Blue Crab Scenic Byway Overview

Camping on the Beach (MD) [1]

The primary touring route for the Lower Eastern Shore, Blue Crab Scenic Byway epitomizes the culture, history, and recreational opportunity of the area. Passing through or near quaint communities, wide rivers, and a variety of protected lands, Blue Crab invites travelers to escape the busy city life nearby for a pleasant afternoon or weekend to enjoy some tranquility, outdoor activity, and excellent seafood.

A common axiom in the area says that you can never have too many boats, and as you travel in the area you'll see why. Whether on the coasts or in the rivers, the water in the area provides abundant opportunities for outdoor diversion. Take a sea kayak or sailboat out into the open ocean or run a tidal river in a canoe. If you enjoy sport fishing, Blue Crab takes you to a variety of quality spots. Ocean City has earned the title of "white marlin capital of the world," for example, and a variety of saltwater fish fill the waters. Freshwater fish fill the ponds, lakes, and rivers if bass and catfish fishing is more your style.

All that water also makes for a perfect birding environment. An important resting and birding spot along the Atlantic Flyway, the area surrounding Blue Crab Scenic Byway abounds with countless birds. The peak time for waterfowl watching is November, but a variety of birds stock the area year-round. See shorebirds and South American tropical birds in the spring, cormorants, herons and ibis in the summer, and hawks, quail and owls in the winter. For coastal and marshland birds, look no further than Assateague Island. This National Seashore provides a haven for beach birds and waterfowl, as well as miles of spectacular beaches and scenery.

Purnell Museum on the Beach to Bay Indian Trail (MD) [2]

Southeastern Maryland boasts a rich history. Vital to the livelihoods of people who lived in the lower eastern shore during every era, water knits together the histories of civilizations in Maryland. The area, originally settled by Native Americans as early as 8500 BC, was later important to maritime trade in early Colonial times. The area's settlements ocean accessibility gave the area a key role in the American Revolution and the War of 1812. As you look out at the ocean and rivers, imagine sea battles raging across the water's surface, shaping the nation's destiny.

Ocean City Boardwalk (MD) [3]

Chances are, one day on Blue Crab Scenic Byway isn't enough to fully take in the experience. Luckily, plenty of places to stay and eat invite you to stopover for awhile. Take a ferry to Smith Island, stay at a local bed and breakfast, and take a bike ride around its perimeter. The lower eastern shore area boasts seafood preparation that has been raised to a fine art. Blue crabs, whether steamed or fried, made the area famous, along with finely prepared oysters. Many local restaurants offer delicious crab cakes to tempt the traveler to put down permanent roots.