Boating Destination | Solomons, Maryland

Solomons - The Jewel of the Patuxent River

This small but happenin’ point of land at the mouth of the Patuxent River was largely undeveloped until Baltimore businessman Isaac Solomon saw its potential. Solomon recognized its proximity to the popular, deep-water harbor off Drum Point, and by 1868 he had constructed an oyster cannery with employee housing, a wharf, lime kiln and marine railway. Soon shipyards, grocers, chandleries and other services sprouted up to support the new town and its fishing fleet. While Solomon eventually failed as a businessman, he established Solomons Island’s reputation as a boating center.

In addition to its proud heritage as a center for Chesapeake watermen, Solomons was home to America’s first naval amphibious training base. More than 68,000 men were trained at this base between 1942 and 1945. Many of them took part in World War II landings throughout the Pacific-including at the Solomons Islands. The Harbor at Solomons, a condominium complex, now occupies the former site of the base.

Solomons is the home of the Calvert Marine Museum, the Annmarie Garden Sculpture Park and the Chesapeake Biological Laboratory. The town is also just a nice place to go enjoy some seafood and the waterfront setting.

Things to See & Do

Calvert Marine Museum – Permanent exhibits include 20 million-year-old fossilized shark teeth, a tank of playful otters, and various art dedicated to the sea. The museum also offers seasonal events such as the Waterside Music Festival, Sharkfest, and River Appreciation. To learn about Solomons and the Patuxent River from the water, head to the museum dock and take a cruise aboard the Wm. B. Tennison, a bugeye built in 1899.

Annmarie Sculpture Garden & Arts Center – The sculpture garden features a 1/4 mile walking path that meanders through the woods past permanent and loaned sculpture, including over thirty works on loan from the Smithsonian Institution and the National Gallery of Art. Artists in the collection include: Antonio Tobias Mendez, Barbara Hepworth, Cesar, Robert Engman, Jean Arp, Kenneth Snelson and Fransisco Zuniga. The award-winning Arts Building includes rotating exhibition space, a gift shop, and a sunny patio. Annmarie presents a variety of popular annual festivals, rotating exhibitions, family activities, and creative public programs. The Studio School offers classes for all ages and abilities – from pottery to dance – taught by professional artists and arts educators.

Chesapeake Biological Laboratory – A marine science laboratory located a little beyond the southern end of the boardwalk. It is the oldest state-supported marine laboratory on the East Coast of the U.S. It was founded in 1925 in a small waterman’s shack by Dr. Reginald V. Truitt and is part of the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science. Their welcome center is open to visitors Friday through Sunday.

Calvert Cliffs State Park – This cliffside recreation area is on a sandy beach & offers hiking trails, fossil hunting & fishing.

Patuxent Adventure Center – Make your visit an active one by spending some time with the Patuxent Adventure Center, where you can rent bikes and kayaks or head out on a guided paddling tour.

Solomons - The Jewel of the Patuxent River

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Things to See & Do

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