Top 14 Things To Do In Crisfield, Maryland

1. Soak up the sun at Janes Island State Park

Have a leisurely walk in this expansive park that is lying adjacent to Crisfield offering a sweet escape from everyday hustling and bustling in the city. Bring a tent and go camping with your travel buddies or simply take advantage of the rental cabins and picnic areas within the mainland portion to relax and enjoy the beauty of Chesapeake Bay. Rent a kayak and paddle your way to Janes Island to fall in love with the rich and well-preserved wildlife surrounding the island portion that is covered with saltmarsh, water trails, and pristine beaches. If you’re wishing for some seafood for dinner, don’t forget to set up a reel for fishing or enjoy crabbing to complete your menu.

Janes Island State Park

Address: 26280 Alfred J Lawson Dr, Crisfield, Maryland 21817

Opening hours: 6:30am - 8pm (daily)

Price: Free

2. Explore the island with Crisfield Kayak and Canoe Rental

Chase the beautiful sunset after exploring the expansive vistas of Chesapeake Bay by renting a kayak or canoe that you can use all day. Know the best places to go through the knowledgeable owner and staff who will prepare, load, and deliver all the necessary gears to you for a guaranteed amazing day of paddling around Crisfield. Take the whole family and make some memories as you can spend time bird watching or simply staring at clouds while on your kayak. For a safe and unforgettable adventure, remember to always wear a life jacket and prepare to be immersed in cold water.

Crisfield Kayak and Canoe Rental

Address: 65 Richardson Ave, Crisfield, Maryland 21817

Website: Crisfield Kayak and Canoe Rental

Opening hours: 9am - 7pm (daily)

Price: 20 USD

3. Learn about the history of the region at J. Millard Tawes Museum

Learn something about the locals, neighborhoods, and the seafood industry of the Lower Shore region of Crisfield in this small museum housing the Crisfield Heritage Foundation headquarters. Discover the oyster and crabbing industry back from thousands of years ago which shows how the city made it as the seafood capital of the world. Know the famous personalities together with the few governors of the State of Maryland that were born and raise in the region. Don’t forget to drop by the gift shop to buy some memorabilia and other keepsakes including cookbooks of local recipes perfect for gifts back home.

J. Millard Tawes Museum

Address: 3 9th St, Crisfield, Maryland 21817

Website: J. Millard Tawes Museum

Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 10am - 4pm; Sun: 10am - 2pm (closed on Mon)

Price: 3 USD

4. Treat your palate at Red Shell Shanty

Tickle your taste buds with original sandwiches, tacos, and Maryland crab soup made from fresh crab meat in this bar and sandwich shop located at Somers Cove Marina. Watch the picturesque sunset while grabbing a glass of crushes such as lemon, orange, and grapefruit perfect to wash down a joyous bite of their Smith Island-style cheesesteaks. Keep the night young while jamming with a live band throughout the summer or be entertained by the professional DJs on weekends. End the night on a refreshing note with their available selection of beverages like a margarita or a bottle of cold beer while simply taking in the serene setting with your loved one.

Red Shell Shanty

Address: 715 Broadway, Crisfield, Maryland 21817

Website: Red Shell Shanty

Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 11am - 7pm; Fri - Sat: 11am - 9pm

5. Discover the history of the city at Crisfield Heritage Foundation

With so much to learn about the history and culture of Chesapeake Bay and beyond, you can cut your trip short into just a day at this center committed to preserving the rich and colorful past of the city. Spend time admiring its small interior packed with artifacts and memorabilia of the seafood industry. Walk down memory lane and trace back the important events in Crisfield as you wander around the exhibits, collections, and educational programs hosted by the foundation. Enjoy seeing an outdoor crabbing shanty, display of oyster and crab watermen, and learning the old way of processing, cultivating, and trading of these water resources.

Crisfield Heritage Foundation

Address: 3 Ninth St. Crisfield, MD 21817

Website: Crisfield Heritage Foundation

6. Enjoy a casual dining experience at Watermen’s Inn

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Have a gastronomic adventure in this family-oriented restaurant offering casual gourmet dining experience with a lot of class. Settle down on your seat and set your appetite’s mood with a serving of fresh calamari for starters, then be delighted with their crab cakes and flank steak for your main dishes. After rewarding your hungry tummy, visit the taproom with a large selection of drinks including beers, wines, and spirits to wash down the perfect meal. Make sure to make some room for a sweet dessert like a slice of lemon cheesecake or multi-layered Smith Island cake to conclude your food adventure.

Watermen’s Inn

Address: 901 W Main St, Crisfield, Maryland 21817

Website: Watermen’s Inn

Opening hours: Thu: 3pm - 8pm; Fri - Sat: 3pm - 9pm; Sun: 12 - 8pm (closed from Mon - Wed)

7. Get closer to nature at Cedar Island State Wildlife Management Area

Have a close encounter with black ducks and other animals in this protected park composed of 3,000 acres (1,214 hectares) of tidal marsh, ponds, and creeks. Located in Tangier Sound near the town of Crisfield, let your kids be aware and gain knowledge about the different species attracted to the island including mallards, buffleheads, and other waterfowl. Enjoy activities like crabbing, fishing sea trout, or barn owls watching especially during the nesting season happening between April and September. Don’t forget to bring insect repellent and avoid too much skin exposure for mosquitoes and other insects are plentiful in Cedar Island.

