATER, WATER EVERYWHERE 

The Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, about 20 miles south of Cambridge, is a popular stop for birds migrating along the Atlantic Flyway. Across 45 square miles, the refuge has forest, marsh and shallow water areas and is home to the East Coast’s largest breeding population of American bald eagles outside of Florida. The refuge is also popular for ducks, including mallards, black ducks, wood ducks, and blue-winged teals. 

For those interested in more birdwatching, start at the Dorchester County Visitor’s Center at Sailwinds Park in Cambridge and walk along the old U.S. 50 Fishing Pier from the waterfront boardwalk on the Choptank River. (The Visitor’s Center is at 2 Rosehill Place in Cambridge.) You may see Great Blue Heron and Osprey from there. 

Water sports are also in abundance in and around Cambridge, including fishing, canoeing and kayaking. Blackwater Adventures offers paddle trips through the Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge or along the Choptank River, plus Jet Ski and powerboat rentals. See the options at blackwateradventuresmd.com. 

Photo Courtesy of Dorchester County.

RAR Brewing in downtown Cambridge, Maryland.

WHERE TO EAT 

There is no shortage of worthwhile restaurants right in Cambridge. From cozy restaurants with outside dining downtown to dockside dining with great water views, here are just a few recommendations. 

For breakfast, head downtown to Black Water Bakery, 429 Race St., which has generous yogurt parfaits and a variety of gourmet baked goods, coffee and hot breakfasts. 

Lunch can include a stop at Jimmie & Sook’s, 527 Poplar St., in downtown Cambridge, where crab and Southern BBQ rule the menu. 

Nearby, check out RAR Brewing, 504 Poplar St., for its pub menu or Portside Seafood Restaurant, 201 Trenton St., overlooking Cambridge Creek. Lil’ Bitta Bull BBQ, 520 Race St., is also worth a try for its ample portions and full-page menu of signature cocktails. 

If you’re looking for pizza, few places will beat Ava’s Pizzaria & Wine Bar at 543 Poplar St. 

After dinner at Ava’s, wander down to the wine bar Vintage 414 or to DocoVino Wine Bar — they are close to each other on Race Street in downtown Cambridge. For dessert, consider Maiden Maryland Sweets & Treats (conveniently located midway between Ava’s and the wine bars).

The Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay.

WHERE TO STAY 

Cambridge is nearly as dog-friendly as Alexandria. 

The Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Golf Resort, Spa and Marina is a 342- acre waterfront resort with an 18-hole golf course, marina and full-service spa. Add in the on-site restaurant, outdoor and indoor pools, fitness center and it may be hard to leave. The hotel will also help you book crabbing and fishing expeditions. Learn more at hyatt.com/chesapeakebay or call 410- 901-1234 for reservations. The resort allows leashed well-behaved dogs. 

There is no shortage of Airbnb or VRBO rentals in Cambridge, including some of the area’s most beautiful historic Victorians. Some come with fenced-in backyards for Fido. 

According to entomologists, Dorchester County is NOT on the list of places where trillions of cicadas emerging this year. If you really dislike cicadas and want to escape them, Cambridge is a safe bet. 

While in Cambridge, take the opportunity to visit some of the quaint neighboring towns: 

The historic town of Easton, Maryland, is located just 15 miles west of Cambridge. With blocks of small boutiques, antique shops, art galleries and historic architecture, Easton offers plenty of entertainment. Pick up a gift for the kids at local toy shop Crackerjacks. Stop by the Tidewater Inn for a drink on the outdoor patio next to a roaring fire. Learn more at eastonmd.org . 

2. ST. MICHAELS 

With a population of just more than 1,000 people, St. Michaels is an adorable town with museums, art and historic homes (a self-guided tour is available). This summer (from May 29 through September), stop by the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum to see the 18th National Exhibition of the American Society of Marine Artists art show. Information about the town, events, tours and more is available at stmichaelsmd.com . 

The port town of Oxford is one of the oldest small towns in Maryland. Historic homes add to its quiet charm. Take the ferry to Bellevue for a scenic trip — the privately owned ferry company may be the oldest running in the United States, as it started running in 1683. Learn more at oxfordmd.net .

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THE 5 BEST Cambridge Museums

Museums in cambridge.

• Specialty Museums
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• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Harriet Tubman Museum and Educational Center

2. Richardson Maritime Museum

3. Neild Museum and Herb Garden

4. Main Street Gallery

5. artbar2.0, 6. stanley institute museum, what travelers are saying.

