Charles County, MD

You won’t find any bustling shopping malls or crowded interstates on Cobb Island. Instead, this 290-acre triangle located 22 miles south of La Plata offers gorgeous sunsets, freshly caught seafood and the chance to dangle your feet over a pier.

“It’s like Mayberry surrounded by water,” says Rick Pike, president of the Cobb Island Citizen’s Association. “It’s a small town where there’s no traffic and neighbors take care of each other.”

Surrounded by the Wicomico and Potomac rivers and the Neale Sound, Cobb Island used to be primarily a weekend and summer retreat. But today, it’s home to 400 families who live there year-round and enjoy its scenic, unspoiled environment.

“There’s an abundance of nature here,” Pike says. “You’re surrounded by birds, crabs and nature.”
For visitors, Cobb Island makes a relaxing day trip.

“People can park their car and bike or walk everywhere because the island is mostly flat,” Pike says. “It’s a mile-and-a-half long by a half-mile wide.”

Two of the best reasons to visit are Shymansky’s Restaurant and Captain John’s, both of which serve fresh seafood. Visitors can also try their hand at fishing and crabbing.

“Throughout the year, the Cobb Island Citizens’ Association sponsors educational and environmental programs, and we always do fundraisers like spaghetti dinners to support our programs,” Pike says.

In June, the association sponsors Cobb Island Day, a festival with crafts, food and entertainment. Another highly anticipated event on the island is the Cobb Island Fire Department’s Fall Dinner the first Sunday in November.

“People come from all over for that,” Pike says. “They serve fried oysters and ham, and there are games and raffles.”

Growing up, Pike spent weekends and summers on Cobb Island at his grandmother’s house. He later spent weekends on the island while attending St. Mary’s College. Six years ago, he made it his permanent home.

“It still has a neighborly feel,”Pike says, who can’t imagine living anyplace else.