We are located on Maryland's Eastern Shore, along the Chesapeake Bay and close to the Atlantic Ocean. With miles of tidal bays, rivers, and lush woodlands, this is nature's masterpiece, a paradise for outdoor sportsmen, recreationalists, nature lovers, and the ideal backdrop for family entertainment.
Ready to taste Maryland's official state dessert at the source? Discover the bakeries, restaurants, and hidden gems keeping this legendary multi-layered tradition alive.
Looking for an adventure? Bring the whole family for a hike through one of Somerset County’s picturesque parks. Launch your boat, hit the beach, soak in the sun and enjoy the beauty of the surrounding waterways. And don’t forget your binoculars! You never know what creatures you’ll spot along the saltmarsh.
If anyone knows how to do events, it's your friends in Somerset County! There's always something to celebrate, whether it's music, food (crabs, of course), history, culture, or community. You will have such a blast, you won't want to go home! So pull up a chair (or a boat) and let the festivities begin!
When you experience Somerset County, Maryland, the options are endless. Whether you're looking to rest your head in a quaint bed and breakfast with a relaxing weekend on the beach or to cruise on the Chesapeake and dig into a mouthwatering crab feast, you will find what you're looking for in one of our traditional Somerset towns. No matter where you go, we can promise a breathtaking sunset view to top off your evening!
Frequently Asked Questions
Somerset County is located on Maryland's Lower Eastern Shore, bordered by the Chesapeake Bay to the west and Virginia to the south. The county is home to historic small towns, scenic waterfront communities, and unique island destinations, including Princess Anne, Crisfield, Deal Island, and Smith Island. Known for its rich maritime heritage, natural beauty, and outdoor recreation, Somerset County offers an authentic Chesapeake Bay experience.
Somerset County is known for its working waterfronts, fresh seafood, and small towns along the Chesapeake Bay. Crisfield has a long history of crabbing and fishing, while Smith Island is one of the few remaining inhabited offshore islands in Maryland's Chesapeake Bay. Visitors come for the seafood, boating, kayaking, fishing, and a slower pace of life. It's also home to Janes Island State Park, historic Princess Anne, and generations of watermen who continue to make their living on the Bay.
Somerset County has something to offer in every season, depending on what you enjoy doing. Spring is a great time for kayaking, birdwatching, and exploring the area's parks and waterways. Summer brings boating, fishing, crabbing, and local festivals. Fall is popular for hunting, including sika deer and waterfowl, along with cooler weather for outdoor activities. Winter offers quieter getaways, birdwatching, and opportunities for waterfowl hunting during open seasons.
Smith Island Cake is Maryland's official state dessert, made with 8 to 10 thin layers of cake and frosting. The traditional version features yellow cake with chocolate fudge frosting, a recipe passed down through generations of Smith Island families. You don't have to travel to the island to try a slice, either. Somerset County's Smith Island Cake Trail features 11 stops where you can sample this local favorite while exploring the area.
Smith Island is only accessible by boat, with passenger ferries and seasonal cruises departing from Crisfield, Maryland. You'll leave your car on the mainland and make the trip across the Chesapeake Bay, which typically takes about 45 minutes to an hour. The island has three communities: Ewell, Rhodes Point, and Tylerton. Ewell and Rhodes Point are connected by road, while Tylerton requires a separate boat ride. Ferry routes, schedules, and return trips vary, so be sure to plan ahead and check which community your boat will visit.
Somerset County's marshes, wetlands, and waterways are great places to spot wildlife, especially birds. Keep an eye out for bald eagles, ospreys, herons, and migratory waterfowl. Janes Island State Park and Deal Island Wildlife Management Area are two good places to start, whether you're birdwatching, taking photos, or exploring the outdoors. One tip before you head out: bring bug spray! Mosquitoes can be pretty fierce around the marshes during the warmer months, so come prepared.
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