Church Creek MarylandBEACHES & WATERFRONT ESCAPES
Listed below are the best beaches and waterfront escapes near Church Creek, Maryland.
1. Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historical Park
HISTORIC FREEDOM TRAIL
Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historical Park is a significant historical site that honors the legacy of Harriet Tubman and the Underground Railroad. Visitors can explore exhibits and learn about Tubman's life as a conductor on the Underground Railroad, helping enslaved people escape to freedom. The park features interpretive displays, walking trails, and educational programs that bring this important piece of American history to life.
2. Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge
WETLAND WILDLIFE HAVEN
Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge encompasses over 28,000 acres of tidal marshes, freshwater ponds, and forests along the Chesapeake Bay. The refuge serves as an important stopover for migratory birds and is home to the largest breeding population of bald eagles on the East Coast north of Florida. Visitors can enjoy wildlife viewing, photography, hiking, paddling, and fishing in this pristine wetland ecosystem.
3. Old Trinity Church
HISTORIC WATERFRONT SANCTUARY
Old Trinity Church sits peacefully on the banks of Church Creek and is likely the oldest Episcopal church in continuous use in its original form in the United States. Built in the late 1600s, the church grounds include a historic cemetery that contains the remains of three Revolutionary War veterans and notable Maryland figures. The serene waterfront setting offers visitors a glimpse into early American religious life and architecture.
4. Emily's Produce
FRESH WATERSIDE HARVEST
Emily's Produce offers farm-fresh goods in a charming setting near the waterways of Dorchester County. Visitors can purchase locally grown fruits, vegetables, homemade baked goods, and specialty food items while enjoying the rural countryside. The family-friendly destination often features seasonal activities like pick-your-own produce, farm tours, and special events throughout the year.
5. Choptank River Lighthouse
HISTORIC MARITIME BEACON
The Choptank River Lighthouse stands as a replica of a historic screwpile lighthouse that once guided mariners on the Choptank River. Located at Long Wharf Park in nearby Cambridge, the lighthouse serves as both a museum and a symbol of the region's rich maritime heritage. Visitors can climb to the top for panoramic views of the river and learn about the area's watermen culture and navigation history.
6. Long Wharf Park
RIVERSIDE RECREATION SPOT
Long Wharf Park offers a picturesque waterfront setting along the Choptank River with spectacular views of the Cambridge Creek Harbor. The park features a public marina, fishing pier, boat ramp, and spacious green areas perfect for picnicking or watching the sunset over the water. Visitors can enjoy waterfront activities, watch boats coming and going, or take a leisurely stroll along the scenic promenade.
7. Ruark Boatworks
TRADITIONAL BOAT CRAFTING
Ruark Boatworks preserves the traditional boat-building techniques of the Chesapeake Bay region through exhibits and demonstrations at the Richardson Maritime Museum. Visitors can watch skilled craftsmen restore historic vessels and build new wooden boats using time-honored methods. The waterfront workshop offers a fascinating glimpse into the maritime heritage that shaped the Eastern Shore's culture and economy.
8. Fishing Creek
WATERMEN'S VILLAGE RETREAT
Fishing Creek is a charming waterfront village nestled along the shores of Hooper's Island on Maryland's Eastern Shore. This authentic working watermen's community offers visitors a glimpse into the traditional Chesapeake Bay lifestyle centered around crabbing, fishing, and oyster harvesting. The scenic waterways surrounding the village provide excellent opportunities for kayaking, bird watching, and experiencing the tranquil beauty of the Chesapeake.
9. Old Salty's Restaurant
WATERFRONT SEAFOOD DINING
Old Salty's Restaurant serves fresh, local seafood in a casual waterfront setting on Hooper's Island. The restaurant is known for its authentic Chesapeake Bay cuisine, including their famous crab cakes, soft shell crabs, and oyster dishes harvested from nearby waters. Diners can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding marshlands and waterways while experiencing the flavors and hospitality of this Eastern Shore institution.
10. Taylors Island
SECLUDED WATERFRONT ESCAPE
Taylors Island offers a peaceful retreat surrounded by the waters of the Little Choptank River and Slaughter Creek just a short drive from Church Creek. This secluded community features miles of pristine shoreline, marshlands, and forests ideal for nature lovers, photographers, and those seeking quiet water activities. Visitors can enjoy fishing, crabbing, kayaking, and bird watching in one of the Chesapeake Bay's most unspoiled environments.