Translate
Overview
Princess Anne is the county seat of Somerset County in Maryland's Lower Eastern Shore, a small town of roughly 3,300 residents that carries an outsized historical footprint. Settled in the early 18th century, it preserves one of the more intact streetscapes of colonial and Federal-period architecture in the region, largely because it avoided the rapid industrialization that altered many comparable towns.
The town sits along the Manokin River and is surrounded by the flat, agricultural landscape typical of the Delmarva Peninsula — broad fields, tidal marshes, and quiet backroads that reward slow travel. It is home to the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES), a historically Black university that brings a measure of academic and cultural life to an otherwise quiet community.
For travelers, Princess Anne works best as a deliberate stop rather than a primary destination — a place to walk a genuinely historic main street, learn about the region's complex layered history, and connect to the wider natural and cultural attractions of Maryland's Eastern Shore.
Before You Go
Visas
Princess Anne is in the United States. For visa and entry requirements, check TravelerPulse's Visas section and the official U.S. Customs and Border Protection website at cbp.gov. Requirements vary significantly by nationality.
What to Know Before Arriving
- Princess Anne is a small town with limited tourist infrastructure. Most shops, restaurants, and services have reduced weekend hours or may close early — verify locally before visiting.
- There are no large chain hotels within the town itself; lodging options are modest and limited. Booking ahead is advisable, particularly during UMES events or local festivals.
- Cell coverage is generally good in town but can be inconsistent on rural roads and in marsh areas nearby.
- The town's flat terrain and walkable historic core make it accessible on foot, but a car is essential for reaching surrounding natural areas.
Getting There
Princess Anne is located on the Delmarva Peninsula, roughly 30 miles south of Salisbury, Maryland, and about 130 miles southeast of Baltimore. US Route 13, the main north-south corridor of the Eastern Shore, passes directly through town and is the primary road approach from any direction.
By car: Driving is the most practical way to arrive. From Baltimore or Washington D.C., cross the Chesapeake Bay Bridge (US-50) and continue south toward Salisbury, then follow US-13 south to Princess Anne. Travel times vary — verify current conditions before departure.
By air: Salisbury-Ocean City: Wicomico Regional Airport (SBY) is the nearest commercial airport, roughly 25–30 miles north. Baltimore/Washington International (BWI) is a larger option for more flight choices, though the drive is considerably longer.
By bus: Verify current intercity bus options with regional providers serving the Delmarva Peninsula. Service is limited and schedules change; check locally.
Getting Around
Within the historic core of Princess Anne, most points of interest are walkable. The main commercial and historic streets can be covered comfortably on foot in an hour or two.
Beyond the town center, a personal vehicle is essentially required. There is no meaningful local transit for visitors, and ride-share availability is limited in this rural area — do not rely on it. If you plan to visit nearby natural areas such as Deal Island Wildlife Management Area or the Chesapeake Bay water access points, a car is the only realistic option.
Parking in town is generally easy and free; this is not a place where parking poses any challenge.
Things to See & Do
Historic Architecture and Walking
The Teackle Mansion (circa 1801–1819) is the town's signature historic site — a Federal-style manor house open for tours through the Somerset County Historical Society. Verify current tour hours and admission directly with the historical society before visiting, as schedules are subject to change. The surrounding Washington Street area contains additional 18th- and 19th-century structures worth observing from the street even when interiors are closed.
University of Maryland Eastern Shore
UMES, founded in 1886 as a historically Black institution, occupies a campus on the southern edge of town. Visitors with an interest in HBCU history and heritage may find the campus worth a brief walk. The university also hosts public events, lectures, and performances throughout the academic year — check the UMES website for a current calendar.
Nature and Outdoors
- Deal Island Wildlife Management Area: A short drive west of Princess Anne, this tidal wetland area offers wildlife viewing, waterfowl observation, and a glimpse of traditional Chesapeake watermen culture. Conditions and access vary seasonally.
- Manokin River: The river running through town offers a quiet backdrop and connects to the broader network of Eastern Shore waterways.
- Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge (further north, near Cambridge) is a more developed natural attraction worth combining with an Eastern Shore itinerary.
Local Events
Princess Anne hosts periodic community events tied to local heritage, agriculture, and UMES programming. Verify current event schedules through Somerset County tourism resources.
Food & Drink
Dining options in Princess Anne are limited by the town's size. Expect a small selection of locally operated diners, casual restaurants, and fast-food chains along the US-13 corridor. Seafood — particularly crab, oysters, and fish representative of the Chesapeake and coastal Maryland tradition — appears on regional menus and is worth seeking out when available.
For a wider dining selection, Salisbury (about 25–30 miles north) provides significantly more options across various price points and cuisines. If you are spending only a short time in Princess Anne, it is worth planning your main meals around a stop in Salisbury or another nearby town.
Grocery options in town are modest; verify locally what is available if you are self-catering.
Practical Information
Emergency Services
In any emergency in the United States, dial 911 for police, fire, or medical assistance.
Connectivity
Wi-Fi is available at some local establishments; coverage is inconsistent in rural surrounds. Download offline maps before leaving for outlying areas.
Money
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in town, though some smaller local businesses may prefer or require cash. An ATM is likely available in town — verify locally.
Weather
Princess Anne has a humid subtropical climate. Summers are hot and humid (July–August highs typically in the upper 80s°F/low 30s°C). Winters are mild but can bring cold snaps and occasional snow. Spring and fall offer the most comfortable conditions for outdoor exploration. Hurricane season (June–November) can bring heavy rain and wind; monitor forecasts if visiting during this period.
Safety
Princess Anne is a small, quiet county seat. General travel safety precautions apply — be aware of your surroundings, secure valuables in your vehicle, and avoid leaving items visible in parked cars, especially in less-trafficked areas.
The surrounding rural landscape includes active hunting areas and wildlife management zones — if venturing off main roads during hunting season (generally fall and winter), wear high-visibility clothing and remain on marked paths or public access areas. Check Maryland Department of Natural Resources guidelines for current season dates.
Road conditions on secondary rural roads can deteriorate after heavy rain; drive cautiously on unfamiliar backroads.
