Delmarva Peninsula Travel Guide

Planning a trip to Delmarva Peninsula? Read on for a comprehensive guide featuring the best cultural attractions, natural attractions, hiking/biking routes, activities, food and drink scenes, where to stay, what to buy and more.


Introduction to Delmarva Peninsula

Delmarva Peninsula is a unique region in Mid-Atlantic, United States of America, nestled between the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. The name is derived from the peninsula’s three major land masses: Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia. The area is famous for its beautiful beaches, rich cultural heritage, and diverse wildlife.

List of Places to Visit in Delmarva Peninsula

If you’re planning a trip to Delmarva Peninsula, there are several places you simply can’t miss. Here are some of the must-visit attractions:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Visitor Center
  • Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum
  • Ward Museum of Wildfowl Art
  • Salisbury Zoo
  • The Delaware Contemporary
  • Reboboth Beach Museum

Natural Attractions of Delmarva Peninsula: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Whether you’re a nature lover or an adventure enthusiast, the Delmarva Peninsula offers plenty of outdoor activities. Some of the top natural attractions include:

  • Assateague Island National Seashore
  • Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge
  • Trap Pond State Park
  • Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge
  • Pocomoke River State Park

Hiking/Biking Routes of Delmarva Peninsula

The Delmarva Peninsula boasts several hiking and biking trails suited for all experience levels. Here are some of the top routes:

  • Nanticoke River Trail
  • Annemessex River Trail
  • Assateague Island Bike Trails
  • Bay to Bay Trail

Best Things to Do in Delmarva Peninsula: Activities and Tours

In addition to hiking and biking, there are several other activities and tours you can take part in while in Delmarva Peninsula. Some of the best things to do include:

  • Kayaking in Pocomoke River
  • Dolphin watching tours in Chesapeake Bay
  • Crabbing tours in Ocean City
  • Stargazing at Cherry Spring State Park

Week-Long Itinerary for Delmarva Peninsula

If you’re planning a week-long trip to Delmarva Peninsula, we suggest the following itinerary:

Day Activity
1 Visit Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, then head to Easton for lunch and shopping
2 Explore Assateague Island National Seashore
3 Visit Chincoteague Island and take a boat tour to see the wild ponies and other wildlife
4 Go kayaking or boating on the Pocomoke River
5 Hike the Nanticoke River Trail or the Annemessex River Trail
6 Take a guided tour of the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Visitor Center
7 Visit several local wineries and breweries before departing the area

Food and Drink Scene of Delmarva Peninsula

No trip to Delmarva Peninsula would be complete without experiencing the local food and drink scene. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Blue crabs, served steamed, fried, or as crab cakes
  • Oyster stew or fried oysters
  • Smith Island Cake, a traditional dessert layer cake made with vanilla frosting
  • Saltwater taffy, a sweet and chewy candy

Local Beverages

  • Dogfish Head Brewery beer, brewed in Milton, DE
  • Nassau Valley Vineyards wine, produced in Lewes, DE
  • Wicomico County’s local cider, made with freshly picked apples

Where to Stay in Delmarva Peninsula: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

There are plenty of accommodation options in Delmarva Peninsula. Some of the best hotels, hostels, and guesthouses include:

  • Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Golf Resort, Spa and Marina
  • The Edge at Fager’s Island
  • Tidewater Inn
  • Hotel Monte Carlo
  • The Atlantic Hotel

What to Buy in Delmarva Peninsula: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

When visiting Delmarva Peninsula, be sure to pick up some unique souvenirs and local products to bring home. Some popular options include:

  • Blue crab-themed kitchenware and decor
  • Chesapeake Bay-themed clothing and accessories
  • Handmade pottery and ceramics from local artists

Local Culture and Customs of Delmarva Peninsula

The Delmarva Peninsula is a melting pot of cultures and traditions, influenced by the diverse people who have settled in the area over time. Visitors can experience several cultural festivals and events throughout the year, including the Waterfowl Festival in Easton and the Maryland Renaissance Festival in Annapolis.

Best Time to Visit Delmarva Peninsula

The best time to visit Delmarva Peninsula is during the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and the crowds are smaller. The summer months are the busiest, but also offer the warmest temperatures and most opportunities for outdoor activities.

Do’s and Don’ts of Delmarva Peninsula

Here are some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind when traveling to Delmarva Peninsula:

Do:

  • Explore the natural beauty of the area
  • Try the local seafood
  • Visit cultural and historical attractions

Don’t:

  • Ignore the weather forecast before planning outdoor activities
  • Litter on beaches or natural areas
  • Take home any natural or cultural artifacts from the area

Safety and Health

Safety in Delmarva Peninsula

Delmarva Peninsula is generally a safe area to visit, but it’s always important to take basic safety precautions. Be aware of your surroundings, lock your car and hotel room doors, and keep valuables out of sight. Be cautious when swimming or boating in open water, and follow all warning signs on beaches.

Health in Delmarva Peninsula

There are several healthcare facilities throughout Delmarva Peninsula, including hospitals, clinics, and urgent care centers. It’s always a good idea to have travel insurance when visiting this area.

Getting to Delmarva Peninsula: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Delmarva Peninsula

  • Salisbury-Ocean City Wicomico Regional Airport (SBY)
  • Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)
  • Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA)

Bus Stations Near Delmarva Peninsula

  • Greyhound Bus in Salisbury, MD
  • Berlin Bus Station in Berlin, MD

Other Options

  • Amtrak train service to Salisbury and Wilmington, DE
  • Car rental services at major airports and in larger cities

How to Get Around in Delmarva Peninsula

Car rental is the easiest way to get around Delmarva Peninsula, but there are also several taxi and shuttle services available. Biking and walking are great options for exploring smaller towns and natural areas.

Where to Go Next from Delmarva Peninsula: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

If you have extra time in the area, there are several nearby destinations and excursions worth exploring:

  • Annapolis, MD
  • Lewes, DE
  • Cape May, NJ

Conclusion

Delmarva Peninsula offers visitors a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural attractions, and outdoor activities. Whether you’re interested in history, wildlife, or adventure, there’s something for everyone in this Mid-Atlantic region.