These 18 Charming Waterfront Towns In Maryland Are Perfect For A Daytrip
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Jamie Alvarenga
Author
Warmer weather is finally here and now is the perfect time to explore the best waterfront towns in Maryland. Each of these coastal towns in Maryland something unique but they all have one thing in common: the views are spectacular. The only question is: which of these Maryland coastal towns will you visit first?
Annapolis, MD, USA
Maryland's state capital is packed with history, the Naval Academy, and delicious restaurants with a view of the water. Prepare to spend an entire day exploring the dozens of boutiques as well.
Saint Michaels, St Michaels, MD 21663, USA
This charming town in Maryland offers unique stores, seafood restaurants, and fun events. After a day of enjoying this spot, relax by the water and take in the sights.
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Ocean City, MD, USA
We can't write about waterfront towns without mentioning Ocean City! This spot attracts tourists for its oceanside location and never-ending activities.
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Havre de Grace
The downtown area in Havre de Grace is delightful and you can mix up your visit by walking along the promenade. Make sure to also check out Concord Point Lighthouse while you're visiting.
Oxford, MD 21654, USA
This underrated small town in Maryland offers a quaint downtown area, water views, and a historic ferry ride. Check it out at least once.
Chesapeake City, MD, USA
What's cool about Chesapeake City is that it's located along a canal. Watch the ships glide along the water while enjoying the quaint sights.
Solomons, MD, USA
This Maryland island is breathtaking during sunset. A quiet summer's day awaits.
Crisfield, MD 21817, USA
Known as Maryland's crab capital *and* the southernmost town in Maryland, Crisfield is filled with watermen and therefore, great seafood as well. Don't leave without chowing down on steamed crabs.
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North Beach, MD, USA
North Beach offers a boardwalk that's perfect for strolling year-round. Double the fun by visiting the nearby Chesapeake Beach while in the area.
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Baltimore, MD, USA
Baltimore's Inner Harbor can't be missed. There's so much to do here, including the ever-impressive National Aquarium.
National Harbor, Fort Washington, MD 20745, USA
National Harbor is perfect for a day of shopping and eating. End your adventure by taking in a sunset view from the Capital Wheel.
McHenry, MD, USA
McHenry is chock-full of outdoor activities, most of which can be located around Deep Creek Lake. Don't miss out on this impressive state gem!
Saint Marys City, St Marys City, MD, USA
History lovers will adore St. Mary's City, especially the ship battle reenactments. There is so much fun to be had in St. Mary's City, the oldest town in Maryland.
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Kent Island, Maryland, USA
No matter which town on Kent Island you visit, you're sure to witness an astounding water view. It's so gorgeous, you may never want to leave... especially after dining at one of Kent Island's many sea shacks!
Smith Island, MD, USA
This inhabited island is only reachable by ferry. Enjoy a day of solitude while kayaking or cycling along Smith Island!
Deal Island Historic District, MD 21821, USA
With a population of around 600 residents, Deal Island is a quiet fishing town in Maryland and the perfect place to visit if you're looking to get away from it all. The numerous wetlands in the area are perfect for kayaking, canoeing, and birdwatching.
Rock Hall, MD 21661, USA
In the charming coastal town of Rock Hall, Maryland, you can visit the local beach, peruse the quaint downtown shops, and end your day eating sinfully delicious local oysters. This Eastern Shore gem is oh-so underrated and worth a visit!
Chesapeake Beach, MD 20732, USA
Chesapeake Beach and the nearby North Beach are great little places to visit if you want to feel kinda-sorta touristy but without huge crowds. With seafood restaurants, antique shops, and spots for fossil hunting, this part of Maryland is truly one-of-a-kind.
When it comes to waterfront towns in Maryland, these places are just the beginning! Where’s your favorite coastal town in Maryland? Your top spot in the Old Line State to relax along the water? Feel free to share below – we love hearing from you!
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More to Explore
Waterfront Towns in Maryland
What are some waterfront hotels or coastal cottages in Maryland?
The above waterfront towns in Maryland all make for pretty amazing day trips in the Old Line State, so much so that you'll probably be interested in turning your small-town day trip into an overnight trip or weekend getaway! Happily, there are many wonderful waterfront hotels and coastal cottages in Maryland that put guests right along the lovely shoreline:
- Ocean City Beach. With 10 miles of spectacular shoreline, a public promenade, and beautiful boardwalk (that has its very own Ferris wheel), Ocean City Beach offers visitors a classic beach experience. You'll feel like a true vacationer while at Ocean City Beach, as its endless shores and nostalgic seaside attractions are delightfully postcard-perfect. The open, sandy shore is perfect for enjoying old-fashioned beach activities like volleyball or picnicking. And if your perfect beach day begins with an immense, inspiring sunrise, this Maryland beach is definitely for you.
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Assateague Island. A beautiful, 37-mile isle off the coast of Maryland, Assateague Island is an enchanting place where wild horses roam free and rumors of buried treasure abound. Beautiful beaches, stately stallions, and some of the most stunning sunsets and stargazing in the country, while there are many amazing accommodations on the island, we highly recommend pitching a tent and camping right on the beach. Camping is available in the Maryland district of Assateague Island, and with a little advanced planning, you can enjoy a serene, seaside retreat in Maryland that's about as immersive and intimate as it gets.
- Deal Island. One of our favorite places for a waterfront getaway in Maryland, Deal Island has tons of accommodations, including this charming coastal cottage we found on VRBO. This waterfront cottage is 960 square feet. With one bedroom and one bathroom, it can sleep up to four guests. What it lacks in size it more than makes up for in sweeping, near-endless views of the waterfront!
- St. Michaels. Located in the eastern portion of the state, this town has an abundance of charm, from its seemingly endless water views to the picturesque storefronts. In fact, St. Michaels makes for an excellent shopping trip destination. And, after you've worked up an appetite, you can enjoy the local offerings from the town's many cafes, restaurants, and dessert shops. Learn more about why St. Michales might be one of the best small towns in Maryland. When in this charming coastal town in Maryland, there's no better place to stay than the eponymous St. Michaels Harbour Inn, Marina & Spa, a stunning waterfront property with an on-site pool and spa!