The Solomons-based museum and its marine life exhibits, paleontology gallery and lighthouse make for a family-friendly day trip that feels like a true vacation.
By Micaela Williamson
Located roughly 75 to 90 minutes from the greater D.C. metro area, the Calvert Marine Museum makes for a day trip that feels like a full-blown vacation. The museum is a world-class facility packed with marine life exhibits, a paleontology gallery and tons of hands-on activities that museum spokesperson Traci Cimini says “promises fun for all members of the family.” Outside, you can meander down the marsh walk, view exhibits featuring historic small watercraft, climb the Drum Point Lighthouse and take a relaxing river cruise on the William B. Tennison.
What to check out at the museum:
Discovery Room: Kids can pretend to live by the sea by clambering up the lighthouse replica or getting behind the wheel of a sailboat. Museum guides help visitors explore a touch tank filled with creatures such as horse crabs, starfish and prickly sea urchins.
Estuarine Biology Gallery: Discover the diverse population of the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries by encountering different species of fish, mollusks, water snakes, jellyfish and even chain dogfish sharks. Special “Maker Space Carts” invite young visitors to play games and create crafts as they learn more about animals in the Chesapeake Bay.
Maritime History Gallery: Dive into the past by viewing artifacts, exhibits and boats dating as far back as the Patuxent Native American tribes all the way through 1970s race boats.
Paleontology Gallery: Even Ross Geller would be impressed with the collection of native fossils, mulitmedia exhibits and 35-foot skeletal restoration of the extinct Miocene giant white shark found here. At the end of the exhibit, children will also love watching trained volunteers prepare locally found fossils in the lab.
Squeak the River Otter: This lively mammal is a favorite of visitors big and small. Watch Squeak frolic, play and nap in his habitat. Check the daily schedule for special guided talks and animal feedings.
Marsh Walk: Stroll down the boardwalk to spy turtles, birds, wildflowers, jellyfish and insects.
Drum Point Lighthouse: Check out one of only three remaining cottage-type lighthouses from the 45 that once served the Chesapeake Bay. Climb inside to see the typical living quarters for a lighthouse keeper and his family at beginning of the 20th century and take in the breathtaking waterscape. Weather permitting, the lighthouse is open year-round.
River Cruises on the William B. Tennison (separate ticket purchase required): This shaded, one-hour narrated boat ride down Solomons’ Inner Harbor is well worth the extra cost. Since the Tennison only seats 40 guests, it is important to buy the timed tickets immediately upon entering the museum.
No day trip is complete without food. Drive into nearby Solomons Island for some terrific restaurants, unique shops and a picturesque waterfront. Visit the Solomons Business Association website for more information. // 14200 Solomons Island Road, Solomons, MD. Admission is $9 for adults, $4 for ages 5-12, children under 5 are free and special rates are available for seniors, military and AAA members
