It’s no secret that Maryland’s Coast is packed with opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors, but the most popular outdoor activities usually center around the warmer months. Swimming, kayaking, crabbing, and strolling the boardwalk are all activities people flock to the coast to enjoy in the summer. But there are also incredible outdoor adventures to experience in the winter along Maryland’s Coast, when the crowds are gone and the coastal landscape offers a cold, crisp, and truly refreshing winter vibe.
Winter Beachcombing
Winter is by far the best time of year to go beachcombing on Assateague or Ocean City’s beach. The occasional coastal winter storm can produce large waves that ultimately deposit a plethora of cool things on the beach. Whole whelk shells, sea glass, driftwood, and even sand dollars are more commonly found in the winter months. Combine winter storms with fewer people walking the beaches, and your chances of spotting something new are significantly higher than if you were to walk the beaches in the summer.
Winter Wildlife-Viewing
The winter months bring a whole new variety of wildlife to observe that you won’t find here in the summer. Birders will enjoy the winter waterfowl that migrate to the coastal bays for the colder season. Buffleheads, scoters, loons, mergansers, pintails, and even snow geese are frequent winter sightings up and down the coast.
Although some birds stay in the area year-round, many species are more active in the winter such as bald eagles and other birds of prey. Not only are they more active, but with less foliage on the trees, it’s a lot easier to spot them when you’re enjoying a peaceful hike through the woods.
Birds are not the only wintertime visitors either. It’s not uncommon for seals to be spotted resting on the beach or along the jetties of the Ocean City inlet. Harbor seals and gray seals sometimes venture out of the water for a rest on the beach and a moment to warm up. If you spot a seal on the beach, it’s important to be respectful of their space and keep your distance - stay at least 50 yards away!
Winter Hiking
Winter can be one of the best times to hike along Maryland’s Coast. The heat and humidity of the summer are a distant memory, and there’s virtually no risk of biting insects to ruin your time outside. Walking through the Pocomoke State Forest in the winter is incredibly peaceful, as the only sound you might hear is the breeze flowing through the tree branches.
It’s important to note that many public lands in Worcester County are open to hunting, although most firearms seasons are over by mid-January or February, leaving plenty of the wintry season available for hikers. Find out the current hunting season schedules from Maryland DNR.
Winter Clamming
There’s an old saying that clams and oysters are best enjoyed during months that have the letter “R” in them. So the winter months - January, February, and March - certainly fall into that category. Clamming in the winter can offer a whole new experience for someone that is used to clamming in the summer. Clams tend to hang out closer to the surface of the sediment on the bay floor, making it easier to collect them since you don’t have to dig as deep to grab them. The water also tends to be clearer in the winter, making it easier to spot these shellfish. In addition, we tend to see strong storms that can produce lower tides in the winter, which exposes more mudflats in the bays, making the clams more accessible to clammers that don’t have waders or cold water gear. And if you’re lucky enough to gather enough clams to take home, transporting them home is also easier in the winter as there’s less of a need to lug around a cooler.
Winter Bike Rides
In the winter, bicycling on the Ocean City boardwalk is permitted at all hours of the day and since the summer crowds are gone, it’s easier to ride from one end of the boards to the other, without weaving in and out of hundreds of walkers. This also goes for the bike paths on Assateague. With fewer park visitors, it’s easy to pick up speed and get in a good workout.
If you’re more of an off-road cyclist, the mountain bike trails within the Pocomoke State Forest are also easier to navigate in the winter. The ground is more often frozen than soggy, the trails are less likely to be overgrown. And best of all, there’s almost zero chance you’ll get your face caught in a spiderweb!
Winter Snowfall
It’s not a guarantee, but Maryland’s Coast does usually experience snow at least once each winter. Snowfalls typically range from a light dusting to over a foot of snow, and if you’re lucky enough to experience it, a snow-covered beach can feel magical.
Snowy beaches are just the beginning though. While you won’t find any hills to go sledding on, winter-lovers can still enjoy snowshoeing and even cross-country skiing through the county’s trail system. From the trails of the Pocomoke State Forest to the walking paths of Ocean Pines, a fresh blanket of snow brings a whole new perspective to Maryland’s Coast.
Cozy Winter Pairings
Nothing beats a day of winter adventuring when it’s paired with a cozy way to warm up when the sun starts setting. Most of the restaurants, shops, and breweries along Maryland’s Coast are open year-round, so after you’ve spent the afternoon beachcombing on Assateague, consider browsing the shops and grabbing a local brew in historic, downtown Berlin. If you’ve finished birding the trails of Nassawango Creek Preserve, head to the Town of Snow Hill to grab a hot coffee or a bite to eat. When you’re done clamming in Isle of Wight Bay, grab a bonfire permit and snuggle up around a fire on the beach.
Winter along Maryland’s Coast transforms familiar places into peaceful, refreshing landscapes filled with quiet beauty. Beachcombing after storms, spotting seasonal wildlife, or wandering through the forest on a crisp afternoon all feel uniquely special this time of year. The season offers a chance to slow down, breathe deeply, and experience the coast in a whole new light.
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