Solomons Island Travel Guide

City Maritime village at Patuxent River mouth, museum complex

Solomons Island occupies a Chesapeake promontory where seafood shacks, a maritime museum and the Calvert County lighthouse meet charter boats; visitors come for crabbing, kayaking the Patuxent and waterfront boardwalks.

Costs

Around $150 per day

Typical midrange budget for food, lodging, and boat activities.

Safety

Generally safe, waterfront caution

Low crime; watch slippery piers and isolated areas at night.

Best Time

May-October (boating season)

Warmest, calmest months for bay activities and festivals.

In This Guide

Why Visit
Best Things to Do
Bucket List
Best Time to Visit
How to Get There
How to Get Around
Where to Stay
Where to Eat

Local Time

11:37 PM

GMT-4

Weather

46°F

Clear

Population

2,368

Infrastructure & Convenience

Limited transit; easy walking near marinas, good signage and shops.

Popularity

Popular with Chesapeake Bay boaters, families, and seafood seekers.

Known For

Calvert Marine Museum, boating and marinas, seafood restaurants, waterfront boardwalk, historic lighthouse, boating festivals, kayaking and fishing, sculpture garden & arts center, scenic sunsets

Calvert Marine Museum in Solomons displays the 1879 Chesapeake Bay bugeye 'Wm. B. Tennison'.

Why Visit Solomons Island? #

A compact Chesapeake waterfront town where boating, seafood, and maritime history converge. The Calvert Marine Museum offers hands-on exhibits, the Annmarie Sculpture Garden and Arts Center hosts seasonal art shows, and the Solomons Island boardwalk and harbor restaurants serve fresh blue crab and crab cakes. Warm summer evenings draw boat tours and sunsets over the Patuxent River. Relaxed pace and strong maritime culture make it an ideal short coastal escape.

Best Things to Do in Solomons Island

All Attractions ›

Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge

Coastal refuge protecting marshes and migratory birds

Park

Calvert Marine Museum

Maritime museum focusing on Chesapeake Bay history

Museum

Roosevelt Cliffs

Steep coastal cliffs on Chesapeake Bay, Maryland

Cliff

Solomons Island Bucket List

Don't Miss

Calvert Marine Museum - Maritime exhibits, local archaeology, and the Drum Point Lighthouse on site.
Drum Point Lighthouse Museum - Historic 1883 screw-pile lighthouse relocated to Calvert Marine Museum grounds.
Solomons Island Boardwalk - Harborfront walkway with seafood restaurants, kayaking launches, and sunset viewing.
Calvert Cliffs State Park - Fossil-rich cliffs and a sandy beach ideal for fossil hunting and hiking.

Hidden Gems

Annmarie Sculpture Garden & Arts Center - Outdoor sculpture park hosting seasonal art workshops and quiet woodland walks.
Parkers Creek Natural Area - Tidal marsh trails and low-impact paths for birding and secluded shoreline access.
Local seafood markets - Small markets offering fresh Chesapeake seafood, local produce, and friendly vendors.

Day Trips

Annapolis - Colonial waterfront, U.S. Naval Academy tours, and historic downtown restaurants and cafes.
St. Mary's City Historic Site - Maryland's colonial capital site with reconstructed buildings and archaeological exhibits.

Best Time to Visit Solomons Island #

Visit Solomons Island from late spring through early fall for warm, sunny Chesapeake Bay weather ideal for boating, beaches, and waterfront dining. Winters are milder and quieter but often gray and chilly.

Winter

December - February · -2 to 8°C (28 to 46°F)

Quiet, cooler months with fewer tourists; marina scene slows, some seafood spots reduce hours, occasional frosty mornings but rarely prolonged deep cold.

Spring/Autumn

March - May & September - November · 8 to 24°C (46 to 75°F)

Lovely shoulder seasons - warm days for kayaking and patio dining, fewer crowds, and crisp mornings that make oyster and crab hunts especially pleasant.

Summer

June - August · 22 to 32°C (71 to 90°F)

Hot, humid, and lively - peak boating season, crowded marinas and festivals; perfect for swimming, evening cruises, and late-night waterfront drinks. Bring sunscreen.

