Visit the smallest county in the state of Maryland and experience a relaxing yet exciting escape at Calvert County.
With its charming atmosphere, beautiful natural environment, and booming industries, it is no surprise that Calvert County is also called the Jewel of the Chesapeake.
Many may not know that Calvert County is one of the many oldest counties in the United States, originally formed in 1654.
With its rich history and exceptional location—bound by the Chesapeake Bay and Patuxent River—many individuals flock to Calvert County for either long vacations or weekend getaways.
If you are planning to visit the county, here are the 15 best things to do in Calvert County, Maryland.
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Visit the edge of the county and see the shore that bounds the Chesapeake Bay at Calvert Cliffs State Park.
Known for its massive cliffs, this extraordinary state park is in Lusby.
This place is unique because it’s not like your typical parks with flowering plants and greeneries.
Instead, the Calvert Cliffs State Park features a beach, freshwater and tidal marshland, and fossils if you’re lucky to find one.
The cliffs at this park are thought to have been formed more than 10 or even 20 million years ago when the sea covered the whole southern portion of the state.
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Many archeologists frequent this area because the cliffs are known to have some of the remains of species from the prehistoric era, including whales, sharks, and seabirds as big as planes.
Break a sweat and hike the 13-mile trail in the park.
Picnic tables are also available for families if you prefer to hang out and relax.
On the other hand, if you want to try something more fun and exciting, go fossil hunting, fishing, or even hunting for rabbits and squirrels in the area.
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Situated in the picturesque city of Solomons is the Annmarie Sculpture Garden & Arts Center.
As one of the best cultural destinations in Calvert County, this institution features stunning sculptures scattered around the gardens.
Stroll about its quarter-mile trail as you check out the majestic sculptures and take memorable pictures with the works.
This center houses numerous works borrowed from the Smithsonian Institution and the National Gallery of Art.
Feast your eyes on some of the works of renowned artists such as Robert Engman, Antonio Tobias Mendez, and Francisco Zuniga.
Watch the remarkable exhibition space that rotates to show you all the angles of the works displayed.
They also offer numerous classes and programs to guests of all ages.
Learn how to dance, use proper pottery techniques, and engage with many other art forms.
The museum is an excellent choice for a family-friendly, educational outing.
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Come to the Calvert Marine Museum in Solomons, Maryland, and learn about the island’s maritime history.
Established in 1970, this museum strives to collect, study, preserve, and reflect Southern Maryland’s natural history and culture.
This is the best place to visit to learn more about the paleontology of the region, local estuarine life, and the area’s maritime heritage.
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The Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum tells the story of the bay through an impressive collection of artifacts, documents, photographs, and exhibits.
You’ll discover more about the creatures that inhabit the Chesapeake Bay, different fossils found all over the area, and the lives of the early settlers.
There is also a museum store where you can purchase items, like necklaces with a pendant resembling a shark’s tooth, which will make your visit something you’d never forget.
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After exploring the many sights Lusby in Calvert County has to offer, it’s time to relax and enjoy some delectable local wines.
Cove Point Winery is a boutique winery around 6 miles from Solomons Island.
Intending to generate wines so good that they might convert even non-wine drinkers, Cove Point Winery hosts wine-tasting events regularly.
Sample wines from a selection handpicked by their wine experts in these events.
You’ll surely enjoy unwinding after a long yet fun day with a glass of one of their specialty wines.
Cove Point Winery is a great place to hang out with your friends, get to know other wine connoisseurs, and expand your knowledge about tannins and wine acidity levels.
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Try your luck and search for shark teeth and many other fossils at Flag Ponds Nature Park.
Located in Lusby, the shores of this park used to be the stomping grounds of sharks and crocodiles eras ago.
With its history, many visitors visit this place and go fossil hunting, hoping to find a piece of prehistory along its shoreline.
It’s an excellent destination if you want to have a fun day in the sun with its many recreational activities around the area.
Aside from fossil hunting, go birdwatching and try to spot rare species hiding in the trees.
Or swim at the beach and then share a meal with family and friends at the picnic area.
If you want to relax, take a moment by yourself and sit by the beach as you feel the breeze and listen to the gentle lapping of the water.
This area is pet-friendly as well.
Delve into Calvert County’s rich and diverse history through the Calvert County Historical Society.
If you’re looking to learn more about the county and its residents, this is one of the best places to go.
Established in 1953, this facility houses a collection of documents, records, and data that reflect the history of Calvert County.
Visit their library, which offers at least 3,000 written accounts on various aspects of the county’s history.
Some documents focus on villages, local families, businesses, and newspapers of the past.
Further your knowledge about Calvert County and drop by this establishment!
