Are you tired of the same old vacation destinations? Do you want to discover something new and exciting? Consider Southern Maryland as your only option! Positioned on the Chesapeake Bay’s shoreline, this hidden gem is encompassed by quaint villages. Furthermore, its breathtaking natural beauty captivates visitors. Infused with vibrant history and culture, the city adds to its charm and allure, enriching the visitor experience. In Southern Maryland, there is something for everyone, from quiet beach vacations to outdoor experiences. In this comprehensive travel guide, we’ll show you all the amazing things Maryland’s best-kept secret has to offer and take you on a journey through it. Pack your luggage and get ready to explore Southern Maryland’s charm and beauty. Anyone looking for a special and memorable vacation experience should go there.
Crisfield, MD
Fishing has a long history in Crisfield, which is the southernmost town in Maryland and is located directly on the Chesapeake Bay. The city, proudly known as the Seafood Capital of the World, originated as a 19th-century fishing village. The city maintains its longstanding reputation through a rich fishing heritage, continuing its legacy from the 19th century. You can go out searching for oysters and rockfish, but the blue crab is by far the most significant creature to Marylanders.
The season for recreational crabbing normally starts in April and lasts until December, but before you set out to sea, you’ll need to apply for a license and familiarize yourself with the rules. Grab your net or your line to partake in this beloved activity since blue crabs are a delicacy in Maryland and crab-catching is a favored hobby for the locals.
Maryland International Raceway
The largest motorsports track in the state, the Maryland International Raceway near Mechanicsville can accommodate 10,000 fans. The venue generally holds over 100 events from March through November. Drag racing vehicles such as Pro Stocks, Pro Mods, Funny Cars, Jet Cars, and others are available for viewing by spectators.
St. Mary’s City
On the site of the state’s earliest settlement and first capital, Historic St. Mary’s City outdoor living history museum is the most well-known destination in southern Maryland. A tall ship, a Woodland Indian Hamlet that depicts Yaocomaco life, a tobacco plantation with cattle, and the Town Center, where guests can see a rebuilt inn, store, and other structures, are just a few of the exhibit locations. Visitors can book a choice of guided tours and participate in hands-on activities taught by costumed interpreters about colonial life.
Patuxent Wine Trail
The Patuxent River’s left and right banks are home to some of the top vineyards on the Eastern Seaboard, even though Maryland may not be the first place that springs to mind when you think of wine country. They are largely concentrated in the counties of Calvert and St. Mary’s, where Tuscany-like conditions exist in terms of climate and soil composition. With spectacular views of the surrounding Chesapeake Bay and vineyards, many of the wineries have even been styled to resemble a Tuscan villa.
Although Chardonnay, Vidal Blanc, and Cabernet Franc grapes are the region’s specialty, the best wineries in the area provide tastings of all varieties of wine. Cove Point Winery near Lusby or Running Hare Vineyard west of Prince Frederick are a couple of the best-rated ones on the Patuxent Wine Trail.
Calvert Cliffs State Park
For nearly 24 miles in Calvert County, the Chesapeake Bay shoreline is dominated by the enormous cliffs of Calvert Cliffs State Park in Lusby, which were formed about 10 million years ago. The cliffs are explored by tourists who look for unusual fossils and the remnants of extinct animals including whales, sharks, rays, and seabirds. Additionally, the park provides a sandy beach, more than 10 miles of hiking paths, picnic spaces, and a playground made out of recycled tires.
Mallow Bay Park
Mallows Bay Park, a National Marine Sanctuary and historic marvel in Nanjemoy, is a singular location for fishing, trekking, and animal viewing. The largest ship graveyard in the Northern Hemisphere, the World War I Ghost Fleet, is located in the waters of the Potomac River near Mallows Bay. More than 200 known ships from the Revolutionary War and World War I are included in this varied collection of shipwrecks. Atlantic Canoe & Kayak can provide kayak excursions of the wreckage.
Patuxent River Naval Air Museum
Since World War II, Patuxent River Naval Air Station has studied and improved the Navy’s aircraft and flight systems. The museum, which is dedicated to naval aviation research, development, testing, and evaluation, is situated in Southern Maryland’s Lexington Park. Enjoy flight simulators and exhibitions that include weapons systems, naval aviation in space, an engine and propulsion demonstration, a gallery of art and photography, and more. More than 20 naval aircraft are on exhibit in an outdoor aircraft park. For gifts with an aviation or military theme, visit the Flightline Gift Shop.
Surrat Boarding House
You certainly already know that John Wilkes Booth killed President Abraham Lincoln at the Ford’s Theatre in Washington, D.C., but you might not be aware that Booth managed to flee the scene and spend two weeks on the run in southern Maryland before being apprehended and put to death. First, he visited Mary Surratt’s house, a Confederate sympathizer who had taken in Booth in the days following the murder. The Surratt House Museum, which is presently located in her home, is where you can learn all about the first woman to be put to death by the American government as well as this turbulent time in the country’s history.