• Harriet Tubman Museum and Educational Center
• Richardson Maritime Museum
• Neild Museum and Herb Garden
• Main Street Gallery
• Stanley Institute Museum

3 Reasons You Need to Visit Cambridge, Maryland

Anna Carroll

Scome call her “The Woman Who Saved the Union,” others call her “a self-promoter,” while most people say “Anna who??”  Either way, there is no denying this woman was ahead of her time. Born in 1815 to a wealthy family in Maryland, she went on to become a political advisor to the Union during the Civil War. Her father was the governor of Maryland, a wealthy tobacco plantation owner, and slave owner. Anna grew up surrounded by discussions of law and politics. Her father educated her and taught her law, and she became more and more politically active. As a woman she was not able to live a life of political ambition, but she was able to use her intellect and well-regarded writing abilities to further her political causes. She was a prodigious and well regarded writer and publisher of political pamphlets. She worked with three different presidents – Zachary Taylor, Millard Fillmore, and Abraham Lincoln.During this chaotic time around 1860, with states threatening secession, Maryland could have gone either way – Union or Confederate. She understood the dangers of Maryland joining the rebels which could leave Washington, D.C. open to a coup d’etat. She became adept at writing war pamphlets that warned of the dangers and many feel she helped sway the political tide in Maryland. She went on advising in further aspects of the war, earning her the right to a war pension at the conclusion of the war normally due the rank of Major General. During the war, she became an advisor to the Lincoln cabinet – even if not someone who actually sat at the table.

The most famous “conductor” on the Underground Railroad, Harriet Tubman was born and lived her first 27 years in Dorchester County, Maryland. After she escaped slavery, she returned to the area, risking her life again and again, to lead dozens of friends and family out of slavery to freedom. The county is now  home to several opportunities to learn more about this remarkable woman. The Tubman Byway is a self-guided driving tour that takes you to many important stages in her life, including the area where she grew up, various stops along the Underground Railway, the Harriet Tubman mural, the Memorial Garden, historic churches, stores, and landscapes, and the Visitor’s center.  If you can’t do the drive, a visit to the Harriet Tubman Museum in downtown Cambridge will give you much information to think and ponder.

“I had reasoned this out in my mind,

there was one of two things I had a right to, liberty or death;

if I could not have one, I would have the other.”

Harriet Tubman

Although she escaped herself, she chose to return nineteen times to rescue over 300 slaves.  Courageously moving from station to station along the Underground Railroad, enduring long periods of hardship and facing much danger, this great humanitarian never lost a passenger. In 1857, Harriet led her parents to Auburn, New York where they spent their remaining years in freedom.  She rescued all of her family members except one sister who died shortly before she could be rescued. During the Civil War, Harriet served as scout and nurse for the Union Army.  She helped free more than 750 slaves during one mission. After the war, she returned to Auburn, New York where she established The Harriet Tubman Home for the Elderly and Indigent Negroes.

Spocott Windmill Village

Route 343, Between Richardson Rd and Castle Haven Rd, Cambridge

Located on the edge of town, one little windmill has a big story to tell. It has seen a lot over the centuries. Built by a master shipbuilder, the windmill served as a grist mill for grinding grain, back in the days when “green” energy was the norm. Still working today, but only occasionally for more ceremonial purposes, it stands as a testament of simpler times gone by. The original structure blew down in a blizzard of 1888 and was rebuilt in the 1970s using as much original workings as possible. Also on the site you’ll find an old Victorian schoolhouse, a country store and museum, and a cottage that dates to 1800.  All are free to visit on a self-guided tour. Although not a big “wow” museum and so not on the radar of many tourist brochures, the little village is a step back in time and a chance to see old Maryland and imagine all the changes this one windmill has seen.

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• These Towns In Chesapeake Bay Come Alive In Spring

As the largest estuary in America, the Chesapeake Bay is a 320-mile-long coastal body of brackish water that drains into New York , Pennsylvania , Delaware , Maryland , Virginia , West Virginia , and Washington, D.C. Directly bordering the bay are Maryland and Virginia, which derive natural and cultural nourishment that fuel springtime festivities in small shoreline communities. From a pirate invasion to a countryside art festival, take a peek at a spirited spring in the Chesapeake.

Yorktown, Virginia

Located where the Chesapeake Bay meets the York River, Yorktown was an essential port in colonial America and helped secure the country's independence during the Revolutionary War . Thus, modern Yorktown honors its maritime heritage with static attractions like the American Revolution Museum and annual waterfront events such as those that occur in spring. During late April, pirates invade Yorktown for Pirates Invade Yorktown, a weekend's worth of blacksmithing, cannon firing, shanty singing, and treasure hunting. May brings both the Blues, Brews & BBQ Festival and the Art at the River Juried Art Show, while Yorktown Market Days revitalize Riverwalk Landing with produce, seafood, soap, candles, and much more from April all the way to October.

