Smith Island

Escape to Smith Island: Maryland’s Historic Chesapeake Bay Island Destination

Twelve miles off the Crisfield coast, Smith Island sits in a world of its own as Maryland's only inhabited offshore island. Accessible only by passenger ferry or private boat, this quiet archipelago is home to a resilient, tight-knit community of about 200 year-round residents, many of whom still speak with the distinct, centuries-old dialect of their ancestors. Life here moves to the rhythm of the tides, where golf carts replace cars and the daily boat arrival is the main event.

Exploring the Villages, Water Trails, and Local Traditions

Whether you're exploring the connected villages of Ewell and Rhodes Point, taking a skiff over to Tylerton, or paddling the pristine water trails, you're experiencing a living piece of American maritime history. Strike up a conversation with a local waterman, book a weekend at a welcoming island inn, and enjoy fresh-picked crab. Just make sure you don't leave without a slice of our famous, multi-layered Smith Island Cake, Maryland's official state dessert.

A Sanctuary on the Chesapeake Across Every Season

In the fall, the skies above the island fill with migratory birds, drawing visitors of a different kind to this already remarkable stretch of the Chesapeake. It's more than a day trip; it's a chance to experience the Bay the way it was always meant to be felt.

Ready to plan your ferry ride? Explore schedules, local tours, and lodging at www.visitsmithisland.com.