Cedar Island State Wildlife Management Area

Address: Crisfield, Maryland 21817

Website: Cedar Island State Wildlife Management Area

8. Feast on seafood at Capt. Tyler's Crabhouse

Enjoy the expertly prepared seafood fare at this restaurant located directly on the waters of Somers Cove Marina, docked next door to Chelsea Lane. Fall in love with the breathtaking sunset views while feasting on crab cakes, steamed crabs and corns, and delicious hush puppies that were cooked in perfection. Fret not if you’re not fond of seafood for they also have macaroni salad, coleslaw, and chicken dishes to satiate your cravings. Pair your meal with a refreshing drink such as beer pitchers and soda that both go well with a slice of Smith Island cake perfect for your dessert.

Capt. Tyler's Crabhouse

Address: 923 Spruce St, Crisfield, Maryland 21817

Website: Capt. Tyler’s Crabhouse

Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 4pm - 8:30pm; Fri - Sat: 4am - 9pm

9. Visit islands aboard Tangier Island Cruises

Make your visit to Crisfield more memorable and special with a day exploring the quiet and picturesque island of Tangier via Tangier Island Cruises. Listen to the very informative audio guide through a loudspeaker that tells necessary details about the islands along the way while comfortably seating on the top deck or in the airconditioned interior. Make sure to tour the island with a golf cart owned by the locals, which will take for about 15 minutes, once the ferry dock on the shore. On the way back, get to see the tangerine skies as the sun goes down the horizon while feasting your eyes on beautiful scenery that Chesapeake Bay and Tangier Sound have to offer.

Tangier Island Cruises

Address: 1001 W Main St, Crisfield, Maryland 21817

Website: Tangier Island Cruises

Opening hours: 12:30pm - 5:15pm (daily)

Price: From 27 USD

10. Stroll around Somers Cove Marina

Access the finest attractions in Somerset County by visiting Somers Cove Marina that serves as the home port for sailing, fishing, and cruising on the Chesapeake Bay. Take a leisurely walk along the marina while breathing in the morning cool breeze or admire the beautiful sunset in the afternoon. Whatever the occasion is, enjoy a sumptuous meal in any of the many restaurants around the port serving fresh seafood all year round including the favorites–famous Smith Island cakes and crab cakes. Enjoy a relaxing evening while gazing upon the view along the shores with a bottle of cold beer on hand and your most favorite person on your side.

Somers Cove Marina

Address: 715 Broadway, Crisfield, Maryland 21817

Website: Somers Cove Marina

Opening hours: 8am - 6pm (daily)

11. Savor luscious treats at Crisfield Creamery

Cool down and reward your sweet tooth at this cafe serving hand-dipped ice cream with a good variety of flavors. Build your banana split from available flavors and indulge in its soft and fluffy texture that is addictive to munch on. Beat the heat after strolling around the neighborhood and order a scoop of pumpkin pie sundae or a glass of shake sprinkled with chocolate bits with a cherry on top. While feasting on the sweet treats, relax in your seat and embrace the nostalgic 50s ambiance complemented with cute decor, checkered tiled floor, and old school tables and chairs.

Crisfield Creamery

Address: 1104 W Main St., Crisfield, Maryland 21817

Website: Crisfield Creamery

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 4pm - 9pm; Sat: 1pm - 9pm; Sun: 2pm - 9pm

12. Witness the colorful National Hard Crab Derby

Spend the day with locals and experience a different side of Crisfield as you witness this annual Labor Day weekend event attracting tourists from all over the world. Never miss the chance to experience the unique crab-themed festival packed with crab cooking contests, a parade, flea markets, and different rides and games that guarantee your whole family a day well spent. Bond together with your friends while cheering for your bet in some crab races, beauty pageants, or enjoy a thrilling ride in a colorful carnival. Make sure to catch the fireworks display that concludes this week-long event that kids and young at heart will truly enjoy.

National Hard Crab Derby

Address: 906 W Main St, Crisfield, Maryland 21817

Website: National Hard Crab Derby

13. Satisfy your sweet cravings with Smith Island Baking Company

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Carefully plan the itinerary and make sure to order in advance one of the best cakes from Crisfield that will be delivered right to the front door of your vacation rental. Perfect for special occasions and on the road trips, you will never go wrong choosing this gourmet bakeshop specializing in cakes, pastries, and ice creams. Take a plunge into layers of chocolate peanut butter cake or share with your loved ones the flavorful cake bites that include red velvet, s’mores-filled, and pumpkin cream-filled. Fret not about the sunny weather for your order will arrive frozen in styrofoam and packed in dry ice.

Smith Island Baking Company

Address: 45 W Chesapeake Ave, Crisfield, Maryland 21817

Website: Smith Island Baking Company

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 8am - 5pm (closed on Sat & Sun)

14. Beat the heat at Wellington Beach & Park

Get that sun-kissed skin you wish to achieve in this community beach located just next to Water’s Edge Townhouses. Soak up the sun and feel the powdery sand under your feet as you watch your kids build sandcastles or float on the waters. If you’re up for a challenge, prepare your gear and do some kayaking, crabbing, or set a beach volleyball match for your team perfect for an ultimate family bonding. Don’t forget to bring enough liters of drinking water and a reliable sunblock lotion to keep you protected under the scorching heat of the sun on the whole duration of this activity.

Wellington Beach & Park

Address: 116 A Lorie Quinn Drive – Crisfield, Maryland 21817

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

Price: Free

Feed your need to travel

Appreciate and see coastal living in a different light as you experience what Crisfield has to offer. Put colors on your sketched hangout plans and explore the beauty of this side of the United States packed with jaw-dropping natural and man-made wonders, rich culture, and colorful history. Update your itinerary to include these top things to do in Crisfield, Maryland, and create awesome memories with your loved ones.