St. Mary's City Travel Guide

Plan a trip to St. Mary's City with our comprehensive guide. Discover the best things to do, see, and eat, and learn about the history and culture of this charming Southern Maryland town.


Introduction to St. Mary’s City

St. Mary’s City is a historic town in Southern Maryland that was once the capital of Maryland. Founded in 1634, it is one of the oldest settlements in the United States and has a rich history that is reflected in its well-preserved architecture and museums. St. Mary’s City is also known for its natural beauty, with a picturesque waterfront overlooking the Chesapeake Bay.

In this comprehensive travel guide, we will cover all the essentials of planning a trip to St. Mary’s City. From the best things to do and see in the town to the local food and drink scene and where to stay, this guide has all the information you need to make the most of your trip.

List of Places to Visit in St. Mary’s City

Here is a list of the must-visit attractions and sites in St. Mary’s City:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • St. Mary’s College of Maryland: One of the top liberal arts colleges in the U.S. founded in 1840 by the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth
  • St. Mary’s City Historic District: Explore living history exhibits and demonstrations of period trades and crafts on the original site of Maryland’s first capital
  • The Maryland Dove: A 17th-century square-rigged sailing vessel that will transport you to the colonial era
  • The Patuxent River Naval Air Museum: Featuring exhibits on the history of naval aviation and the contributions of the US Navy Test Pilot School, it also houses a variety of historic aircraft not found anywhere else.

Natural Attractions of St. Mary’s City: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • St. Clement’s Island State Park: A beautiful island with wildlife, fishing, swimming and hiking options
  • St. Mary’s River State Park: Hike the trails and take in the beautiful scenery of this protected wilderness area
  • Piney Point Lighthouse Museum & Historic Park: Explore a historic lighthouse and maritime museum, with a variety of educational exhibits on local maritime history

Hiking/Biking Routes of St. Mary’s City

There are many places to hike, bike, and enjoy the great outdoors in St. Mary’s City. Here are a few recommended routes:

  • St. Mary’s River State Park (Parkers Creek Trail): A 2.5-mile trail that takes you through beautiful scenic vistas and wooded areas.
  • St. Clement’s Island State Park (Kayak Launch): Take a kayak trip around St. Clement’s Island and explore the Chesapeake Bay shoreline
  • St. Mary’s River State Park (The Devil’s Den Nature Trail) A challenging 3.5-mile trail with great views and wildlife sightings.

Best Things to Do in St. Mary’s City: Activities and Tours

St. Mary’s City offers visitors a range of activities and tours. Here are some of the top options:

  • Historic Trolley Tours: Get a guided tour of the town’s historic sites and learn about the colonial and maritime history of St. Mary’s City
  • Wine Tasting at Port of Leonardtown Winery: Tour the local winery and sample some of the best wines produced in Southern Maryland
  • Ghost Tours of St. Mary’s City: Explore the town’s spookier side on a guided ghost tour of local haunts and historical sites.

Week-Long Itinerary for St. Mary’s City

Here is a suggested itinerary for a week-long visit to St. Mary’s City:

Day Activity
1 Explore St. Mary’s City Historic District and visit St. Mary’s College of Maryland
2 Take a trolley tour of the town and visit The Maryland Dove
3 Spend the day at St. Clement’s Island and do some fishing
4 Visit the Piney Point Lighthouse Museum & Historic Park
5 Take a kayak tour and paddle around St. Mary’s River State Park
6 Do a wine tasting tour at the Port of Leonardtown Winery
7 Take in a Ghost Tour of St. Mary’s City and get spooked!

Food and Drink Scene of St. Mary’s City

When it comes to food and drink, St. Mary’s City has plenty of options. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Crab Cakes: Made with local Maryland crabs, these are a staple dish of the Chesapeake region
  • Oysters: Freshly-shucked oysters harvested from the nearby bay waters, often served raw or fried
  • Cream of Crab Soup: A rich and flavorful soup made with fresh cream and chunks of crab meat.

