Cambridge, Maryland is nested along the scenic Choptank River on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. Whether you’re looking to unwind throughout the conference week or extend your stay, Cambridge offers a variety of outdoor and historical attractions to explore nearby. For more information about local attractions, dining, and events, check out the websites below:
DOWNTOWN CAMBRIDGE
Shops: Several local boutique shops and antique stores along Race Street and Poplar Street.
Dining: Growing food scene with options ranging from fresh Chesapeake Bay seafood to farm-to-table cuisine, casual cafes, and waterfront dining.
Art & Community: Cambridge has a vibrant art scene with public art installations, local art galleries with rotating exhibits, and community events hosted at spaces like the Dorchester Center for the Arts.
WILDLIFE & PARKS
Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge – Just 15 minutes from Cambridge, this 30,000-acre sanctuary is famous for its bald eagles, ospreys, waterfowl, and Delmarva fox squirrels. Enjoy hiking, biking, and the scenic Wildlife Drive.
Assateague Island National Seashore (~1h 10m drive) – A barrier island known for its wild ponies and wide sandy beaches.
Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge (~1h 30m drive) – A sister refuge to Assateague with trails, beaches, and excellent birding.
Shenandoah National Park (~2h 50m drive) – Hike or drive the Skyline Drive to take in breathtaking mountain vistas.
HISTORY & CULTURE
Heritage Museums & Gardens of Dorchester (~10m drive) – Managed by the Dorchester County Historical Society, three historic buildings with interactive exhibits about Native American heritage, colonial life and industry, and beyond. Free admission.
Richardson Maritime Museum (~10m drive) – Showcases Cambridge’s boatbuilding history and living maritime traditions. Free admission.
Harriet Tubman Museum and Education Center (~10m drive) – Honors the life and legacy of Harriet Tubman, featuring exhibits, art, and a short film about her journey. The museum offers guided walking tours of the area where she lived and worked.
Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historical Park (~20m drive) – 480-acre national historic park honoring the life and legacy of Harriet Tubman in her native Dorchester County. Free admission.
FOR THE FAMILY
Salisbury Zoo (~30m driving): A family-friendly zoo with free admissions and free parking. Features animals native to the Americas and Australia. Offers on-site and summer programs and workshops.
Blackwater Outfitters (onsite at conference hotel): Two locations near Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge and at the conference hotel, offers kayak, canoe, paddleboard, and bike rentals for exploring the refuge and Choptank River. Visit the Blackwater Outfitters website or see info on Hyatt’s website.
Camp Hyatt (at the conference hotel): Kids ages 4–12 can enjoy half- or full-day programming, including swimming, mini-golf, arts & crafts, and nature walks. Campers must be potty-trained.
CITIES NEARBY
Cambridge is also within a few hours’ drive of major East Coast cities—including Washington, D.C., Baltimore, Annapolis, Richmond, and New York City—making it an ideal hub for exploring the Mid-Atlantic.
St. Michaels, MD (~40m drive) – A charming harbor town with the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, boutique shopping, and great seafood.
Annapolis, MD (~1h 10m drive) – Maryland’s capital city, rich with colonial history, the U.S. Naval Academy, and a vibrant waterfront.
Baltimore, MD (~1h 40m drive) – Check out the Inner Harbor, National Aquarium, and historic neighborhoods like Fells Point.
Washington, D.C. (~2h drive) – Perfect for a day trip to the nation’s capital, including world-class museums, monuments, and the National Mall.
Richmond, VA (~3h 15m drive) – A blend of history and modern arts, with Civil War sites and a thriving dining scene.
Williamsburg, VA (~3h 50m drive) – Colonial city and living history town from the Revolutionary era. Along with nearby Jamestown and Yorktown, these cities make up the region’s “Historic Triangle”.
New York City, NY (~4.5h drive) – Easily accessible for an extended trip.
