In 1634, the Ark and the Dove, two small wooden English ships, sailed up the Chesapeake Bay and arrived at St. Clement’s Island where 140 settlers stepped ashore and established the colony of Maryland.

Here, in Southern Maryland, amid the natural beauty of thick woods, colorful wildflower fields and the magnificent estuary formed by the Potomac and Patuxent rivers, the settlers established a vibrant community that reflected freedom and tolerance.

Southern Maryland is a tidewater wonderland. Gaze out at noble lighthouses, search for fossils along quiet beaches. Stroll through waterfront villages. Hike along woodland, riverside and cypress-swamp trails. Bike across wide-open spaces. If you’re a boater, you’ve found paradise. If you’re a seafood lover, you’ll be overwhelmed. The story of Maryland begins here – and so can your visit.

County Tourism Offices:

Calvert County Dept. of Economic Development
175 Main Street
Prince Frederick, MD 20678
1-800-331-9771
www.ecalvert.com

Charles County Government
PO Box 2150; 200 Baltimore Street
La Plata, MD 20646
800-766-3386
www.thenationsbackyard.com  

St. Mary's County Department of Economic & Community Development
PO Box 653; 23115 Leonard Hall Drive
Leonardtown, MD 20650
301-475-4200 X1404
www.visitstmarysmd.com