Discover Solomons

Solomons is located where the Patuxent River flows into Chesapeake Bay. Maritime history, insights into environmental research, art, and experiences on the water give you several ways to plan your trip. First, consider whether you would like to focus your stay on the river landscape, historical topics, exhibitions, or an annual festival.

Experience the Water and Harbor

The Solomons Island Boardwalk invites you to take a stroll by the water and offers views of the broad Patuxent River. Along the way, you can spot herring gulls, ospreys, and various species of ducks. The boardwalk combines river views with the chance to look out for the bird species mentioned here.

The Wm. B. Tennison offers a different perspective on the surroundings: its one-hour sightseeing cruises travel through Solomons’ inner harbor. Cruises are weather-dependent. The main difference between a walk by the water and a harbor cruise is whether you experience the river views on foot or from a boat.

Solomons also has a boat ramp and a fishing and crabbing pier. Scuba Center and Outdoor Rec offers diving, snorkeling, and stand-up paddleboarding, as well as diving courses and dive trips. Those interested in water sports will find a different offering here than on a sightseeing cruise: it includes activities and courses rather than a one-hour trip through the harbor.

Maritime History and Research

Drum Point Lighthouse was built in 1883. It is one of only three surviving lighthouses of the 45 originally built to serve Chesapeake Bay. Solomons’ history is also closely connected to the water: in the 19th century, the town developed into a center for oyster harvesting, boatbuilding, and the seafood trade.

The Chesapeake Biological Laboratory Visitor Center, on the first floor of the historic Solomons House, offers a look at today’s environmental research. Exhibitions there cover the health of Chesapeake Bay and environmental research; there is also an aquarium with an oyster reef. Admission and exhibition fees at the Visitor Center are free.

The Chesapeake Biological Laboratory also offers free group tours that provide insights into its research. These tours must be arranged in advance. So if you would like to include a look at the research in your plans, be sure to arrange it ahead of time.

Art, Gardens, and Events

Annmarie Sculpture Garden & Arts Center spans 50 acres and features sculptures and gardens with native plants. The grounds also include the Butterfly Garden. It covers about 4,800 square feet and contains more than 35 species of pollinator plants. The Arts Building complements the outdoor spaces with two galleries featuring rotating exhibitions and a Nature Nook.

Annmarie Sculpture Garden & Arts Center also hosts Artsfest, an annual juried art festival. Dates and program details vary from year to year. If you would like to plan your trip around the festival, check the dates for the relevant year.

Calvert Marine Museum offers another connection to the water: at the beginning of the Marsh Walk is the River Otter Habitat, with an 8,000-gallon freshwater pool.

Other annual events include the Solomons Dragon Boat Festival and the Solomons Christmas Walk. The Dragon Boat Festival features dragon boat races on the Patuxent River, children’s activities, a vendor village, and an awards ceremony; dates and program details vary. The Christmas Walk includes an illuminated Riverwalk, performances by local dance groups and choirs, and a boat parade. If an event is important to your travel plans, check its dates as well.

Explore more destinations: Prince Frederick, Lusby, Chesapeake Beach.

Return to the main travel guide: Calvert County.