Queen Anne’s County, Maryland, is a treasure trove of outdoor activities. Located on the Eastern Shore, this area is known for its stunning landscapes, rich maritime heritage, and vibrant community life. Whether you're an avid angler, a history enthusiast, or simply enjoy the great outdoors, Queen Anne’s County offers many activities to explore. From the tranquil waters of the Chesapeake Bay to the scenic trails and parks, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
Let's delve into some of the most exciting outdoor activities that make Queen Anne’s County a must-visit destination.
Drive Across the Chesapeake Bay Bridge
The Chesapeake Bay Bridge, officially the William Preston Lane Jr. Memorial Bridge, is an iconic landmark and a breathtaking gateway to Queen Anne's County. Driving across this engineering marvel offers panoramic views of the bay.
The twin spans stretch over 4 miles, providing incredible vistas of the vast estuary, passing ships, and distant shorelines. It is a scenic entrance to the Eastern Shore, often making it the first memorable experience for visitors. On clear days, the expansive water and sky create a truly impressive visual, setting the tone for your Queen Anne's County adventure.
The twin spans stretch over 4 miles, providing incredible vistas of the vast estuary, passing ships, and distant shorelines. It is a scenic entrance to the Eastern Shore, often making it the first memorable experience for visitors. On clear days, the expansive water and sky create a truly impressive visual, setting the tone for your Queen Anne's County adventure.
Explore Kent Island and Its Waterfronts
Kent Island, the largest island in the Chesapeake Bay, is the primary entry point to Queen Anne's County after crossing the Bay Bridge. It is rich in history, the third oldest permanent English settlement in North America, and offers a lively waterfront scene.
You can visit Kent Narrows, a bustling area known for its marinas, seafood restaurants with waterfront dining, and recreational boating activity. It's a popular spot to watch boats pass through the Narrows or enjoy fresh local seafood. Areas like Matapeake Beach offer public beach access with views of the Bay, including a unique dog beach area connected by a winding trail through the woods.
You can visit Kent Narrows, a bustling area known for its marinas, seafood restaurants with waterfront dining, and recreational boating activity. It's a popular spot to watch boats pass through the Narrows or enjoy fresh local seafood. Areas like Matapeake Beach offer public beach access with views of the Bay, including a unique dog beach area connected by a winding trail through the woods.
Discover Historic Centreville
Centreville, the county seat of Queen Anne's County, offers a charming glimpse into the region's rich history with its well-preserved historic district. This quaint town is ideal for a stroll, allowing you to appreciate its architectural heritage and local character.
You can walk along streets lined with historic homes, some dating back to the 18th century, and visit the 1792 Courthouse, the oldest operating courthouse in Maryland. The town also features local shops, antique stores, and small eateries. The Centreville Wharf on the Corsica River, where goods were once shipped for Revolutionary War troops, now provides a soft launch for kayaks and canoes, connecting history with modern recreation.
You can walk along streets lined with historic homes, some dating back to the 18th century, and visit the 1792 Courthouse, the oldest operating courthouse in Maryland. The town also features local shops, antique stores, and small eateries. The Centreville Wharf on the Corsica River, where goods were once shipped for Revolutionary War troops, now provides a soft launch for kayaks and canoes, connecting history with modern recreation.
Visit the Chesapeake Bay Environmental Center (Grasonville)
The Chesapeake Bay Environmental Center (CBEC) in Grasonville is a significant natural amenity that offers extensive opportunities for environmental education and outdoor recreation. This 510-acre preserve is dedicated to conserving the Chesapeake Bay's ecosystems, making it a crucial stop for outdoor activities in Queen Anne's County MD.
Visitors can explore miles of walking and hiking trails that wind through diverse habitats, including forests, meadows, and wetlands. It's a premier spot for birdwatching, with numerous common, uncommon, and migratory species like osprey and bald eagles. CBEC also offers guided kayak tours and rentals, providing a peaceful way to observe wildlife from the water, including cownose stingrays and jellyfish in the marshlands. They even have a Bird of Prey Exhibit.
Visitors can explore miles of walking and hiking trails that wind through diverse habitats, including forests, meadows, and wetlands. It's a premier spot for birdwatching, with numerous common, uncommon, and migratory species like osprey and bald eagles. CBEC also offers guided kayak tours and rentals, providing a peaceful way to observe wildlife from the water, including cownose stingrays and jellyfish in the marshlands. They even have a Bird of Prey Exhibit.
