Need a laid-back waterfront escape with maritime charm? Head to Solomons Island! Located at the mouth of the Patuxent River in Southern Maryland, Solomons Island is a scenic harbor village known for boating, seafood, and coastal sunsets. Whether you're sailing the bay, visiting museums, or enjoying waterfront dining, Solomons Island is a perfect getaway for relaxation and recreation.
When I like to visit
The best time to visit Solomons Island is during the late spring through early fall (May–October), when the weather is ideal for boating, beach trips, and outdoor festivals. Summer is the most lively, with marinas, shops, and restaurants in full swing.
Tips for getting There
- By Car: Solomons Island is located off MD Route 4, about 1.5 hours from Washington, D.C., and 2 hours from Baltimore or Richmond.
- By Air: The nearest major airport is Reagan National Airport (DCA), about 1.5 hours away. Baltimore/Washington (BWI) and Dulles (IAD) are also within reach.
- By Boat: Solomons Island is a popular boating destination with several marinas offering slips and services for private vessels.
Where I like to stay
- Hilton Garden Inn Solomons – Convenient and modern hotel with a pool and easy access to local attractions.
- Solomons Victorian Inn – A charming waterfront B&B with elegant rooms and views of the Patuxent River.
- Blue Heron Inn – Cozy inn with a great location near the boardwalk and boat docks.
Top Attractions
1. Dive Into Maritime History at the Calvert Marine Museum
The Calvert Marine Museum preserves one of the Chesapeake Bay's only three remaining screw-pile lighthouses, originally constructed in the 1850s at Drum Point to guide ships at the mouth of the Patuxent River. The light operated through 1962, when it was decommissioned and replaced with a fixed offshore light. After being abandoned for a decade, the Calvert County Historical Society recovered and restored the structure, opening it as a living history exhibit at their public museum in 1978. Today, the lighthouse can be toured as part of guided docent tours throughout the year at the museum. Visitors can view preserved logbooks from 1883 through 1943, which give a glimpse of day-to-day lighthouse keeper life. A variety of other exhibits are also showcased at the museum, including the preserved Tennyson buoy boat and Dee skipjack vessel.
Address: 14275 Solomons Island Rd S, Solomons, MD 20688, Phone: 410-326-2042
2. Dive Into Maritime History at the Calvert Marine Museum
Annmarie Sculpture Garden and Arts Center is one of Solomons' premiere cultural attractions, set on 30 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds within the city's center. The Smithsonian-affiliated sculpture park strives to connect area residents and visitors to nature and the arts through a variety of engaging rotating and permanent exhibits. Visitors can explore the park's ¼-mile walking path, which meanders through wooded areas populated with sculpture works by regional and national artists. Over 30 of the garden's works are on loan from prestigious institutions such as the Smithsonian Institution and the National Gallery of Art. The center's award-winning Arts Building hosts indoor exhibits and is home to a gift shop and guest patio.
Address: 13470 Dowell Rd, Solomons, MD 20688, Phone: 410-326-4640
3. Dock, Dine, or Relax at Spring Cove Marina
Spring Cove Marina is often considered to be one of the Chesapeake Bay's finest marinas, offering a boating experience like no other on Solomons' beautiful shores. The family-friendly marina offers upscale amenities within its full-service boatyard, including complete mechanical repair and maintenance services, custom marine services, and 50-ton travel lift haul-out service. Boat rentals are available by the half-day or full day, giving visitors an opportunity to explore the waters of the Patuxent River in style in private accommodations. Full day boat rentals include access to all marina services, along with the facility's picnic grounds, private restrooms, pool, and poolside bar.
Address: 455 Lore Rd, Solomons, MD 20688, Phone: 410-326-2161
Romantic Activities and Attractions:
4. Shop for Local Art and Coastal Flair at Carmen's Gallery
Carmen's Gallery is a lovely fine art gallery located on historic Solomons Island, showcasing fine works by regional and international artists working across artistic disciplines. The gallery serves as the primary home for the works of Carmen Lee, Nance Gambrill, Jo Barry, and Marius Zabinski, artists among the best in the world in their contemporary disciplines. Visitors can peruse painting, sculpture, poetry, jewelry, clothing, and fabric art works on display at the gallery throughout the year in its lovely waterfront showroom. All painting purchases can be framed onsite by the gallery for same-day purchase. Friendly, inviting staff are on hand to educate visitors about purchases at all times. The gallery also carries a selection of boutique clothing and accessories at its Lagniappe Boutique, open throughout the week.
Address: 14550 Solomons Island Rd S #466, Solomons, MD 20688, Phone: 410-326-2549
5. Set Sail with Confidence at Sail Solomons Sailing School & Charters
Sail Solomons has been awarded the title of ASA Outstanding School for five years, offering ASA certification sailing instruction along with luxury yacht charters on the waters of the Chesapeake Bay. The company, which is owned by married duo Jeff and Kami Carlsen, is considered to be one of the Bay's best sailing schools, offering a full range of sailing courses with intensive on-the-water instruction time. Courses are offered for novice, intermediate, and expert students, meant to fine-tune skills in a one-on-one private instructional environment. Most courses are offered on weekends, including one-time courses perfect for area visitors. Visitors can also rent one of the company's modern, fully-equipped yachts for charter travel on the bay's waters during vacations.
