Solomons Island sits at the southern tip of Calvert County, Maryland, where the Patuxent River meets the Chesapeake Bay. This small waterfront community offers sailing, seafood restaurants, maritime museums, and a quiet escape less than two hours from Washington, D.C.
This guide explains what to see and do on Solomons Island, how to plan your visit, where to stay, and how to make the most of this Chesapeake Bay destination whether you’re staying for an afternoon or a weekend.
What Is Solomons Island and Why Visit?
Solomons Island is a small peninsula community in southern Maryland known for its boating culture, waterfront dining, and maritime history. Visitors come for sailing and fishing access to the Chesapeake Bay, the Calvert Marine Museum, fresh seafood, and a walkable downtown with shops and restaurants along a scenic boardwalk.
Getting to Solomons Island
Solomons Island lies approximately 65 miles southeast of Washington, D.C., and 90 miles south of Baltimore. Most visitors arrive by car via Maryland Route 2/4, which runs directly through the community.
The drive from D.C. typically takes between 90 minutes and two hours depending on traffic, particularly on summer weekends. No public transit serves Solomons Island directly, so a personal vehicle or rental car is necessary unless you’re arriving by private boat.
The nearest commercial airport is Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI), about 75 miles north. Reagan National Airport (DCA) in Arlington, Virginia, is a similar distance and may offer easier access depending on your route.
Layout and Walkability
The main visitor area centers on a compact waterfront district along the Patuxent River. You can walk between most attractions, restaurants, and the public boardwalk within 15 to 20 minutes.
Free public parking is available near Riverwalk Park and the boardwalk, though spaces fill quickly on weekends during summer and fall. Paid parking lots serve some restaurants and the Calvert Marine Museum.
The terrain is flat and sidewalks connect most points of interest, making the area accessible for wheelchairs and strollers along paved routes. The boardwalk itself is fully accessible.
Main Attractions and Things to Do
Calvert Marine Museum
The Calvert Marine Museum explores the natural and maritime history of the Patuxent River and Chesapeake Bay through exhibits on paleontology, estuarine biology, and local boat-building traditions. The museum campus includes a lighthouse you can tour, an otter habitat, and historic boats on display.
The Drum Point Lighthouse, relocated to the museum grounds, is one of only three surviving screw-pile lighthouses from the Chesapeake Bay. Guided tours take you inside to see how lighthouse keepers lived and worked in the late 1800s and early 1900s.
The museum charges admission and is closed on certain weekdays during off-season months. Verify current hours and ticket prices on the museum’s official website before visiting.
Riverwalk and Boardwalk
The Riverwalk boardwalk stretches along the waterfront, offering views of the Patuxent River, working marinas, and sailboats. Benches and open areas make this a popular spot for watching sunsets or simply observing boat traffic.
The boardwalk is free to access and open year-round. It connects to several restaurants and shops, making it a natural starting point for a visit.
Boating and Water Activities
Solomons Island attracts sailors, powerboaters, and kayakers due to its protected harbor and proximity to open water. Several marinas offer transient slips for visiting boaters, and you’ll see everything from small sailboats to large yachts docked along the waterfront.
Kayak and paddleboard rentals are available seasonally from local outfitters. Calm mornings offer the best conditions for paddling along the shoreline or exploring nearby coves.
Fishing charters operate from Solomons Island and target species including rockfish (striped bass), bluefish, and Spanish mackerel depending on the season. Half-day and full-day trips are available, but you’ll need to book in advance during peak fishing months from May through October.
Annmarie Sculpture Garden and Arts Center
Located about three miles north of the main waterfront area, the Annmarie Sculpture Garden features outdoor sculptures set along wooded walking trails. The 30-acre site includes rotating exhibitions, a gallery space, and a children’s play area.
Admission fees apply, and the garden is closed certain days of the week. The trails are mostly flat but natural surfaces may be uneven or muddy after rain.
Where to Eat
Seafood dominates menus on Solomons Island, with restaurants emphasizing local Chesapeake Bay catches. Expect Maryland crab cakes, steamed blue crabs, rockfish, and oysters prepared in regional styles.
Waterfront restaurants offer outdoor seating with river views, particularly appealing during warm months. Reservations are strongly recommended for dinner on Friday and Saturday nights from May through September, when crowds peak.
- Casual crab houses serve steamed crabs by the dozen along with corn, hushpuppies, and other traditional Chesapeake accompaniments in a no-frills setting
- Upscale dining options feature refined seafood preparations, wine lists, and climate-controlled indoor seating
- Pubs and taverns offer sandwiches, burgers, and fried seafood in a relaxed atmosphere popular with boaters and locals
Budget at least $20 to $30 per person for a casual lunch and $40 to $70 for dinner at a nicer restaurant, not including drinks or gratuity. Steamed crabs are priced by the dozen and vary with market rates, which fluctuate throughout the season.
