To outsiders, summer in Maryland is just another season. Sure, there's stuff to do, but the same can be said for everywhere else in the country, right?
If you're a native or a recent or long-term transplant, then you know that Maryland summers are not "just another season."
In fact, it is the season when the state comes alive—for crabbing and boating, baseball and beachcombing, and holidays and festivals. Such is the draw of summer in Maryland that for those who end up leaving the state for destinations further afield, they never forget about and are always yearning to come back for just one more summer.
Of course, the state has a distinct advantage over all others that makes the time from Memorial Day in May to Labor Day in September something extraordinary.
The water.
Consider that Maryland is relatively small. It's only 12,500 square miles making it the ninth smallest state in the country. However, in terms of water as part of the total area, the Old Line State ranks in the top 20, ahead of far larger states such as Georgia, Illinois, and Pennsylvania.
To consider water, and more specifically the Chesapeake Bay, the country's largest estuary, the heart and soul of Maryland's identity would be an understatement.
It's the very thing that makes summers in Maryland so spectacular.
So, let's explore Maryland and its waterways to uncover ways to enjoy the water in Maryland this summer.
Crabs and Crabbing
Maryland is synonymous with aquaculture—the H20 equivalent to agriculture—and its most famous export is blue crabs. Summer is the height of crab season, and as you might expect, favorite pastimes include eating them and harvesting them.
For those that are served to you, head to Cantler's Riverside Inn in Annapolis. The generational crab house is one of the state's most popular and overlooks the adjacent Mill Creek.
If you enjoy stunning views with your tray of crabs, then the unfortunately-named Suicide Bridge Restaurant in Hurlock is the place to go. Time it right, and you can catch a gorgeous sunset on the Choptank River.
In Essex, Schultz's Crab House is the only restaurant in Maryland that has been named a James Beard Foundation American Classic, and it's easy to taste why. Though it doesn't technically sit on a body of water, the interior's old-school interior makes one feel as though you’re out to sea.
We return to Annapolis—Riva, to be exact—to Mike's Restaurant & Crabhouse, which sits directly on the South River. Making the most of its riverside location, you can opt to arrive by boat and tie up at one of the restaurant's piers before heading to feast on crabs, hushpuppies, and beer.
Finally, head north of Annapolis to Arnold, and you'll find The Point Crab House. One of the region's best spots to eat outdoors—it occupies space along the Magothy River in the Ferry Point Marina—The Point offers a more refined experience than your typical crab house, though the atmosphere remains decidedly casual.
The other side of the shell is actually netting your own pot full of crabs. A treasured tradition among Marylanders, crabbing is a fantastic summertime activity for kids and adults alike. Even better that you don't need a boat to pull in a decent haul of crabs
Let's start in Pasadena, where the 380-foot Bill Burton Fishing Pier stands as just one of a host of activities within Fort Smallwood Park. The fort dates back to the 1880s and is situated where the Patapsco River and Rock Creek spill into the Chesapeake Bay.
Bill Burton Fishing Pier State Park in Trappe in Talbot County features a lighted pier that opens up at 7 AM and closes at sunset. When not crabbing, the 25-acre park also features a mile of trails along the Choptank River.
Lusby features the sandy shores of Flag Ponds Nature Park. In addition to crabbing, the park boasts a nature center, managed hunting, scuba diving, and swimming.
North Beach is one of the most family-friendly towns anywhere in Maryland, and the area's North Beach Waterfront, which sits on the Chesapeake Bay, is close to a lot of activities once you've caught your allotment of crabs for the day.
Near the U.S. Naval Academy Bridge in Annapolis, Jonas and Anne Catharine Green Park offer crabbing in the Severn River. The current fishing pier serves as the old bridge and has excellent views while you wait for your catch.
Waterfront Restaurants
It's not all about the crabs in Maryland. The state's diverse cuisine features all manner of seafood and land-based fare. Considering the prevalence of large bodies of water, many of the best places to eat also provide diners with some stunning views.
We begin with Baltimore's The Bygone, a relatively new addition to Maryland's dining scene, but instantly one of the most spectacular. Thanks to its enviable location, it makes our list as it sits atop the Four Seasons Hotel Baltimore and offers magnificent views of the Patapsco River and Inner Harbor. In our book, that counts as the best kind of waterfront restaurant.
If comfort food—and an atmosphere to match—is on your wishlist menu, Pirates Cove Restaurant & Marina is sure to satisfy. Located in Galesville, it features dockside seating, views of the West River, and the adjacent and slightly more casual Pirate's Cove Dock Bar.
For something a bit different from the usual Maryland fare, Pusser's Caribbean Grille serves up, you guessed it, tropical dishes and drinks on the Annapolis Harbor in the heart of Ego Alley. Recognized as one of the best waterfront experiences in the state capital—or anywhere else, for that matter—it's a must for anyone who loves dockside dining.
Also in Annapolis, in Chesapeake Harbour, is Sam's on the Waterfront, a staple in the city for almost 40 years. Serving contemporary American and featuring a wine selection recognized by Wine Spectator, Sam's is genuinely an eclectic spot with live music, dockside dining, and the city's best burger.
If you're looking for one of the state's top waterfront experiences with exquisite food and views to match, Bridges on Kent Narrows in Grasonville is the ideal spot to settle in for an hour or two. A soaring dining room opens out into a massive dockside dining space. It's an unforgettable meal in an unforgettable location, offering everything from pizzas and sandwiches to seafood and steak.
Things to Do
Aside from dining and crabbing, what more could you need? The good news is that Maryland's waterways play host to tons of activities throughout the summer months. Below is a sampling of the highlights of summer on the water in Maryland.
What's summer without a little beach action? How about one of the top beaches in the county? Head out the state's easternmost shores, and you'll discover Ocean City and its ten miles of gorgeous shoreline with pristine sand underfoot. A vacation hotspot for generations of Marylanders, Ocean City also features a three-mile boardwalk and plenty of dining, entertainment, and views of the Atlantic.
Annapolis' Annual 4th of July celebration is a highlight of Maryland's yearly social calendar. The annual celebration includes fireworks on Annapolis Harbor. Plan ahead and book a cruise on the Watermark cruise ship for a front-row view.
One of the best—and sometimes most efficient—ways to enjoy and get around Maryland in the summertime is via boat. While boat ownership can prove both costly and time-consuming, joining a Maryland boat club isn't. For a one-time payment and monthly dues, you can access your club of choice selection of boats. Two of the best that serve the state include Carefree Boat Club and Freedom Boat Club.
If you own a boat, you'll need a place to dock and preferably close to plenty of things to see, do, and eat. When sailing the Chesapeake, look for Port Annapolis Marina, Annapolis City Marina, Bay Bridge Marina, Haven Harbour, or Baltimore Inner Harbor Marina.
Admittedly, the above summertime list is just a slice of what Maryland has to offer both on and near the water. Wherever you may travel in the state between May and September, rest assured that every town and every city that claims a waterway has its own special way for you to enjoy the water this and every summer.
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