There’s something about seafood in the summer. A lobster roll by the water, oysters at sunset, catching your fish and eating it deep-fried steps from the dock – these foodie road trips have all that and more. Clam shacks on Chesapeake Bay, live-fire catches along California’s Central Coast, and a heavenly tavern serving seafood in a reclaimed chapel, plus our personal list of must-try dishes and expert pairings of things to do nearby.

Ready for a foodie adventure? These are the best seafood spots for a summer road trip through America. Bon voyage and bon appétit!

Table of Contents 1. California 2. Maryland + D.C. 3. Massachusetts

Laid-Back Bites, Rooftop Oysters, and an Always-In-Season Attitude

San Diego > Santa Monica > Monterey Bay

For many, a California road trip is the ultimate summer vacation. Where else can you jump into an ocean, hike through Hollywood, and visit a world-famous theme park all in one day? The culinary scene here is just as exciting. Aligned with California’s passion for clean organic flavors, these local restaurants elevate simple dishes with homegrown ingredients and cool coastal vibes. 

San Diego, CA – Carté Hotel

Start your journey in San Diego, an oceanfront city on the southern coast. Creative, scenic, and full of surprises, San Diego is big on locally-sourced produce and fresh-caught seafood. It’s also “the craft beer capital of the world” with more than 150 breweries strewn about. Get a taste for both at Watercolors, a Cali-inspired restaurant with coastal cuisine like ahi poke bowls and miso-glazed salmon over farro fried rice. Visit during happy hour for specially-priced pours by San Diego breweries like the Red Trolley red ale from Karl Strauss and the Secret Safari pale ale from Abnormal Brewing. 

Pairs well with: A walk through Little Italy and an affogato from Pappalecco.

Santa Monica, CA  – The Ambrose Hotel

Known as LA’s city by the sea, Santa Monica is praised for its excellent sushi, buzzy brunches, and of course, lots of seafood. Main Street offers a mix of hot new restaurants and chic local spots like Crudo e Nudo, a sustainable seafood restaurant that’s all about raw cuisine. Just across the street from The Ambrose Hotel, Tartine has amassed a cult following for its pastries, coffee, and wood-fired breads topped with pole-caught tuna and smoked salmon.  

Pairs well with: A trip to the farmers’ market and a glass of crisp California white wine.

Monterey Bay, CA  – The Sanctuary Beach Resort

Continue your trip up the California coast and head north to Monterey Bay. Home to fascinating wildlife and the largest marine sanctuary in the U.S., Monterey Bay puts the Pacific Ocean front and center – and on your plate. Salt Wood Kitchen & Oysterette gives seafood the live-fire treatment, smoking and charring succulent catch like steamed clams, rockfish, and the area’s best clam chowder. Don’t miss the experiential oyster bar where you can watch as your oysters are grilled while you sip on a glass of Chandon. 

Pairs well with: A beach walk through the dunes, then wine by the fire pit as the sun sets over the Pacific.

Old Bay, Oyster Bars, and Blue Crabs Done Right

Annapolis > Frederick > Washington, D.C. 

Steeped in tradition and packed with local pride, Maryland serves up seafood with soul—briny, buttery, and never too fussy. Crab and oysters reign supreme here, and diners are always invited to “hook ‘em and cook ‘em” with local fishing charters. Check out some of our favorite Maryland restaurants for all the fresh catch. 

Annapolis, MD – Annapolis Waterfront Hotel

Known as “the sailing capital of the world,” Annapolis and its waterfront beauty are matched in grandeur by top-notch seafood. The Choptank is popular for steamed hard-shell blue crabs served right on the harbor. They also have rooftop seating and live music by local musicians. At Annapolis Waterfront Hotel, guests receive tokens for complimentary oysters at The Choptank. And other local hot spots like Dock Street Bar & Grill, Davis’ Pub, and Boatyard Bar & Grill are just a stroll away.

