With the Chesapeake Bay to the east and Patuxent River to the west, Calvert County in Southern Maryland has 143 miles of shoreline to explore.
Access the Chesapeake Bay via several public beaches in the area. Launch from the marina at Fishing Creek, a quiet waterway surrounded by wildlife and history. Stop by Chesapeake Beach Boat Rentals for a canoe, kayak, or standup paddleboard. Spend some time at North Beach after getting off the water, exploring the boardwalk’s ice cream parlors and little shops. Visit the North Beach Welcome Center for all the equipment you’ll need on the water.
Paddle the Patuxent River as the water flows under the towering Thomas Johnson Bridge. If you left your boat at home, the Patuxent Adventure Center in Solomons has you covered. Bunky’s Charter Boats is a one-stop shop for anything water-related in Calvert County, including boat rentals, kayaks, tackle, and bait.
If you want to catch a glimpse of wildlife, launch from Hallowing Point Boat Ramp or Flag Ponds Nature Park. Keep your eyes open for bald eagles, osprey, red wing black birds, and more.
The Inside Scoop
Who better to ask about the waters of Calvert County than the people who paddle there all the time?
Local paddler Jenny Plummer-Welker recommends starting on the Patuxent River from Solomons Boat Ramp for many different environments at one launch. Paddle up stream along the undeveloped shoreline or paddle downstream past the Riverwalk, historic buildings, Chesapeake Biological Laboratory, and up to the Drum Point Lighthouse at the Calvert Marine Museum off Back Creek.
Plummer-Welker also enjoys Jefferson Patterson Park and Museum, located between the river and St. Leonard’s Creek. Visit one of the many beaches and archaeological sites, documenting more than 9,000 years of human occupation.
Gene Groshon recommends paddling the river and Cocktown Creek from Kings Landing Park. Get away from the boat traffic and unwind at this scenic park. Explore the marshes by paddleboard, fish from your boat, or walk along nature trails that meander through the space.
Stay Awhile
A trip to Calvert County wouldn’t be complete without an afternoon at the beach. Search for giant megalodon shark’s teeth along the bay at Calvert Cliffs State Park. Camp by the water at Breezy Point Beach & Campground, and enjoy fishing and crabbing from the pier.
Spend some time on land, hiking along the Chesapeake Beach Railway Trail or through Battle Creek Cypress Swamp Sanctuary. Those traveling with kids will enjoy visiting the Chesapeake Beach Water Park and Cove Point Lighthouse.
Take in the wonders of Annmarie Sculpture Garden and Arts Center including butterfly gardens, art history scavenger hunts, and art exhibits. Take classes in ceramics, stained glass, and more.
While in town, make sure to eat at one of more than a dozen restaurants with a view of the water. Calvert County is also home to six wineries and six microbreweries, offering lots of unique varieties and flavors. Extend your trip when you stay at a bed and breakfast, hotel, vacation rental, or campground in the area.
Surrounded by water, Calvert County is a paddler’s paradise. Maryland. Be Open For It.