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If you want more fun under the sun, spend a day at the Chesapeake Beach Water Park.
This water park is perfect for anyone looking to have fun in the sun and make lasting memories.
Just an hour away from Washington, DC, it’s the perfect getaway for families or groups of friends.
Feel the thrill as you slide down one of the six huge water slides installed right in the park.
If you prefer to chill, take a quick nap as you bob around the waters of their lazy lagoon.
That or bond with your kids as you splash with them around the kiddie pool.
Don’t worry about going hungry because restaurants serve delicious meals throughout the park.
If you find that one day isn’t enough, you can always check in at their hotel and continue having fun for the next few days!
If you’re looking for fresh produce, the Calvert County Farmers’ Market is the best place to source them.
This market assists local vendors by promoting local products and providing agricultural opportunities for all.
Purchase fresh goodies from farmers in the county when you visit this market!
The market is convenient for fresh fruits and vegetables while supporting family-owned farms and the local economy.
Check out some other unique items here and purchase some to take home.
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Cove Point Lighthouse is the ideal location if you’re interested in fishing.
First built in 1828, Cove Point Lighthouse is an operational lighthouse near the Chesapeake Bay.
With its remote location, this is a great place to visit to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.
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Although the actual lighthouse is off-limits, the spiral staircase allows visitors to look up at the area it leads toward.
The lighthouse itself is off-limits, but the keeper’s home next to it can be rented if you want to stay in the area for a few days.
Try fishing in the nearby waters or sitting by the shore while meditating and relaxing.
What better way to cap off a day of exploring and adventure than watching the sunset at Solomons Boat Ramp and Fishing Pier?
This pier offers panoramic views of the waters, making it the perfect place to watch the sun go down.
You might even be lucky to catch a glimpse of dolphins playing in the water!
If you’re looking for a place to rest and appreciate nature, this is the perfect spot.
The pier is also a great place to spend time with your significant other and bond with them.
After watching the sunset, you can also walk along the pier to get some fresh air.
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Explore the Chesapeake Bay and get an intimate look at its marine life through the interactive exhibits at the Calvert Marine Aquarium.
What sets this aquarium apart is its focus on the Chesapeake Bay ecology.
Learn all about the ecology and maritime history of the area from the aquarium’s various exhibits.
Take a gander at all the aquatic life displayed in the fifteen aquariums within the area.
From aquatic plants to marine animals, this place has got it all for you.
Witness sharks feeding and seahorses swimming around in their respective aquariums.
Also say hi to the sea otters, and if you’re lucky, watch them do some tricks with the other otters in the aquarium.
Southern Maryland Biergarten is the perfect place to relax and enjoy a refreshing beer at the end of a long, stressful day.
It’s an excellent location to sample regional craft beers with some fantastic company.
They have an extensive collection of draught and bottled beers manufactured by different businesses.
Whether you like your beer mild or strong, there is something here for you to enjoy.
With its breezy outdoor drinking area, this place is an excellent destination if you want to catch up with your friends or meet other beer enthusiasts.
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Get away from the stresses of city life and pay a visit to Kings Landing Park.
Situated along the breathtaking shore of Patuxent River, Kings Landing Park is another excellent place to escape your daily routine in the city.
The park is a great place to go kayaking, boating, and fishing because of its easy river access to its guests.
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If you have a stand-up paddleboard, check out the marshes that can be found right on the Patuxent River.
An equestrian facility and equestrian trail allow visitors to explore the park’s natural environment on horseback.
Bring the whole gang and have a picnic; pavilions are scattered all over the park.
Come see local wildlife in their natural habitat at Biscoe Gray Heritage Farm.
The farm can be described as a miniature Calvert County, representing most wildlife flora and fauna in the region.
With its rich cultural and natural resources, this is a great place for learning and taking in beautiful sights.
Some trails lead to woods filled with luscious greeneries and local animals.
Biscoe Gray Heritage Farm is a must-visit destination for all animal lovers and outdoor enthusiasts!
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Break a sweat while hiking at the near-surreal Battle Creek Cypress Swamp Sanctuary.
This natural area is the home of numerous bald cypress trees in Prince Frederick, Maryland.
It is also known to be what was once the home of mammoths more than 100,000 years ago.
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The swamp is known for its unique ecosystem, home to many rare and endangered plant and animal species.
Unique birds and many other animals around the area are just a click away from being uploaded to Instagram.
This is a great place to visit if you are into hiking or just love being around the beauty of nature.
Whether you’re a fan of hiking, fishing, or just spending time in the great outdoors, Calvert County will not disappoint you.
From stunning vistas to exciting outdoor adventures, this county has it all.
Add these 15 best things to do in Calvert County, Maryland as a part of your trip itinerary.
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