Are you wondering why you should visit St. Mary’s County? A historical land founded by the Pilgrims when they sailed into Chesapeake Bay, St Mary’s County is a tidewater peninsula in southern Maryland, USA. The settlers’ past can be seen in Historic St. Mary’s and Leonardtown, the county cities.
Meantime, the Amish community cultivate farmlands in the traditional way and ride to market on horse-drawn wagons, plantations of corn maize ripen in the sunshine, and wine harvesting festivals are the place to have fun.
Lakeside walks, nature trails along the riverbanks, birdwatching, rod fishing, and kayaking down the waterways, are just some of the rural attractions that St. Mary’s County is known for. The adventure continues along the white sand beaches and islands off the Eastern Shore, and nearby Assateague where wild ponies run free across the dunes.
While St. Mary’s County is a breath of fresh air and a taste of the ‘good life’, there’s much more to do for all the family. Visit the ‘Living History Museum’ in St. Mary’s City, explore a Native American Settlement or investigate the River Pax Air Station where astronauts train! Browse the craft and vintage shops, dine on fresh seafood, and relax on a waterfront as the sun goes down.
This is a world away from everyday life yet easily reached from Washington or New York. Yes, there are dozens of reasons why you should visit St. Mary’s County once in a lifetime. Discover the secrets, where to go and what to see, in our authentic insider’s guide.
Visit St. Mary’s County
Authored by Alexandra Tyson of St. Mary’s County.
There are so very many places in the United States to explore. From vast national parks that go on as far as the eye can see to quaint little beach towns with amusements to keep every age busy to megatropolis cities that dazzle day and night, the choices are endless.
Where does a traveler even begin to search for that perfect location? Well, dear reader, I may have just the perfect place for you. Historic St. Mary’s County, Maryland is the definition of mid-Atlantic countryside and perfect to explore any time of the year.
Historic St. Mary’s County is only 90 minutes from Washington, D.C. Yet, it is worlds apart. Speckled with farms that have been handed down generation to generation, this southern tip of Maryland has more to offer than first meets the eye. With plenty of military culture and an interesting perspective on the unique Amish way of life, Historic St, Mary’s County has plenty to offer!
St. Mary’s County is the southernmost point in Maryland off the Eastern Shore. It is located where the Potomac and Patuxent Rivers meet the Chesapeake Bay.
Looking for beautiful destinations to visit in the United States, which combine nature and beach activities? You might like to read these related posts about:
* Orange Beach & Gulf Shores
* San Francisco Bay Area
* New Jersey
* North Carolina
Historic St. Mary’s City
In the 1660s, two ships named The Ark and The Dove anchored in a cove in the Chesapeake Bay. The 140 passengers became the first residents in this area and, today, you can still see their small community in action. Visitors can explore the ship, and many of the public buildings. This living museum tells the history of the first settlers in the area who arrived in the year 1634.
Visitors can explore the church, state house, a working farm, a Native American settlement and more. Check in with the printer and learn to write with a quill or try your hand at swabbing the deck on the replica ship. Most of all, take a stroll through the grounds and enjoy the meandering paths that wind their way through the entire property. Winter, Spring, Summer, and Fall, Historic St. Mary’s City does not disappoint!
Sotterley Plantation
Located on the shores of the Patuxent River, historic Sotterley Plantation has rolling fields and winding paths that immerse you into the peaceful greenery the area is so very famous for. Learn about how the plantation got its start, participate in one of the many interactive exhibits, or attend one of the many programs for adults or kids. Sotterley is full of all kinds of seasonal treats to keep you coming back time and time again.
Autumn ushers in haunted fun just in time for Halloween. Spring hosts plenty of Farmer’s Markets, artisan’s collectives, Common Ground events, and the Wine Festival. Summer is perfect for tons of family fun including storytimes, bug explorations, and interactive experiences that bring history to life. Often, you’ll also catch a glimpse of one of the many weddings that this gem plays host to.
Point Lookout State Park
For the best public “beach” on the bay, drive to the southern point and check out Point Lookout State Park. Point Lookout opens up onto the amazing Chesapeake Bay just as the storied Potomac River meets this Atlantic Coast natural wonder. Look for this state park to not only be a bit of fun in the water but also a poignant piece of Civil War History as this was once a prisoner of war camp as the North and the South battled for supremacy.
Additionally, a small but interesting wildlife center is tucked away here. Enjoy Point Lookout for the amazing views of the bay in any season but expect the water to be swim perfect during the Summer but the local haunted lighthouse makes an Autumn visit so worth it!
