Explore Queen Anne’s County
Queen Anne’s County, Maryland
Just an easy hop across the Bay Bridge is Queen Anne’s County, Maryland, which feels a world away from its neighbors in Annapolis, Baltimore, and Washington, D.C. just across the Chesapeake. From the waterfront crab houses and marinas of Kent Island to the colonial charm of Centreville, Queen Anne’s County’s communities have endless miles of waterfront and walkable historic districts set in a quintessentially Chesapeake landscape.
For many Eastern Shore visitors, Kent Island represents the gateway to the Eastern Shore. With open Chesapeake vistas on the Bayside and the protected marinas on the Narrows, the Island welcomes sailboats, workboats and day-trippers eager to enjoy the Bay’s famous blue crabs at the Grasonville docks. Crossing over the Narrows bridge to the mainland, you’ll find small towns full of personality, from Stevensville’s Arts and Entertainment District and Church Hill’s historic theater to the beautiful Victorian and colonial homes of historic Centreville. Parks offer plenty of access to the spectacular natural landscape, with Conquest Beach, Tuckahoe State Park, Wye Island Natural Resources Management Area and the Chesapeake Bay Environmental Center providing great hikes and water views.
Queen Anne’s County is within close proximity of regional cities and destinations yet provides an escape to the Shore’s quiet waters and close communities. Connected to Annapolis, Baltimore, and Washington, DC via the Chesapeake Bay Bridge, Queen Anne’s County is a great option for commuters seeking a peaceful Eastern Shore home base.
Meet the Towns of Queen Anne’s County
Marinas on Kent Island, Maryland, provide direct access to the Chesapeake for boaters and sailors.
The small towns of Queen Anne's County, Maryland, offer a unique blend of rural charm and modern amenities. From the charming towns of Stevensville and Centreville to the coastal beauty of Kent Island, the county’s thriving communities value their natural surroundings and close-knit atmosphere.
These towns in Queen Anne's County, Maryland, provide a range of attractions and amenities, showcasing the county's natural beauty, historical significance, and community spirit.
Centreville: Serving as the county seat, Centreville is a historic town with a rich heritage. It features a well-preserved downtown area with picturesque streets and historic buildings. Centreville offers a range of amenities, including local businesses, parks, and community events. It serves as a hub for government offices and services in the county.
Church Hill: Nestled in the heart of the county, Church Hill is a historic town with a strong sense of community. It features charming streets lined with historic homes and buildings. Church Hill offers a tranquil setting and is known for its annual community events, including parades and festivals.
Chester: Situated on Kent Island, Chester is a waterfront town known for its marinas and boating facilities. It offers a relaxed atmosphere and stunning views of the Chesapeake Bay. Chester is home to several waterfront restaurants, yacht clubs, and recreational activities, making it a popular destination for boaters and water enthusiasts.
Stevensville: Located on Kent Island, Stevensville is the largest town in Queen Anne's County. It is known for its scenic beauty, waterfront properties, and proximity to the Chesapeake Bay Bridge. Stevensville offers a charming small-town atmosphere with various shops, restaurants, and historical landmarks.
Queenstown: Located along the Queenstown Harbor, this historic town is known for its rich colonial past. Queenstown features well-preserved 18th-century buildings, quaint shops, and charming streets. It offers a peaceful and scenic setting and is a popular spot for outdoor activities like fishing, boating, and golfing.
Grasonville: Situated on the eastern shore of the Chesapeake Bay, Grasonville is a town that blends rural charm with waterfront living. It has a thriving boating community and is known for its marinas and access to the bay. Grasonville also offers a variety of dining options, local shops, and recreational activities.
Sudlersville: Sudlersville is a small town located in the northern part of Queen Anne's County. It has a rich agricultural heritage and is known for its annual "Strawberry Festival," which celebrates the local strawberry harvest. Sudlersville offers a close-knit community, scenic countryside, and a peaceful environment.
Plan your visit to Queen Anne’s County
Explore Queen Anne’s County’s Parks & Outdoor Spaces
Queen Anne's County’s ample parks and outdoor spaces offer residents and visitors the chance to connect with nature, engage in outdoor activities, and enjoy the county's scenic beauty. Whether you're looking for a waterfront retreat, a place to hike and explore, or a spot for a family picnic, Queen Anne's County's parks have something for everyone.