Local Beverages

  • Port of Leonardtown Winery: Sample a range of award-winning wines at this local winery, specializing in local varietals such as Chambourcin and Vidal Blanc
  • Beer at the Green Door Tavern: This quaint pub offers a variety of craft beers and bar food, making it a popular haunt for locals
  • Brewed by Gaudreau: The best coffee shop in St. Mary’s City also offers Kombucha and Home Made syrups.

Where to Stay in St. Mary’s City: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

St. Mary’s City has a range of accommodation options to suit all budgets. Here are some of the best:

  • The Inn at Brome Howard: A charming bed and breakfast located right on the water, with stunning views of the bay
  • Camp Merryelande: A great option for families and groups looking for a waterfront camping experience.
  • The Patuxent River Suite: A luxurious suite located on the third floor of the former US Naval Test Pilot School.

What to Buy in St. Mary’s City: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

When it comes to souvenirs, St. Mary’s City has plenty to offer. Here are some local products to bring back home:

  • St. Mary’s County Blue Crabs: Take home fresh, locally harvested blue crabs from one of the many seafood markets in town
  • Handmade Pottery: Local artisans make beautiful pottery inspired by the colonial traditions of the area
  • St. Mary’s County Wine: Buy a bottle of wine from Port of Leonardtown Winery to savor the flavors of Southern Maryland.

Local Culture and Customs of St. Mary’s City

St. Mary’s City has a rich history and culture. Visitors are encouraged to respect the town’s historic sites and landmarks and learn about the local customs and traditions.

Best Time to Visit St. Mary’s City

The best time to visit St. Mary’s City is between March-June and late September-November, when the weather is mild, and the crowds are smaller.

Do’s and Don’ts of St. Mary’s City

Do:

  • Respect the town’s historic sites and landmarks
  • Explore local food and drink options
  • Take part in outdoor activities and tours offered in St. Mary’s City

Don’t:

  • Litter or damage public property
  • Ignore local customs and etiquette
  • Disrespect the town’s residents and community members.

Safety and Health

Safety in St. Mary’s City

St. Mary’s City is generally a safe place for visitors. However, it is always important to take the necessary precautions, such as:

  • Not leaving valuables in parked cars or unattended in public places
  • Using common sense when exploring the town at night or in unfamiliar areas.

Health in St. Mary’s City

St. Mary’s City has a variety of health resources available to visitors, including hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies.

Getting to St. Mary’s City: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near St. Mary’s City

The closest airports to St. Mary’s City are the Reagan National Airport in Washington, D.C. (approximately 70 miles north) and the Baltimore-Washington International (BWI) airport in Baltimore, Maryland (approximately 75 miles north).

Bus Stations Near St. Mary’s City

Greyhound Bus Lines and Maryland Transit Lines both provide bus services to St. Mary’s City.

Other Options

Driving is the most convenient way to get to St. Mary’s City, and visitors can also take advantage of car rental services in the area.

How to Get Around in St. Mary’s City

The best way to get around St. Mary’s City is by car or bike, although there are also public transit options available. Bicycle and scooter rentals are also offered in town.

Where to Go Next from St. Mary’s City: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

There are many nearby destinations that are worth a visit after St. Mary’s City. Here are a few suggestions:

  • Solomons Island: Just 23 miles from St. Mary’s City, this picturesque island is known for its gorgeous views and for being a major historic site
  • Leonardtown: A charming town located just 10 miles from St. Mary’s City, with great local shops, restaurants, and art galleries.
  • Point Lookout State Park: A breathtaking park and beach with great hiking and swimming options, located just 30 miles from St. Mary’s City.

Conclusion

St. Mary’s City is a charming and historically significant town that is well worth a visit. From exploring the local history and culture to experiencing the great outdoors and trying delicious local dishes, there is something for everyone in this Southern Maryland gem.