St. Michaels MarylandATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near St. Michaels, Maryland.
1. Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum
MARITIME HERITAGE PRESERVED
The Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, established in 1965, is a non-profit educational organization dedicated to preserving and exploring the history, environment, and culture of the entire Chesapeake Bay. Visitors can explore various exhibits featuring historic boats, artifacts, and interactive displays that showcase the traditions of oystering, crabbing, and boatbuilding. The museum offers a comprehensive look at the maritime heritage that has shaped the region's identity and continues to educate visitors about the importance of the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem.
2. 1879 Hooper Strait Lighthouse
HISTORIC BEACON OF LIGHT
The 1879 Hooper Strait Lighthouse is a historic landmark located on the grounds of the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum. Visitors can ascend the steps of this preserved lighthouse to travel back in time and learn how 19th century lighthouse keepers lived and worked. From the top, guests can enjoy panoramic views of the bay while appreciating the lighthouse's crucial role in guiding ships safely through treacherous waters.
3. Tilghman Island
PICTURESQUE CHESAPEAKE RETREAT
Tilghman Island is a historic and picturesque island nestled in the Chesapeake Bay, offering visitors a glimpse into traditional watermen culture. The island maintains its authentic charm with working waterfronts, marinas, seafood restaurants, and opportunities for fishing and boating excursions. Visitors can experience the peaceful ambiance that resonates with the island's seafaring history while enjoying stunning water views and a slower pace of life.
4. Saint Michaels Winery
LOCAL WINE TASTING EXPERIENCE
Saint Michaels Winery offers visitors a delightful wine tasting experience in the heart of this historic waterfront town. The winery features a welcoming tasting room where guests can sample a variety of locally produced wines while learning about the winemaking process. The knowledgeable staff provides friendly and efficient service, creating a memorable experience for wine enthusiasts visiting the Eastern Shore.
5. LYON RUM Distillery
CRAFT RUM PRODUCTION
LYON RUM Distillery is a micro distillery located in Saint Michaels, just steps from the Chesapeake Bay, founded in 2012. The distillery produces a signature line of rums that pay tribute to the maritime heritage of the region, using traditional methods with modern equipment. Visitors can tour the facility, learn about the distillation process, and sample the award-winning spirits in their tasting room.
6. Eastern Shore Brewing
LOCAL CRAFT BEER HAVEN
Eastern Shore Brewing provides craft beer lovers with a taste of locally brewed beverages in a charming setting. The brewery offers a range of handcrafted beers that reflect the character of Maryland's Eastern Shore, with options for both casual beer drinkers and connoisseurs. Visitors can enjoy tasting flights, take a tour of the brewing facilities, and purchase their favorite brews to take home.
7. The Inn at Perry Cabin
LUXURY WATERFRONT RESORT
The Inn at Perry Cabin is a luxurious waterfront resort offering elegant accommodations and world-class amenities on the Miles River. This colonial mansion turned resort features beautifully appointed rooms, a spa, fine dining restaurants, and access to various water activities. The property is renowned for its picturesque setting that has been featured in films, including the wedding scenes in the movie 'Wedding Crashers.'
8. Links at Perry Cabin
PREMIER GOLF EXPERIENCE
The Links at Perry Cabin offers golfers a premier experience on a course designed by legendary golf architect Pete Dye. The 18-hole championship course features stunning water views and challenging holes that wind through the natural landscape of Maryland's Eastern Shore. Golfers of all skill levels can enjoy the immaculately maintained fairways, greens, and practice facilities while taking in the beauty of the Chesapeake Bay region.
9. St. Michaels Harbor Cruises
SCENIC WATERWAY TOURS
St. Michaels Harbor Cruises provide visitors with 30-minute or hour-long tours of the beautiful St. Michaels Harbor and surrounding waterways. Passengers can view B&Bs, restaurants, waterfront homes, and the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum from the unique perspective of the water. These narrated scenic river cruises offer opportunities to spot local wildlife including osprey and occasionally dolphins while learning about the area's most magnificent historic estates.
10. Classic Motor Museum
VINTAGE AUTOMOTIVE COLLECTION
The Classic Motor Museum in St. Michaels showcases a rotating collection of vintage automobiles, motorcycles, and other motorized vehicles. Visitors can appreciate the craftsmanship and design evolution of classic cars while learning about automotive history through informative displays. The museum not only preserves these mechanical treasures but also educates the public about their historical and cultural significance.
11. St. Michaels Farmers Market
FRESH LOCAL PRODUCE
The St. Michaels Farmers Market offers a vibrant selection of locally sourced foods, produce, and handcrafted goods in a community-centered atmosphere. Visitors can meet local farmers and artisans while browsing through fresh vegetables, fruits, baked goods, meats, and unique handmade items. The market provides an authentic taste of the Eastern Shore's agricultural bounty and serves as a gathering place for locals and tourists alike.
12. Talbot Street Shopping District
CHARMING RETAIL THERAPY
Talbot Street Shopping District offers visitors a delightful mix of boutiques, art galleries, and specialty shops in the heart of St. Michaels. Shoppers can browse through unique maritime-themed gifts, home decor, gourmet foods, fashion, and locally crafted items while enjoying the historic charm of the buildings. The pedestrian-friendly street creates a relaxed atmosphere for leisurely exploration and discovering one-of-a-kind treasures to remember your visit to the Eastern Shore.
13. St. Michaels Art Galleries
LOCAL ARTISTIC EXPRESSION
St. Michaels Art Galleries showcase the work of talented local and regional artists who draw inspiration from the Chesapeake Bay region. Visitors can explore multiple galleries featuring paintings, sculptures, photography, jewelry, and mixed media works that capture the beauty and character of the Eastern Shore. These galleries not only provide a cultural experience but also offer art enthusiasts the opportunity to purchase unique pieces that reflect the maritime heritage and natural landscapes of Maryland.
14. Oxford-Bellevue Ferry
HISTORIC WATER CROSSING
The Oxford-Bellevue Ferry, established in 1683, is America's oldest privately operated ferry service connecting the towns of Oxford and Bellevue across the Tred Avon River. Passengers can enjoy a scenic 20-minute crossing on this historic transportation link that has operated continuously (except during wars) for over 300 years. The ferry accommodates pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles, offering visitors a unique way to experience the waterways that define this region of Maryland's Eastern Shore.
15. Robert Morris Inn
HISTORIC DINING EXPERIENCE
The Robert Morris Inn, dating back to 1710, is one of America's oldest inns offering both historic accommodations and fine dining in nearby Oxford. The restaurant features Eastern Shore cuisine with an emphasis on fresh seafood prepared by renowned chef Mark Salter in a setting of brick fireplaces and hand-hewn beams. Diners can enjoy their meals while soaking in the history of this charming establishment where Robert Morris Sr., known as 'The Financier of the American Revolution,' once lived.