Top 15 Must-See Attractions in Salisbury, Maryland

On Maryland’s Eastern Shore, Salisbury serves as the Wicomico County seat and acts as the commercial and cultural nucleus of the Delmarva Peninsula.

Between 2018 and 2022, the city hosted the traveling National Folk Festival, contributing to the cultural revitalization and physical enhancement of the downtown area.

This environment is ideal for leisurely visits, enabling individuals to stroll along the Wicomico riverfront, enjoy shopping, savor delicious meals, and perhaps experience live music in the evening.

Salisbury also plays host to some unique events, such as the Sea Gull Century, a renowned 100-mile bicycle ride recognized nationwide, and Delmarva Bike Week, the largest motorcycle rally on the East Coast.

1. The Salisbury Zoological Park

A delightful spot for families in Salisbury, this compact yet beautifully curated zoo specializes in species from North and South America and Australia.

Admission is complimentary, and the Salisbury Zoological Park was first inaugurated in 1954, undergoing a significant transformation in the 1970s with innovative enclosures that replicate the animals’ natural habitats.

Visitors can expect to see a variety of animals including American alligators, wallabies, jaguars, two-toed sloths, North American river otters, llamas, ocelots, capybaras, and cotton-top tamarins.

The zoo is situated within the scenic City Park, which extends along both banks of the east prong of the Wicomico River.

2. Ward Museum of Wildfowl Art

Set against the picturesque Schumaker Pond, this museum houses the largest collection of wildfowl art globally.

The collection spans from historic duck lures to contemporary, hyper-realistic decoys, including extraordinary carvings by Lem (1897–1984) and Steve Ward (1895–1976) from Crisfield, MD.

The brothers are acknowledged for transforming the craft of decoy making into a recognized art form, with their works often fetching prices exceeding $100,000 at auctions.

The permanent exhibit allows visitors to trace the brothers’ artistic progression, learn about North American decoy carving traditions, and view pieces from the annual Ward World Championship Carving Competition, the museum’s premier annual event occurring in April.

3. Downtown Salisbury

Allocate ample time to explore downtown Salisbury, a district rich in history and public art that also hosts regular community events such as 3rd Friday.

Traversing this area on foot is effortless, allowing you to stroll along the banks of the Wicomico via the scenic Salisbury Riverwalk.

Local commerce thrives along Main Street and the interesting Division Street, where you will discover antique shops, galleries, and a diverse selection of bars and restaurants, catering to various culinary preferences including sushi, Maryland-style crab and oysters, pub fare, Mexican cuisine, pizza, or traditional American dishes.

The Downtown Salisbury visitor center, located on Division Street, provides brochures for self-guided art and architecture tours, available online as PDF downloads as well.

4. Delmarva Shorebirds

Maryland’s Eastern Shore has produced a significant array of baseball talent, including players like Harold Baines and early 20th-century legends such as Judy Johnson, Home Run Baker, and Jimmie Foxx.

Consequently, the region boasts a professional team that arrived in 1996 when the Albany Polecats relocated to Salisbury.

Playing at the 5,200-capacity Perdue Stadium, the Delmarva Shorebirds serve as the Low-A East affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles and have achieved two league championships during their history.

Perdue Stadium offers a nostalgic experience with its three-tiered brick concourse and the Eastern Shore Hall of Fame, celebrating the history of America’s pastime.

If the playful competition of the game does not suffice, numerous activities and contests take place between innings, along with special promotional nights and post-game fireworks displays.

5. Poplar Hill Mansion

There are numerous avenues to explore Salisbury’s rich historical narrative, and one prominent option is this historic house museum situated within an elegant Federal residence established in 1795.

After delays and changes in ownership, Poplar Hill Mansion was ultimately completed by Dr. John Huston in 1805.

Furnished with items from the early 19th century, the museum delves into the lives of those who inhabited the property during that time. Medical history is prominently featured, as Dr. Huston was Salisbury’s first surgeon, transforming Poplar Hill into the city’s initial hospital.

Visitors will also learn about the 18 enslaved individuals who resided and labored at Poplar Hill; the names of two, Levin Huston and Solomon Huston, have been preserved in contemporary records.

6. Pemberton Historical Park

Located just downstream from the Wicomico River, this 262-acre park features untouched nature and is owned by the county, built on a former plantation.

Pemberton Historical Park is centered around the building of the same name, established by one of Salisbury’s founders (additional information provided below).

A building near the parking area provides visitors with a comprehensive brochure that includes trail guides, event schedules, and information regarding the park’s habitats and wildlife.

There are 4.5 miles of trails that pass through or alongside a rich array of ecosystems, featuring meadows, hardwood forests, upland pines, ponds, and both tidal and freshwater wetlands.

Among the events held at the park is Music & Arts on Fridays in May, featuring live performances, food, and a variety of art and craft vendors.

7. Pemberton Hall

The historically significant house at the core of Pemberton Historical Park stands as the oldest remaining residence in the Salisbury area and is open for guided tours.

Constructed in 1741 by Col. Isaac Handy (d. 1762), Pemberton Hall features Flemish bond brick with glazed headers beneath a gambrel roof.

Its interior includes many captivating original features, such as paneling, balustrades, cabinets, and pilasters.

In the upper level, a unique passageway provides private access to each chamber, while the southeast chamber boasts a rare drop tester frame in the ceiling for hanging bed linens.

