13 Things To Do In Salisbury: Complete Guide To Maryland's Eastern Shore (2024)

Salisbury is the largest city on Maryland’s eastern shore, set along the Wicomico River and the seat of Wicomico County. With a population of just over 33,000, it can easily be overlooked for more crowded and overhyped Maryland cities. But make no mistake; it has enough action attractions to guarantee visitors a jam-packed vacation. Besides its distinct small-town vibe, the city has iconic landmarks, historical parks, a zoo, and fun outdoor adventures.

Tracing its history to 1732, when it was established, Salisbury is one of the most storied destinations in the state. It also hosts various events to celebrate the thriving local arts and culture scene, most notably the 3rd Friday festival, held in the lively downtown district. Whether visiting alone, with a spouse, or bringing the whole family, there is enough to go around in this riverfront gem.

So set the stage for a memorable holiday with a visit to one of Maryland’s most charming small towns.

Top 9 Things To Do In Salisbury

There is no shortage of fun things to do in the beautiful city of Salisbury. From indoor attractions to outdoor adventures, the city has something to delight introverts and extroverts. Discover the best ways to spend time in Salisbury with these top activities.

1 Visit The Salisbury Zoological Park

Beach promenade at Salisbury, USA.

One of the top attractions for first-timers in Salisbury is the zoo in City Park. Opened in 1953, the Salisbury Zoological Park was initially a permanent animal exhibition before upgrades in the 1970s transformed it into a zoological park. The facility houses various groundbreaking enclosures that mirror natural habitats from different areas of the world.

Visitors can marvel at exotic animal species like wallabies, jaguars, llamas, cotton-top tamarins, and two-toed sloths. The park offers playgrounds and swing sets where kids can play.

Salisbury Zoo is a great place for families to spend time. And while it is not the biggest zoo, visitors don’t have to worry about parting with admission fees.

• Admissions: Free
• Hours: Open daily, 9 am - 4:30 pm, except Christmas and Thanksgiving

Related: 8 Things To Do In Annapolis: Complete Guide To The Sailing Capital Of America

Aerial drone view of Salisbury city park bridge and lake Salisbury Maryland

Nothing is more soothing than getting some retail therapy after a long day of inspecting outdoor attractions. In Salisbury, tourists can head to the Center at Salisbury, an 862,000-square-foot supermall and the only shopping mall within a 60-mile radius. It houses stores like Burlington, Boscov’s, and Dick’s Sporting Goods, offering travelers an exciting shopping opportunity.

Other big-name stores, including H&M, Victoria’s Secret, American Eagles, and Pandora, ensure guests can purchase all sorts of products and merchandise.

After a shopping spree, catch the latest box office flick in the 16-screen movie theater or replenish with a sumptuous meal in one of the many eateries in the mall, such as Res Lobster and Olive Garden.

• Hours: Monday to Thursday(11 am - 7 pm), Friday & Saturday (11 am - 8 pm), Sunday (Noon - 6 pm)

3 Tour The Ward Museum Of Wildfowl Art

The Ward Museum of Wildfowl Art in Salisbury, Maryland

This unique museum is near the picturesque Shumaker Pond and holds the world’s largest collection of wildfowl art. The works range from old-day duck lures to modern decorative decoys and carvings by brothers Lemuel and Steve Ward. Their artistic prowess is credited with revolutionizing carving decoys from mere working tools to an expressive art form.

The Warm Museum of Wildfowl Art displays pieces by various creatives carving bird sculptures. Its permanent exhibit allows guests to witness the evolution of the brothers’ artistry in wildfowl art. Guests can also view previous Ward World Championship Carving Competition winners, held annually in April.

• Admissions: Adults $7, Kids $3, Students $3, Seniors $5
• Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10 am - 4 pm

4 Explore Downtown Salisbury

Downtown Salisbury at night, Maryland

Downtown is the city’s walkable epicenter, an ideal launching pad for newcomers to discover Salisbury. This historic district is a hotbed of attractions, with most of the town’s businesses located in the area’s Main and Division Streets.

From antique shops and art galleries to restaurants and bars, guests will need to clear their schedule to experience every inch of downtown Salisbury.

A stroll along the Salisbury Riverwalk, with scenic views of the Wicomico River, is an excellent way to get acquainted with the popular neighborhood. Tourists can also sample the local dining scene from the many restaurants serving sumptuous cuisines like Mexican, Japanese American, and Maryland’s famous crab dishes.

