Things to Do in Solomans Island, Maryland

Solomons Island Things to Do

Located between the Patuxent River and the Chesapeake Bay, Solomons Island draws travelers with its natural beauty and family friendly atmosphere. Here are the top attractions and things to do there.

Calvert Marine Museum

The Calvert Marine Museum covers everything about southern Maryland. With exhibits on history, the economy, sea life, and local culture, there’s enough for several hours. If you have kids, be sure to take them to the Discovery Room. There are dress-up clothes and a place to look for sharks’ teeth. Also, be sure to check out the jaws of the local fossil shark.

Entry to the museum includes exhibits on the maritime Patuxent River, local fossils including Calvert Cliffs, estuarine biology of the area, demonstrations on oyster tonging, marsh walks, small craft handling, wood carving, and model building. There’s also an aquarium, which includes otters.

Drum Point Lighthouse

The Drum Point Lighthouse, which is a part of the Calvert Marine Museum experience, was moved from its original location in the Bay at Drum Point. It’s a classic Maryland-style lighthouse standing on tall steel poles. It affords the best views in town. It is a screwpile, cottage-type light. At one time there were 45 of these lighthouses that served the Chesapeake Bay at the beginning of the 20th century.

Patuxent River Naval Air Museum

The Patuxent River Naval Air Museum possesses Maryland’s largest collection of combat aircraft. It includes naval fighters, attack planes, reconnaissance planes, trainers, and others from the Korean War period to the present day. It even has mock-ups of the new Joint Strike Fighter. Inside are unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), models, uniforms, weapons, ejection seats, simulators, and other small items.

The Patuxent Riverwalk

The Indian name “Patuxent” means “at the little rapid” or “falls in a stream.” Here, the Patuxent River runs north to south and widens out to over a half mile across. The Riverwalk offers plenty of nice views. The Riverwalk extends from near the Thomas Johnson Bridge all the way down to the southern edge of town.

The Tiki Bar

The Tiki Bar is a Southern Maryland legend. Located on the shoulder of Charles Street, directly across the road from the harbor, it is seasonal from April through October. Open on three sides and extending to a backyard “village” with picnic tables, a sandy “beach” and various shops, the Tiki blends up the best (strongest) drinks on the island. There is sometimes a BBQ stand open, but eat first, just in case.

There’s no band, TV, video games, pool table, or darts, just a view of the water. The crowd trends younger. Weekend afternoons bring out a comfortably large crowd, and Saturday nights the customers almost spill out onto Charles Street. Be aware that the later the hour, the rowdier the crowd (and a heavier police presence). There is an Island Shuttle bus that will get you home safely; ask your hotel about it.

Learn About Marine Life

While you are visiting the museum, lighthouse, and other attractions, be sure to examine local marine life, both inside and out. Aside from the indoor aquariums, there is an outdoor marine walk over the shallow waters near the boat basin.

Excursions and Other Fun

On some days, the Tennison tour boat takes visitors on narrated excursions. Also, there are opportunities to ride bugeyes and other boats. When you are at the museum, inquire about the available excursions.

Editor’s Note: The information contained on this page was compiled using real traveler reviews about things to do in Soloman’s Island.