Salisbury, MD is a city in the Eastern Shore region of Maryland and the county seat of Wicomico County. Originally, Salisbury was established as a colonial outpost by an English nobleman named Lord Baltimore. The outpost was located at the head of the Wicomico River, making it a very convenient place for trading. This would contribute greatly to the city's economic growth and development. It's believed by historians that Salisbury was named for the ancient cathedral city of Salisbury, England. During the American Civil War, Salisbury at one point served as a place for Union forces to camp while searching for Southern sympathizers. Salisbury was officially incorporated as a city in 1854.
These days, Salisbury has an approximate population of 37,500 as of 2022. The city has a wonderful downtown area, which is teeming with great shops, restaurants, bars, and galleries. You'll find several great dining destinations to sample Maryland-style crab and oysters as well as pub food, pizza, and much more. If you get the chance, you should absolutely stop by the Wicomico County Fair, where you can enjoy all sorts of carnival rides, livestock exhibits, lots of vendors, and much more family-friendly fun.
If the weather's nice while you're exploring Salisbury, there are many opportunities to have some fun outdoors. For example, you could check out the cool animals at the Salisbury Zoological Park, catch a Delmarva Shorebirds minor league baseball game, or play 18 holes at the Nutters Crossing Golf Club. There are plenty of unique indoor attractions around town as well. Consider browsing the Salisbury University Art Galleries, touring the historic Poplar Hill Mansion, or stopping by the Ward Museum of Wildfowl Art.
One of the most popular spots in Salisbury is the Wicomico County Youth & Civic Center. The 5,200-seat arena hosts all sorts of events throughout the year. During your visit, you could attend a concert, Broadway show, sporting event, or international trade show there.
Campgrounds Near Salisbury, Maryland
When you're looking for a nice campground around Salisbury, consider staying at the Castaways RV Resort & Campground. Located on the coast of Sinepuxent Bay, the campground has full-hookup RV campsites available. The bay provides excellent opportunities for activities like boating, paddleboarding, and Jet Skiing. Additionally, the park offers a variety of amenities, including a bar, a café, and themed activities for guests on the weekends.
Another quality camping option is the Roaring Point Waterfront Campground, which sits along the Nanticoke River and offers RV campsites with full hookups. While staying at the campground, you'll have access to the beach as well as opportunities for fishing, boating, swimming, and crabbing in the nearby river. Amenities offered in the park include a playground, basketball and volleyball courts, and on Saturdays, live music and hayrides.
You could also stay at the Island Resort Co-op RV Park. The campground is home to 93 full-hookup RV campsites, including 64 waterfront sites. You can rent a site at the family-owned campground for $50 per night or $300 per week, and while you're there, you'll have access to amenities like a heated swimming pool and an on-site general store.
State Parks Near Salisbury, Maryland
Trap Pond State Park is not only a lovely park with beautiful scenery, but it's also an excellent destination for various forms of outdoor recreation. During your time in the 3,653-acre natural area, you can hike through the woodlands, observe the cool local birds, and explore the Baldcypress Nature Center. If you like to have fun on the water, you can spend your time boating or fishing for crappie, largemouth bass, bluegill, catfish, and American eels.
Located within Pocomoke State Forest, Pocomoke River State Park is a tranquil area divided into two sections. The park contains cypress swamps and provides gorgeous views of nearby Chesapeake Bay. There's a great system of trails throughout the area that's perfect for hiking and biking, and the nearby Pocomoke River serves as a good spot for fishing and boating. You'll also find picnic areas, playgrounds, and a swimming pool around the park.
Another scenic natural haven near the Chesapeake Bay is Janes Island State Park, which comprises 3,160 acres and features a conference center, a campground, and several rental cabins. There are two sections of the park, one of which is a pristine natural area that can only be reached by boat, canoe, or kayak. Visitors can take their boats out on the bay and navigate the scenic water trails, or they can relax and get some sun on the area's pristine beaches.
National Sites Near Salisbury, Maryland
The Assateague Island National Seashore is a 37-mile barrier island covering just over 41,000 acres of gorgeous land. The site is known for its serene beaches, excellent fishing opportunities, and numerous wildlife species. If you're lucky, you might catch a glimpse of a herd of wild horses roaming the area. There are also scenic hiking trails to explore, but if you'd rather relax, you can lay back on the beach for some sunbathing or stargazing.
Anyone interested in history will enjoy visiting Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historical Park. At the site, you can learn all about Harriet Tubman's life and how she was able to lead 70 people to freedom during the Civil War. You'll want to stop by the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Visitor Center, where you can watch a fascinating documentary about Tubman in the theater. There are also 36 unique stops to visit along the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Byway, including Harriet Tubman Gardens, the Bucktown General Store, and the James Webb Cabin.
If you travel to Delaware, you can visit First State National Historical Park. The site commemorates Delaware's status as the very first state to ratify the United States Constitution. In total, the park is divided into six separate sites, and a few of the most interesting spots to visit are the Brandywine Valley, Fort Christiana and Old Swedes National Historic Site, and the Green at Dover. You might also want to take a tour of John Dickinson Plantation, which has a fascinating history and features a public visitor center.
National Forests Near Salisbury, Maryland
George Washington and Jefferson National Forests comprise an incredible 1.8 million acres, spreading across the mighty Appalachian Mountains as well as parts of Kentucky and West Virginia. The massive forests feature a diverse collection of flora and fauna, including over 40 species of trees, 100 species of fish and mussels, 200 species of birds, and 1,000 species of plants. While exploring superb hiking trails like the Rushing Waters Circuit Trail and the Mount Rogers Trail, you'll have a great chance to observe unique birds and other wildlife species.
Covering 919,000 acres across the highlands of West Virginia, Monongahela National Forest is a diverse natural area with elevations ranging from 1,000 to nearly 5,000 feet. Visitors to the park can observe the many interesting wildlife species, fish in the various rivers and lakes, and take advantage of the exceptionally dark skies for stargazing. Additionally, the large forest contains a great network of trails, including scenic hiking routes such as Hoye Crest and the North Fork Mountain Trail.
Allegheny National Forest is the only national forest in Pennsylvania and comprises about 517,000 acres. Situated in the foothills of the mighty Appalachian Mountains, the forest features a diverse landscape with several high plateaus and low valleys. The nature area is known as an excellent destination for winter recreation like snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. During other times of the year, you could go boating in the Kinzua Reservoir or head to the Allegheny River to fish for channel catfish, rainbow trout, brook trout, smallmouth bass, crappie, yellow perch, and various other types of fish. If you're a hiking enthusiast, the Blacksnake Mountain Trail and the Christian Hollow Loop are a couple of fantastic routes to explore.