5 Discover History At The Poplar Hill Mansion

A day at the Salisbury Zoo

The Poplar Hill Mansion is a historic landmark in Salisbury and the oldest Federal House in the region. Completed in the late 1700s, the home underwent extensive renovations, transforming it into a museum and events center. It maintains the original furniture inside and sports unique exterior details like Palladian windows and a bull’s eye.

A tour of the house accords visitors a journey into the Federal Era in American History and offers a glimpse into the lives of previous inhabitants.

These include public figures like the city’s first surgeon, Dr. John Huston, who ran his medical practice in the house. The museum also tells the stories of 18 enslaved people who resided in the manor, such as Levin and Solomon Huston.

Poplar Hill Mansion was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1971, making it a major attraction for history buffs interested in the medieval American lifestyle.

• Admissions: Free
• Hours: Fridays and Sundays, 12 pm - 4 pm

6 Catch A Baseball Game At Arthur W. Purdue Stadium

Sunrise over woods in Maryland

The Arthur W. Purdue Stadium is home to the Delmarva Shorebirds, an affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles. It was established in 1996 and named after Arthur Purdue, who founded the Purdue Farm.

The 5,200-capacity arena offers Salisbury and the larger region residents the closest thing to experiencing a professional baseball game, being the only stadium in the Eastern Shore.

Aside from hosting baseball games, the stadium also stages various events and concerts, making it a top entertainment hub in the region. It features a modern video board and a wrap-around deck, offering spectators a wonderful view of the action during games.

• Tickets and hours: Visit the official website for more information on scheduled games and ticket prices

Related: Jolly Roger: What To Experience At Maryland's Best Amusem*nt Park

7 Check Out The Pemberton Historical Park

Beach promenade at Salisbury, USA.

Situated on the western section of Salisbury, Pemberton Park is a 262-acre outdoor haven with numerous recreational opportunities for visitors. It has almost 4.5 miles of nature trails, suitable for hikers, runners, and bikers. The richly diverse area has various ecosystems, creating a cozy atmosphere worth exploring.

The park is an impressive playground for outdoor lovers and adventurers, full of meadows and freshwater wetlands to hardwood forests and upland pines.

Pemberton Historical Park also hosts events throughout the year, including Music & Arts in May, where residents enjoy a mixture of live music, food, and art.

• Guests can access informative brochures at the parking lot with event listings, trail guides, and other useful details to help them better acclimate to the area.

8 Enjoy The Cozy Atmosphere Of Schumaker Pond Park

Salisbury MD map

The Schumaker Pond Park is a beautiful woodland area spanning 11 acres, perfect for those who want a calm space to sit back and relax. The spacious park offers a tranquil and peaceful setting where individuals and groups can converge for a casual outing to revel in the outdoors. It has a cute pavilion set on a hill, which serves as a picnic spot for visiting families.

As kids can take advantage of a playground, slides, swings, riding toys, and a play set in the park, adults relax on the well-shaded grounds.

For those who want to practice their golf swing, an 18-hole golf course in the park is available to both beginner and experienced players.

• Admissions: Free
• Hours: Open daily, 8 am - 8 pm

9 Search For A Souvenir At Seasons Best Antique Mall

See Also

24 Best & Fun Things to Do in Salisbury (MD)

A laundromat at night inSalisbury, Maryland

Tourists who need a memento to remind them of their time in Salisbury should make a date with Season Best Antiques Mall. Established in 2002, the mall is located inside a clothing store that was originally a manufacturing building. Guests can shop for antiques, interesting treasures, and unique items here.

The mall has interesting offers during the Third Friday downtown Salisbury festival that tourists should take advantage of.

10 Best Time To Visit Salisbury

Antique POLICE light at the Salisbury Maryland police department headquarters.

Salisbury’s location on Maryland’s Atlantic coastal plain means it experiences a humid subtropical climate marked by hot, muggy summers and mild winters. The weather is generally warmer than most other places in the state, so tourists will find the city accommodating throughout the year.

