Explore Maryland: Prince Frederick || Calvert Cliffs State Park || Soloman’s Island
I have lived in Maryland now for about 10+ years. This was my first time ever in Calvert County, and I regret that so much. It was such a pretty place to spend the day. The drive from Baltimore was about 1.5-2 hours depending on some of the traffic you could hit while passing through the DC surrounding area. I left around 12:30 pm on a Saturday, and I can honestly say it wasn’t too bad. I do, however, recommend leaving early in the morning so that you have the time to explore around. Driving from destination to destination can sometimes take up to 20 minutes as everything is relatively spread out here.
To kick start the day I stopped at a coffee shop located inside of a church called The Lobby. They serve breakfast lunch and dinner, but do pay attention to the hours because they appear to be seasonal. The place also hosts event nights and even has a small stage in the corner for musicians to perform. I chose an iced vanilla chai latte (because, fall) and it was delicious and refreshing. Although I didn’t get anything to eat, this place has phenomenal reviews, so I highly recommend checking it out and if you decide to stop here before the park, take some food to go and have a picnic (like an actual picnic).
Check out my unicorn nails (I’m obsessed)! Got them done at Venetian Nails and Spa in Elkridge, MD.
My first destination was Calvert Cliffs State Park. It’s about a 20 minute drive up the road from the coffee shop. Bring cash because there is a small fee of $5.00 to enter the park. The ranger at the entrance gate was incredibly nice and told me exactly where to park, and exactly how to get to the beach. Once you’ve parked and are ready to embark on your adventure walk towards the trail map. There are several trails that are available for hiking, all very well labeled. I believe the Red Trail is the only trail that leads directly to the beach. It’s well labeled all the way through, so it’s nearly impossible to get lost.
My best advice to you whether you decide to take this trip alone, with a significant other, family, or friends is to take brief stops along the hike to the beach. Take it all in, look around, look down, look up. The scenery is breath taking. There are small waterfalls, a beaver damn, and an enormous marsh.
Unfortunately, I did not get to see any furry creatures along the way, but the lady at the front who checked me in informed me that when it’s sunny the snakes do tend to come out, so if you go during nice weather make sure you don’t step on any of the little guys! (I didn’t seen any of them either).
I have to admit that the marshlands were one of my favorite views during my hike. Also, once you start to pass this you are almost to the beach!
Alas! I made it! Unfortunately, when I went the cliffs were closed to the public due to rainfall and falling debris from the woods (although there were a few people over there anyway, so I badassed and joined to get these shots). Do so at your own risk. The scenery here is incredible. I cannot stress it enough.
Calvert Cliffs is home to so many fossils. If you walk along the beach be sure to do some beach combing because there are lots of hidden treasures beneath the sand, including sharks teeth! I tried to find some but I really recommend bringing some sort of sifter if you’re really determined because I spent 1.5 hours here trying to scoop one up and was unsuccessful. I did find some really pretty rocks and sea shells though!
I spent a lot of my day here combing the beach, and also met some really cool people while I was here. A man took his time to explain to me how to spot sharks teeth, the best spots to find them, and other various tips. Shark teeth are going to be darker in color, so while you’re on the hunt keep an eye out for black/dark grey particles in the sand. They’re serrated and have a clear flat end at the root, typically pointed and triangular in shape. Hopefully you’ll have more luck (and patience) than I.
I wanted to get the kayak out on the water before the sun set so I headed out and made my way up to Hallowing Point in Prince Frederick (about a 20 minute drive from the cliffs). I was lucky enough to catch the sun set here. Please do this at least once.
I mean seriously, look at that view. The boat launching dock is open from sunrise to sunset and there were lots of friendly people here boating around. (In fact, I got my kayak stuck in the shore trying to get out into the water and was met with quite a few claps and cheers once I was off. Not embarrassing at all. The support was there though).
After the sun set I made my way over to Soloman’s Island to meet up with a friend for dinner. There is a boardwalk here right along the bay. We watched the sun set completely here before grabbing food.
We chose to eat a restaurant called “The Pier“. It’s right on the water, and all of the bar seating is seat yourself. No matter where you choose you are surrounded by the bay and even in the dark the location is perfect for a quiet end to the evening. (Food here is great too by the way). I started off with a Moscow Mule, one of the best I’ve had in quite a while and reasonably priced, and had the lobster roll. I have zero complaints and cleaned my plate, and hey, they also do brunch (Hello Sunday Funday).
Long story short, this was a fantastic way to spend the Saturday, I didn’t spend more than $40.00, and I will definitely be back while I still live close enough to visit. If I’d done anything differently, I would have left much earlier. There are many stores in the area that I would have loved to visit, and there was an ice cream shop on the boardwalk that seemed to be a huge hit. Give yourself time here! It’s a great location and wasn’t overcrowded like a lot of other top tier beachy areas in Maryland. I’m quite impressed.
Until next time guys! Keep an eye out for my next post where I will be covering all things fall day trip!
-C
