10 Fun Things To Do Near Salisbury, Maryland (That Locals Love Too)
If you’re planning a trip to the Eastern Shore,
Salisbury, Maryland in
Wicomico County is a perfect home base. It’s small enough to feel friendly, but big enough to keep you busy for a long weekend or more.
Whether you’re road-tripping from nearby states or looking for a relaxed getaway that’s less hectic than Ocean City, Salisbury offers a surprising mix of nature, history, food, and family fun.
Below are
10 things to do in and around Salisbury, MD that are easy to reach and great for couples, families, and solo travelers alike.
1. Meet the Animals at the Salisbury Zoo
The
Salisbury Zoo is one of the top free things to do on Maryland’s Eastern Shore.
You’ll find it right in town along the Wicomico River. It’s not a huge zoo, but that’s part of the charm. You can walk it easily in about an hour or two, which makes it great for kids or a relaxed morning stroll.
Expect to see:
- Jaguar, Andean bear, and ocelot
- Otters, wallabies, and flamingos
- Monkeys, birds, and reptiles
There are shady paths, picnic areas, and a playground nearby. On a warm day, it feels like a walk through a park… that just happens to have wild animals.
Tip: Parking is free, but it can fill up on weekends and during special events, so try to arrive earlier in the day.
2. Stroll, Picnic, and Play at Pemberton Historical Park
If you enjoy easy walking trails and a bit of history, you’ll want to add
Pemberton Historical Park to your list.
This 262-acre park sits just west of Salisbury and offers:
- Miles of flat, easy hiking trails through woods and marsh
- Boardwalks over wetlands where you might spot turtles and herons
- The historic Pemberton Hall (circa 1740) and old farm buildings
On a quiet afternoon, it’s the kind of place where you can hear the wind in the trees and the crunch of your shoes on the trail. If you’re used to city noise, the silence feels almost unreal.
Travel idea: Pick up sandwiches in Salisbury and bring a picnic. There are plenty of shaded spots where you can sit and relax.
3. Explore the Ward Museum of Wildfowl Art
This might sound oddly specific, but don’t skip it: the
Ward Museum of Wildfowl Art is one of Salisbury’s most unique attractions.
Located beside Schumaker Pond, this museum celebrates the Eastern Shore’s long tradition of:
- Duck decoys
- Bird carvings
- Nature-inspired artwork
The carvings are incredibly detailed—some look so real you expect them to fly away. Even if you’re not an “art museum person,” the work here feels grounded and local, somehow tied to the marshes and waterways just outside the window.
After you browse the galleries, step outside for a short walk by the pond. It’s a peaceful spot to slow down between activities.
4. Catch a Game or Event at Salisbury University
Salisbury University adds a youthful, energetic vibe to the city. The campus is attractive and surprisingly walkable, with tree-lined paths and public art.
Things to check out:
- Seagulls sports games – especially football, lacrosse, or baseball
- Campus galleries and performances – theater, music, and art shows open to the public
- Campus walks – a simple way to stretch your legs and feel the local college-town energy
If you like blending into a local scene, grab a coffee near campus and wander around. On game days, you’ll see tailgates, school colors, and plenty of school spirit that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a classic American college movie.
5. Get on the Water at the Wicomico River & Nearby Ponds
Salisbury is all about the water. The
Wicomico River slices right through town, and there are several nearby ponds and creeks perfect for low-key adventures.
Popular options:
- Kayaking or canoeing on the Wicomico River
- Paddleboarding on calm days
- Fishing at local spots like Johnson Lake or Schumaker Pond
If you don’t have your own gear, look for local outfitters that rent kayaks or can point you toward a beginner-friendly launch spot.
There’s something about floating along a quiet river, with trees crowding the banks, that makes you forget how quickly life usually moves.
6. Wander Downtown Salisbury: Murals, Shops, and Good Food
Downtown Salisbury has been getting a steady glow-up, and it shows. If you’re into small-city vibes, local art, and craft drinks, you’ll enjoy a few hours here.
