Calvert County lies along the western shore of the Chesapeake Bay and also borders the Patuxent River. Shoreline fossils, wetlands and forest trails offer different perspectives on nature; museums and historic sites reveal traces of the railroad and oyster industries, as well as archaeological sites. These varied discoveries offer a way to explore the landscape and its history.
Fossils, Cliffs and Wetlands
The cliffs of Calvert Cliffs State Park shape the Chesapeake Bay shoreline for approximately 24 miles in Calvert County. Fossil hunting is possible on the open beach at the end of the Red Trail; the beach is about 1.8 miles from the parking lot. The area below the cliffs is closed because of the risk of landslides.
At Flag Ponds Nature Park, sandy beach, freshwater ponds and the wooded heights of Calvert Cliffs come together. Shark teeth and other Miocene fossils can be found along the shore. A short trail, about half a mile long, leads to the sandy beach. The two parks offer different ways to find your way to the shore: at Flag Ponds, a short trail leads to the water; at Calvert Cliffs State Park, the Red Trail leads to the open beach—with the closed area beneath the cliffs as an important boundary.
A different natural setting can be found at the 100-acre Battle Creek Cypress Swamp Sanctuary. It lies at the northernmost boundary of the bald cypress’s natural range in the United States. A boardwalk about a quarter mile long leads through the wetland, where you can hear frogs and songbirds calling. The trail offers a short route through a protected swamp, while the shoreline parks focus on beaches and fossils.
Oysters, Archaeology and Exhibits
The restored Lore Oyster House is a 1934 seafood packing house designated a National Historic Landmark. Its exhibits show the oyster-processing sequence in a clear, step-by-step way: from receiving oysters at the dock through storage, shucking, washing and packing to shipment to regional markets. The history comes to life through each stage of the work, not just through a historic building.
The paleontology exhibit at the Calvert Marine Museum features original fossils from the Miocene deposits of Calvert Cliffs. The museum also offers a Fossil Field Experience through its education department. The exhibit and this program offer different perspectives: one features original specimens in a museum exhibit, while the other offers a fossil experience as part of the educational program.
The Patterson Archeological and Historic District encompasses 512 acres and includes a representative selection of archaeological sites from prehistoric and historic times. These sites are characteristic of upland and lowland use in the Chesapeake Bay tidal region. At the Woodland Indian Village, an interactive exhibit presents the lives of Indigenous peoples more than 400 years ago; a paved trail leads there from the parking lot.
Jefferson Patterson Park and Museum encompasses more than 500 acres along the Patuxent River and has several miles of trails. The Layers of Time Trail is fully ADA accessible. The park, trails and exhibit offer distinct ways to explore history: archaeological sites, a presentation of earlier life, and a named trail with designated accessibility.
Trails, Art and Regional History
Annmarie Sculpture Garden offers a shaded path through the woods, passing permanently installed and loaned sculptures. The Studio School at Annmarie Sculpture Garden & Arts Center offers classes for all ages and abilities, from pottery to dance. You can encounter art there both along the trail and through the classes on offer.
The Chesapeake Beach Railway Trail follows part of the former railroad line. From the trail, there are views of Fishing Creek and the surrounding marshes and woodlands; the route also includes two bridges and several boardwalks. The Chesapeake Beach Railway Museum preserves the history of the railroad and the Chesapeake Bay resort town through its exhibits. Chesapeake Beach Railway Station was built in 1898 for the Washington and Chesapeake Railway Company and is significant for its connection to Calvert County’s transportation and economic history.
The Calvert Barn Quilt Trail features hand-painted wooden quilt squares on barns and buildings throughout the county. For more outdoor experiences, the American Chestnut Land Trust offers guided hikes, canoe trips and events year-round. More than 26 miles of hiking trails are available to the public free of charge every day of the year. There are also countywide access points for hand-carried boats and boats with trailers.
Discover More Destinations
Prince Frederick, Solomons, Chesapeake Beach, Lusby
Discover more destinations: Kent County, Frederick, Saint Mary's County, Montgomery.
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