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
Rating: ★★★★★
Just over an hour from Ocean City, Crisfield was a beautiful weekend destination. As soon as I arrived, I wanted to check out the local beach. Janes Island State Park is a lovely public recreation area located along the waters of the Chesapeake Bay.
You'll find over 30 miles of marked water trails for canoe and kayak explorations. I found seven miles of white sand beachfront along the shores of Tangier Sound.
A boat launch is offered onsite at the park. You can choose from half-day and full-day canoe and kayak rentals.
Opportunities for fishing and crabbing abound throughout the region's shorefront. You can choose from a plethora of overnight accommodations, ranging from a 100-site primitive campground to fully-stocked log cabins sleeping up to six people.
2. Take a Scenic Chesapeake Bay Ride with Tangier Island Cruises
Tangier Island Cruises depart from Crisfield daily between mid-May and mid-October. They take you to see 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, you can explore a quaint historic district and view preserved sites such as the island's one-room schoolhouse. Phone: 410-968-2338
Activities and Attractions for Couples:
3. Dock, Dine, or Launch from Somers Cove Marina
Somers Cove Marin 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.
4. Step Back in Time 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.
5. Explore Maritime Heritage at the J. Millard Tawes Museum
The J. Millard Tawes Museum is where you can find out all about the interesting history of Crisfield and the surrounding area.
The museum’s exhibits take you 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. Phone: 410 368 2501
I love exploring this part of Maryland. If you have more time, check out the town of Salisbury just 40 minutes away.
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