Explore Wye Island Natural Resources Management Area
Wye Island Natural Resources Management Area offers a serene and expansive natural escape within Queen Anne's County. Located in the tidal recesses of the Chesapeake Bay between the Wye River and the Wye East River, this area provides a truly immersive natural experience away from developed areas.
The management area features six miles of trails for wildlife viewing, hiking, bicycling, and horseback riding through woodlands and open fields. It is a fantastic spot for observing deer, foxes, and birdlife in their natural habitat. A notable feature is the presence of a Holly Tree that is more than 290 years old, adding a touch of ancient beauty to the landscape.
The management area features six miles of trails for wildlife viewing, hiking, bicycling, and horseback riding through woodlands and open fields. It is a fantastic spot for observing deer, foxes, and birdlife in their natural habitat. A notable feature is the presence of a Holly Tree that is more than 290 years old, adding a touch of ancient beauty to the landscape.
Tee Off at Championship Golf Courses
Queen Anne's County offers exceptional opportunities for golf enthusiasts. It boasts two scenic championship courses, designed to integrate with the beautiful Eastern Shore landscape, providing both challenging play and picturesque views.
Queenstown Harbor Golf offers 36 holes along the Chesapeake Bay and Chester River, known for its stunning waterfront holes. Blue Heron Golf Course in Chestertown (just across the county line) is another popular choice, offering a challenging yet enjoyable round. Both courses provide meticulously maintained greens and fairways, making them prime destinations for a day on the links.
Queenstown Harbor Golf offers 36 holes along the Chesapeake Bay and Chester River, known for its stunning waterfront holes. Blue Heron Golf Course in Chestertown (just across the county line) is another popular choice, offering a challenging yet enjoyable round. Both courses provide meticulously maintained greens and fairways, making them prime destinations for a day on the links.
Experience the Cross Island Trail
The Cross Island Trail is a multi-use paved trail that spans the width of Kent Island. It offers a convenient and scenic route for walking, running, and cycling. This approximately 9.3-mile trail connects various parks and points of interest across the island, and was expanded with 3 additional miles in 2022.
The trail can be accessed from locations like Terrapin Nature Park or Old Love Point Park. It meanders through woodlands, across marshlands, and through charming residential areas, providing diverse scenery. It offers a pleasant way to explore Kent Island's interior and connect to its various amenities, making it a popular choice for outdoor activities in Queen Anne's County, MD.
The trail can be accessed from locations like Terrapin Nature Park or Old Love Point Park. It meanders through woodlands, across marshlands, and through charming residential areas, providing diverse scenery. It offers a pleasant way to explore Kent Island's interior and connect to its various amenities, making it a popular choice for outdoor activities in Queen Anne's County, MD.
Discover Terrapin Nature Park
Terrapin Nature Park, a multi-award-winning 276-acre nature park on Kent Island, offers a unique coastal hiking experience with stunning views of the Chesapeake Bay and Bridge. Its distinctive oyster chaff walking trail makes it stand out.
The 3.25-mile trail meanders through wildflower meadows, wetlands, tidal ponds, woodlands, and sandy beaches. It provides unique vantage points for viewing waterfowl, wildlife, and plant species. A gazebo along the sandy shoreline offers a spectacular view of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge. The park also features observation blinds overlooking tidal ponds, perfect for quiet wildlife observation. The trail connects to the larger Cross Island Trail system, extending your exploration options.
The 3.25-mile trail meanders through wildflower meadows, wetlands, tidal ponds, woodlands, and sandy beaches. It provides unique vantage points for viewing waterfowl, wildlife, and plant species. A gazebo along the sandy shoreline offers a spectacular view of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge. The park also features observation blinds overlooking tidal ponds, perfect for quiet wildlife observation. The trail connects to the larger Cross Island Trail system, extending your exploration options.
Find Your Place in Maryland
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Contact Brad and his team today to work with a trusted expert who understands the intricacies of Maryland's exclusive luxury waterfront market.
Contact Brad and his team today to work with a trusted expert who understands the intricacies of Maryland's exclusive luxury waterfront market.