Things to do downtown:
- Check out colorful murals and public art tucked along side streets
- Browse local boutiques and shops for gifts and Eastern Shore souvenirs
- Sample the growing brewery and bar scene
If you arrive around lunch or dinner, you’ll find plenty of places to eat—from casual spots to locally loved restaurants serving seafood, burgers, and farm-to-table dishes.
Personal note: Downtown is especially fun during events like the
3rd Friday arts and entertainment nights, when you’ll find live music, food vendors, and a lively crowd.
7. Step Back in Time at Poplar Hill Mansion
For history buffs—or anyone who likes old houses—
Poplar Hill Mansion gives you a peek into life on the Eastern Shore in the early 1800s.
This Federal-style home is the oldest remaining house in Salisbury and has been carefully restored. Guided or self-guided tours often include:
- Period furnishings and decor
- Stories about the families who lived there
- Details about how the house survived fires and changes over the years
Even if you don’t consider yourself a history person, walking through the rooms, you can almost picture long skirts rustling down the halls and candlelight flickering against the walls.
Check ahead for hours, as they can be limited and may vary by season.
8. Visit Assateague Island National Seashore (Wild Ponies!)
One of the best things about staying in Salisbury is how close you are to major attractions—without paying beach-town hotel prices.
Just about an hour’s drive southeast takes you to
Assateague Island National Seashore, famous for its:
- Wild ponies roaming the sand dunes and marshes
- Wide, uncrowded beaches
- Scenic bayside areas ideal for kayaking and birdwatching
Seeing a wild pony walk across a stretch of sand feels a little surreal, like something from a storybook. Just remember to keep your distance—they’re beautiful, but they’re still wild animals.
Bring:
- Sunblock and hats (shade can be limited)
- Bug spray in warmer months
- Plenty of water and snacks
9. Spend a Day in Ocean City, Then Retreat to Salisbury
Need a classic boardwalk fix?
Ocean City, Maryland is roughly a 35–45 minute drive from Salisbury, depending on traffic.
Spend the day:
- Walking the 3-mile-long boardwalk
- Riding Ferris wheels and roller coasters
- Enjoying beach time and ocean swimming
- Trying iconic snacks like Thrasher’s Fries and funnel cakes
Then, when you’re ready to escape the crowds, you can head back to Salisbury for a calmer evening and more affordable lodging. It’s the best of both worlds: busy by day, relaxed by night.
10. Hit Local Festivals & Events Around Wicomico County
One of the most fun parts of visiting Salisbury is timing your trip around a local event. The city and
Wicomico County host festivals throughout the year that highlight the region’s food, culture, and outdoor life.
Depending on when you visit, you might catch:
- Seafood festivals with fresh crabs and oysters
- Fairs and carnivals with rides, games, and live music
- Art walks and craft shows downtown
- Sporting events and tournaments
These events are where you really feel the local community. You’ll see families, college students, and visitors all mixed together, enjoying the same food stands and music.
Check the
Wicomico County tourism or
City of Salisbury event calendars before your trip so you don’t miss anything special.
Why Base Your Eastern Shore Trip in Salisbury?
If you’re still deciding where to stay, here’s why
Salisbury, MD makes sense:
- Central location: Easy drives to Ocean City, Assateague Island, and other Eastern Shore spots.
- Budget-friendly: Often cheaper than staying right on the beach.
- Plenty of variety: Zoos, parks, museums, water sports, and local food—all within a short drive.
- Relaxed pace: You get coastal charm without constant crowds.
If you enjoy mixing a little bit of everything—nature, culture, food, and day trips—Salisbury is a strong choice.
Share Your Salisbury, Maryland Experience
Have you visited
Salisbury or Wicomico County before?
Did you have a favorite trail, restaurant, or hidden spot I didn’t mention?
Drop a comment below and share your tips, stories, or questions. Your experience might help someone else plan their own Eastern Shore getaway.
And if you found this guide to
things to do near Salisbury, Maryland helpful, please
share it with a friend who loves road trips, beach escapes, or small-city adventures.
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