When to Visit Solomons Island
Solomons Island is busiest from late May through early September, when warm weather brings weekend crowds, boaters, and tourists from the Washington-Baltimore metro area. Summer weekends can feel congested, with limited parking and restaurant waits.
Spring (April and May) and fall (September and October) offer milder weather, smaller crowds, and often better conditions for walking and outdoor activities. Water temperatures are still comfortable for boating and kayaking in early fall.
Winter sees fewer visitors and some restaurants and seasonal businesses close or reduce hours. The Calvert Marine Museum remains open year-round with adjusted schedules, and the boardwalk is always accessible, but weather can be cold and windy.
Avoid major summer holiday weekends if you prefer a quieter experience, as Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day attract the largest crowds and highest accommodation rates.
How Long to Stay
A day trip from Washington, D.C., or Baltimore allows time to visit the Calvert Marine Museum, walk the boardwalk, and enjoy a waterfront meal. Plan to arrive mid-morning and leave by early evening.
An overnight or weekend stay lets you explore at a more relaxed pace, enjoy sunset and sunrise on the water, try multiple restaurants, and add activities like kayaking, fishing, or visiting the sculpture garden. Two nights provide enough time to experience the area without rushing.
Solomons Island works well as part of a longer Chesapeake Bay itinerary that includes nearby towns like St. Michaels or Annapolis, each about an hour’s drive away.
Where to Stay
Accommodation options on Solomons Island include waterfront inns, small hotels, and bed-and-breakfasts concentrated near the main visitor area. Rooms with water views command higher rates, especially on weekends during peak season.
Book well in advance for summer weekends and holiday periods, as the limited inventory fills quickly. Weekday rates are generally lower and availability better.
Vacation rental homes are available on and around the island, offering more space and kitchen facilities for families or groups staying multiple nights. Verify cancellation policies and cleaning fees before booking.
The nearest chain hotels are located about 15 to 20 minutes north along Route 2/4 in Prince Frederick, offering more budget-friendly options if waterfront proximity isn’t essential.
Nearby Day Trips
Calvert Cliffs State Park, about 15 miles north, features hiking trails leading to Chesapeake Bay beaches where you can search for fossilized shark teeth and other ancient marine fossils eroding from the cliffs. The hike to the beach is approximately 1.8 miles one-way on mostly flat terrain.
Point Lookout State Park, 25 miles south at the tip of Maryland’s western shore, offers camping, fishing, beaches, and a Civil War museum at the site of a former prisoner-of-war camp. The drive takes about 40 minutes.
St. Mary’s City, Maryland’s first colonial settlement, lies about 20 miles southeast and includes reconstructed 17th-century buildings, archaeological sites, and a living history museum. Plan two to three hours for a visit.
Practical Tips and What to Know
Parking can be challenging on summer weekends. Arrive early in the day or consider walking from accommodations if you’re staying overnight.
The area is compact and casual. Dress codes are relaxed even at nicer restaurants, though you may want to avoid beachwear indoors.
- Bring sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses for time outdoors, as shade is limited along the boardwalk and on the water
- Insect repellent is useful during warm months, particularly near the water at dawn and dusk
- Cash is accepted everywhere but most businesses also take credit cards; verify payment options at smaller vendors
- Cell phone coverage is generally reliable throughout Solomons Island
Check weather forecasts before planning water activities, as afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer and can develop quickly over the Chesapeake Bay. Boaters should monitor marine forecasts.
Some attractions and restaurants reduce hours or close entirely during the off-season from November through March. Confirm operating schedules if visiting outside peak months.
Who Will Enjoy Solomons Island
Solomons Island appeals to visitors seeking a low-key waterfront escape without the crowds or high costs of more heavily touristed Chesapeake Bay destinations. The pace is relaxed and the atmosphere informal.
Boaters, sailors, and fishing enthusiasts will find excellent access to the Chesapeake Bay and the Patuxent River. Families appreciate the marine museum, accessible boardwalk, and kid-friendly restaurants.
The destination suits travelers who enjoy maritime culture, seafood, and waterfront scenery but may disappoint those expecting extensive shopping, nightlife, or a wide range of activities. The focus is narrow and the setting intimate.
Final Thoughts on Planning Your Visit
Solomons Island offers an accessible Chesapeake Bay experience within easy reach of the D.C. and Baltimore metro areas. The combination of maritime history, waterfront dining, and boating culture creates a distinctive character, while the compact layout and walkability make it simple to explore in a day or weekend.
Start planning by checking the Calvert Marine Museum website for current hours and admission, making restaurant reservations if visiting during peak season, and confirming accommodation availability for overnight stays. With realistic expectations and advance preparation, Solomons Island provides a satisfying coastal retreat.
We hope this guide helps you plan a memorable visit to Solomons Island and discover what makes this Chesapeake Bay community worth exploring.