Take a Drive on Point Lookout Road
Autumn is the perfect season to take a leisurely drive along Point Lookout Road. As the foliage turns from summery green to the golden hues of Fall, Point Lookout Road is the perfect two lane route to take in all of the amazing scenery. Stop by one of the seasonal farm stands and pick a pumpkin.
Try your hand at Bowles Farm Corn Maze and work as a group to find your way from one end of the field to the other or enjoy a stop at one of the amazing apple orchards that dot the side of the road. Now, look close. Close enough to know that there is no electricity servicing many of the houses toward the northern end of the county. This is the area where you will find the Amish community hard at work.
If you are lucky, you may see one of the famous buggies carrying a family to and from their home. The Amish community also sell their wares in the Summer. Look for roadside signs to guide you to who’s open and whose not.
St. Clement’s Island Lighthouse
Explore one of the Mid Atlantic’s most interesting sites as you board a boat and take the small ride across to St. Clement’s Island where you can explore the tiny island and the area’s oldest lighthouse. St. Clement’s has ties to The Ark and The Dove but also to the amazing waterman industry that still survives on the Bay to this day.
Another incredible island to drive along is St. George’s Island where you will find an amazing restaurant called The Ruddy Duck. Look for this locally sourced, seasonal menu to feature the seafood this area is so famous for.
St. Mary’s River State Park
St. Mary’s River State Park is a beautiful lake area and perfect for any outdoor enthusiast. Needless to say, it has some of the best freshwater fishing in the mid Atlantic. Species include large-mouth bass, bluegill, crappie, and chain pickerel. This stunning natural park is also home to a 7.4 mile hiking loop. Hiking and fishing is accessible year round.
Pax River Aviation Museum
A little known fact: Patuxent River Naval Air Station is home to Test Pilot School where almost every astronaut cut their teeth on advanced aviation. This huge base at the point where the Patuxent and Potomac Rivers meet is page one in the Space Race story.
Military history junkies will not be disappointed by this small museum that takes a look at how the huge base played its part in shaping American aviation. Be sure to walk outside and give the planes a good look. Then, give one of the simulators a go. Easy to manage and lots of fun, it’s well worth the visit.
Patuxent Adventure Center
Grab a kayak or a paddle board down at the wharf and make your way through the reeds and waterways which will wind you to the Port of Leonardtown Winery. Win-win. The Port of Leonardtown is just one of four wineries in the area and all of them participate in the Sotterly Winefest which is a favorite of the locals.
Leonardtown Square and Wharf
Smack dab in the middle of St. Mary’s County is Leonardtown Square. Ringed with restaurants and little shops that truly represent the local character. Over the past few years, the square is experiencing a little bit of a revival.
A few standouts include the local watering hole, The Rex, the Ye Olde Towne Diner, or the Brugarten at Old Shepherd’s Field Market. Just off the square, there’s great pizza at the Slice House and an incredible old fashioned Sunday Brunch icon called The Front Porch. The bonus? Just a stone’s throw away is the small wharf where you can enjoy some waterside downtime.
The Square is one of St. Mary’s County’s charming stops and is growing with lovely restaurants and shops. Check out Heritage Chocolates, the great coffee at Social Coffee, then seek out the legend of Moll Dyer. (You can learn more about Moll Dyer by booking the Legend of Moll Dyer Room at Escape From The Past).
Farm Markets and Vintage Stores in St Mary’s County
Southern Maryland is just starting to find its identity in the tourism industry. A big part of that is realizing the local treasures that appeal to visitors. To that, lots of little shops have started popping up that speak to that local charm.
Old Shepherd’s Field Market
For a sampling of tons of local vendors ranging from metalwork to organic meat, step into this fun gaggle of booths at the Old Shepherd’s Field Market. Enjoy the nooks and crannies as you browse from local artists. Then, sit back and relax at the Brugarten and perhaps play a game of cornhole as you enjoy a refreshing craft beer.
The Vintage Source
If it’s the third Saturday of the month, locals will tell you that The Vintage Source is the place to find all of those hidden gems serious shoppers look for. From antique dressers to vintage glassware, the stock changes and the finds are innumerable.
The Apple Basket
Open the door and listen to the little bell ring. Then, walk past the counters and start winding your way through room after room of bric-a-brac, antiques, local finds, and vintage things. The Apple Basket is ready to surprise you with all kinds of unexpected finds. I once bought 10 vintage champagne glasses there and I simply love them! The Apple Basket is at its best when it gets all gussied up for the holiday season in November and December.
