The Best New D.C. Restaurants in May, According to Eater Editors The Best Places to Dine Around Clarendon and Courthouse, According to Eater Editors The Best Tacos Around D.C., According to Eater Editors A few seafood houses only operate from March to October, but many crab-picking places stay open year-round by sourcing from other waterways. It only takes an hour or two drive from D.C. to get to the following destination crab houses. Stay tuned for our annual update of where to eat soft shell crabs Tierney Plumb is an editor of Eater’s Northeast region She was previously the editor of Eater DC since 2022 Her areas of expertise include breaking news The former reporter at the Washington Business Journal also covered tech and the military at the San Diego Daily Transcript and the real estate market in San Francisco Her work has also been featured in SF Gate and various interior design pubs Tim Ebner has been a food and travel writer for over a decade and appeared on-air on the PBS television show “If You Lived Here.” He is working on a cookbook project with Eater and works in food sustainability and recycling policy in Washington Around since 2003, the True Blue-certified crab house strictly sources its crustaceans from Maryland and Southeastern bodies of water The airy seafood spot has a popular patio fit for cracking steamed crabs in every size The kitchen stays open until as late as 11 p.m Sporadic carryout-only deals include discounts on small or medium crabs Conrad’s has another sit-down restaurant in Abingdon A post shared by Conrads Seafood Rest PerryHall (@conradsseafoodrestperryhall) Schultz’s Crab House was named an “America’s Classic” by the James Beard Foundation for being a local and timeless favorite and crabs stacked high on cafeteria-style trays Situated on the south side of Baltimore in Locust Point is this easy-going crab house with rooftop views of the Baltimore skyline and harbor Steamers is also one of the best places to knock back cheap beer including pitchers of Natty Boh starting at 11 a.m Picking crabs of all sizes is a year-round event here Situated in the renovated Broadway Market, this bustling seafood house is the place to pick seasonal blue crabs in the heart of historic Fells Point. The sprawling setup with a big outdoor bar keeps diners entertained with alfresco ping pong and pool tables, plus live local music on its indoor stage. Choptank added a second location in Annapolis a few summers ago The only complaint about The Point is usually the wait. Come summer, it can take up to two hours to get a table at this no-reservations restaurant overlooking a cute creek. However, there is an online ordering option if you want to pick up and picnic on the dock or boat instead The medium and jumbo steamed crabs do not disappoint but there is also an entire menu of seasonal and locally sourced seafood dishes from chef Bobby Jones A post shared by Jimmy Cantler's Riverside Inn (@cantlersriverside) Where to Make a Pit Stop on the Way to the Maryland-Delaware Shore Where to Enjoy Maryland’s Gloriously Cheesy Crab Pretzel Friday feasts are 10-percent off after 4 p.m A post shared by Harris Crab House (@harris_crab_house) Steamed pots with all the fixings include helpings of hard crabs Be sure to swing by the companion market on the way home to stock up on fresh crab cakes and seafood packaged on ice A post shared by Fisherman’s Crab Deck (@crabdeck) The original Mike’s Crab House comes with a view of the South River but the butter corn hush puppies are a favorite as well For a similar experience with half the wait time head to Mike’s Crab House North in Pasadena 15 Dreamy Dock Bars That Aren’t Too Far From D.C If the idea of passing out on the beach after a crab feast sounds like a good idea, then head to Kentmorr. The retooled restaurant in Stevensville, Maryland reopened with a new owner: D.C.’s Atlas Brew Works The crab house sits next to a tropical-themed beach outfitted with several hammock swings A dozen extra-large crabs are currently $90 A post shared by The Kentmorr Beach Bar & Grill (@thekentmorr) The coastal cottage town of St. Michaels is home to landmark the Crab Claw which turns 60 this year and offers the ultimate crab-cracking Old Bay-blasted experience right on the inner harbor Its steamed-and-seasoned namesake is served by the dozen or individually (closed Tuesdays) from April through October Maryland blue crabs come seasoned by the dozen or individually This combination tackle shop and seasonal crab house is as local as it gets Diners either order crabs by the half or whole bushel This takeout spot has reasonable market