10 Easy Out-of-County Road Trips Near Salisbury, Maryland
Living in or visiting
Salisbury, Maryland and looking for a quick change of scenery? The good news is you’re surrounded by small towns, waterfront escapes, and classic Eastern Shore experiences just a short drive away.
All of the ideas below are
outside Wicomico County, but still close enough for a relaxed day trip. Most are within 30–60 minutes of Salisbury, so you won’t spend your whole day in the car.
1. Assateague Island National Seashore (Worcester County, MD)
If you only do one road trip from Salisbury, make it
Assateague Island. It’s about a 45–50 minute drive, but it feels like a whole different world.
- Why go: Wild horses, wide beaches, and salty ocean air.
- What to do:
- Look for the famous Assateague wild ponies along the road and dunes.
- Walk the beach, swim, or just sit in a chair and listen to the waves.
- Try the Life of the Dunes or Forest nature trails.
- Tip: Pack bug spray and a cooler with snacks. The island is beautiful but pretty bare-bones once you’re out on the sand.
On my last visit, I spent almost 20 minutes just watching a small herd of ponies grazing near the marsh. Traffic stopped, nobody honked, and everyone just quietly took it in. It was that kind of place.
2. Ocean City Boardwalk & Beach (Worcester County, MD)
Looking for something livelier?
Ocean City is about 35–40 minutes from Salisbury and has that classic East Coast beach-town feel.
- Why go: Arcades, fries on the boardwalk, and a long stretch of sand.
- What to do:
- Walk or bike the 3‑mile boardwalk.
- Grab a bucket of boardwalk fries or a slice of pizza.
- Play mini golf or hit a couple of old-school arcades.
- Tip: Visit early in the morning or in the shoulder seasons (spring or fall) for lighter crowds and easier parking.
If you grew up in the Mid‑Atlantic, Ocean City probably feels a little nostalgic. Even if you didn’t, it’s a fun, easy day trip from Salisbury with plenty of people‑watching.
3. Berlin, Maryland: “America’s Coolest Small Town” (Worcester County, MD)
Just 30–35 minutes east of Salisbury,
Berlin is a small town with a big personality. Its streets have even been used as movie sets.
- Why go: Charming downtown, boutiques, and good food in a walkable area.
- What to do:
- Stroll Main Street and browse local shops and galleries.
- Grab coffee, ice cream, or a relaxed lunch at a sidewalk table.
- Check for small-town events like car shows or outdoor concerts, especially in warmer months.
- Tip: This is a great spot if you’re traveling with someone who loves browsing local stores while you just enjoy the small‑town vibe.
Berlin is perfect for those days when you want to “go somewhere,” but you don’t want a hectic schedule. Park once and wander.
4. Crisfield, “Crab Capital of the World” (Somerset County, MD)
Head about 45 minutes south and you’ll reach
Crisfield, a waterfront town on the Chesapeake Bay that lives and breathes seafood.
- Why go: Fresh Maryland crab and dockside views.
- What to do:
- Enjoy a crab cake or steamed crabs at a local seafood spot.
- Walk the City Dock and watch the working boats come and go.
- Browse local shops for hot sauce, spice blends, and crab‑themed souvenirs.
- Tip: Ask locals where they’d send a friend for the “real” crab experience. You’ll get honest answers.
If you time it right, you can catch a sunset over the Bay that looks like it was painted just for you.
5. Deal Island & Chance (Somerset County, MD)
About 40–45 minutes from Salisbury,
Deal Island and the small communities around it feel untouched by time.
- Why go: Quiet marsh views, old boats, and a true slice of Chesapeake life.
- What to do:
- Drive the causeway and take in the wetlands and wildlife.
- Visit the Deal Island Wildlife Management Area for bird‑watching.
- Walk around the small harbors and photograph classic skipjacks and working boats.
- Tip: This is a “slow down and breathe” trip. Don’t rush it. Bring a camera or binoculars.
If you like quiet places where the loudest sound is the wind and a distant boat motor, you’ll appreciate this drive.
6. Cambridge Waterfront & Downtown (Dorchester County, MD)
Head about 45 minutes northwest and you’ll hit
Cambridge, one of the oldest towns in Maryland, sitting right on the Choptank River.
- Why go: History, waterfront views, and a growing food scene.
