Want a peaceful waterfront getaway with seafood and island vibes? Head to Crisfield! Known as the "Crab Capital of the World," Crisfield is a charming Chesapeake Bay town filled with maritime history, fresh seafood, and scenic views. Whether you're kayaking the bay, exploring nearby islands, or soaking in sunset skies, Crisfield is the perfect escape for nature lovers and foodies alike.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Crisfield is from late spring through early fall (May–October). Warm weather makes it ideal for boating, crabbing, and exploring Smith Island. Fall offers cooler temps, fewer crowds, and beautiful Chesapeake sunsets.
How to Get There
- If you are traveling by car: Crisfield is located at the southern tip of Maryland’s Eastern Shore. It’s about 1.5 hours from Ocean City, MD and 3 hours from Baltimore or Washington, D.C.
- By Air: The nearest airport is Salisbury-Ocean City Wicomico Regional Airport (SBY), about 1 hour away by car.
- By Ferry: Seasonal ferries connect Crisfield to Smith Island and Tangier Island—perfect for day trips and island adventures.
Where to Stay
- Somers Cove Motel – Waterfront location, clean rooms, and walking distance to the marina and restaurants.
- Tawes House B&B – Historic bed and breakfast offering Chesapeake charm and a hearty homemade breakfast.
- Water’s Edge Campground – Great for RVs and tents, with views of Tangier Sound and spectacular sunsets.
Top Attractions
1. Paddle and Camp Amid Coastal Marshes at Janes Island State Park
Janes Island State Park is a lovely public recreation area located along the waters of the Chesapeake Bay, opened to the public in 1963 and overseen by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.
The park, which sits adjacent to the city of Crisfield, is home to over 30 miles of marked water trails for canoe and kayak explorations, stretching along seven miles of white sand beachfront along the shores of Tangier Sound.
A boat launch is offered onsite at the park, along with half-day and full-day canoe and kayak rentals.
Opportunities for fishing and crabbing abound throughout the region's shorefront. A plethora of overnight accommodations are offered onsite, ranging from a 100-site primitive campground to fully-stocked log cabins sleeping up to six people.
Address: 26280 Alfred J Lawson Dr, Crisfield, MD 21817, Phone: 410-968-1565
2. Take a Scenic Chesapeake Bay Ride with Tangier Island Cruises
Tangier Island Cruises depart from Crisfield daily between mid-May and mid-October, exploring some of the most gorgeous scenery of the Chesapeake Bay and Tangier Sound regions. Cruises travel to the picturesque island of Tangier, once visited by Captain John Smith in the 17th century.
Its land, which has remained largely unchanged since the late 17th century, is home to descendants of notable American families such as the Crocketts and Pruitts. Cruises meander for 14 miles out to the island, showcasing marine life and waterfowl that inhabit the bay's waters.
Tour guides elaborate on the history of the bay's beautiful island destinations, including nearby Fox and Watts Islands and Port Isobel. On the island, visitors can explore a quaint historic district and view preserved sites such as the island's one-room schoolhouse.
Address: 1001 W Main St, Crisfield, MD 21817, Phone: 410-968-2338
Activities and Attractions for Couples:
3. Dock, Dine, or Launch from Somers Cove Marina
Somers Cove Marina is a lovely marina in Crisfield, overseen by the State of Maryland as a full-service boating facility for area visitors and residents.
The marina is located directly on the waters of the Chesapeake Bay, offering opportunities for boating, fishing, and sailing along the waters of the Tangier and Pocomoke Sounds.
It offers 515 boat slips in a safe, secluded setting, along with a full bait and tackle shop and stainless-steel fish cleaning stations. The marina's full-service bar and sandwich shop, the Red Shell Shanty, serves up overstuffed sandwiches, blue crab entrees, and fresh fruit crush drinks.
Address: 715 Broadway, Crisfield, MD 21817, Phone: 410-968-0925
4. Step Back in Time and Taste Smith Island Cake on Smith Island
Smith Island is one of the most famed island destinations within the Chesapeake Bay, located approximately 12 miles off the coastline of the city of Crisfield. The island, which was first charted in modern times in 1608 by Captain John Smith, is one of the region's oldest English-speaking areas today, known for its unique regional relic dialect and accent, which retains characteristics of British Colonial speech patterns. It is known around the world for its delicious Smith Island cake, which evokes the flavor and taste of Prinzregententorte and showcases up to 15 thin creme-filled layers, sold in varieties like chocolate, lemon, strawberry, and coconut. Attractions on the island include the Smith Island Museum, which showcases exhibits on the region's social and cultural history, while restaurants include the famed Bayside Inn, known for its traditional American family-style fare.
