Maryland's Tranquil Peninsula Town Is A Chesapeake Bay Gem With Walkable Docks, Fresh Seafood, And Idyllic Views

Say Maryland, and you immediately conjure epic seafood feasts, with heaps of blue crab steamed, dressed, and ready to sink your teeth into. Yes, the Old Line State is famous for its fresh catch, but let's not discount every other pleasure that derives from its abundant waters, from docks and sprawling marinas to idyllic views of the sea meeting the sky.

Like Crisfield, Maryland, the underrated "Crab Capital of the World," the peninsula town of Deale is an unexplored gem of the Chesapeake Bay area. With at least seven scenic marinas and small, quiet beaches, there are lots of peaceful walking opportunities as well as the chance to set sail or fish to your heart's desire. The area is also well-stocked with mom-and-pop restaurants like Skipper's Pier Restaurant, serving the fresh seafood from its patio directly above the lapping waves.

Whether you are planning a water-borne escape with boating galore or exploring this corner of Maryland for the first time, you will be glad to hear Deale is easily reachable from the state's main hubs. If you are flying, the nearest major airport is Baltimore/Washington International, which is about an hour's drive to Deale. The metropolis of Baltimore (home to one of America's best places to live with lakeside parks, art, and festivals) is about 45 miles away.

One of the best ways to enjoy Deale is by exploring it on foot. A walk from Deale Wharf, located on the northern side of town facing the mainland, all the way south to the picturesque Drum Point, takes about 1½ miles, walking alongside the town's stunning waterscape. Once you've reached this small peninsula, you can put your feet up and enjoy a cocktail and a bite at the town's Happy Harbor. Or you can continue walking on the docks and via the town's smaller streets, all the way to Owings Beach. This golden sand beach is ideal if you want to dip your feet, go for a swim in the bay, and even paddleboard or kayak.

If you want to visit the wilder side of Chesapeake Bay, where trees are reflected in a peaceful water mirror, you can drive from Deale to Franklin's Point State Park in about 15 minutes. Sandy, golden shores give way to marshlands teeming with wildlife and shaded by forests in this unspoiled corner. If you are planning to visit the park, it's worth noting that, due to its preservation efforts, Franklin's Point is a gated reserve open from sunrise to sunset, and you need to fill in a visitor form to receive an automated code to the gate.

Thanks to its strategic location on the Bay, Deale is considered a favorite location for people who live in Southern Maryland and in the Washington, D.C. area. That's also partly due to its proximity to the state capital, Annapolis, one of America's prettiest cities due to its old town vibe and coastal beauty, which is roughly 20 miles away.

With miles of glistening coast, it is no surprise this Maryland town prides itself on its fresh catch. While you can buy directly from fisheries and vendors selling blue crabs, shucked oysters, shrimp, and crab meat, the best way to enjoy this corner of Chesapeake Bay paradise is by sitting down at one of its waterside restaurants.

Serving classic American seafood fare with a refined twist (and live music events), Wharf 38 is the perfect place to enjoy classic Maryland crab dishes. Alongside its signature crab cakes, the restaurant also serves Mediterranean-inspired dishes like seafood paella. But what if you want to get your hands dirty while opening fresh steamed crabs or just enjoy a more casual dining style, with tacos and easy bites served alongside regional classics? Then, get ready to board The Boathouse, a traditional restaurant built around a 1960s Chesapeake Bay workboat. It doesn't get any more maritime-themed than that.

As many Maryland fishing enthusiasts will tell you, the best way to secure the freshest seafood is by hopping on a boat yourself. In Deale, you have plenty of opportunities to get your fishing thrills, with over 100 fishing charters available. Among the top-rated players, you have Patent Pending Charters, sporting a proud "Angler's Choice" award, and Vickie Ann Charters, specializing in bluefish, Spanish mackerel, and striped bass. Whatever your passion, you can count on Chesapeake Bay's abundant, living fishery to keep you entertained –- and well fed.