rates and it’s adjacent to Chesapeake Beach and Breezy Point Campground where there are numerous picnic tables for alfresco dining Crab-picking here typically dies down by November or December but the seafood house remains open year-round Located in southern Maryland, local favorite Captain Billy’s offers sunset views of the Potomac along with steaming mounds of Old Bay seasoned crabs served by the dozen The corn fritters with sugar and honey are a specialty Hours are Friday to Sunday starting at 11 a.m Every Restaurant Featured on Season 1 of ‘Check An old chicken shack is now a popular crab house for folks on the Eastern Shore you’ll need to plan a road trip (about 2.5 hours from D.C.) but it’s a scenic detour if you’re driving to Ocean City And the crabs pair perfectly with the restaurant’s signature fried chicken Established by Captain John Shymansky in 1963 Southern Maryland’s resilient crab house keeps regulars coming back for its fresh seafood pick crabs across its open-air waterfront deck starting at 11:30 a.m AYCE steamed crab specials (around $50) include a salad bar To-go bushels of male crabs typically start at $115 The Chesapeake Bay communities stand out for their idyllic waterfront settings They are a dream destination for anyone seeking to relocate to the East Coast Potential residents can expect to settle amidst friendly townsfolk who take pride in their rich history opportunities abound for outdoor recreation on the vast waters surrounding the area With the Chesapeake Bay watershed spread across six states movers have enough options for a place that comfortably matches their lifestyle from safety and affordability to quality education and reliable health amenities here are some of the best places to live on the Chesapeake Bay in 2025 Quintessential small-town life is what to expect in the quiet Chesapeake Bay community where the weather is sunny around the year and sugary white sands define the outdoor scenery The town has a rich railroad history dating back to the 1900s which newcomers will enjoy learning about at the Chesapeake Beach Railway Museum Morning and evening walks along the Chesapeake Beach Railway Trail are enough to keep you active as you revel in the beautiful outdoors and majestic panoramas of Fishing Creek The Northeast Community provides a unique gathering spot for residents of all ages offering a way to spend family-like time utilizing recreational amenities like an indoor basketball court Chestertown is an adorable community in Kent County steeped in colonial and maritime heritage and hosting a vibrant arts and culture scene The Historical Society of Kent County provides a detailed account of the area's evolution since it was established in the early 1700s Residents find time to converge inside the Garfield Center for the Arts to support local arts by watching theatrical presentations including the Chestertown Tea Party Festival provide a platform for the young and old to unite and celebrate as a family Quality health attention is readily available thanks to the University of Maryland Shore Medical Center the quality education system in Chestertown includes Washington College while commuting to Baltimore takes about an hour and a half ensuring easy access to big-city amenities buying a home in Chestertown costs around $355,000 Beach towns don't get more relaxing than this charming gem on Virginia's Northern Neck Peninsula Colonial Beach boasts the second-longest public beach in the state meaning residents can relax and delight in the open spaces through lazy strolls along the Colonia Beach Municipal Pier and newcomers can learn invaluable lessons at the George Washington Birthplace National Monument such as Dockside Restaurant & Tiki Bar The Colonial Beach Community Center invites frequent local gatherings, where meetings, activities, recreation, and public discourse help foster a sense of belonging. Meanwhile, Westmoreland Rehabilitation and Healthcare is among the vital care facilities available to residents of Colonial Beach. Also, a standard home costs $332,500, cheaper than Virginia's average of approximately $425,000 Warsaw is an easygoing community in Richmond County that promises all the perks of small-town living, such as peaceful nature areas and a low cost of living. The local median home price of $342,500 is less than the United States average of around $480,000 allowing citizens to invest in a house comfortably People have ample opportunities to enjoy the outdoors with the lush grounds of Warsaw Town Park providing the perfect atmosphere for family picnics secluded walks down the Tom Rhodes Tree Carving