Related: 8 Things To Do In Rockville: Complete Guide From Museums To Historic Parks

Fall is the best time to visit

Nevertheless, the best time to travel to Salisbury is fall, when the temperatures are warm, averaging around 77 and 67 degrees Fahrenheit in September and October, respectively. With the summer crowds thinning out, the conditions are ideal for scoping out the city’s outdoor attractions, especially the parks and Salisbury zoo.

During this period, the city hosts two major events, where beer lovers can sample the local craft brewery scene while enjoying live music during the Good Beer Festival. Wine lovers partake in the local wines during the Autumn Wine Festival hosted at Pemberton Historical Park.

This is also the best time for sports enthusiasts to cheer the Salisbury University’s Sea Gulls, which competes with Frostburg State University in an exciting football showdown at the Regents Cup. The event is popularly known as the “War on the Shore.”

The peak season is summer

Summer is the peak tourism season in the city, as guests arrive from across the country to bask in the sunny weather. July is the hottest month of the year, and temperatures reach the high 80s, accompanied by humid conditions.

11 Best Ways To Get Around Salisbury

A man in silhouette climbs the steps of the local TV station in Salisbury, MD

Luckily, tourists won’t struggle to move around upon landing at the Salisbury-Ocean City: Wicomico Regional Airport. There are various transport options to choose from, including:

Car

Hiring a car is a great way to navigate the city, and it comes with the convenience of moving around at a preferred pace to the various preferred points of interest. A personal set of wheels is ideal for those looking to experience nearby towns, including getting to know the best of Maryland’s Charm City, just a two-hour drive from Salisbury.

Various car hire agencies in the city, such as Avis, Hertz, and Enterprise, enable tourists to access a vehicle easily once in town.

Bus

The Downtown Salisbury Trolley is a bus service available to learners at Salisbury University and the general public. It operates on several routes around the downtown area, with stops at different attraction sites, including bars, shops, and restaurants.

• Fares: $1 per person
• Hours: Thursday and Fridays, 9 pm – 2 am

Alternatively, tourists can use the Shore Transit public bus system, which serves counties in the state’s lower eastern shore, including Wicomico, Somerset, and Worcester. The buses follow a fixed route from the boarding point to the destination.

• Fares: May vary depending on several factors; check the website to confirm
• Hours: Weekdays, 6:45 am – 8:05 pm (operates to 3:13 pm on Fridays), passing every 20 minutes

Biking and walking

Salisbury is a bike-friendly community, and the city has adopted the Salisbury Bike Network Plan to encourage cycling among all ages by creating bike routes linking tourists to major attractions and notable destinations around the city.

Meanwhile, Salisbury has all the markings of a walkable city. Boasting a walk score of 78, the downtown region is ideal for visitors who want to explore the town at a snail’s pace.

Boat

At the Port of Salisbury Marina, guests can enjoy water-based activities like paddling and boating along the Wicomico River while discovering the city from the water. Various boating ramps at the river's headwaters, conveniently located in the middle of the city, offer vacationers this unique experience, with a chance to dine at different waterfront restaurants.

12 Where To Stay In Salisbury

A spilled beer bottle outside a bar inSalisbury, Maryland.

The 33,000 residents of Salisbury live in distinct neighborhoods with unique personalities, offering visitors a fresh experience wherever they go. Most of these residential areas are relatively rural, with friendly communities that readily welcome visitors with open hands.

When searching for accommodation options, here are the top areas to consider when visiting Salisbury.

Downtown Salisbury

Downtown is the city's heartbeat and features a dense cluster of businesses that visitors can range over and many of Salisbury’s top attractions. Numerous restaurants, boutiques, bars, and clubs culminate in a lively atmosphere that gives visitors a taste of the local culture and lifestyle.

It’s also the city's arts and cultural hub, hosting various fun events, such as the Downtown Salisbury Festival, 3rd Fridays, 1st Saturdays, and New Year’s Eve SBY.

Centennial Village

Centennial Village is a charming, family-friendly community on the west side of Salisbury. Developed in the 1980s, it features a welcoming environment with a historical aura that is easy to embrace.

Colonial homes and ranches define the area, and residents enjoy social amenities like basketball courts, tennis courts, and playgrounds for children to play.

Deer Harbor

Deer Harbor is a pleasant neighborhood surrounded by greenery and woodlands on the city's southeastern side. The scenic village features rolling hills, with diverse wildlife thriving in its woodlands. This makes Deer Harbor a great option for nature lovers and adventurers looking to make the most of the city’s outdoor spaces.

