Lesser-Known Beaches of Southern Maryland
Visiting State Parks of St. Mary’s County, Chesapeake Bay
Jul 12, 2009
St. Mary’s County offers charming beaches and relaxing state parks with a variety of activities for the more adventurous, and those who are just looking to lie around and enjoy the sunshine.
Point Lookout State Park
On the southernmost tip of St. Mary’s County, Pt. Lookout State Park is a humble beach with historical roots dating back to the Civil War. Encompassing the peninsula created by the Potomac River and the beautiful Chesapeake Bay, the eastern shore is designated for fishing, while the western coastline is a sandy swimming beach.
The swimming area boasts the park’s “hammock beach,” although on busy weekends and holidays, it may be difficult to get a spot. These times also have the potential to block patrons from entrance altogether, as it is not unheard of that the park will fill to capacity and visitors will have to wait or leave. Prices are also higher at $5.00 per person on these days, whereas the cost is $3 per vehicle on weekdays.
There is a playground, clean facilities and a camp store which offers boat rentals and fishing licenses. The park also has an educational component. Its history as a prisoner-of-war camp is evident through its interpretational exhibits and historic landmarks such as Fort Lincoln, still standing within the park borders. Families can visit the memorial cemetery dedicated to the more than 52,000 Confederate soldiers who were imprisoned there in the 1800s, or tour the Civil War Museum and Marshland Nature Center.
The lighthouse at Point Lookout has been noted as one of the most haunted on the eastern shore, and it is definitely worth a look whether or not ghosts spook the visitors. To really find out whether the park is haunted, families can stay the night or longer. Camping is available at the park and prices can be found on the Dept. of Natural Resources website.
Greenwell State Park
Greenwell State Park, located in Hollywood, Md., has a smaller beach on the banks of the Patuxent River that is secluded from the major boat traffic. This is a perfect beach for families with small children who still have trouble holding their balance in the waves. Kids can keep their eyes peeled for shrimp, crabs and jellyfish in the salty water.
The park also offers numerous other outdoor activities for the family for a modest fee of $3.00 per car. Ten miles of well-groomed hiking and biking trails are perfect for the more adventurous, and the park also maintains boat docks for small vessels and kayaks, however, boats are not available to rent.
Families can also explore the historic Rosedale Manor, originally built in 1880, and it grounds, which offer a spectacular view of the scenic river and a Victorian rose garden. For more historical and educational fun, take the short trip up the road to the Sotterly Plantation, built in 1703, and learn about this mansion that was once a school and continues providing quality environmental education programs.
Great Beach Get-Aways
When visiting southern Maryland for the weekend or just the day, be wary that it is not a typical tourist excursion. The parks are not conveniently adjacent to grocery or convenience stores, so be prepared to bring a picnic-type lunch to either destination.
Southern Maryland not only has calm and quiet parks, charming small beaches and educational outings, but it also has Amish farm markets and flea markets. For a family weekend or just a solitary day, St. Mary’s County has something for every mood.
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