Trail let you stretch your legs as you enjoy whimsical over 100 cartoon carvings Warsaw is home to Rappahannock Community College the pinnacle of a highly rated public school system Citizens can access medical attention at VCU Health Family Medicine at Warsaw when under the weather Crisfield's winning combination of sunny weather, waterfront living, affordability, and a strong sense of community makes it one of the best places to live in Chesapeake Bay 2025. The town's median home price is a mere $224,900, putting it way below the Maryland average of approximately $425.000 Beautiful scenes punctuate every corner of the region offering a chance to delight in easygoing sea excursions courtesy of Tangier Island Cruises The lively Crisfield Arts and Entertainment District showcases the close-knit ties in the area and performers enhance the region's cultural experience Crisfield has several top-rated public schools including the Crisfield Academy and High School It also hosts TidalHealth Primary Care to address any health issues and emergencies among the residents West Point sits on the confluence of the Mattaponi and Pamunkey Rivers boasting ample outdoor opportunities across its vast open spaces It promises movers a high quality of life with access to a top-ranking public school system including the West Point Elementary School The West Point River Walk Trail ensures townsfolk get their daily dose of outdoor activity to stay active and fit along a picturesque route ideal for walkers and bikers those interested in learning about regional heritage can stop by the Historical Society of West Point to examine at least 2,000 related cultural The West Point Active Lifestyle Center plans useful programs to keep the elderly in the community engaged through sports and the average home price here is $330,000 This waterfront getaway in Kent County sits directly along the National Chesapeake Scenic Byway which opens doors to remarkable sailing opportunities and a thriving seafood industry including Blue Crab Chesapeake Sailing Charters the Watermen's Museum familiarizes newcomers with the storied heritage of oystering and crabbing in Rock Hall through interactive displays and memorabilia The town hosts several assisted living communities that help manage old age showing its dedication to caring for the elderly at Golden Rule Assisted Living It also presents social amenities like the Rock Hall Civic Center and Rock Hall Community Playground to encourage neighborly interactions among residents The public school system guarantees quality education from elementary to high school and purchasing a home in Rock Hall requires a budget of around $375,000 This enchanting community in the heart of Somerset County welcomes residents to settle in the serene surroundings of rural Maryland featuring secluded open fields and dense forests people hop on two wheels for a jaunt along the Somerset Parks and Recreation Trail Mix Bike Route A strong sense of community defines the small town of Marion Station and fresh residents will determine this when shopping at Butler's Farm Market Public transportation is provided by Shore Transit a reliable bus service running along two routes and allowing an easy commute for school-going kids with a stop at the former Marion Sarah Peyton Elementary School the median housing value in Marion Station is $335,000 One of the many reasons people choose to settle in Havre de Grace is its storybook location at the confluence of the Chesapeake Bay at the Susquehanna River This results in magical water vistas that residents take advantage of during nonchalant strolls along the Havre de Grace Promenade The 22-acre Millard Tydings Memorial Park serves as a gathering spot for outdoor enthusiasts and offers various recreational amenities from picnic areas and a playground to kids' play equipment Havre de Grace's rich nautical heritage is preserved at the Havre de Grace Maritime Museum where numerous artifacts highlight the fishing Citizens maintain close bonds through interactions at the Havre de Grace Community Center and the Cultural Center at the Opera House The highlighted best places to live in the Chesapeake Bay in 2025 prove that settling by the water may just be the change you need to start enjoying a laid-back and fulfilling life The beautiful setting with a relaxed atmosphere and year-round comfortable weather present a sweet spot for potential movers they showcase that you don't need a hefty bridge to find an excellent destination to stay in rural Maryland photos and original descriptions © 2025 worldatlas.com and fossils await on these picturesque shores.