Betterton MarylandATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Betterton, Maryland.
1. Betterton Beach
SANDY CHESAPEAKE BAY OASIS
Betterton Beach is a 5.2-acre waterfront park offering a sandy beach at the mouth of the Sassafras River. The beach features amenities including a volleyball court, bathhouse, picnic pavilion, stone fishing jetty, and a transient boat launching ramp. It serves as the largest of two public beaches in Kent County on the Chesapeake Bay, providing a family-oriented recreational space for visitors.
2. Betterton Heritage Museum
LOCAL HISTORY PRESERVED
The Betterton Heritage Museum showcases the rich history of this former fishing village turned beach resort. Visitors can explore exhibits detailing Betterton's transformation after Elizabeth Betterton's family name was adopted in 1851 and learn about the thriving tourism era spurred by steamboat traffic from Baltimore and Philadelphia. The museum offers insights into the town's economic and cultural development over the decades.
3. Mary Roe Walkup Picnic Pavilion
SCENIC WATERFRONT DINING SPOT
The Mary Roe Walkup Picnic Pavilion provides a picturesque setting overlooking Betterton Beach and the mouth of the Sassafras River. The pavilion features approximately eight picnic tables and a charcoal grill, making it ideal for family gatherings and social events. Visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the Chesapeake Bay while dining in this designated grilling area.
4. Betterton American Legion Post 246
VETERANS COMMUNITY HUB
Betterton American Legion Post 246 serves as an important community gathering place for veterans and residents. The post hosts various events, social functions, and provides support services for local veterans. It represents an important piece of Betterton's community fabric and historical connection to military service.
5. Hopkins Game Farm
WILDLIFE HUNTING EXPERIENCE
Hopkins Game Farm offers guided hunting experiences in the scenic countryside near Betterton. The farm provides opportunities for sportsmen to hunt various game in a managed environment. Visitors appreciate the professional guides and well-maintained hunting grounds that make for memorable outdoor adventures.
6. Mount Harmon Plantation
HISTORIC COLONIAL ESTATE
Mount Harmon Plantation is a beautifully preserved colonial plantation situated on 1,200 acres of pristine Chesapeake countryside. The estate features a restored 18th-century manor house, formal gardens, nature trails, and a tobacco prize house that offers visitors a glimpse into Maryland's colonial past. Tours of the plantation provide educational insights into the agricultural, social, and architectural history of the region.
7. Crow Farm and Vineyard and Winery
PASTORAL WINE TASTING EXPERIENCE
Crow Farm and Vineyard and Winery offers visitors a farm-to-table wine experience in the picturesque countryside near Betterton. The family-owned operation produces small-batch wines while also raising grass-fed beef, creating a unique agricultural and culinary destination. Guests can enjoy wine tastings, farm tours, and seasonal events throughout the year.
8. Painted Sky Alpaca Farm LLC
ADORABLE ALPACA ADVENTURES
Painted Sky Alpaca Farm LLC invites visitors to meet and interact with their herd of gentle, adorable alpacas. The farm offers educational tours where guests can learn about alpaca care, fiber production, and sustainable farming practices. Visitors can also shop for luxurious alpaca fiber products made from the farm's own animals.
9. Elk Neck State Park
DIVERSE OUTDOOR RECREATION
Elk Neck State Park encompasses over 2,100 acres of diverse landscapes including sandy beaches, marshlands, and forested areas along the Chesapeake Bay. The park offers numerous recreational activities such as hiking, camping, swimming, fishing, and boating, with the iconic Turkey Point Lighthouse serving as a popular attraction. Visitors can enjoy stunning panoramic views of the Elk River and Chesapeake Bay while exploring the park's well-maintained trails and facilities.
10. Washington College
HISTORIC LIBERAL ARTS INSTITUTION
Washington College, founded in 1782 with George Washington's support, is one of America's oldest liberal arts institutions. The picturesque campus features Georgian-style architecture, beautifully landscaped grounds, and hosts various cultural events open to the public throughout the year. Visitors can explore the campus, attend performances at the Gibson Center for the Arts, or enjoy the scenic Chester River waterfront that borders the college.
11. Chestertown Farmers' and Artisans' Market
LOCAL PRODUCE AND CRAFTS
The Chestertown Farmers' and Artisans' Market brings together local producers, artists, and craftspeople in the historic downtown area. Visitors can browse fresh produce, handmade goods, prepared foods, and unique artworks while enjoying the charming atmosphere of this Eastern Shore community. The market operates on Saturday mornings year-round, creating a vibrant social hub for both locals and tourists.
12. Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge
MIGRATORY BIRD HAVEN
Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge is a 2,285-acre island paradise that serves as a crucial habitat for migratory birds and other wildlife. The refuge offers over five miles of hiking trails, observation platforms, and fishing areas where visitors can observe diverse ecosystems including tidal marsh, woodland, and open fields. Birdwatchers particularly enjoy spotting tundra swans, bald eagles, and numerous waterfowl species throughout the changing seasons.
13. Rock Hall Beach
QUAINT BAYSIDE BEACH
Rock Hall Beach is the second public beach in Kent County, offering a more intimate Chesapeake Bay experience than its counterpart in Betterton. The beach features calm waters ideal for families with young children and provides scenic views of the bay and passing watercraft. Nearby amenities include the charming town of Rock Hall with its maritime heritage, restaurants, and shops that cater to visitors.
14. Tolchester Marina
FULL-SERVICE BOATING DESTINATION
Tolchester Marina offers a complete boating experience with over 300 slips, boat rentals, and access to the Chesapeake Bay. The marina features dining options at The Shanty Bar & Grill where visitors can enjoy fresh seafood and waterfront views. Boating enthusiasts appreciate the well-maintained facilities, fuel services, and the marina's rich history as the former site of Tolchester Beach Amusement Park, which drew thousands of visitors via steamships in the early 20th century.
15. Cassinelli Distillery & Winery
CRAFT SPIRITS AND WINES
Cassinelli Distillery & Winery produces handcrafted spirits and wines using traditional methods and locally-sourced ingredients. Visitors can tour the production facilities to learn about the distillation and winemaking processes before sampling the award-winning products in the tasting room. The picturesque setting and knowledgeable staff create an educational and enjoyable experience for those interested in craft beverages.