Tilghman Island

If you have been looking to escape to an island that’s off the beaten path, heavy on pristine landscapes, and light on crowds, Tilghman Island is just the place. 

Tilghman Island is gracious hospitality, fresh seafood, natural beauty and a refreshingly relaxing vacation destination. She is the Eastern Shore of the Chesapeake Bay.

Located at the southernmost tip of Talbot County, Tilghman Island is a three-mile long stretch of lowland nestled between the Bay and the Choptank River.  Although settled in 1707, an excavated archaeological site on the island proves that humans have lived in this area for more than 13,000 years.

This is waterman territory, marked by the crowd of rugged skipjacks, clam boats, and buyboats in Dogwood Harbor, like the Rebecca T. Ruark. You too, can take to the Bay on one of the many fishing, hunting, or sailing charters – there’s even a lighthouse tour cruise.  

Kayaking, or canoeing more your speed? On-island ecotour guides will be happy to show you around the island or if you prefer to venture out on your own, pick up a Tilghman Island Water Trail map.  

You can find out more information on boating and water activities here.

Phillips Wharf Environmental Center and the Tilghman Waterman’s Museum offer the opportunity to learn about the island and Chesapeake Bay lifestyles. Island restaurants feature fresh local seafood and produce with outdoor or indoor dining venues. 

Click here for Tilghman Island brochure.

Growing Up on Tilghman

Not so long ago, Tilghman's Island was a community with few amenities and no fences - where children roamed freely, neighbors took care of each other, and families bonded together to wrest a living from the bountiful but challenging Chesapeake Bay. It was a community that valued hard work, ingenuity, good humor, and the beauty and power of the natural world. Produced by the Tilghman Island Museum, Growing up on Tilghman takes a fond look at the history of this unique Chesapeake waterman's community. Filled with beautiful footage of the Bay and archival images from years gone by, Growing Up on Tilghman also introduces viewers to 11 unforgettable residents as they recall their unique heritage and discuss the challenges of sharing it with future generations. Presented by Maryland Public Television.