When traveling to the DC area, I like to make sure to leave a little spare time for solo exploration. While on a recent visit to the region, I included a brief excursion to the beloved weekend destination of Solomons Island. Situated at the southernmost point of Calvert County, Maryland, Solomons Island is where the Patuxent River connects with the Chesapeake Bay. The waterfront town which is roughly 2.3 square miles in total area is just about an hour and a half away from the Nation’s Capital. With its scenic waterfront, rich history, and maritime ambiance, it’s a delightful escape on a Saturday afternoon.
My Visit to Solomons Island
My visit was on a cool, gray early March day, but that didn’t leave me without options. The Riverwalk is a beautiful tourist attraction year round.
No visit to Solomons Island would be complete without a brief stroll. Park the car and enjoy the waterfront views while visiting the ample shops and boutiques where you’ll find a variety of local goods and souvenirs.
I went to the tasting room of the Solomons Island Winery. It’s located at the end of the pier. The friendly staff is delighted to help find the ideal Maryland wine to take home with you. There’s also a small outdoor seating area suitable for sipping while enjoying the views from the pier.
During World War II, the island was chosen by the Allied command as the site for Naval Amphibious Training Base Solomons. The lessons learned at Solomons proved invaluable on D-Day, at Tarawa, at Guadalcanal, and in numerous other military operations. Three naval bases were established at the mouth of the Patuxent River. These three facilities made a major contribution to the war effort and brought new jobs to local residents. Between 1942 and 1945, the population of Solomons increased from 263 to more than 2,600. Over 60,000 troops trained at Solomons during the war. Coincidentally, many of the servicemen who trained at the Solomons base in Maryland were sent to fight in the Solomon Islands in the Pacific Ocean.
Solomons Island Restaurants
Did I mention Solomons Island is renowned for its oysters and seafood?
With its proximity to the water and the Chesapeake Bay, it’s not surprising the seafood offerings at Solomons Island restaurants are exquisite. There are a handful of seafood dining options along the waterfront. I stopped in for a tasty bowl of crab chowder and a half-dozen oysters at Stoneys King Fisher. The meal was the perfect complement to the brisk weather.
The Water
My trip to Solomons Island wasn’t planned well with regard to fully enjoying the water. That being said, I shall return in warmer months in order to experience the variety of water adventures which await. There’s beaches, boating, paddling, fishing, birding, crabbing, and much more to be enjoyed along the water.
Parks
Spending a Saturday at Solomons Island should include one of its nearby parks. Acres and acres of trails and parklands comprise a significant part of the Calvert County landscape.
I had the chance to explore Jefferson Patterson Park and although my timing couldn’t have been worse, the visitors center was closed, I did discover the Indian Trail. This fascinating trail takes visitors along an informative path leading to a replica Indian Village. The village depicts what life would have been like for the early inhabitants of Calvert County.
This is a Pull Over And Let Me Out pick because it’s such a unique historical trail.
More To Do
This pleasant hamlet at the mouth of the Chesapeake offers guests a variety of choices when it comes to creating a winning itinerary. From sightseeing cruises like Cruisin Tikis which runs tours from May through October, to a range of boat rental options, it’s possible to immerse yourself in a nautical view of the island.
Moreover, there are delightful attractions such as Annmarie Garden & Sculpture Park, Calvert Marine Museum & Lighthouses, Calvert Cliffs, and nearby Historic St. Mary’s City and Prince Frederick that will round out an pleasant Solomons Island itinerary and add to your enjoyment.
Additionally, there are several outstanding options when it comes to accommodations. From well-known chains like Hilton and Quality Inn to dreamy bed and breakfast inns like Solomons Victorian Inn and Back Creek Inn, visitors will find a charming place to stay in this lovely town.
Solomons Island Saturday
Ship-building, oysters, a cannery, a lighthouse, and boats; that’s pretty much all I knew about Solomons Island, Maryland upon arriving. I now understand this quaint town is so much more. The charming historic waterfront town is a lovely destination for an agreeable excursion off-the-beaten-path.
Although my stay wasn’t long, I enjoyed time on the waterfront, a brief history lesson, and delicious wine and seafood. Having spent a few hours on a cold afternoon, I’ve decided this is one of those locations I must experience again.
Summertime is beckoning me to make a return trip to Solomons Island, Maryland.
Special Thanks to Hilary Dailey of Calvert County Tourism for the tips on what to do and see while visiting!
Listen on the go!
Hey, Pinners! Pin this for later!
► Plan your visit now
It makes it simple to plan your trip. We’ve pre-filled the destination from the article and if there are multiple places mentioned in the article, we’ve put the one that is best used as your base to see all of the places mentioned.
Just select I’M STAYING and enter the travel dates and hit SEARCH. It automatically uses the first place in the article.
For a multi-day trip, if you stay near that location, you should be able to use it as your base.
Super simple. Just click on the pencil and enter the name of any place mentioned in the story. Or you can enter any address or even the name of a company if you are mixing business and pleasure.
Just click I’M DRIVING and you can see how long it will take, get driving directions and even rent a car if you need one.
Yes, we guarantee the best published rates on hotels. Click on the link for BEST RATE 110% GUARANTEE for details.
Hey pinners, save this for pinning after your trip
More great travel stories you'll love reading!
Sensational Stocking Stuffers for the Traveler on Your List
PullOverandLetMeOut makes holiday gift-giving stress-free. Check out this amazing selection of last-minute gift ideas and stocking stuffers for the traveler on your list.
Myrtle Beach SkyWheel: Your Front-Row Seat to the Best Sunset Views
An iconic landmark on the Grand Strand of South Carolina’s famous Myrtle Beach, the SkyWheel offers a birds eye view of the beach, the ocean, and the surrounding areas. Travel along with PullOverandLetMeOut to find out why sunset is the ideal time to experience the Myrtle Beach SkyWheel.
Hooves & History: Discovering the Wonders of Kentucky Horse Park
Since 1978, Kentucky Horse Park has been welcoming visitors to experience a one-of-a-kind equine theme park, where they can delve into the rich history of horses or even saddle up to better understand why Kentucky is known as the Horse Capital of the World. Join PullOverandLetMeOut on a journey to discover the wonders of Kentucky Horse Park.