- What to do:
- Walk along the Cambridge waterfront and marina.
- Explore the historic downtown with its murals, shops, and restaurants.
- Check out local museums or exhibits if you’re into history and culture.
- Tip: Cambridge pairs nicely with a stop at Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge (next on this list) for a full day out.
It has that slightly gritty, up‑and‑coming energy—old brick buildings, new restaurants, and locals who will chat if you’re friendly.
7. Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge (Dorchester County, MD)
About an hour from Salisbury,
Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge is a must‑see for nature lovers.
- Why go: Wide open marshes, bald eagles, and peaceful driving loops.
- What to do:
- Drive the Wildlife Drive and stop at overlooks to watch for birds and other wildlife.
- Walk or bike one of the short, flat trails.
- Bring a camera for sunrise or sunset—this place glows at the edges of the day.
- Tip: If you’re into photography or bird‑watching, allow extra time. It’s easy to lose track once you start spotting eagles and herons.
Think of it as a giant, open‑air cathedral made of water, sky, and tall grass. It’s that peaceful.
8. Rehoboth Beach, Delaware (Sussex County, DE)
Cross into Delaware and in about an hour to an hour and 15 minutes you can reach
Rehoboth Beach, a family‑friendly, walkable resort town.
- Why go: Classic beach town with a relaxed, welcoming vibe.
- What to do:
- Walk the Rehoboth boardwalk and enjoy ocean views.
- Sample fries, ice cream, or saltwater taffy from local spots.
- Browse the many boutiques and shops just off the boardwalk.
- Tip: Parking can be tight in peak summer. Going earlier in the day or in the off‑season makes it a lot less stressful.
Rehoboth feels a bit more laid‑back than some other busy beach towns, making it a nice match for a day trip from Salisbury.
9. Lewes, Delaware: Historic Harbor Town (Sussex County, DE)
Just up the road from Rehoboth,
Lewes is a quieter, historic town on the Delaware Bay, about 1 hour 15 minutes from Salisbury.
- Why go: History, calm streets, and a harbor feel.
- What to do:
- Wander through the historic district with its older homes and gardens.
- Walk along the canal or bayfront.
- Grab lunch at a local café or tavern and watch boats drift by.
- Tip: If you find Rehoboth too crowded, Lewes can feel like a breath of fresh air just a few minutes away.
Pairing Lewes and Rehoboth in one day makes for a full but fun outing: one town for shopping and people‑watching, the other for slower exploring.
10. Fenwick Island & Delaware Seashore Stops (Sussex County, DE)
If you want beaches that are a bit calmer than big boardwalk towns, head about an hour from Salisbury to
Fenwick Island and nearby stretches of Delaware’s coastline.
- Why go: Quieter beaches, coastal views, and simple relaxation.
- What to do:
- Relax on the Fenwick Island State Park beach.
- Climb a nearby lighthouse or visit small local attractions, depending on the season.
- Stop at roadside seafood shacks for a casual meal.
- Tip: This is ideal if you want more sand time and fewer flashing lights and arcades.
It’s the kind of place where you can sit with a paperback, listen to the surf, and forget what time it is.
How to Make the Most of Your Road Trips from Salisbury
A few simple habits can turn these short drives into memorable adventures:
- Go with a loose plan. Know your main stop, but leave time to pull over for farm stands, views, or unexpected small‑town streets.
- Pack a small “day‑trip kit.” Think: water, snacks, sunscreen, a hat, bug spray, a phone charger, and a light jacket.
- Check hours and seasons. Some coastal spots and restaurants have limited hours in fall and winter.
- Mix it up. One weekend go for a busy boardwalk, the next for a quiet wildlife refuge.
From Salisbury, you’re perfectly placed to enjoy both the
Atlantic Coast and the
Chesapeake Bay, plus marshes, small towns, and historic streets—all in easy driving distance.
Share Your Favorite Day Trips Near Salisbury
Did I miss one of your favorite
day trips near Salisbury, Maryland?
- Which spot do you head to when you need a quick escape?
- Do you prefer quiet wildlife areas, busy beaches, or small towns?
Feel free to share this post with friends and family who are always asking, “What is there to do around here?”
And if you’ve taken any of these out‑of‑county road trips from Salisbury,
drop a comment with your tips and stories. Your experience might inspire someone’s next perfect day away.
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