Pairs well with: Easy mornings on the dock and boat-spotting along Spa Creek.

Frederick, MD – Visitation Hotel

An artsy city with small-town charm, Frederick is a secret foodie paradise. Take, for example, Wye Oak Tavern, a bold new restaurant at Visitation Hotel led by two James Beard award-winning chefs, Bryan and Michael Voltaggio. The Frederick-born brothers bring Mid-Atlantic flavors to the forefront with regional seafood that feels refined. Think swordfish piccata with brown butter sage, Maryland crab cakes with shishito emulsion, and rockfish served with fennel pollen hushpuppies. 

Pairs well with: A walk through Frederick’s historic downtown, then cocktails on the lawn under the string lights.

Washington, DC – The Morrow Hotel

Anchored in D.C.’s NoMa neighborhood, The Morrow Hotel is home to MARCUS DC, a brand-new restaurant from celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson. A fresh face in the city’s dining scene, MARCUS DC is already making waves, especially with its Manuel Seafood Tower, piled high with oysters, lobster, shrimp, lump crab salad, and house-made accompaniments that celebrate East Coast flavors with flair. Complemented by standout dishes like Mel’s Crab Rice and a Lower Bay Fluke Crudo, MARCUS DC serves elevated seafood with a soulful twist.

Pairs well with: A guided neighborhood mural tour, and a nightcap upstairs at Sly Rooftop, another new concept by Marcus Samuelsson.

Lobster Rolls, Chowder, and Classic Americana

Boston > Cape Cod

In New England, seafood isn’t just a meal – it’s a summer ritual. The obsession with lobster is real. There’s lobster bisque, lobster rolls, lobster mac ‘n cheese, even a lobster omelet. But hey, we’re not complaining! Chowder comes second in the popularity contest, always best enjoyed with a waterfront view. These local restaurants in Massachusetts promise all that and more. 

Boston, MA – The Envoy Hotel

Start your seafood adventure in Seaport, an up-and-coming district with lovely waterfront restaurants. Among our favorites, Para Maria at The Envoy Hotel brings Latin-inspired comfort food with global flair to the heart of Boston under the direction of Cuban-American Chef Tatiana Rosana, Bar Rescue expert and two-time Chopped champion. Try the guava-glazed salmon bowl with roasted pineapple, or the signature grilled corn and lobster chowder topped with cotija cheese. Don’t miss patio seating and signature summer cocktails in partnership with LALO Tequila. 

Pairs well with: Happy hour drinks at The Envoy’s rooftop lounge, overlooking the Boston Harbor.

Boston, MA – The Whitney Hotel

Experience Beacon Hill charm with a seafood-forward twist at Peregrine inside The Whitney Hotel. This bright, coastal Mediterranean-inspired spot focuses on fresh, seasonal ingredients from land and sea. Start with tuna crudo with fennel, preserved lemon, and bottarga, or Bang Island mussels in smoked paprika escabeche. For mains, try the Chatham Bay cod with leeks and artichoke relish or the house favorite spaghetti chitarra with guanciale and pecorino. Don’t miss the sweet finish with chocolate basque cheesecake or lemon-olive oil cake.

Pairs well with: A leisurely walk along historic Charles Street, lined with boutiques and cafés.

Cape Cod, MA – Sea Crest Beach Resort

Top off your foodie road trip on Cape Cod, a classic vacation spot with coastal Americana vibes. You’re always in reach of delicious seafood on the Cape, especially so at Sea Crest Beach Resort with five on-site eateries to choose from. The Hatch is great for families, with Cape-style comfort foods that please even the finicky eaters. Snack on clam chowder, order the mystery “seafood box,” or stick to a buttery lobster roll, all just steps from Old Silver Beach. 

Pairs well with: Morning walks along the shoreline, in search of the perfect seashell. 

Explore all of our hotel destinations across the U.S. and start planning your summer road trip with Independent Collection Hotels & Resorts.