From Ocean City’s beautiful beaches to the wild coastline of Assateague Island, Maryland’s Coast is certainly well-known for being a top place to spend a beach day. But Ocean City and Assateague aren’t the only places to enjoy a day in the sand and salt air. For those beach-goers that really want to get off the beaten path, the small, bayfront village of Public Landing is the perfect spot to escape the crowds.
Public Landing pier
Public Landing is located on Chincoteague Bay, just a few miles east of Snow Hill. Just the drive alone will make you feel a world away from Ocean City, as you’ll be surrounded by miles of rural, countryside landscapes. As the road nears the bay and the speed limit drops, you’ll be treated to your first glimpse of Public Landing’s crown jewel: the pier. This public pier stretches about 400 feet into the bay, providing ample crabbing and fishing access. The pier also has two covered pavilions which are perfect for escaping the hot sun and enjoying a picnic lunch. There is also a short boardwalk that runs along the waterfront, dotted with benches to take in the view of the bay and catch sight of Assateague Island on the horizon.
View of the Public Landing pier
Boardwalk at Public Landing
As you enjoy the pier and the boardwalk, it’s hard not to notice how quiet Public Landing is now, but this little village was not always so sleepy. A century ago, Public Landing was a bustling resort town. It’s hard to imagine now, but this town was once home to a theatre, soda shop, dance hall, bowling alley, merry-go-round, and a giant 24-foot slide into the bay! People from all over came to enjoy the amusements of Public Landing, which may have rivaled the attractions of Ocean City at the time. In fact, in 1926, a real estate developer marketed nearby plots of land by highlighting the fertile farmland and the bay's calm waters as a safer place for children to play.
Public Landing in 1926, showing theatre and other attractions on the pier (photo courtesy of Worcester County Public Libraries)
24-foot slide built in 1928 (photo courtesy of Worcester County Public Libraries)
Once you’ve had your fill of crabbing from the pier, you’ll want to make your way to the beach, which is located less than a quarter mile up the road. Simply take a stroll down the street or drive over and park in the lot adjacent to the beach. You can easily spend the whole day here with your chairs, umbrella, and cooler. This beach has all the appeal of Maryland’s ocean beaches, but with one major perk: no steep dunes to lug your gear over.
Beach and parking lot at Public Landing
Once you’re all set up and enjoying your bayfront beach day, you’ll probably start wondering what happened to that vibrant beach town from a hundred years ago. Unfortunately, the hurricane of 1933—the same storm that created the Ocean City inlet—caused significant damage to Public Landing. Many of the buildings, amusements, and even the pier were destroyed. And while the pier was eventually rebuilt, the lively atmosphere of the town is now just a distant memory.
Picnicking, crabbing, fishing, swimming, and playing on the beach aren’t the only outdoor activities to be enjoyed at Public Landing. This spot is also a great place for getting out on the water. Just a stone’s throw from the beach, a public boat ramp provides boating access to Chincoteague Bay. Boaters will enjoy cruising around some of the small islands to the south, or heading across the bay to possibly spot some of the wild horses of Assateague, on some of the most remote parts of the island.
Public Landing boat ramp
Assateague’s Pine Tree backcountry campsite, viewed from the water, directly east of Public Landing
Kayaking and paddleboarding are also popular activities in Public Landing, as it’s easy to launch right from the beach. While the waters directly in front of the beach are wide open, there are some short, protected marsh creeks to explore, both to the north and south of the beach. Pawpaw Creek, located about a half mile south of Public Landing’s beach, is a beautiful and quiet place to paddle, as it’s surrounded by salt marshes and provides excellent habitat for birds, turtles, and other wildlife. Keep your eye on the tides, though—if it’s a super low tide, you might get stuck in the mud. If it’s a really high tide, you might not be able to squeeze under the Bayside Road bridge!
Paddling Pawpaw Creek
When visiting Public Landing, be prepared for minimal amenities. There are port-o-jons available, but no other public restrooms. There are also no places to grab a cold drink or a snack, so be sure to pack everything you need for the day. Several restaurants and cafes in Downtown Snow Hill have great carry-out options.
If it’s fresh, local seafood that you're after, you can’t get more local than Baywater Seafood. Located about a mile down the shoreline from Public Landing, Baywater Seafood operates the only bay scallop farm in Maryland. During the early 1900s, Chincoteague Bay was a major supplier of bay scallops during Public Landing’s heyday. However, due to several strong storms and disease in the 1930s, the bay scallop population quickly declined. Luckily, thanks to the efforts and innovations of the Baywater Seafood team, bay scallops are successfully being farmed in the bay, and the wild bay scallop population is being tracked in the area. In addition to bay scallops, Baywater Seafood also has fresh blue crabs, clams, and oysters for purchase.
Fresh bay scallops at Baywater Seafood
If the quiet nature of Public Landing is exactly your speed, then staying for several days might be just what you need. Rooms are available at the Cypress River Inn in Snow Hill, and several Airbnbs are available right on the water in Public Landing.
Public Landing may not have the bright lights and bustling boardwalk of Maryland’s more famous beach destinations, but that’s exactly what makes it special. It offers a refreshing glimpse of the quieter side of Maryland’s Coast. Spend a few hours crabbing from the pier, paddling through the marsh, or relaxing by the bay—Public Landing is a hidden gem that rewards those willing to venture off the beaten path.