Cambridge, Maryland: Seafood, Sailing & Scenic Views

Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge is a gorgeous National Wildlife Refuge originally established in 1933, located along Maryland's Eastern Shore just outside of the city of Cambridge.

The beautiful refuge stretches for more than 28,000 acres throughout brackish tidal wetland, freshwater impoundment, and mixed evergreen and deciduous forest habitats.

Today, it serves as a major waterfowl sanctuary for birds migrating the Atlantic Flyway, named in honor of the dark-colored waters of nearby Blackwater River and Little Blackwater River.

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 honors the life and career of Underground Railroad conductor Harriet Tubman, who was born in nearby Bucktown in 1822 and famously served as a Civil War spy, nurse, and suffragist.

Today, the center honors Tubman's contributions to human rights and humanitarian causes, preserving her life and legacy for future generations to learn about. A gorgeous mural painted by artist Michael Rosato depicts Tubman's life, while a documentary expands upon her humanitarian efforts. Exhibits also detail her contributions to the American Civil War. The center is part of the area's greater Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Byway, which connects more than 30 sites connected to the Underground Railroad via self-guided scenic driving tour.

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

The Choptank River Lighthouse is a replica of one of the Chesapeake Bay's most famed historic lighthouses, located near the city of Oxford. The original lighthouse was constructed at its location in 1871 by Francis A. Gibbons, equipped with a fifth-order Fresnel lens. A second lighthouse was constructed in 1921, reusing the former house from the relocated Cherrystone Bar Light across the bay. After that lighthouse's decommissioning in 1964, a replica lighthouse was constructed along the Cambridge waterfront. Since 2012, it has been open to the public for guided tours, showcasing a miniature museum dedicated to the maritime and lighthouse history of the Chesapeake. Docents are on hand weekends between May and October to answer visitor questions.

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

What to do if you are traveling with kids:

Spocott Windmill and Village preserves the 19th-century heritage of the Cambridge region, open to the public as a living history museum campus throughout the year for self-guided tours. The village, which is located a few miles west of the city, protects the only post-style windmill in Maryland, along with a collection of 19th-century civic buildings and residences. Visitors can explore the village's reconstructed buildings, including its one-room schoolhouse, doctor's office, and rustic country store. Many buildings contain museum exhibits and collections of artifacts dating back to the region's colonial and pioneer eras. During special events, including the city's annual Beckwith Apple Festival, the village's windmill is operated as part of fair winds demonstrations.

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

Activities and Attractions for Couples and Singles:

Ocean Odyssey Crab House and Restaurant is a longtime local favorite restaurant in Dorchester County, dating back to the mid-2oth century, when it was originally opened as the Crab Picking House by Mary Blanche and Bradye P. Todd. In 1986, the former seafood wholesaler business was transformed into a full-service restaurant, moving to Cambridge from nearby Crocheron. Today, it is operated by second-generation Todd family members, known for its delicious seafood selections complemented by local Maryland and regional craft brews. Diners can choose from entree favorites like beer-soaked PEI mussels, jumbo lump Maryland crab cakes, or crab Imperial. Artisanal burgers, sandwiches, and flatbreads are also served, complemented by shareables like Cajun-fried calamari and dippable crab nuggets.

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

Home to the Dorchester County Historical Society, the Heritage Museums and Gardens of Dorchester features several different gardens and museums for visitors to explore. The Neild Museum showcases the county’s farming life, while the Meredith House features exhibits and artifacts that show what family life was like in the area over the years. The Heritage Museums and Gardens also consists of formal herbal gardens, a combination blacksmith and wheelwright shop, an eighteenth-century strong house, a children’s corner, a Waterfront Walk over Shoal Creek, and historic buildings with interactive exhibits about trapping, hunting, water trades, timbering, farming, and much more.

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

Snappers Waterfront Cafe and Tiki Bar allow guests to sit back and relax as they dine on Maryland and Caribbean-inspired fare as they watch local watermen out on the Cambridge Creek. The famous tiki bar is the perfect place in Cambridge, Maryland for sipping a refreshing cocktail while sitting with toes in the sand. Laura and John Sydnor opened the cafe and bar in 1994 with the mission of creating a place that both tourists and locals alike can treasure, as well as a place where people can enjoy some of the freshest seafood on the Eastern shore and Caribbean-inspired dishes.

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