Amenities include playgrounds, a private park, ponds, and outdoor tennis courts.

Related: 10 Amazing Beachfront Hotels In Ocean City, Maryland

The Salisbury downtown area and its surrounding neighborhoods offer numerous accommodation options for tourists keen on experiencing the city’s offerings.

Whether searching for a waterfront hotel by the Wicomico River or a rural vacation rental with green surroundings, there is something to match every preference. Here are the top hotels in the city.

Luxury option:

Residence Inn by Marriott Salisbury

• Address: 140 Centre Road, Salisbury, MD 21801
• Rate per night: Starts at $199 for 2 guests
• Amenities: Outdoor pool, Business center, Fitness center, Tea/coffee maker, Flat-screen TV, Coffee machine, Free parking, Free Wi-Fi available in all areas, Cable TV

Mid-range option:

Hampton Inn & Suites Fruitland

• Address: 304 Prosperity Lane, Fruitland, MD 21826
• Rate per night: Starts at $122 for 2 guests
• Amenities: Free parking, Indoor pool, Shuttle service (free), Free Wi-Fi, Coffee machine, Free airport shuttle, Fitness gym, Business center, Flat-screen TV

Budget option:

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Salisbury, MD

• Address: 1804 Sweet Bay Drive, Salisbury, MD 21804
• Rate per night: Starts at $83 for 2 guests
• Amenities: Indoor pool, Coffee machine, Fitness center, Tea/coffee maker, Free parking, Business center, Free Wi-Fi, Flat-screen TV

13 Where To Eat In Salisbury

Fresh Crabs for sale sign

Salisbury boasts an impressive dining scene with diverse culinary experiences tourists enjoy discovering. From delicious street food and international dishes to the best of Maryland’s seafood houses, explore all the yummy options in the best Salisbury restaurants.

For breakfast:

Rise Up Coffee

• Address: 105 E College Ave, Salisbury, MD 21804-6476
• Hours: Open daily, 6 am – 7 pm
• Food to order: A plate of mashed potato, egg, and sausage served with a cup of coffee

For lunch and dinner:

Market Street Inn

• Address: 130 W Market St At the corner of Carroll Street and Circle Avenue, Salisbury, MD 21801-4933
• Hours: Monday (3 pm – 11:45 pm), Tuesday to Sunday (11 am – 11:45 pm)
• Food to order: Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp Salad, Crispy Deviled Eggs

Cactus Taverna

• Address: 2420 N Salisbury Blvd Route 13 South, Salisbury, MD 21801-2189
• Hours: Monday to Thursday (4 pm – 10 pm), Friday & Saturday (4 pm – 11 pm), Sunday (3 pm – 10 pm)
• Food to order: Seafood Medley, Lamb with Spanish rice

For drinks:

Evolution Craft Brewing And Public House

• Address: 201 E Vine St, Salisbury, MD 21804-5522
• Hours: Monday to Friday (11:30 am – 9 pm), Saturday (10 am – 10 pm), Sunday (10 am – 9 pm)

Related: Baltimore, Maryland: Where To Get The Best Crab Cakes

14 How To Spend The Perfect Day In Salisbury

Allens Fresh Run tributary of the Wicomico River

Get breakfast at Rise Up Coffee, then start the day by exploring the lively downtown corridor. Scope out the different businesses in the area and experience the city's arts, culture, and entertainment hub.

Proceed to check out Salisbury’s indoor attractions, starting with the Salisbury Zoo to interact with exotic animal species like jaguars, spectacled bears, and spider monkeys.

Head to the Ward Museum of Wildfowl Art to examine the world's largest collection of wildfowl carvings. Later, visit the Poplar Hill Mansion before winding up the morning tour shopping in The Country House or hunting for souvenirs at Seasons Best Antique Mall.

Stop by the Cactus Taverna for a brief lunch, then tour the city’s outdoor sights. Begin at the Pemberton historical park, making the most of the recreational activities available there. From canoeing and kayaking to hiking, there are enough things to do for the better part of the afternoon.

Later, ride along the famous Sea Gull Century bike road to stretch out and cool off in the cozy atmosphere of Shumaker Pond Park.

Finally, end the day’s adventures with supper at Evolution Craft Brewery and Public House, followed by a drinking session before retiring to bed.