Visit Dorchester

About Visit Dorchester

With 1,700 miles of shoreline — more than any other county in Maryland — Dorchester offers everything from the mighty Chesapeake Bay to countless meandering waterways. Dramatic vistas of unspoiled countryside and marshland create the perfect backdrop for incredible sunsets.

No wonder Dorchester draws outdoor enthusiasts, birders, photographers, hunters and anglers, cyclists, boaters, paddlers, and others from near and far. USA Today calls Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge one of the 10 best spots for “amazing wildlife watching,” while Outdoor Photographer magazine names the refuge one of the top 25 spots worldwide for nature photographers. Experience the boundless natural beauty for yourself by kayak or canoe, sailboat or powerboat, bicycle, or on foot.

Things to do in Visit Dorchester

From a family-run winery to a nationally known wildlife refuge to the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Visitor Center, Dorchester County offers a range of interesting attractions.

OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES:
- Boating | Birding | Cycling | Endurance Events | Farm Adventures | Fishing & Crabbing | Flying | Golf | Horseback Riding | Hunting | Nature & Parks | Paddling | Rec & Parks | Walking
- See all the outdoor activities offered in Dorchester County by visiting, https://visitdorchester.org/see-and-do/outdoor-activities/

HISTORY & HERITAGE:
- Dorchester possesses a sense of place, character, and heritage all its own. The homeland of Harriet Tubman, who led dozens of enslaved people to freedom. Explore our long history as an agricultural and canning powerhouse, our boatbuilding and maritime heritage, our many historic churches and cemeteries, our quaint general stores, and our Native American culture. A range of self-guided walking tours, driving tours, river excursions, museums, and more let you experience the stories and history.

FAMILY FUN:
- Get outdoors and explore nature at Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge.
- Pick your own berries or flowers, explore a pumpkin patch, or wander the corn maze at Emily’s Produce
- Rent a kayak, paddleboard, or bicycle from our adventure outfitters, including Blackwater Adventures and, for SUPs, Over Board Paddle & Fitness.
- Cast your line or net for fish or crabs with a fishing charter
- See all our family fun options at https://visitdorchester.org/family-fun/

RETAIL & SHOPPING:
- From antique stores to boutiques to country stores, you’ll find treasures old and new, traditional and contemporary. Many of our small businesses are independent and locally owned and offer one-of-a-kind items created by area artists and artisans—not to mention friendly, old-fashioned customer service.
- Antiques | Art | Clothes | Country Stores | Gift Shops | Food & Beverage | Local Seafood | Spas & Wellness
- To get connected to more retail & shopping options, visit https://visitdorchester.org/see-and-do/shopping-and-more/

Travel details

We’re easy to get to: about 1.5 hours from Baltimore and Washington, D.C., and less than three hours from Philadelphia.

Located on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, Dorchester County is within a convenient drive from many major cities. So buckle up and set out for a weekend retreat in the Heart of the Chesapeake!

From Chesapeake Bay Bridge: less than 1-hour drive
From Washington, D.C.: less than 2-hour drive
From Philadelphia: 2.5-hour drive

For Directions & Maps, please visit https://visitdorchester.org/plan-your-visit/directions-and-maps/

Services offered