By the 1960s, the house fell into disrepair until the Pemberton Hall Foundation intervened, restoring the building and adorning it with period-appropriate furnishings.

During a tour, visitors will discover stories of remarkable individuals who have lived here, including Southern sympathizer Allison Parsons, who would fire a cannon on the premises following each Confederate victory during the Civil War.

8. Salisbury University Art Galleries (SUAG)

Salisbury hosts world-class contemporary art through the University Art Galleries (SUAG), which encompasses three locations: two on campus and one downtown.

SUAG conserves the university’s extensive art collection, consisting of 1,400 items that include paintings, sculptures, prints, folk art, and photographs.

The University Gallery, located at Fulton Hall, showcases exhibitions featuring renowned national and international artists, along with regular exhibits from faculty and students.

Another campus venue, The Electronic Gallery, situated in the Teacher Education & Technology Center, is dedicated to new media art. The Downtown Campus connects the university with the local community through engaging year-round programming.

9. Evolution Craft Brewing

This pioneering craft brewery was established in 2009 and relocated to a former ice factory in Salisbury in 2012, featuring a tasting room and a full-service restaurant. Evolution’s beers adhere to traditional ale templates but are consistently refined to develop their unique character.

Among their year-round offerings are Primal Pale Ale, Delmarva Pure Pils, Exile Red Ale, Lucky 7 Porter, and Stalker Hefeweizen, accompanied by an appealing selection of specialty beers on tap.

Culinary options are diverse, comprising handhelds, shareable appetizers, and full plates, all designed to complement the beers. Given the local context, dishes such as crab dip, crab cakes, and fresh local oysters are highly recommended.

10. Sea Gull Century

One annual occurrence that garners national attention in Salisbury is this long-distance bicycle ride around the Lower Eastern Shore, commencing and concluding on the Salisbury University campus.

Recognized among the top ten rides in America by Bicycling magazine, the Sea Gull Century occurs on a Saturday in early October and draws thousands of cyclists, who are attracted by the stunning scenery, the challenge, and a sense of camaraderie.

The inaugural ride took place in 1988 and has since been made possible by the dedication of countless volunteers.

Participants can select from three different routes: the Assateague Century (100 miles), Snow Hill Century (100 miles), and the Princess Anne Metric (65 miles). The primary century route leads to Assateague Island on the coast, celebrated for its wild Chincoteague pony herds.

11. Wicomico County Fair

An integral element of the close-knit farming community in Wicomico County, this fair has been celebrated for over eighty years. It takes place during the third weekend of August at WinterPlace Park, located just past the Shorebirds Stadium.

While there are numerous activities to enjoy at the fair, attendees can expect live music, tractor pulls, demonstrations, a 5k run, carnival rides and games, livestock exhibits, various competitions, fireworks, and many local vendors.

Quirky attractions, such as the five-foot frying pan, have become local legends, offering a unique opportunity for food sampling, such as fried chicken.

12. Wicomico Civic Center

Located on the eastern side of City Park, this multipurpose arena offers 40,000 square feet of space for a variety of events, including conventions, concerts, sports competitions, comedy shows, Broadway productions, dog shows, festivals, and more.

Opened in 1980 after the previous venue was lost to a fire, the Wicomico Civic Center underwent extensive renovations in 2017.

With approximately 400 events hosted annually, the center can accommodate crowds of up to 6,000 for concerts. Renowned performers such as Bob Dylan, Willie Nelson, David Lee Roth, Linda Ronstadt, Trace Adkins, and Kelsea Ballerini have graced its stage.

13. Nutters Crossing Golf Club

Spread across lush, gently sloping terrain in southern Salisbury, this highly-rated public golf course presents a considerable challenge for enthusiasts.

Nutters Crossing features distinct front and back nines; the front side is open and relatively straightforward, ideal for longer drives, while the back side becomes significantly more intricate with wooded areas.

Water hazards feature prominently on 12 holes, especially on the back nine, while the course includes over 50 bunkers.

Situated in an upscale residential community, the course is complemented by a stylish Colonial-style clubhouse with brick accents.

14. Coco’s Funhouse

Situated near Salisbury Zoological Park, this venue is ideal for parents accompanied by toddlers or younger children.

Coco’s Funhouse features an assortment of attractions covering 7,500 square feet, including expansive inflatables, a substantial soft play jungle gym, an interactive floor, foam blocks, and an arcade.

Two party rooms are available for birthday celebrations, while the Play Café offers a menu of comfort food such as wings, sliders, tacos, hot dogs, and battered shrimp.

Open bounce sessions occur daily, complemented by an array of specials throughout the week, including Toddler Thursdays and Family Fridays.

15. Delmarva Bike Week

In the middle of September, the Delmarva Peninsula is transformed by the largest motorcycle rally on the East Coast, drawing approximately 150,000 bikers to the lower Eastern Shore.

Salisbury serves as a host for Delmarva Bike Week, which aligns with the Ocean City BikeFest, facilitating numerous activities in both locations.

Typically, Delmarva Bike Week’s headquarters in Salisbury is located at Shorebirds Stadium, featuring vendors, food, beverages, motorcycle demonstrations, stunt shows, and a lineup of live performances across five days. Additionally, complimentary bike parking is available during the event.