Discover Solomons: Water, Culture and Maritime History

Solomons is located where the Patuxent River flows into the Chesapeake Bay. This location shapes the character of the town just as much as its maritime past: In the 19th century, Solomons developed into a center for oyster fishing, boatbuilding and the seafood trade. Those looking for a vacation rental or holiday home can combine culture, water experiences and nature observation into a varied trip here.

Maritime History and Exhibitions

A prominent testament to the region’s history is the Drum Point Lighthouse. The lighthouse was built in 1883 and is one of only three remaining lighthouses of the original 45 lighthouses that once served the Chesapeake Bay. For visitors interested in cultural history, Solomons thus offers a tangible connection to the history of shipping and the bay.

The Chesapeake Biological Laboratory Visitor Center is located on the first floor of the historic Solomons House. There, you can see exhibitions on the health of the Chesapeake Bay and environmental research, as well as an aquarium with an oyster reef. There are no admission or exhibition fees for the Visitor Center. The Chesapeake Biological Laboratory also offers free, prearranged group tours that provide insights into its research work.

The Lore Oyster House is also one of the town’s notable historical points of reference. It was planned to be open to the public on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays. This information should be considered within the specified time frame when planning your visit.

Gardens, Art and Observations by the Water

The Annmarie Sculpture Garden & Arts Center combines art and landscape across a 50-acre site with sculptures and native gardens. The Arts Building has two galleries with rotating exhibitions and a Nature Nook. The Butterfly Garden covers approximately 4,800 square feet and contains more than 35 species of pollinator plants. This allows a visit to be tailored more toward art, garden spaces or nature observation, depending on your interests.

At the beginning of the Marsh Walk lies the River Otter Habitat at the Calvert Marine Museum. It includes an 8,000-gallon freshwater pool. The Solomons Island Boardwalk invites you to take a walk along the water with views of the expansive Patuxent River. Along the way, there is an opportunity to observe herring gulls, ospreys and various duck species.

Boat Trips and Activities on the Water

The Wm. B. Tennison offers one-hour sightseeing cruises through Solomons’ inner harbor. Those who want to get to know the area from the water can choose this clearly defined type of excursion. For more active plans, Scuba Center and Outdoor Rec in Solomons offers diving, snorkeling and stand-up paddleboarding, as well as diving courses and dive trips.

Solomons also has a boat ramp with a boat launch area, as well as a fishing and crabbing pier. These offerings appeal to different interests: The one-hour harbor cruise and the boardwalk walk are complemented by courses, dive trips and use of a boat ramp. When looking for a vacation rental in Solomons, it is therefore worthwhile to first decide whether culture, nature observation or water sports should be the main focus.

Festivals with Local Character

Several annual events mark special dates on the town calendar. Artsfest is a juried art festival at the Annmarie Sculpture Garden & Arts Center. The Solomons Dragon Boat Festival features dragon boat races on the Patuxent River, children’s activities, a vendor village and an awards ceremony. The annual Solomons Christmas Walk includes an illuminated Riverwalk, performances by local dance and choir groups, and a boat parade.

If you plan your trip around one of these events, you should check the relevant event date separately. Regardless, Solomons remains a versatile destination for finding accommodation thanks to its combination of a river mouth, maritime history, exhibitions, gardens and water activities. You can find additional destinations to compare at Chesapeake Beach, Prince Frederick and Lusby.

For the higher-level travel overview: Calvert County.