Cecil’s Old Mill
Cecil’s Old Mill is a treasure trove for local artists and some of the most incredible handcrafted furniture in the region. There are plenty of lovely antiques and artisan quality items to choose from to make this a perfect stop along the way. Explore the original mill and see the magnificent machinery that kept this little corner of the area humming for decades. The mill is also home to the last hand painted sign makers in the region.
Beautiful Places to Visit near St. Mary’s County
Solomons Island (Calvert County)
The best place for all kinds of restaurants, Solomons has a great promenade that’s just perfect for a sunset stroll as the sun goes down over the water. CD Cafe has a great breakfast while The Lighthouse will give you the best waterside vibe. Feel free to check in with local institution The Tiki Bar for a little late night fun.
Solomons Island is also home to the small Calvert Marine Museum and the Solomon’s Island Lighthouse which are both well worth the time to see them.
Shark Tooth Island (Virginia)
If you are lucky enough to run into someone who has access to the fabled Shark Tooth Island, jump on the chance to head out to the middle of the Potomac river for a truly unique experience! Shark Tooth Island is one of the best places to pull up your boat and let the kids swim in the shallows while you sit back and meet some of the amazing locals.
Assateague Island (Maryland)
The Atlantic coast is not very far away from Historic St. Mary’s County. Most people will tell you that Ocean City is the place to head. And while that is a very popular choice that’s full of plenty of college beach fun, I think the much better choice is Assateague Island.
This quieter stretch of coastline is home to one of America’s treasures. Wild ponies!!!! I said it! While you enjoy this national park, keep an eye out for these wanderers as they enjoy the stunning beach as much as you do! Each year in July, you can look for the big pony roundup as these sometimes naughty residents are all accounted for.
How to Get to St. Mary’s County
Washington DC Airports – Reagan National Airport (DCA), Dulles International Airport (IAD) and Baltimore International Airport (BWI) – are north of the region. No matter what direction you are coming from, you will use Interstate Highway 95 to get to St. Mary’s County. From the north, use exit 9 through Solomon’s Island and over the bridge or exit 11 through Waldorf following the Historic St. Mary’s County signs. From Virginia, exit 104 toward Fort A.P. Hill and enjoy the countryside over the Harry Nice Bridge.
Where to Go After Visiting St. Mary’s County
Find your way to Washington, D.C. to get back to the hustle and the bustle or to grab a train going north to New York City. Also close by is historic Williamsburg or Philadelphia.
So, go. Go and enjoy the splendor of America’s biggest cities. Take in the magic that makes those icons so fascinating. Then, take a pause, and find a little corner of this country. Take a drive, enjoy the scenery, and relax. And, in my opinion, St. Mary’s County is just the place to do it.
For more details on anything we’ve mentioned, including addresses, directions, and hours of operation, check out St. Mary’s County tourism site.
About The Author
Alexandra is a teacher and podcaster who lives in Southern Maryland. A career in the US Navy gave her, husband Chris and their family, the opportunity to experience life overseas for several years before returning home.
A travel junkie, Alexandra works together with her podcast partner Terri to inspire others. They focus not only on great destinations within the United States but also Europe and beyond! If you want to learn how travel can be a true lifestyle, read their blog and listen to them on Babcia and Yia Yia Travel The World. Or see what they are up to on Tiktok, Instagram and Facebook.
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My daughter attended St. Mary’s College so I had four years to explore the region during parent weekends. It is a beautiful places. Before the pandemic, the college offered summer concerts.
I loved watching the wild horses in Assateague Island. So majestic! Definitely adding some of these for my next visit.
This looks like a beautiful area to visit, maybe as part of a road trip! I’d love to find some vintage items in the shop.
This looks beautiful, I’d never heard of it before! The living history museum sounds like fun!
This looks like such a beautiful place to visit. Thank you for sharing this.
So fascinating! Is the replica ship true to size? It doesn’t seem very big at all, to have ferried (presumably) half of 140 people across the Atlantic!
This looks like such a beautiful place to visit! I had never heard of it before so thank you for introducing me to it.
Call me naive, but for some reason I thought the Amish only lived in Pennsylvania! That looks like a beautiful part of the world and not too far from us!
Reading a lot of this reminded me of the quaint rolling hills of eastern Pennsylvania. Both areas seem to have a Colonial Era charm to them that is hard to find in America anymore. It would be a pleasure to visit one day!
Gorgeous photos! I would love to visit St. Mary’s County – love the history, nature, and all the cool things to experience.