August 05, 2025
Content sponsored by
Alyssa Reeves/Visit St. Mary's MD
A relaxing sunset over Pier450 boutique motel and restaurant.
Just a few hours from Philadelphia, St. Mary’s County, Maryland feels like a world away — a peaceful, waterfront escape where fresh seafood, scenic beauty, and small-town charm come together in one affordable package. With over 500 miles of shoreline, vibrant local culture, and a rich historical legacy, it’s the kind of destination that delivers the full experience of a summer vacation without the sky-high price tag, any time of the year.
Whether you’re planning a romantic weekend, a family adventure, or just some much-needed time away, St. Mary’s offers all the right ingredients: accessible lodging, low-cost outdoor activities, walkable towns, and unforgettable views.
Life in St. Mary’s County is shaped by the water. Bordered by the Chesapeake Bay and the Potomac and Patuxent rivers, the county offers more than 500 miles of shoreline and some of the most scenic views in Maryland. It’s a place where you can paddleboard along quiet inlets, cast off from a local marina, or relax with a drink at a dockside table.
An aerial drone photo of St. Clement’s Island with Blackistone Lighthouse.
Dining in St. Mary’s County means enjoying the bounty of the Chesapeake Bay, where fresh-caught oysters, blue crabs, and rockfish are served up in everything from laid-back dock bars to refined waterfront eateries. Local chefs highlight seasonal ingredients and time-honored traditions. From waterfront restaurants and fine dining experiences to charming bakeries and mom-and-pop delis, St. Mary's has cuisine to satisfy everyone's palette.
One of the best places to experience this vibrant food scene is Leonardtown, a walkable hub of activity. Explore galleries, tasting rooms, shops, and restaurants all within a few blocks. Visitors can also enjoy regular live music and seasonal festivals. It’s also a stop on the St. Mary's Craft Beverage Trail, where you can sample local wines, spirits, and brews.
Two friends enjoying a morning coffee at Social Coffeehouse & Cocktail Bar.
Plan your visit around one of the county’s annual signature events. At the U.S. Oyster Festival, held each October, is a celebration of seafood, where you can try oysters every which way. The Taste of St. Mary’s, typically held in September, lets you explore dozens of local eateries and tasting rooms in one walkable location. And if cars are your thing, the Haltech World Cup Finals bring non-stop drag racing action to the area each fall, with one ticket granting you access to days of high-speed thrills.
Nature lovers will feel right at home in St. Mary’s. The county’s state and local parks offer miles of hiking trails, kayak launches, and picnic spots — all with minimal crowds and low or no entry fees. Parks like St. Mary’s River State Park and Greenwell State Park provide a peaceful counterpoint to the area’s waterfront towns, especially during the week when the trails are quiet and the views feel like your own private retreat.
An energetic woman kayaking along McIntosh Run from Port of Leonardtown Winery.
St. Mary’s County is where Maryland began. As the site of the state’s first colonial capital and a key region in America’s early settlement, it offers visitors a unique chance to experience U.S. history where it happened. Explore Historic St. Mary’s City, walk in the footsteps of freedom seekers on the Underground Railroad Network to Freedom, and visit the site of Maryland's birthplace on St. Clement's Island.
With a wide range of accommodations — from waterfront inns and hotels to budget-friendly vacation rentals, RV parks, and scenic campgrounds — St. Mary’s County makes it easy to stay your way. Rates are often lower than those found in more commercial beach towns, and many properties offer direct access to the water or charming downtowns.
With natural beauty, flavorful food, rich history, and a welcoming pace, St. Mary’s County proves that you don’t have to go far or spend much to enjoy a full vacation experience. It’s affordable. It’s accessible. It’s authentic. It's the destination for you. Plan your visit at VisitStMarysMD.com
