Searching for history, waterfront beauty, and small-town charm? Head to Cambridge, Maryland! Located on the Eastern Shore along the Choptank River, Cambridge is one of the oldest colonial towns in Maryland. It's rich in African American heritage, surrounded by wildlife refuges, and full of Chesapeake Bay charm.
Cambridge, MD Highlights:
- For History Buffs: Visit the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Visitor Center – Learn about the life and legacy of the famed abolitionist near her birthplace.
- For Nature Lovers: Explore Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge – Paddle or hike through marshland full of bald eagles, herons, and migratory birds.
- For Families: Walk the Cambridge Marina and Long Wharf Park – Scenic waterfront strolls, boats, and views of the Choptank Lighthouse replica.
- For Art & Culture Fans: Browse the galleries of Downtown Cambridge – Discover public art, local crafts, and heritage-rich architecture.
- For Kayakers & Cyclists: Enjoy the scenic byways and water trails – Take to the water or follow the Harriet Tubman Byway for an immersive outdoor experience.
Best Time to Visit Cambridge, MD
The best time to visit Cambridge is from April through October, when mild to warm weather makes for ideal conditions for kayaking, wildlife viewing, and exploring historic sites. Fall brings beautiful foliage and fewer crowds, while spring offers blooming wetlands and festivals.
How to Get to Cambridge, MD
- By Car: Cambridge is located off US Route 50, about 1.5 hours from Washington, D.C., and Baltimore.
- By Air: The nearest major airport is Baltimore/Washington International (BWI), with rental car access to the Eastern Shore.
- By Boat: Boaters can access Cambridge via the Choptank River and dock at the city marina.
Where to Stay in Cambridge, MD
- Recommended for Couples: Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Golf Resort – Waterfront luxury resort with spa, golf course, and family-friendly amenities.
- For a Historic Stay: Cambridge House Bed & Breakfast – Cozy rooms in a beautifully restored Victorian home near downtown.
- For Boaters and Outdoor Explorers: Holiday Inn Express Cambridge – Comfortable, convenient lodging with easy access to the bay and nearby parks.
Best Things to Do in Cambridge, MD
⮕ Paddle Through Peace at Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge
A birder’s paradise and kayaker’s dream, where bald eagles soar over pristine marshes
© Mary Swift/stock.adobe.com
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
⮕ Walk in the Footsteps of a Hero at the Harriet Tubman Museum and Educational Center
Powerful exhibits and passionate storytelling honor the life and legacy of a freedom fighter
© Africa Studio/stock.adobe.com
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
⮕ Step Into a Beacon of the Bay at The Choptank River Lighthouse
Replica lighthouse with sweeping water views and insight into Maryland’s maritime past
© karenfoleyphoto/stock.adobe.com
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:
⮕ Travel Back in Time at Spocott Windmill and Village
A preserved 1800s windmill and historic homestead give a glimpse into rural life on the shore
© BRUN Herve/stock.adobe.com
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:
⮕ Feast Like a Local at Ocean Odyssey Crab House and Restaurant
Fresh steamed crabs, cold beer, and classic Maryland seafood done right
© Peeradontax/stock.adobe.com
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
⮕ Dig Into Dorchester’s Past at the Heritage Museums and Gardens
Interactive exhibits, heirloom gardens, and hands-on history for curious minds of all ages
© Dorchester County Historical Society
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
⮕ Unwind with a View at Snappers Waterfront Cafe and Tiki Bar
Island vibes, waterfront breezes, and seafood with a tropical twist
© Snappers Waterfront Cafe and Tiki Bar
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
If you are interested in local events:
- For Heritage and Culture: Taste of Cambridge (July) – A crab cook-off and street festival celebrating Chesapeake Bay flavors and community spirit.
- For Cyclists: Six Pillars Century Ride (May) – Scenic bike event through Blackwater Wildlife Refuge and Harriet Tubman Country.
- For Holidays: Christmas Parade & Holiday Events (December) – Festive lights, parades, and seasonal cheer throughout downtown Cambridge.
Day Trip Itineraries Within 30–90 Minutes of Cambridge, MD:
- For History: St. Michaels (45 min) – Explore the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum and charming colonial streets.
- For Nature: Hoopers Island (1 hr) – Remote, peaceful drive through water-lined causeways with seafood shacks and birdwatching.
- For Culture: Easton (30 min) – Discover art galleries, historic inns, and the Avalon Theatre in a refined small-town setting.
- For Beaches: Assateague Island National Seashore (90 min) – See wild horses, enjoy sandy beaches, and hike coastal trails.
- For Outdoor Exploration: Pocomoke River State Park (1 hr) – Canoe cypress swamps or hike shaded forest trails in this quiet gem.
Frequently Asked Questions:
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Where is Cambridge located?
- Cambridge is a lovely Eastern Shore city in Dorchester County, Maryland.
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How old is Cambridge, Maryland?
- Cambridge was originally settled in 1684, making it one of the oldest cities in Maryland.
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What is Cambridge’s historical significance?
- Throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, Cambridge was connected to prominent civil rights movements.
- It served as a stop on the Underground Railroad during the Civil War.
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What makes Cambridge’s main street special?
- Since 2003, its charming main street has been designated as a Maryland Main Street.
- The area is home to lovely shops, dining destinations, and tourist attractions.
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Where can visitors stay for great views in Cambridge?
- The Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Resort is a great choice for amazing views.
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