Maryland Crab & Oyster Trail in Howard County
Where the Piedmont Plateau meets the Atlantic Coastal Plain, Howard County sits in a sweet spot, both geographically and gastronomically. Our unique location just west of the Chesapeake Bay gives local chefs and seafood lovers access to one of the richest estuaries in the world. Here, the tide shapes the menu, and Maryland’s seafood traditions thrive in every season.
From cozy oyster bars and bustling crab houses to raw bars and upscale coastal kitchens, Howard County is a proud stop on the Maryland Crab & Oyster Trail — home to six official trail locations and countless other must-try dishes. Whether you're lakeside in Columbia or wandering the historic streets of Ellicott City, you're never far from sensational seafood and standout views.
And behind many of those dishes? The Maryland Wholesale Seafood Market, based right here in Howard County, is the Mid-Atlantic’s go-to supplier of fresh seafood from the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Ocean. It's one of the reasons the flavors here are as authentic as the stories behind them.
Maryland Seafood
"We're really excited and proud to be a part of the Maryland Crab and Oyster Trail. Howard County, Maryland is home, so supporting Maryland seafood is super important to us. At Hudson Coastal, we are dedicated to sourcing seasonal and sustainable seafood from the Eastern Seaboard. Along with featuring fun, new species of seafood, we love to highlight our local breweries as well." - Tricia Hudson, Hudson Coastal
Oysters: A Taste of the Bay
Oysters are a Maryland mainstay, especially during the cooler months with an “R” in them. The Chesapeake’s varying salinity gives each oyster a distinct flavor, whether raw, fried, in stew, or Rockefeller-style. Today, aquaculture farms supplement wild harvests, helping preserve the species while providing year-round enjoyment. But for true aficionados, wild oysters in late fall and winter remain the gold standard.
The Iconic Blue Crab
Few things are more Maryland than a bushel of bright red steamed blue crabs dusted in Old Bay. Known for their sweet, tender meat and vivid blue claws, Chesapeake Bay Blue Crabs are a summertime staple, but thanks to local processors, they’re a treat well into the winter holidays too. You’ll find crab everywhere here: in soup, crab cakes, crab dip, crab imperial, and beyond.
Crab Cake E.C. Diner
Soft Shell Crabs: The Culinary Curveball
Soft shell season is short but spectacular. Harvested during molting, when their new shells haven’t yet hardened, these Chesapeake Blue Crabs are eaten whole — crispy, savory, and entirely unforgettable. Whether pan-fried in butter or served sandwich-style, soft shells are a uniquely Maryland indulgence.
Featured Stops on the Maryland Crab & Oyster Trail
Blue Crab Unlimited Inc.
6109 Pine Ave
Elkridge, MD 21075
Cured Table and Tap
10980 Grantchester Way
Columbia, MD 21044
DR Seafood & BBQ
6803 Washington Blvd
Elkridge, MD 21075
Hudson Coastal Raw Bar and Grille
11811 West Marketplace
Fulton, MD 20759
Lib's Grill
8191 Maple Lawn Blvd.
Fulton, MD 20759
Sea King Seafood & Crab House
3417 Plum Tree Dr.
Ellicott City, MD 21042
And There's More to Savor
Even beyond the trail, Howard County’s chefs continue the tradition with a creative twist:
- Soft Shell Crab at The Kings Contrivance
- Flaming Crab Dip at Blackwall Barn & Lodge
- Chesapeake Arancini at The Collective Offshore
- Maryland Crab Soup at Alexandra’s American Fusion
Make It a Seafood Weekend
With so much to taste, why rush it? Book a night at the DoubleTree by Hilton Columbia or one of Howard County’s welcoming hotels and resorts. Stay a little longer, and let the tide lead the way.
