St. Mary’s County, MarylandSt. Mary’s County Local Guide
Enjoy the Area
Find a new favorite walk, spend an afternoon with local history, or make room for an everyday stop. 16 places to get to know St. Mary’s County.
3 ways to explore
Time Outdoors
Parks, trails and places to pause
St. Mary’s River State Park
Explore St. Mary’s Lake between Leonardtown and Great Mills, where a 7.5 mile multi use trail circles the water. The lake area also includes picnic tables, a playground and boat launch facilities.
Before You Go Use Site 1 on Camp Cosoma Road for the lake, and bring a card for the automated entry gate. Site 2 is separate, largely undeveloped wildlands with managed hunting areas.
Official Visitor Information for St. Mary’s River State Park (opens in a new tab)
Point Lookout State Park
Explore a waterfront peninsula between the Chesapeake Bay and Potomac River, with beach picnic areas and a history shaped by a Civil War prison camp. The park’s official page explains access to its lighthouse, museum and other facilities.
Before You Go Reserve day use entry for summer weekends and holidays. Confirm museum and lighthouse access separately from park hours.
Official Visitor Information for Point Lookout State Park (opens in a new tab)
Leonardtown Wharf Public Park
Spend time by Breton Bay at this waterfront public park below Leonardtown’s town square. Landscaped grounds and a brick paved compass rose give the wharf its own character.
Before You Go Fishing and crabbing are not permitted at the wharf, so plan this stop for waterfront walking and relaxing.
Official Visitor Information for Leonardtown Wharf Public Park (opens in a new tab)
Greenwell State Park
Explore Greenwell’s marked trails for a walk or bicycle outing beside the Patuxent River. Managed with the Greenwell Foundation, the park combines open space, woodland routes and accessible outdoor recreation programs.
Before You Go Use the park address on Rosedale Manor Lane rather than its Scotland mailing address. Check the current service charge before visiting. The park uses an honor system payment.
Official Visitor Information for Greenwell State Park (opens in a new tab)
Myrtle Point Waterfront Park
Follow the park’s wooded trail network or settle into a picnic beside the Patuxent River. Myrtle Point offers a shoreline focused outing with several walking routes, river views and a beach, without requiring an on water trip.
Before You Go Check seasonal vehicle access rules before driving over: winter access is walk in only. There are no lifeguards at the beach.
Official Visitor Information for Myrtle Point Waterfront Park (opens in a new tab)
St. Clement’s Island State Park
Reach St. Clement’s Island by boat for a change of pace from mainland parks. A walking trail and picnic pavilion provide a simple island outing in the Potomac River, with the landscape also marking an important site in Maryland’s colonial history.
Before You Go Access is by boat or water taxi only. Call 301 769 2222 to confirm service and weather before traveling. The mainland museum is closed for reconstruction through 2026, separate from the island park and water taxi.
Official Visitor Information for St. Clement’s Island State Park (opens in a new tab)More to Explore1 More Place to Discover
Three Notch Trail
Charlotte Hall and Mechanicsville Area Walking & CyclingChoose an open section of the Three Notch Trail for a walk or bicycle ride on the county’s former railroad corridor. The northern route connects the Charlotte Hall and Mechanicsville area, with access around John V. Baggett Park in Laurel Grove.
History & Culture
Art, heritage and local stories
Historic St. Mary’s City
Discover Maryland’s first capital through a museum landscape shaped by archaeological research. Living history exhibits explore colonial life and Yaocomaco history, while the Maryland Dove connects the site to the colony’s maritime story.
Before You Go Begin at the Visitor Center for tickets, and confirm seasonal living history and ship access before planning around either.
Official Visitor Information for Historic St. Mary’s City (opens in a new tab)
Piney Point Lighthouse Museum & Historic Park
Visit a restored lighthouse beside the Potomac River and explore exhibits about lighthouse keepers and local maritime life. The historic park also has a riverside boardwalk and picnic area.
Before You Go Begin at the museum for visitor information and a guide. Lighthouse climbing is staff accompanied during museum operations.
Official Visitor Information for Piney Point Lighthouse Museum & Historic Park (opens in a new tab)
Patuxent River Naval Air Museum
Explore naval aviation’s testing and development story through indoor exhibits and an outdoor collection of aircraft. The museum is in Lexington Park, outside the naval air station.
Before You Go If a flight simulator ride is a priority, plan around its separate operating schedule rather than general museum hours.
Official Visitor Information for Patuxent River Naval Air Museum (opens in a new tab)
Historic Sotterley
Explore a former plantation where historic buildings and interpretation address the site’s complex history and legacy of slavery. Gardens and nature trails add an outdoor dimension to the visit.
Before You Go Confirm seasonal guided tour and indoor exhibit availability, plus restroom access before a winter visit.
Official Visitor Information for Historic Sotterley (opens in a new tab)
Tudor Hall
Visit Tudor Hall, the historic home of the St. Mary’s County Historical Society, for a closer look at Leonardtown’s past. House tours and the society’s research collections offer distinct ways to explore the county’s people, places and family stories.
Before You Go The society lists tours Wednesday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Research hours start later, and Saturday research visits require an appointment. Confirm availability before making a special trip.
Official Visitor Information for Tudor Hall (opens in a new tab)
St. Francis Xavier Church at Newtowne
Visit St. Francis Xavier Church at Newtowne to see a historic church whose surviving structure began in 1731. The parish welcomes visitors to this active place of worship, offering a quiet connection to the long history of Newtowne Neck.
Before You Go The parish lists daily visitor hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visit respectfully around services and private ceremonies. The nearby Newtowne Manor restoration does not imply public interior access.
Official Visitor Information for St. Francis Xavier Church at Newtowne (opens in a new tab)Libraries & Community
Everyday places to learn and connect
Leonardtown Library
Visit the Leonardtown library on Hayden Farm Lane for reading and creative exploration. The branch includes a makerspace and an art gallery, adding local art and opportunities for hands on learning to a library visit.
Before You Go Check the makerspace’s own open hours and equipment use requirements before planning a project.
Official Visitor Information for Leonardtown Library (opens in a new tab)
Lexington Park Library & Makerspace
Visit Lexington Park Library for reading and community learning, or plan a session in its dedicated makerspace. Equipment includes sewing stations, 3D printers and a memory lab, offering practical ways to explore creative tools and new skills.
Before You Go Makerspace hours differ from general library hours. Review the equipment rules and material charges before bringing a project.
Official Visitor Information for Lexington Park Library & Makerspace (opens in a new tab)More to Explore1 More Place to Discover
Wellness & Aquatics Center
Leonardtown Community RecreationThe county’s Wellness & Aquatics Center brings indoor swimming and fitness activities to the College of Southern Maryland’s Leonardtown campus. A competition pool, warm water pool, training room and group studios support different kinds of recreation, with daily entrance options as well as memberships.
Check the official websites for current access, reservations, fees and seasonal operations before visiting. Destination information reviewed .
General information to help you find the right starting point. Requirements, eligibility, service areas, and application processes can change. Confirm details with the office or provider serving your exact address. Official links open in a new tab. Found a broken link or a changed office? Contact LizyTylerCo and include “St. Mary’s County Guide,” the link name, and what happened. Return to All Resources.