Wye Islands quiet paths invite long rambles.
Terrapin Nature Park: Situated on the eastern shore of Kent Island, Terrapin Nature Park is a scenic waterfront park spanning 276 acres. It features nature trails, bird-watching areas, and a sandy beach. Visitors can enjoy hiking, picnicking, fishing, kayaking, and wildlife observation while taking in breathtaking views of the Chesapeake Bay.
Matapeake State Park: Located on Kent Island, Matapeake State Park is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. It offers a public beach, a fishing pier, and a picnic area. The park is also home to the historic Matapeake Clubhouse, which houses a conference center and a museum.
Centreville Wharf: Situated in Centreville, this riverside park offers a picturesque setting and recreational amenities. It features a fishing pier, a kayak launch, picnic areas, and a riverwalk. Centreville Wharf is a great place to relax, fish, enjoy a picnic, or take a leisurely stroll along the water.
Dominion Park at Terrapin Cove: Located near Stevensville, Dominion Park at Terrapin Cove is a 42-acre park that provides access to the Corsica River. It offers hiking trails, a kayak and canoe launch, fishing opportunities, and picnic areas. The park is known for its serene atmosphere and abundant wildlife.
Wye Island: Encompassing approximately 2,800 acres, Wye Island State Park offers a pristine natural environment with diverse ecosystems, including lush forests, meadows, wetlands, and tidal marshes. Hikers, nature enthusiasts, and bird-watchers are drawn to the island's scenic beauty and its role as an essential habitat for various bird species. With its serene, unspoiled landscapes, Wye Island provides a peaceful retreat and an opportunity to immerse oneself in the untamed splendor of the Chesapeake Bay region.
Chesapeake Bay Environmental Center: The Chesapeake Bay Environmental Center (CBEC) is a haven for nature enthusiasts and an essential resource for understanding and preserving the Chesapeake Bay region. Dedicated to environmental conservation, education, and research, CBEC’s 500 acres offer visitors a unique opportunity to explore and appreciate the natural beauty of the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem. With scenic trails that wind through diverse habitats, including wetlands, forests, and meadows, visitors can observe a wide range of wildlife.
Queen Anne’s County’s Annual Events
From small town events to community-wide festivals, Queen County’s annual calendar is full of lively events that celebrate the county’s maritime traditions, connection to the landscape and Chesapeake Bay proximity.
SPRING: April, Bay Bridge Boat Show
Held annually at Bay Bridge Marina, in Stevensville, MD, this spring powerboat show marks the beginning of boating season with lots of on-the-water eye candy. Whether you’re looking to upgrade your boat, take part in boating workshops and classes, buy new gear, or enjoy regional treats in a family friendly waterfront setting, this event is a great way to enjoy on-the-water living in Queen Anne’s County.
SUMMER: August, Queen Anne’s County Fair
This classic county fair celebrates the bounty of summer with livestock, crafts, and crops exhibits, carnival rides, a slate of different musical acts each evening, and crab cake dinners. Each evening features family-friendly entertainment, from a tractor pull to a dog show. Hosted by the Queen Anne’s County 4-H, the Fair is a traditional staple of Eastern Shore life, and a lot of fun for all ages.
FALL: November, Bay Bridge Run
This epic, annual walk/ run 10k race provides the only chance to cross the Chesapeake Bay Bridge on foot. Participants take in glorious birds-eye views of sailboats, workboats and cargo ships from almost 200 feet above the Bay at the highest point. The course is point-to-point, covering the eastbound span of the bridge from Anne Arundel County to Kent Island in Queen Anne's County. The event finishes with a huge post-race party, complete with food trucks, craft beer and live music.
https://www.thebaybridgerun.com/
WINTER: December, Waterman’s Crab Basket Tree Lighting
Hosted by the Queen Anne’s County Waterman’s Association, this event, launched during the pandemic, has grown over the last several years. The lighting of the Christmas trees, made up of individually decorated crab baskets, is the highlight of the day-long event which features an artisan village, the Blessing of the Fleet, visits from Santa, and carols from local Stevensville Middle School choir. The event is held at the Fisherman's Village Complex, near the Maryland Watermen’s Memorial on Kent Narrows.