Address: Smith Island Visitor Center, 20846 Caleb Jones Rd, Ewell, MD 21824, Phone: 410-425-3351
5. Explore Maritime Heritage at the J. Millard Tawes Museum
Owned and operated by the Crisfield Heritage Foundation, the J. Millard Tawes Museum is where visitors and residents can find out all about the interesting history of Crisfield and the surrounding area. The museum’s exhibits take visitors back in time to the days when pre-historic humans first inhabited the area more than 10,000 years ago. Of course, much has changed since those times and you can learn about Crisfield’s significant maritime history which was responsible for the city becoming famous as the seafood capital of the world in the 1800’s.
Address: 3 9th Street, Crisfield, MD 21817, Phone: 410 368 2501
Must-see if you are a first-time visitor:
- Crisfield Heritage Foundation – Learn about the area’s seafood industry and maritime history through museums and walking tours.
- Chesapeake Bay Fishing – Charter a boat or fish from the pier for striped bass, blue crabs, and more.
Where to Eat
- Waterman’s Inn – Casual local favorite for fresh-caught crab, oysters, and Chesapeake seafood platters.
- Capt. Tyler’s Crabhouse – Dockside dining offering steamed crabs, fried seafood, and waterfront ambiance.
- Crab and Cruise – A unique all-you-can-eat crab feast on a boat tour around the Crisfield waterfront.
If you are interested in local events:
- National Hard Crab Derby (Labor Day Weekend) – Crisfield’s signature event with crab races, parades, fireworks, and more.
- Smith Island Cake Festival (Spring) – Celebrate Maryland’s official state dessert with tastings and cultural exhibits.
- 4th Saturday Bay Stroll (Summer Saturdays) – Live music, food vendors, and artisan crafts along the waterfront.
If you are looking for unique day trips within 30 Minutes of Crisfield, Maryland:
- Deal Island (30 min) – Quiet fishing village with beaches, birdwatching, and laid-back rural charm.
- Princess Anne (25 min) – Historic town with colonial buildings, antiques, and the Teackle Mansion.
- Pocomoke State Forest (30 min) – Hike, bike, or fish in one of Maryland’s most diverse natural landscapes.
- Smith Island Ferry (0 min – from Crisfield) – Catch a ferry and spend the day exploring this unique island community.
- Marion Station (15 min) – Former strawberry capital with historical sites and peaceful countryside roads.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- What makes Crisfield, MD special?
- Crisfield, MD is a charming Somerset County city located along the banks of the beautiful Tangier Sound, known as the "Seafood Capital of the World" for its delicious seafood restaurants and daily catch markets.
- What annual events take place in Crisfield?
- The city has become a major tourist destination on the Chesapeake Bay today, hosting annual special events such as the National Hard Crab Derby.
- Why is Crisfield considered the gateway to Smith Island?
- It is best known as the gateway to lovely Smith Island, one of the Chesapeake's most unique unincorporated communities, which sells Maryland state cake Smith Island Cake at a variety of restaurants and bakeries.
At a Glance:
Best Time to Visit
Places to Stay
Tips for Visiting
Spring (March-May) – Mild temperatures and blooming marshlands.
Somers Cove Motel – A cozy and convenient stay near the waterfront.
Explore Janes Island State Park – Kayak through scenic water trails and enjoy wildlife viewing.
Summer (June-August) – Warm and ideal for seafood lovers and water activities.
Paddlewheel Motel – A charming stay with easy access to the marina.
Attend the J. Millard Tawes Crab & Clam Bake – Indulge in fresh Maryland seafood at this annual summer event.
Fall (September-November) – Cooler weather and stunning Chesapeake Bay views.
Water’s Edge RV Park & Rentals – A relaxing waterfront retreat.
Take a ferry to Smith Island – Experience the unique culture of Maryland’s only inhabited offshore island.
Winter (December-February) – Quiet and peaceful, perfect for a relaxing getaway.
The Cove Bed & Breakfast – A quaint and cozy stay with a personal touch.
Enjoy a waterfront sunset at the Crisfield City Dock – A serene way to take in the beauty of the Chesapeake Bay.
Map:
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