Calvert Marine Museum
Three themes—regional paleontology, the estuarine life of the tidal Patuxent River and the nearby Chesapeake Bay, and the maritime history of the area—are used by the family-friendly Solomons Island museum to highlight the cultural and natural history of Southern Maryland. Models, paintings, expertly crafted woodcarvings, aquariums, fossils, and boats are among the indoor exhibitions on display. The outdoor exhibits consist of a boat basin, a river otter habitat, and a reconstructed salt marsh.
The Drum Point Lighthouse, a magnificently restored landmark with early 20th-century furnishings and year-round guided tours, is housed at the museum.
Annmarie Sculpture Garden & Arts Center
Located on Solomons Island, the 30-acre sculpture park actively showcases over 30 pieces. These artworks, sourced from the Smithsonian Institution and the National Gallery of Art, line a quarter-mile walking route. When Darkness Falls: Night Explorations and an ornament show and sale featuring hand-crafted ornaments by over 20 local artists are just a couple of the displays that can be seen in the Arts Building. Also available to visitors are a gift shop and a café. There are several annual festivals, family events, and community initiatives to choose from.
Jefferson Patterson Park
Jefferson Patterson Park & Museum, spanning 560 acres, is nestled in Southern Maryland. Its visitor center boasts hands-on displays. These exhibits vividly describe the archaeological history of Calvert County and the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. The Maryland Archaeological Conservation Laboratory (MAC Lab) actively preserves over 8 million items. Additionally, the grounds are home to more than 65 known archaeological sites. Canoeing, kayaking, and hiking trails are also available in the park.
Historic Sotterley
Historic Sotterley is a significant site, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It stands as the only fully interpreted and accessible Tidewater plantation in Maryland. This plantation is open to the general public, offering a unique glimpse into history. The property, located in Hollywood, spans nearly 100 acres. It features open fields, gardens, and beaches. Overlooking the scenic Patuxent River, it offers stunning views. A 19th-century schoolhouse, a smokehouse, and an ancient slave cottage from the 1830s are among the site’s outbuildings. There are both specialty tours and guided tours of the 1703 Manor House available.
Point Lookout State Park
Located near the Chesapeake Bay and the Potomac River, the park in Scotland offers a variety of recreational activities. These include swimming, fishing, and boating, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. Additionally, it features 143 forested campsites and six cottages for a comfortable stay, catering to both campers and those seeking a more home-like setting. The nearby Civil War Museum and Marshland Nature Center offer seasonal public activities. These activities highlight the history of Point Lookout, a significant Civil War site. Over 52,000 Confederate soldiers were imprisoned here during the war. The center also focuses on the area’s natural surroundings, providing engaging and educational demonstrations.
Piney Point Lighthouse
The Piney Point Lighthouse, the oldest on the Potomac River, was built in 1836. The six-acre Piney Point Lighthouse Museum & Historic Park offers a variety of amenities. Here, visitors can find a pier and kayak launch, perfect for water enthusiasts. The park also features a scenic boardwalk, ideal for leisurely strolls. Moreover, a picnic area provides a great spot for family gatherings. Additionally, the park includes a sandy beach, although it’s not designated for swimming or fishing. Offshore from the park lies the state’s first Historic Shipwreck Dive Preserve. This unique underwater site showcases artifacts from the German submarine U-1105 Black Panther. This submarine, a relic of World War II, offers a rare glimpse into history for diving enthusiasts. Historical wooden boats from the Chesapeake Bay are on display in a maritime exhibit.
Chesapeake Beach
Located in Calvert County, the historic community of Chesapeake Beach boasts tranquil, secluded beaches. Along the oceanfront, various restaurants offer delightful dining experiences. Families will find plenty of fun activities to enjoy together. Additionally, the Chesapeake Beach Water Park is a major attraction, featuring a lazy river, water slides, and more.
A premier getaway location, the Rod ‘N’ Reel Resort offers a large number of guest rooms, two restaurants, a full-service spa with services ranging from facials to acupuncture, an indoor heated pool, a fitness center, and more.
American Chestnut Land Trust
Founded in 1986, the American Chestnut Land Trust actively protects a total of 3,000 acres in Calvert County. These areas include marshes, forests, and farms, ensuring their preservation for future generations. With little evidence of human habitation, you can paddle nearly 1.5 kilometers through freshwater wetlands and salt marshes. The trust maintains 22 miles of self-guided hiking paths for explorers and nature enthusiasts. Seasonally, guided walks and canoe excursions are available.
Southern Maryland, a hidden gem, awaits your next vacation. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore this captivating destination. This beautiful region has a diverse array of attractions, catering to a wide range of interests. If you’re on the hunt for beach leisure, Southern Maryland won’t disappoint. But it’s not just about the beaches; the region also offers a plethora of outdoor adventures. For those interested in history and culture, there’s an abundance of opportunities to explore and learn. Truly, this region has it all. Southern Maryland bursts with amazing experiences, from quaint tiny communities to breathtaking natural beauty, offering endless adventures. So don’t put it off any longer; begin making travel plans today and learn Maryland’s best-kept travel secret. Southern Maryland has a lot to offer and won’t let you down.