Cambridge, Maryland

Another historic Chesapeake community, but this one on Maryland's Eastern Shore, Cambridge, has several heritage sites that open for tours in spring. These include the Choptank River Lighthouse, a replica of an early-20th-century illuminated icon that can be toured between May 1 and October 31 (private tours can be arranged by appointment in off-months), as well as the Richardson Maritime Museum, which is expected to reopen in early 2024. While awaiting those attractions, you can check out April events like the Cambridge Main Street Spring Fling, Cambridge Farmers' Market, Cambridge Craft Market, and Food Drive, and Guided Birding Tour at Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge. In addition to migratory, song, and shore birds, one can see frogs, toads, flowers, and many other kinds of colorful wildlife while trekking through nearby Blackwater in spring. Also, if you visit in mid-March, you can admire Blackwater's bald eagles at the annual Eagle Festival.

Solomons, Maryland

A Western Shore community, Solomons is the spring king of that domain. Events have included or are expected to include the Fairy & Gnome Home Festival at the Annmarie Sculpture Garden & Arts Center, Spring & Craft Vendor Show at the Solomons Volunteer Rescue Squad and Fire Department, and Solomons Sunset Sail at Fisherman's Wharf. But many of Solomons' biggest spring flings come courtesy of the Calvert Marine Museum, a preserve of paleobiology, modern estuarine life, and human maritime history. During the milder months, it hosts everything from OtterMania! to the Fossil Egg Hunt to the Spring Jewelry Trunk Show to the Solomons Maritime Festival, whose highlight is an antique boat and marine show.

Urbanna, Virginia

Although Urbanna is known as a fall destination, since it draws roughly 75,000 visitors for November's Urbanna Oyster Festival, it does not clam up in spring. In fact, this 500ish-person town has several spring-enlivened attractions, including the Urbanna James Mills Scottish Factor Store Museum & Visitor Center, which is a restored 18th-century building that opens for extended tours in May. Urbanna is also the site of multiple springtime festivals. The first, Arts in the Middle, ushers in June with two days of art and fun at the Hewick Plantation. The second, Urbanna's 2nd Saturdays, brings music, crafts, and food to Taber Park on the second Saturday of May, June, July, August, and September.

St. Michaels, Maryland

St. Michaels is arguably the Chesapeake spring festival mecca. This Eastern Shore town has just over 1,000 residents but attracts thousands of spring breakers for the Taste of St. Michaels Tasting Crawl, St. Michaels Running Festival, St. Michaels Brewfest, Classic Motor Museum Memorial Day Parade, Eastern Shore Sea Glass & Coastal Arts Festival, and Antique & Classic Boat Festival & Coastal Arts Fair. The last two fests are held at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, which is an 18-acre waterfront collection of buildings, ships, and artifacts that can - and should - be visited year-round.

Onancock, Virginia

Onancock is another tiny Chesapeake town with a historic venue that overflows with spring events. The Historic Onancock School is a 103-year-old building on a 13-acre estate that is set to host the Field Day Fiesta on May 4, Blooms and Brushes Garden and Studio Tour on June 8, and Wine Wednesday on the first Wednesday of each month. Non-school-held spring festivities include Music on the Lawn Sunshine & Margaritas, which is scheduled for May 24 at Ker Place, and the Second Friday Art Stroll, which runs (strolls?) at the Onancock Business & Civic Association on the second Friday of each month.

Stevensville, Maryland

Situated on Kent Island , Stevensville hosts Kent Island Day, a celebration of the island's 1631 founding that is held on the third Saturday of May. While coming alive with historic exhibits on Main Street, this community also comes alive with wildlife at Terrapin Nature Park, which spans 276 acres and contains a 3.25-mile oyster chaff walking trail, wildflower meadows, and approximately 250 species of birds. From Terrapin, a short drive inland takes spring peepers to the vibrant Adkins Arboretum. Beyond 600 species of native plants, the arboretum offers an array of vernal activities like birding, foraging, nature journaling, and botanical drawing.

Chestertown, Maryland

Chestertown connects to the Chesapeake Bay via the Chester River, which is where tea was allegedly dumped in 1774 and resulted in one of the biggest spring celebrations in the region. The Chestertown Tea Party Festival is held each Memorial Day Weekend on the anniversary of America's lesser-known and little-documented Tea Party , where Chestertownians are said to have tossed tea cargo into the river to protest British rule. A tea toss reenactment headlines the fest, which also features music, crafts, races, street performances, children's activities, a parade, block party, and even a semi-separate Beer Fest.

