Winding 85.5 miles through Maryland’s Eastern Shore, the Chesapeake Country Scenic Byway offers an authentic glimpse into the Chesapeake Bay’s rich maritime heritage and pastoral beauty. This distinguished All-American Road connects Stevensville and Eastern Neck Island in the south to Chesapeake City along the historic Chesapeake &038; Delaware Canal.

As you travel MD 213 and connecting routes, you’ll encounter quintessential tidewater landscapes: vast expanses of golden farmland, quiet fishing villages, and sweeping bay vistas. Historic watermen communities like Rock Hall and Chestertown showcase centuries-old architecture and working harbors where crabbers still haul their daily catch. Stop at Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge to spot bald eagles and migrating waterfowl, or explore Chestertown’s charming downtown with its colonial-era buildings and riverside walks.

The byway culminates at Chesapeake City, where the C&038;D Canal Museum and Victorian streetscapes provide a fitting finale. Local seafood restaurants serve legendary Maryland blue crabs throughout the journey.

Best time to visit: Late spring through early fall offers ideal weather, though autumn brings spectacular foliage and fewer crowds. Allow a full day to appreciate the route’s many stops, or spread it across a leisurely weekend to fully savor the Eastern Shore’s unhurried pace.

Explore Nearby

• Wye Oak State Park — State Park in Maryland
• Tuckahoe State Park — State Park in Maryland
• Love Point Light — Lighthouse in Maryland
• Bodkin Island Light — Lighthouse in Maryland
• Jericho Covered Bridge — Covered Bridge in Maryland