The Ultimate Travel Guide To Southern Maryland

Explore the Best of Southern Maryland

Southern Maryland is a hidden gem that is often overlooked by tourists. Located on the Chesapeake Bay, this region is known for its scenic beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture. Whether you’re a nature lover, history buff, or foodie, Southern Maryland has something to offer everyone. In this comprehensive travel guide, we’ll cover the top attractions, hidden gems, food scene, budget-friendly tips, outdoor adventures, historical landmarks, family-friendly activities, off-the-beaten-path experiences, natural wonders, vibrant nightlife, local markets, beaches and mountains, cultural immersion, art and music scene, walking tours, architectural marvels, historical sites, biking routes, wellness retreats, and adventure sports that you can experience in Southern Maryland.

Top Attractions in Southern Maryland

The top attractions in Southern Maryland include:

• The Calvert Marine Museum: This museum is dedicated to the history and culture of the Chesapeake Bay. Visitors can explore the exhibits, watch live otters, and even take a boat ride on the bay.
• St. Mary’s City: This historic site is the birthplace of Maryland and the first permanent English settlement in America. Visitors can tour the living history museum and learn about life in the 17th century.
• Solomons Island: This charming waterfront town is known for its restaurants, shops, and marinas. Visitors can stroll along the boardwalk, go fishing, or take a cruise on the bay.

Hidden Gems in Southern Maryland

Some of the hidden gems in Southern Maryland include:

• Jefferson Patterson Park and Museum: This park is home to the largest archaeological collection in the state of Maryland. Visitors can explore the exhibits, hike the trails, and even participate in a dig.
• Point Lookout State Park: This park is located at the southern tip of Maryland and offers stunning views of the Chesapeake Bay. Visitors can swim, fish, or hike the trails.
• Greenwell State Park: This park is a hidden gem for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can go horseback riding, kayaking, or hiking in the beautiful natural surroundings.

The Food Scene in Southern Maryland

Southern Maryland is known for its seafood, especially crabs. Some of the best places to eat seafood in Southern Maryland include:

• The Crab Claw: This restaurant in St. Michaels is known for its award-winning crab cakes.
• The Tides Inn: This restaurant in Colonial Beach offers stunning views of the Potomac River and serves delicious seafood.
• The Pier Restaurant: This restaurant in Solomons Island is a local favorite for its seafood and waterfront views.

Budget-Friendly Tips for Southern Maryland

Traveling to Southern Maryland on a budget? Here are some tips:

• Visit in the off-season: Southern Maryland is less crowded and more affordable in the fall and winter months.
• Stay in a vacation rental: Vacation rentals are often more affordable than hotels and offer more space and amenities.
• Take advantage of free attractions: Many of the attractions in Southern Maryland, such as the Calvert Marine Museum, are free or have a small admission fee.

Outdoor Adventures in Southern Maryland

Southern Maryland is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Here are some of the best outdoor adventures to experience:

• Kayaking on the Patuxent River: The Patuxent River is a scenic waterway that is perfect for kayaking and canoeing.
• Hiking in the Chesapeake Bay Critical Area: This protected area offers some of the best hiking trails in the region, with stunning views of the bay.
• Cycling the Three Notch Trail: This 13-mile trail is a popular route for cyclists, with beautiful scenery and historic landmarks along the way.

Family-Friendly Activities in Southern Maryland

Southern Maryland is a great destination for families. Here are some family-friendly activities to enjoy:

• Annmarie Sculpture Garden and Arts Center: This outdoor art museum has over 30 acres of beautiful gardens and sculptures, as well as art classes and workshops for kids.
• Chesapeake Beach Water Park: This water park is a fun-filled destination for families, with water slides, pools, and lazy rivers.
• Patuxent River Naval Air Museum: This museum is a great place for kids to learn about aviation history and see real airplanes up close.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences in Southern Maryland

If you’re looking for something unique and off the beaten path, check out these experiences:

• Ghost Tours of Historic Leonardtown: This haunted walking tour takes visitors through the historic town of Leonardtown, with stories of ghosts and paranormal activity.
• The Port Tobacco Players: This community theater in La Plata offers a variety of live performances, from musicals to dramas.
• Calvert Cliffs State Park Fossil Hunting: This park is a popular destination for fossil hunting, with ancient shark teeth and other fossils to be found along the beach.

Natural Wonders in Southern Maryland

Southern Maryland is home to some of the most beautiful natural wonders in the region. Here are some to explore:

• Swan Creek Wetland: This wetland is a haven for birdwatchers, with over 200 species of birds to be seen.
• Elms Beach Park: This park offers stunning views of the Chesapeake Bay and is a great place to watch the sunset.
• Chesapeake Bay Beaches: Southern Maryland has some of the best beaches on the Chesapeake Bay, including North Beach and Chesapeake Beach.

Vibrant Nightlife in Southern Maryland

Southern Maryland has a lively nightlife scene, with plenty of bars, clubs, and live music venues to choose from. Some of the best places to experience the nightlife include:

• The Tiki Bar: This waterfront bar in Solomons Island is a popular destination for live music and drinks.
• Olde Towne Inn: This restaurant and bar in Upper Marlboro has live music and events throughout the week.
• The Ruddy Duck Brewery and Grill: This brewery in Solomons Island has live music, craft beer, and delicious food.

Local Markets in Southern Maryland

Experience the local flavor of Southern Maryland by visiting these markets:

• North Beach Farmers’ Market: This market has a variety of local produce, baked goods, and crafts, as well as live music and events.
• Calvert County Farmers’ Market: This market has over 40 vendors selling fresh produce, meats, and baked goods.
• Sotterley Farmers’ Market: This market is held on the historic Sotterley Plantation and features local food and crafts.

Beaches and Mountains in Southern Maryland

Despite its relatively small size, Southern Maryland has a diverse landscape that includes beaches and mountains. Here are some to explore:

• Chesapeake Beach: This charming beach town has a boardwalk, pier, and plenty of restaurants and shops.
• Greenwell State Park: This park has trails that lead to stunning views of the Patuxent River and the surrounding mountains.
• Calvert Cliffs State Park: This park is located on the Chesapeake Bay and has hiking trails that lead to a beach with fossil hunting opportunities.

Cultural Immersion in Southern Maryland

Experience the rich culture of Southern Maryland by visiting these attractions:

• The Patuxent River Naval Air Museum: This museum showcases the history of aviation and the role of the Navy in Southern Maryland.
• The Dr. Samuel A. Mudd House Museum: This historic site was the home of the doctor who treated John Wilkes Booth after he assassinated President Lincoln.
• The Port Tobacco Courthouse: This historic courthouse was the site of many important trials in Southern Maryland’s history.