As stylish as it is historical, Chestertown's other springtime spectacles revolve around art. The Chestertown A&E Spring Art Walk brings dozens of artists together for one sketch-filled mid-April day, while Paint The Town paradoxically takes artists into the country for three late April days of scenic painting before displaying those pieces in the RiverArts Gallery.

The Chesapeake Bay is a massive American estuary that fuels spring activities. Being direct recipients of the bay's bounty, shoreline towns in Maryland and Virginia come alive with plants, animals, and humans from March to June. Yorktown, Cambridge, Solomons, Urbanna, St. Michaels, Onancock, Stevensville, and Chestertown are eight of the best places for interspecies partying during a Chesapeake spring break.

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822 Chesapeake Drive

Listing Contacts

822 Chesapeake Dr, Cambridge, MD 21613

Marketing description.

Industrial Sale/Leaseback - 15,780 square foot very clean industrial facility in Cambridge, MD.​ Situated on 6.29 acres with room to expand or develop additional buildings.​ Owner will leaseback for $10,000 per month and consider a 5 year lease.​ Fully conditioned facility with 24' ceiling height and 2 docks.​ Includes 3500 +/- SF of very attractive office space with beautiful private executive offices, administrative areas, conference room, kitchen and restrooms.​ 3 phase / 2000 amp service.​

Located on Chesapeake Drive in Cambridge, MD the property is situated just off Route 50, the major thoroughfare between Washington DC and the Maryland shore.​ Located in an area with other hi-tech tenants.​ Approximately 17 miles east of the Chesapeake Bay.​ Property is located in an Enterprise Zone.​

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2024 On the Water Guide – Dorchester County, Maryland

Everything you need to know: Public launches, Cambridge Yacht Basin, private marinas, kayak and SUP tours ready to welcome 2024 visitors to Dorchester County, Maryland.

Dorchester Boat Ramps |  Dorchester Marinas  |  Paddling   |  Fishing   |  Boat Cruises   | Dining by the Water   |  Boat-Related Events

Published April 2024

There’s something about getting out on the water – feeling the breeze, taking in the wide open beautiful views, feeling the sway of the current. And sometimes, just watching the water is enough to add some serenity to our lives. With 1,700 miles of shoreline and waterways all around, Dorchester County, Maryland is a great place to explore and enjoy the water, whether you have a boat, want to rent a vessel, or prefer to take it all in from land. Here’s a look at how to get out on the water in Dorchester County.

Dorchester Boat Ramps

Access to four major rivers leading to the Chesapeake – Choptank, Little Choptank, Honga and Nanticoke – is easy when launching a motorized vessel or personal watercraft from a Dorchester County public boat ramp .

Two Cambridge locations – Franklin Street and Gerry Boyle Park at Great Marsh – offer dual ramps and plenty of parking on the Choptank River and are in close proximity to Rt. 50. The Nanticoke River boat ramp in Vienna also provides easy access to the highway. Carryout dishes, beverage, ice, gasoline and supplies can be purchased at nearby restaurants and convenience stores in each city.

Other Dorchester ramps like those at Ragged Point, Taylors Island and Hoopers Island deliver quick passage to the Chesapeake and popular rockfish trolling grounds. Additional inland locations are good choices for those with jon boats and skiffs looking to land snakeheads on the Chicamacomico (New Bridge ramp) and Transquaking (Bestpitch Ferry ramp) rivers. Ramp users are reminded to use designated parking areas for vehicles and trailers and avoid nearby roads. BACK TO TOP

Dorchester County Marinas

The Cambridge Yacht Basin – within walking distance of downtown – and a choice of private marinas in the county offer affordable slips for sailboats and cruisers that make it easy and enjoyable to explore the Heart of the Chesapeake.

Located along the waterfront near downtown Cambridge, the Yacht Basin is one of the most convenient and affordable marinas for day use and overnight stays on the Chesapeake. A short stroll up historic High Street leads boaters to Cambridge’s shops and restaurants offering indoor and outdoor dining. See a listing of downtown Cambridge restaurants .

With a maximum depth of 13 feet, the Yacht Basin can accommodate boats of all sizes. All marina services – laundry, bathhouses, gas, diesel and ice – are available and facilities are cleaned regularly. Slips should be reserved in advance .

Some of the Chesapeake’s most popular boating destinations can be found around the county, including the marina at Suicide Bridge Restaurant on Cabin Creek, just off the Choptank north of the Rt. 50 Bridge; and Slaughter Creek Marina feeding into the Little Choptank where Palm Beach Willies Restaurant is located. The Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Resort in Cambridge has the 150-slip River Marsh Marina , which offers overnight boaters access to all the amenities of the resort.

