Solomons, Maryland waterfront

Calvert County · Southern Maryland

Where to Buy Blue Crabs in Solomons, MD

Solomons is a picturesque waterfront village at the confluence of the Patuxent River and Chesapeake Bay. It's the crab capital of Calvert County, with the highest concentration of seafood vendors, restaurants, and waterfront dining experiences.

What Locals Say

"Solomons is where the crabs come from. This is the heart of the Chesapeake Bay crab industry."

David C.

Waterman

"Every restaurant in Solomons has great crabs. You can't go wrong. The waterfront atmosphere is amazing."

Patricia S.

Frequent Visitor

Seasonal Availability

Peak Months

July, August, September

Availability

April through November (restaurants year-round)

Best Time to Visit

Mid-summer (July-August) for peak selection, largest crabs, and best prices

Crab Vendors in Solomons

Solomons has the largest selection of crab vendors in Calvert County, from casual crab shacks to upscale waterfront restaurants.

Captain Smith's Seafood Market

In Solomons
14520 Solomons Island Rd, Solomons, MD 20688
Mon 11am-2pm, Wed-Fri 11am-7pm, Sat-Sun 11am-6pm
live & steamed blue crabsfresh perch

Small seafood take-away store with fresh live crabs and steamed options.

Stoney's Seafood House

In Solomons
14555 Solomons Island Rd, Solomons, MD 20688
steamed blue crabscrab cakesseafood

Historic restaurant specializing in seafood and crab cakes. Hard shell crabs available.

Jerry's Place

In Solomons
14575 Solomons Island Rd, Solomons, MD 20688
steamed blue crabscrab cakes

Highly rated for crab cakes. Fresh seafood restaurant.

Cranky Crab

In Solomons
13850 Solomons Island Rd, Queenstown, MD 20678
Tue-Sun 10am-6pm
hard crabs & soft crabs (steamed or live)

Fresh to order, never pre-steamed. Call ahead or stop by. On Maryland Crab & Oyster Trail.

The Pier Restaurant

In Solomons
14595 Solomons Island Rd, Solomons, MD 20688
steamed blue crabscrab cakes

Waterfront dining. Ships Maryland crab cakes nationwide. On Maryland Crab & Oyster Trail.

Why Solomons Is the Crab Capital of Calvert County

Solomons sits at the confluence of the Patuxent River and Chesapeake Bay, making it the heart of Maryland's crab industry. The working waterfront is home to active watermen, seafood processors, and restaurants.

The concentration of vendors, combined with Solomons' charming waterfront atmosphere, makes it the premier destination for fresh crabs in Southern Maryland.

Tips for Buying Crabs in Solomons

Explore the waterfront.

Walk the docks, visit multiple vendors, and compare prices. Each has its own specialty and charm.

Peak season is best.

July and August offer the largest crabs, best selection, and most competitive prices.

Make it a full day.

Combine crab shopping with waterfront dining, museum visits, and beach time.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best place to buy crabs in Solomons?

Captain Smith's Seafood Market is great for fresh crabs to take home. For dining, Stoney's, Jerry's Place, and The Pier are all excellent.

Can I eat crabs with a view in Solomons?

Yes. Multiple waterfront restaurants offer dining with bay views, including The Pier and The Lighthouse.

What's the best time to visit Solomons for crabs?

July-August offers the best selection and prices. The weather is also ideal for waterfront dining.

Explore More of Southern Maryland

Looking for more options? The Southern Maryland Blue Crab Directory covers 43 seafood sellers across Calvert, St. Mary's, and Charles Counties.

Know a seller in Solomons that isn't listed here?