Looking for a relaxed Chesapeake Bay getaway with city perks? Head to Salisbury! Situated on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, Salisbury offers a mix of local culture, riverside charm, and easy access to beaches and bay. With its walkable downtown, wildlife-rich parks, and friendly vibe, Salisbury is perfect for a weekend escape or as a base to explore the Delmarva Peninsula.
Salisbury, MD Highlights:
- Visit the Salisbury Zoo: A free-admission zoo featuring animals native to North and South America in a beautifully landscaped park setting.
- Explore Downtown Salisbury: Discover boutiques, art galleries, breweries, and restaurants in a walkable and growing cultural district.
- Stroll or paddle along the Wicomico River: Walk the Riverwalk, rent a kayak, or enjoy peaceful water views right in the city.
- Check out the Ward Museum of Wildfowl Art: Celebrate the heritage of waterfowl carving and see beautiful decoys, photography, and folk art.
- Attend a festival at the Salisbury City Park: Enjoy seasonal events, outdoor concerts, and family-friendly activities in this lush urban park.
Best Time to Visit Salisbury, MD
The best time to visit Salisbury is from April through October. Spring and early fall bring pleasant temperatures ideal for walking, kayaking, and festivals. Summer is warm and great for beach trips and water activities, while winter is quieter with fewer events but still cozy downtown charm.
How to Get to Salisbury, MD
- By car: Salisbury is accessible via US-50 and US-13, located about 2.5 hours from Baltimore, Washington D.C., or Philadelphia.
- By air: Salisbury–Ocean City Wicomico Regional Airport (SBY) offers daily flights to American Airlines hubs like Charlotte and Philadelphia.
- By bus: Greyhound and regional bus services connect Salisbury with nearby cities like Ocean City, Annapolis, and Washington D.C.
Where to Stay in Salisbury, MD
- Hampton Inn & Suites Salisbury – Comfortable and convenient with free breakfast and easy access to downtown and Route 50.
- La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Salisbury – Located along the river near downtown with pet-friendly rooms and a casual vibe.
- Courtyard by Marriott Salisbury – Modern amenities, a bistro, and a short drive to shopping and the zoo.
Best Things to Do in Salisbury, MD
⮕ Explore Wildlife Without a Ticket at the Free Salisbury Zoo
© Salisbury Zoo
Established in 1953, the Salisbury Zoo originally got its start as a permanent exhibition of animals in City Park.
Improvements were made in the 1970s, leading to the zoological park’s current state, now providing naturalistic enclosures for a variety of animal species native to South, Central, and North America.
While the Salisbury Zoo is certainly on the smaller size of zoos, one of the best things about it is that there is no admission fee.
Located within Salisbury City Park, other attractions for visitors besides the numerous animals include one of the area’s biggest playgrounds, Benn’s Red Swings.
755 S Park Dr, Salisbury, MD 21804, Phone: 410-548-3188
⮕ Catch a Game and Family Fun at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium
© ccestep8/stock.adobe.com
The Arthur W. Perdue Stadium, located in the eastern Maryland city of Salisbury, is the home field of the Delmarva Shorebirds, a Class A affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles and the only professional sports team in the local area.
The stadium itself is named after Arthur Perdue, the founder of Perdue Farms, and contains the Eastern Shore Baseball Hall of Fame.
First opening to the public in 1996, the Arthur Perdue Stadium is able to accommodate as many as 5,200 fans with its seating and is the city’s second largest seating venue, occasionally hosting concerts and other events.
6400 Hobbs Rd, Salisbury, MD 21804, Phone: 410-219-3112
⮕ Hike, Picnic, and Learn at Pemberton Historical Park
© Wicomico County Tourism
The Pemberton Historical Park spans across more than 26 acres of land in the western part of Salisbury. Visitors can find opportunities for hiking along the 4.5 miles of nature trails, take part in special event activities and environmental education, discover historical interpretation, and appreciate the surrounding natural beauty of the area.
While on the trails, hikers will find several ecosystems. The Pemberton Historical Park is one of the places in this region of the state where meadows, hardwood forests, upland pines, freshwater pond, freshwater wetlands, and tidal wetlands can be found in the same place.
5561 Plantation Ln, Salisbury, MD 21801, Phone: 410-548-4900
What to do if you are traveling with kids:
⮕ Step Into Salisbury’s Past at Poplar Hill Mansion
© Poplar Hill Mansion
The Poplar Hill Mansion has the claim to fame of being the oldest documented Federal House in Salisbury, Maryland.
Built back in 1795, the historic home features original hardware and brass locks and is noted for its exterior details, such as bull’s-eye and Palladian windows, as well as its finely carved woodwork indoors.
After careful restoration, the Poplar Hill Mansion now acts as a museum and event venue. Visitors can take a tour of the historic house. Tours can be scheduled by appointment on other days for a small fee.
117 Elizabeth St, Salisbury, MD 21801,
⮕ Attend Events of All Kinds at Wicomico County Youth & Civic Center
© twinsterphoto/stock.adobe.com
Located in the middle of “Chesapeake Country,” the Wicomico County Youth & Civic Center sits at the crossroads of Delmarva and is one of the area’s many treasures.
The 5,200-seat arena hosts a wide variety of events, such as rock concerts, international trade shows, Broadway-style productions, professional sport events, and much more.
There is also a multi-use building that serves a “living War Memorial,” with major rooms named for several military conflicts.
The Wicomico County Youth and Civic Center offers free parking for more than 1,000 cars, professional on-site staff, and state-of-the-art visual and audio equipment.
