Eastern Shore

Travel Guide
Choptank River Lighthouse
Beautiful beaches, fresh seafood, quaint local heritage and unforgettable outdoor adventures make the Maryland section of the Delmarva Peninsula the place to be.

Experience Maryland’s Eastern Shore and get acquainted with the region’s distinctive character, where culture, history and coastal appeal combine. The region east of Chesapeake Bay extends to the Atlantic Ocean. From soaring waterfront condominiums to cozy fishing villages and pristine barrier islands, the Eastern Shore is a diverse destination. If you’re interested an adventure, the Eastern Shore has widely ranging itineraries. Tour quaint historic towns, indulge in world-class seafood or spot wildlife in the bayside wetlands.

Ocean City is a renowned waterfront resort ideal for those who like to have exciting nightlife as part of their beach vacation. Stroll along the boardwalk and check out the city’s bars, clubs and pubs.

Develop an architectural album from the photographs you take of the colonial, Federal and Victorian architecture in the Eastern Shore’s picturesque towns. Highlights include the towns of Cambridge, Easton, Princess Anne and Saint Michaels, which has an excellent maritime museum. For quaint riverside beauty, make your way to Chestertown or Snow Hill. The port town of Crisfield is a maritime hub in the region and is often called the Seafood Capital of the World. Taste freshly caught fish, clam and blue crab in this East Coast seafood center. Visit Chesapeake City for views of the historic Chesapeake and Delaware Canal.

If you’re ready to enjoy nature, don’t miss Assateague Island National Seashore. This protected island is home to wild horses and is a wonderful spot to go swimming, fishing, hiking, birdwatching and camping. Enjoy boutique accommodations on Smith Island or check out the tiny fishing villages on Hoopers Island.

Reach Maryland’s Eastern Shore by car from Annapolis in about 2 hours. The region’s major airport is in Baltimore. You can also catch an Amtrak train to major towns and connect with the local Eastern Shore bus and ferry network. The Eastern Shore’s resorts are especially busy during July, August and the spring-break period. Consider exploring this pretty region in fall for mild weather and fewer crowds.

Where to stay in Eastern Shore

North Ocean City featuring swimming, a beach and general coastal views

North Ocean City

North Ocean City is known for its stunning beaches, and you can see some sights in the area like Ocean City Beach and Carousel Ice Skating Rink.

North Ocean City
Assateague Island National Seashore showing a park and a coastal town

Downtown Ocean City

If you're spending some time in Downtown Ocean City, Ocean City Beach and Jolly Roger at the Pier are top sights worth seeing.

Downtown Ocean City
Jolly Roger Amusement Park

Midtown Ocean City

4.5/5(19 area reviews)

Midtown Ocean City is beloved for its stunning beaches. Take some time to explore sights in the area like Ocean City Beach and Seacrets Distilling Company.

Midtown Ocean City
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Ocean Pines

Boasting the largest concentration of retirees on the Eastern Shore, this community offers the Ocean Pines Golf Club, designed by Robert Trent Jones, and 13 parks, including White Horse Park. Enjoy golfing, park visits, and a peaceful atmosphere.

Ocean Pines
West Ocean City

West Ocean City

4/5(6 area reviews)

Discover fishing charters, boating, and marinas in this census-designated area, located across the Sinepuxent Bay from Ocean City. Shop at Outlets Ocean City and easily access the beach resort town via the Harry W. Kelley Memorial Bridge.

West Ocean City
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Sunset Island

While there might not be top attractions in Sunset Island, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Seacrets Distilling Company and Ocean Plaza Mall Shopping Center.

Sunset Island
Grand Hotel Ocean City Oceanfront
Grand Hotel Ocean City Oceanfront
3 out of 5
2100 N Baltimore Ave, Ocean City, MD
The price is CA $116 per night from May 19 to May 20
CA $116
CA $148 total
includes taxes & fees
May 19 - May 20
Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a beach locale.
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,011 reviews)
"Very pleased. Staff was very helpful when we decided to stay an extra night. Would definitely stay again. Clean, lots of room (had 4 people)."

Reviewed on May 11, 2024

Grand Hotel Ocean City Oceanfront
Ashore Resort & Beach Club
Ashore Resort & Beach Club
3.5 out of 5
10100 Coastal Hwy, Ocean City, MD
The price is CA $152 per night from May 16 to May 17
CA $152
CA $169 total
includes taxes & fees
May 16 - May 17
Book a stay at this beach hotel in Ocean City. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the restaurant and the bar in our reviews. ...
8/10 Very Good! (279 reviews)
"Very clean and the staff is nice."

Reviewed on May 13, 2024

Ashore Resort & Beach Club
Princess Royale Oceanfront Resort
Princess Royale Oceanfront Resort
3 out of 5
Oceanfront on 91st Street, Ocean City, MD
The price is CA $190 per night from May 21 to May 22
CA $190
CA $228 total
includes taxes & fees
May 21 - May 22
Book a stay at this beach hotel in Ocean City. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,810 reviews)
"We loved the fact that it was quiet. Our room was newly remodeled and it was wonderful. The staff were amazing and so very friendly. It was a very short walk to the beach. We will be back again next year if at all possible."

Reviewed on May 2, 2024

Princess Royale Oceanfront Resort
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Majestic Hotel & Apartments
Majestic Hotel & Apartments
3 out of 5
7th St & Boardwalk, Ocean City, MD
Stay at this 3-star beach aparthotel in Ocean City. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
6.2/10 (68 reviews)
"We stayed in one of the majestic apartments. I liked how it was an apartment, but it wasn't like dealing with a rental company. It was dealing with a hotel company. It was very simple and easy to get set up. We were lucky enough to get one of the apartments that was detached a block away. So it was ..."

Reviewed on Sep. 19, 2023

Majestic Hotel & Apartments
Shore Point Cottages
Shore Point Cottages
3 out of 5
9543 Stephen Decatur Hwy, Berlin, MD
Stay at this 3-star cottage in Berlin. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Ocean City Beach and Ocean City Boardwalk are ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (30 reviews)
"It seems like perfect place for family with kids and dogs. We have 3 people, a dog and infant. We love the place which is so convenient and clean. Everything is new and fully prepared. Definitely recommend and come back here when we have a chance"

Reviewed on May 12, 2024

Shore Point Cottages
Coconut Malorie Resort Ocean City a Ramada by Wyndham
Coconut Malorie Resort Ocean City a Ramada by Wyndham
3 out of 5
200 59th Street on the Bay, Ocean City, MD
Stay at this aparthotel in Ocean City. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
7.4/10 Good! (1,175 reviews)
"Staff was extremely kind and helpful. We will look to stay here during the season and will stay here again for cheerleading competition in the future"

Reviewed on Mar. 29, 2024

Coconut Malorie Resort Ocean City a Ramada by Wyndham
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Cities near Eastern Shore