Queen Anne's County, Md., nestled on the picturesque Eastern Shore, is a gateway to the Chesapeake Bay. It provides a wealth of outdoor adventures, historic discoveries, and unique local experiences. For residents and visitors alike, the county presents diverse activities that celebrate its natural beauty and community spirit.
Whether you are looking for a day on the water, a delve into history, or simply a pleasant afternoon of exploring local charm, Queen Anne's County provides ample opportunities.
This guide will help you navigate the many things to do in Queen Anne's County MD, ensuring your visit is filled with engaging experiences and memorable moments.
Drive Across the Chesapeake Bay Bridge
The Chesapeake Bay Bridge, officially the William Preston Lane Jr. Memorial Bridge, is an iconic landmark and a gateway to Queen Anne's County. Driving across this engineering marvel is an experience offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Chesapeake Bay.
The twin spans stretch over four 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 four 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, while Terrapin Nature Park provides trails and a tranquil environment for birdwatching.
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, while Terrapin Nature Park provides trails and a tranquil environment for birdwatching.
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 oldest operating courthouse in Maryland. The town also features local shops, antique stores, and small eateries. Centreville provides a peaceful and reflective experience, connecting visitors with the long-standing traditions of the Eastern Shore.
You can walk along streets lined with historic homes, some dating back to the 18th century, and visit the oldest operating courthouse in Maryland. The town also features local shops, antique stores, and small eateries. Centreville provides a peaceful and reflective experience, connecting visitors with the long-standing traditions of the Eastern Shore.
Visit the Chesapeake Bay Environmental Center (Grasonville)
The Chesapeake Bay Environmental Center (CBEC) in Grasonville is a significant natural amenity offering extensive environmental education and outdoor recreation opportunities. This 500-acre preserve is dedicated to conserving the Chesapeake Bay's ecosystems.
Visitors can explore miles of walking trails that wind through diverse habitats, including forests, meadows, and wetlands. It's a premier spot for birdwatching, with numerous species attracted to its varied environments. CBEC also offers opportunities for kayaking and canoeing on the impoundments, providing a peaceful way to observe wildlife and learn about Bay ecology.
Visitors can explore miles of walking trails that wind through diverse habitats, including forests, meadows, and wetlands. It's a premier spot for birdwatching, with numerous species attracted to its varied environments. CBEC also offers opportunities for kayaking and canoeing on the impoundments, providing a peaceful way to observe wildlife and learn about Bay ecology.
Try Local Craft Beverages
Queen Anne's County has a growing craft beverage scene, focusing on local breweries and even a distillery. Exploring these establishments offers a delightful way to sample locally produced libations and experience the regional flavor.
- Cult Classic Brewing in Stevensville offers a large, lively taproom and a wide selection of beers.
- Ten Eyck Brewing Company in Queenstown is a veteran-owned brewery with a welcoming atmosphere and a range of handcrafted ales.
- Bull & Goat Brewery in Centreville, which shares space with Old Courthouse Distilling, offers craft beers and American whiskey.
These spots are perfect for a relaxed afternoon of tasting and socializing. If craft brews are your thing- visit our blog dedicated to Queen Anne’s County breweries!
Explore Wineries and Vineyards
Beyond beer and spirits, Queen Anne's County and its nearby areas feature several wineries and vineyards, offering a different taste of the Eastern Shore's agricultural bounty. These establishments provide opportunities to sample locally produced wines and enjoy scenic vineyard settings.
You can visit wineries that cultivate their own grapes, often producing varietals that thrive in the Eastern Shore's climate. Many offer tasting rooms where you can sample their wines, learn about the winemaking process, and purchase bottles to take home. Some vineyards also host events, combining wine tasting with live music or local food offerings, creating a pleasant and relaxing experience.
You can visit wineries that cultivate their own grapes, often producing varietals that thrive in the Eastern Shore's climate. Many offer tasting rooms where you can sample their wines, learn about the winemaking process, and purchase bottles to take home. Some vineyards also host events, combining wine tasting with live music or local food offerings, creating a pleasant and relaxing experience.
- Cascia Vineyards – A family-run waterfront winery on Kent Island producing handcrafted red, white, and dessert wines from estate-grown grapes.
- Love Point Vineyards & Winery – An artisan winery on Kent Island offering handcrafted wines and scenic views of the Chester River.
- Chesapeake Manor Vineyard – A picturesque vineyard offering small-batch wines like Viognier and Merlot in a waterfront setting.
Fish or Crab on the Chesapeake Bay
Given its direct access to the Chesapeake Bay, fishing and crabbing are quintessential things to do in Queen Anne's County MD. The Bay is renowned for its abundant marine life, offering rewarding experiences for seasoned anglers and casual enthusiasts.
You can charter a fishing boat from Kent Narrows for a deep-sea fishing excursion in the Bay, targeting species like rockfish (striped bass), bluefish, or drum. Alternatively, numerous public piers and crabbing docks are available for crabbing with chicken necks or trot lines. Many local restaurants also offer "steamed crabs" during season, allowing you to enjoy the fresh bounty of the Bay after your attempt.
You can charter a fishing boat from Kent Narrows for a deep-sea fishing excursion in the Bay, targeting species like rockfish (striped bass), bluefish, or drum. Alternatively, numerous public piers and crabbing docks are available for crabbing with chicken necks or trot lines. Many local restaurants also offer "steamed crabs" during season, allowing you to enjoy the fresh bounty of the Bay after your attempt.
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.