500 Glen Ave, Salisbury, MD 21804, Phone: 410-548-4900
⮕ Shop, Dine, and Unwind at The Centre at Salisbury
© DavidPrado/stock.adobe.com
An expansive shopping mall, The Centre at Salisbury is the only region shopping mall within sixty miles.
The mall is anchored by Dick’s Sporting Goods, Burlington, and Boscov’s and includes a Regal Cinema. Other stores include American Eagle, Bath & Body Works, Express, H&M, Footlocker, Pandora, Sunglass Hut, and Victoria’s Secret. As for food, restaurants at The Centre at Salisbury include Ruby Tuesday, Olive Garden, Longhorn Steakhouse, Your Pie, and Red Lobster, as well as fast casual options like Chick-fil-A and Subway.
2300 N Salisbury Blvd, Salisbury, MD 21801
Activities and Attractions for Couples:
⮕ Cast a Line or Paddle Out at Schumaker Pond Park
© orest86/stock.adobe.com
The Schumaker Pond Park is an eleven-acre, beautiful woodland area situated peacefully on Schumaker Pond’s waterline.
The park can be described as both intimate and spacious at the same time and offers an ideal spot for both casual, quiet outings and large gatherings.
There’s a playground with a play set, riding toys, slides, and swings, and benches and picnic tables can be found throughout the well-shaded grounds.
The Schumaker Pond Park also features an eighteen-hole disc golf course that’s suitable for players of all skill levels, as well as a dock and narrow beach that can be used for fishing.
1019 South Schumaker Dr, Salisbury, MD 21804, Phone: 410-548-4900
⮕ Relax with Nature Views at Leonard’s Mill Pond
© zest_marina/stock.adobe.com
Situated in north-central Wicomico County, Leonard’s Mill Pond is a favorite recreational space amongst locals known for its great fishing opportunities.
The pond is roughly 30 acres large with a maximum depth of just 8 feet. Being surrounded all around by private residences, Leonard’s Mill Pond exudes a feeling of privacy and quiet relaxation.
The pond is a Trophy Bass management Area that guarantees excellent largemouth bass fishing, as well as opportunities to catch bluegills.
Other types of fish that could come by every so often include yellow bullhead catfish, creek chubsuckers, chain pickerel, pumpkinseed sunfish, as well as golden shiners.
110 Fishing Lake Lane, Millington, Maryland 21651; Phone: 410-928-3643
⮕ If You’re a Fan of Craft Beer, Don’t Miss Evolution Craft Brewing Company
© Evolution Craft Brewing Company
Founded in Delaware in April of 2009, Evolution Craft Brewing Company moved its microbrewery operations to Maryland in 2012 and has been a major player in the craft beer industry of the state since then.
Evolution Craft Brewing Company was founded by two brothers, Tom and John, each with a passion for craft beer and food respectively. With years in the business, Evolution Craft Brewing Company consistently churns out some of the country’s most top-rated beers, all of which pair spectacularly with different kinds of food.
Among Evolution’s many offerings, first-time visitors can start with the brewery’s mainline to get acquainted with their craft creations such as the Exile Red Ale, Primal Pale Ale, and Lucky 7 Porter.
201 East Vine Street, Salisbury, Maryland; Phone: 443-260-2337
Where to Eat in Salisbury, MD
- Market Street Inn – Upscale riverside dining with seafood specialties and rooftop seating.
- Roadie Joe’s Bar & Grill – Casual spot for live music, wings, burgers, and Eastern Shore vibes.
- Evolution Craft Brewing Public House – Brewery restaurant serving hearty pub plates with rotating seasonal beers.
If you are interested in local events:
- National Folk Festival / Maryland Folk Festival (September) – A major celebration of traditional music, dance, crafts, and culture in downtown Salisbury.
- 3rd Friday in Downtown Salisbury (Monthly, Mar–Dec) – A monthly street festival with vendors, art, food, and live entertainment.
- Riverwalk Amphitheater Concerts (Summer) – Free concerts by the water with food trucks and a family-friendly vibe.
If you are looking for unique day trips within 30 Minutes of Salisbury, Maryland:
- Ocean City (30–35 min) – Hit the beach, boardwalk, and oceanfront amusements in one of Maryland’s top summer destinations.
- Assateague Island National Seashore (30–40 min) – See wild ponies, kayak salt marshes, or hike coastal trails on this barrier island paradise.
- Snow Hill (25–30 min) – Explore this artsy riverside town with galleries, antique shops, and the historic Furnace Town living museum.
- Berlin, MD (30 min) – Voted “Coolest Small Town in America,” Berlin boasts charming streets, farm-to-table dining, and unique boutiques.
- Chesapeake Bay Farms (25 min) – Visit a working dairy farm for homemade ice cream and scenic rural views.
Frequently Asked Questions:
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Q: What makes Salisbury unique despite its small-town feel?
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A: Salisbury is the largest city in the Eastern Shore region of Maryland and offers plenty for visitors to do during a day or two in town.
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Q: What is notable about Salisbury's history?
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A: Salisbury boasts a rich history dating back to 1732, making it one of Maryland’s most storied cities.
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Q: Where can visitors explore history and nature in Salisbury?
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A: Visitors can explore both history and nature at the Pemberton Historical Park.
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Q: What family-friendly attraction does Salisbury offer?
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A: Salisbury Zoo offers plenty of interesting animals for visitors to see.
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Q: What unique museum can birding and art enthusiasts visit in Salisbury?
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A: The Ward Museum of Wildfowl Art combines interests in birding and art.
Salisbury, Maryland is 2.5 hours from Baltimore.
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