Atlantic City to Solomons Road Trip: Coastal Gems & Hidden Stops

Route 50 south of Atlantic City is actually US-9, which briefly becomes a four-lane divided highway before narrowing to two lanes through the Pine Barrens. This road trip crosses the 39th parallel north exactly at the Maryland-Delaware line, a fact surveyors marked in 1763 using a stone that still stands near Delmar. The drive covers about 200 miles, with a typical duration of 4 hours without stops, but you will want to add 2-3 hours for detours.

This route connects two distinctly different Atlantic edges: the glitzy boardwalks of Atlantic City and the quiet maritime village of Solomons Island. Along the way, you traverse the Delmarva Peninsula, a region shaped by tides and farming. The best stops Atlantic City, NJ to Solomons, MD include Assateague Island, the C&D Canal, and the charming towns of Lewes and Cambridge.

Assateague Island National Seashore, straddling Maryland and Virginia, is a must-see for its wild horses. You can reach the Maryland entrance (12748 Assateague Island Access Rd, Berlin, MD) via US-50 and MD-611, a 20-mile detour from the direct route. The fee is $25 per vehicle. The park offers pristine beaches and marsh trails.

The C&D Canal, which connects the Delaware River to Chesapeake Bay, is an engineering marvel. You can view it from a scenic overlook at Chesapeake City, MD. The canal's sea level design eliminates locks. Nearby, the town of Chesapeake City has antique shops and the Canal Museum.

• UNESCO World Heritage Sites: None directly on the route, but Assateague is part of the larger Coastal Barrier Resources System recognized by UNESCO.
• Climatic conditions: Expect mild winters (40-50°F) and humid summers (80-90°F). Fog can be heavy near the bay in spring and fall.
• Local produce: Roadside stands on MD-313 sell sweet corn, tomatoes, and melons in season.

Road quality on US-9, US-113, and US-13 is generally good, but watch for deer especially at dawn and dusk. The rural sections have no street lights. Speed limits are 55 mph on two-lane roads and 65 mph on divided highways. Use high beams sparingly when meeting traffic.

Family-friendly stops include the Salisbury Zoo (free) in Salisbury, MD, and the Delmarva Discovery Center in Pocomoke City. Children will enjoy the ferry ride and the wild horses at Assateague. For pet owners, Assateague allows leashed dogs on the beach except in summer (May 1-Sept 30, restricted hours). Many motels in Dewey Beach and Cambridge accept pets with a fee.

• Fatigue management: Rest areas on US-13 near Seaford, DE, and on US-50 near Easton, MD. Also, the Cape May-Lewes ferry offers a chance to rest.
• Culinary must-try: Crab cakes at Suicide Bridge Restaurant (Hurlock, MD) and saltwater taffy from James' Candy in Atlantic City.
• Safety tip: The Chesapeake Bay Bridge can be harrowing in high winds; check conditions before crossing.
• Hidden off-route spot: The Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Visitor Center (Church Creek, MD) is a 20-minute detour from Cambridge.

Your journey begins on Atlantic Avenue leaving Atlantic City, merging onto US-9 south. After crossing the Garden State Parkway, US-9 becomes a rural two-lane road through the Pine Barrens until you reach the Cape May-Lewes Ferry terminal. The ferry saves 45 miles versus driving around Delaware Bay. The 85-minute crossing costs $50 for a standard car and driver.

Fuel economy on this route is generally good as the terrain is flat. You will encounter several Wawa and Royal Farms gas stations along US-113 and US-13. Gas prices tend to be 10-15 cents cheaper in Delaware than in New Jersey or Maryland. Plan to fill up near Dover, DE, as prices rise approaching the Chesapeake Bay Bridge.

• Tolls: Only the Chesapeake Bay Bridge ($4 cash, $2.50 E-ZPass) and the Cape May-Lewes Ferry.
• Alternative routes: Avoid I-95 entirely; use US-113 and US-13.
• Hide off-route spots: The town of St. Michaels, MD, is a 15-minute detour off US-50 via MD-33 and offers skipjack tours.