Welcome:
We are a working Watermen's Island, 12 miles out in Maryland waters of the Chesapeake Bay.
Smith Island is known for our Maryland Blue Crabs, Oysters, Smith Island Cake, and Natural Beauty.
You can only get to the island by boat. Tourist come by Ferry Boats, Tour Boats, and Private Boats. You can come for the day, or stay at one of the many accommodations on the island. A few business on the Island do take credit cards, however most do not take credit cards. We do not have any banks or ATM's on the Island. If you need to go to an ATM please do so before you get on the boat to head to the Island.
Day trip activities: include relaxing at one of our restaurants, and having fresh crab cakes, and Smith Island Cake. Visiting one of the gift shops, the Smith Island Bakery, and the Smith Island Cultural Center. Touring the island by foot, renting golf carts and bikes. While touring the island you can stop along the way, and watch for birds. There are a few events during the year, use our Calendar or current event tabs to see these events.
Overnight activities: include the above, plus Kayaking, canoeing, sea glass hunting, and more.
For other activities and events go to our things "To do" tab, our calendar, or our Facebook page Smith Island Experience.
Being an Island in the middle of the Bay our events are seasonal, and 100% controlled by the weather:
April 1st until Memorial Day Weekend is the pre-season.
Memorial Day through Labor Day is the main season.
Post Labor Day through October is the post-season.
November 1st through March 31st is the Winter season.
Pre-season: The Harborside grocery store/restaurant is open on limited hours, and increases their hours during the main-season. The oil dock is open 10:00 am - 4:00 pm Mon - Sat, stays open to 5:00 pm during main-season. Bayside Inn restaurant starts to open for limited days and hours, and goes to full hours in main-season. Museum opens May 1st full hours 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm daily. Tour Boats and Ferry Boats schedules start to increase. The other business on the Island start getting ready to open, and will have limited hours during this period. Please check with them for their hours of operation.
Main-season: Restaurants, stores, B&Bs, Rental houses, Museum, Tour & Ferry Boats, and other business are open to their full schedule. Please check with them for their full hours of operation. With in this website you will find contact information.
Post-season: Business start limited hours. Tour boat schedules, and restaurant hours start to decrease. Museum is still open to full hours. Some of the B&Bs, and rental homes are still open.
Winter-season: Most Business have closed down for the winter. Harborside Grocery and Restaurant is open Mon - Sat on limited hours. Smith Island Oil is open Mon - Sat 10:00 am - 4:00 pm. This is the time period were the Island Residents start their social activities. B&Bs may be open if they have received bookings, some may close for the winter. Ferry Boats are on limited schedule, and Tour Boats are closed for the season.
Helpful Hints:
- If you are coming to the Island in the off seasons, or if you plan to do any adventures in the main season like visiting pelican island or walking in the marsh please remember to bring tall rubber boots.
- Items you should bring with you. Insect repellent, sunscreen, extra cash (no ATM's on the Island).
- Cell phone service is spotty or not at all. Before coming to stay at the Island ask your accommodation host if they have a phone number you can give to a friend or family member in case they have to get hold of you.