At Hoopers Island, Rippons Harbor and P.L. Jones Boatyard & Marina accept boaters for overnight visits with quick access to the Honga River and the Chesapeake Bay.

Cambridge is also home to the Cambridge Yacht Club , the oldest yacht club on the Eastern Shore, located on the beautiful Choptank River.

BACK TO TOP

Soft Launches for Canoe, Kayak and SUP

One of America’s top paddling destinations for wildlife and scenery, Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge can be explored from water access points or soft launches at MD. Rt. 335, Shorter’s Wharf and Key Wallace Drive, where Blackwater Adventures offers kayaks and stand-up paddleboards (SUPs)  for rent and also guided tours by advance reservation, as well as kayak fishing tours. (They can also deliver kayaks/SUPs to your vacation rental!)

Traveling along designated kayak trails in the tidal marsh, paddlers may see bald eagles, herons, osprey, egrets and other migratory waterfowl. Blackwater Adventures also offers a guided Harriet Tubman tour to explore the waters and landscapes where the heroic Marylander was born and enslaved and returned to lead family members and friends to freedom.

Dorchester County Tourism publishes an excellent paddling guide for exploring the county’s waterways.

Snakehead Fishing and More

Parking can be limited at access points, landings and fishing holes. Individuals should heed posted signs restricting roadside parking.

Plenty of other fishing is available. With water ranging from salty to fresh throughout the county, anglers snag rockfish (aka striped bass), speckled trout, spot, croaker, white perch, drum, blue catfish, yellow perch, Spanish mackerel, and more. Consider arranging a fishing charter to help you find the best spots.

Try your hand at the Invasive Species Fishing Tournament, which runs through December 1, 2024. In this Mid-Shore Fishing Club tournament, anglers target blue catfish and northern snakehead inside the boundaries of the Eastern Shore. Payouts are awarded for most fish and largest fish. See the rules .

For the latest conditions, take a look at the latest Fishing Report from Maryland Department of Natural Resources – and review the Maryland Guide to Fishing & Crabbing .

Boat Cruises

• The Skipjack Nathan of Dorchester offers public sails on an authentic oystering boat starting May 25 and continuing through early November. Plus occasional sunset sails. Check the latest on their website or on their Facebook page .
• Join a riverboat cruise with Choptank Riverboats, authentic padddlewheelers that cruise the Choptank River. Choose from lunch or dinner cruises, crab feast cruises, murder mystery cruises, or sightseeing cruises. The 2024 season runs from May 8 through October. See the schedule .
• Captain Phil Gootee of Gootee’s Marine is offering various on-the-water experiences, including scenic sunrise cruises, Hoopers Island eco tours, and fishing charters. Find out more on the website or by calling or texting 443-521-0817.
• The classic Chesapeake 1938 buyboat Dudley  offers charters for special events from weddings and reunions to birding and birthdays; even watching powerboat races.

Waterfront Dining

Enjoy views of our local waterways at these waterfront restaurants:

Snapper’s Waterfront Cafe & Tiki Bar – tiki bar is right on Cambridge Creek, just a few blocks from heart of Downtown Cambridge.

Portside Seafood Restaurant – Offers great views of the drawbridge over Cambridge Creek.

Blue Point Provision Co. – Located on the Choptank River at the Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Resort in Cambridge. Open seasonally.

Old Salty’s Restaurant – Includes a tiki bar on the Chesapeake Bay. Located on Hoopers Island, about a 40-minute scenic drive from Cambridge.

River View at the Point – Some seats have views of the Choptank River in Cambridge.

Suicide Bridge Restaurant – Large, destination restaurant with a tiki bar on Cabin Creek. Tucked away in Hurlock, about a 20-minute drive from Cambridge. This is also where the Choptank Riverboats are docked.

Water’s Edge Grill – Restaurant at Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Resort with views of the Choptank River.

Boat-Related Events

Boat races, boat-docking contests, and more – you’ll find them here!

Eastern Shore Sailing Association (ESSA) Sailing Races 

Cambridge Classic Powerboat Races – May 17-19, 2024. The oldest powerboat race in the country!

Thunder on the Choptank Powerboat Races – July 20-21, 2024

Log Canoe Regatta – usually in August; check for the latest

Taylors Island Boat Docking Contest – Aug. 24, 2024

Waterman’s Rodeo (Hoopers Island Boat Docking Contest) – Sept. 8, 2024

Choptank Heritage Skipjack Race – Sept. 28, 2024

For more a more in-depth look at getting out on the water in Dorchester County, be sure to read noted Chesapeake Bay author John Page William’s story about exploring local waters here.

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