Address: 245 C St, Solomons, MD 20688, Phone: 410-326-4917
6. Sharpen Your Culinary Skills at No Thyme to Cook
No Thyme to Cook is a unique cooking school concept located at the site of Solomons' historic Bowen's Inn, which was constructed in 1918 by Mortimer Bowen. During its heyday, the inn and restaurant became a top gathering spot for area Washington, D.C. figures, including John F. Kennedy, Harry Truman, Sam Rayburn, and Arthur Godfrey. Though the inn burned down in 2006, a brand-new state-of-the-art kitchen facility was constructed at its lot in 2018, housing a cooking school operated by fourth-generation Bowen family members. Visitors can select from a wide variety of one-time and weekly cooking courses for children and adults, ranging from craft brew and sushi courses to regional French cuisine courses. Holiday courses focus on delicacies served at events like Valentine's Day and Mardi Gras.
Address: 14624 Solomons Island Rd S, Solomons, MD 20688, Phone: 443-624-5048
7. Fish the Chesapeake with Bunky’s Charter Boats, Inc.
Bunky's Charter Boats, Inc. has been a premiere family-owned fishing charter company on Solomons Island since 1989, offering everything visitors could need to enjoy a great afternoon on the waters of the Chesapeake Bay. The company rents 18 boats available for fishing, crabbing, and cruising on the Patuxent River's waterways, all 16 feet in length. All boats are equipped with well-maintained Johnson Outboards. Fully-equipped charter boats are available for daily rental by individuals and groups, led by experienced captains and first mates. Dinner cruises take guests to a choice of area waterfront restaurants, many of which serve up gourmet local seafood catches and preparations.
Address: 14448 Solomons Island Rd S, Solomons, MD 20688, Phone: 410-326-3241
8. Reel in Adventure Aboard Miss Susie Charters
Miss Susie Charters are helmed by Captain Greg Buckner, a native of St. Mary's County, Maryland. The company offers excursions aboard the waters of the Chesapeake Bay between mid-April and late November, embarking from Solomons Island's Happy Harbor Marina, Point Crab House and Grill, and Point Lookout Marina. All excursions are hosted aboard the Miss Susie II, a custom-built Markley-Meekins charter boat that can carry up to 29 passengers and travel at a speed of 18 knots. Amenities include a spacious heated cabin that can seat up to nine, featuring a dinette and a private head, and a fully-equipped cockpit with GPS systems, CB and VHF radio, and radar services.
Address: 105 Charles St, Solomons, MD 20688, Phone: 301-873-1327
9. Step Back in Time on a Solomons Islands Heritage Tour
Solomons Islands Heritage Tours offer Chesapeake Bay touring excursions aboard four Coast Guard-licensed vessels that can seat up to six passengers each. Tour participants can watch Chesapeake watermen at work throughout the week as they fish for blue crabs, oysters, and finfish aboard a working fishing vessel. All participants can learn about gear types and techniques, including trot lines, crab pots, and oyster dredges. Tour offerings include crab steams, area lighthouse tours, and play days that incorporate chances for watersports and bird-watching along the region's waterfront. Children and well-behaved pets are welcome aboard all trips, making the company a great choice for families visiting the Solomons Island area.
Address: Solomons Boardwalk, Solomons, MD 20688, Phone: 301-672-3509
Must-see if you are a first-time visitor:
- Solomons Island Boardwalk – Stroll along the river with scenic views, shops, and waterfront restaurants.
- Patuxent River Naval Air Museum – Explore aircraft, naval history, and interactive exhibits in nearby Lexington Park.
- Tiki Bar of Solomons – Iconic open-air bar known for tropical drinks, live music, and lively summer weekends.
Where I Like to Eat
- CD Café – Cozy upscale-casual spot known for crab cakes, pasta, and creative daily specials.
- Island Hideaway – Elegant yet approachable dining with waterfront views and a seasonal menu featuring seafood and steaks.
- Charles Street Brasserie – Tapas, craft cocktails, and live music right on the water.
My favorite local events:
- Solomons Island Dragon Boat Festival (August) – Colorful races and family activities raising funds for local causes.
- River Concert Series (Summer) – Free weekly concerts by the Chesapeake Orchestra at nearby St. Mary’s College.
- Solomons Christmas Walk (December) – Holiday lights, shopping, and a boat parade of lights bring festive cheer to the island.
My favorite day trips within 30 Minutes of Solomons Island:
- Historic St. Mary’s City (30 min) – Step back in time at this living history museum showcasing Maryland’s colonial capital.
- Jefferson Patterson Park (20 min) – Enjoy trails, river views, and archaeology exhibits at this scenic historical park.
- Flag Ponds Nature Park (25 min) – Relax on a sandy beach, hunt for fossils, or walk shaded forest trails.
- Perigeaux Vineyards & Winery (20 min) – Sample Maryland wines with vineyard views and live music weekends.
- Point Lookout State Park (30 min) – Tour a Civil War prison site, fish, swim, or watch the sun set over the Chesapeake Bay.
Plan Your Trip