Best Time to Visit Solomons Island #

Climate

Solomons Island's climate is classified as Humid Subtropical - Humid Subtropical climate with hot summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -3°C to 31°C. Abundant rainfall (1095 mm/year), wettest in March, distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.

Air Quality: AQI 25 Good

Best Time to Visit

JuneJulySeptember

Temperature & Rainfall

Temperature Range

38°

Warmest Month

-15°

Coldest Month

Monthly Conditions

January

January is the coolest month with highs of 7°C and lows of -3°C. Regular rainfall (90 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

46 Poor

Comfort

2°

Feels Like Cold

2°C

Temperature

-3° – 7°

81%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

90 mm

Rainfall

3.8 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

0.3

UV Index

Low

9.7h daylight

February

February is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of -2°C. Regular rainfall (80 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

54 Acceptable

Comfort

3°

Feels Like Cold

3°C

Temperature

-2° – 9°

80%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

80 mm

Rainfall

3.9 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

0.5

UV Index

Moderate

10.6h daylight

March

March is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 2°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (108 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

58 Acceptable

Comfort

8°

Feels Like Cold

8°C

Temperature

2° – 14°

78%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

108 mm

Rainfall

4.3 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

0.8

UV Index

Moderate

11.8h daylight

April

April is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 6°C. Regular rainfall (81 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

70 Very Good

Comfort

13°

Feels Like Cool

13°C

Temperature

7° – 19°

77%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

81 mm

Rainfall

4.1 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

1.3

UV Index

High

13.1h daylight

May

May is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 12°C. Significant rainfall (106 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

78 Very Good

Comfort

18°

Feels Like Mild

18°C

Temperature

12° – 24°

78%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

106 mm

Rainfall

3.6 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

1.6

UV Index

Very High

14.1h daylight

June

June is mild with highs of 29°C and lows of 17°C. Regular rainfall (90 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

82 Excellent

Comfort

23°

Feels Like Mild

23°C

Temperature

17° – 29°

74%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

90 mm

Rainfall

3.4 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

1.9

UV Index

Very High

14.6h daylight

July

July is the warmest month with highs of 31°C and lows of 20°C. Regular rainfall (100 mm).

82 Excellent

Comfort

25°

Feels Like Warm

25°C

Temperature

20° – 31°

71%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

100 mm

Rainfall

3.1 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

1.9

UV Index

Very High

14.4h daylight

August

August is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 19°C. Regular rainfall (100 mm).

81 Excellent

Comfort

25°

Feels Like Warm

25°C

Temperature

19° – 30°

73%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

100 mm

Rainfall

2.9 m/s

Wind

Calm

1.6

UV Index

Very High

13.5h daylight

September

September is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 15°C. Regular rainfall (98 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

82 Excellent

Comfort

21°

Feels Like Mild

21°C

Temperature

15° – 27°

75%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

98 mm

Rainfall

3.2 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

1.3

UV Index

High

12.3h daylight

October

October is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 9°C. Regular rainfall (82 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

70 Very Good

Comfort

15°

Feels Like Cool

15°C

Temperature

9° – 21°

77%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

82 mm

Rainfall

3.3 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

0.8

UV Index

Moderate

11.1h daylight

November

November is cold with highs of 15°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (79 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

70 Very Good

Comfort

10°

Feels Like Cold

10°C

Temperature

4° – 15°

79%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

79 mm

Rainfall

3.6 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

0.4

UV Index

Low

10.0h daylight

December

December is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 0°C. Regular rainfall (81 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

56 Acceptable

Comfort

5°

Feels Like Cold

5°C

Temperature

0° – 10°

82%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

81 mm

Rainfall

3.7 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

0.3

UV Index

Low

9.4h daylight

How to Get to Solomons Island

Solomons Island is best reached by car from the Washington/Baltimore airports-there is no direct rail link into town. Fly into Baltimore/Washington (BWI) or Reagan National (DCA) and either rent a car or take a pre-booked taxi/rideshare for the last leg.

By Air

Baltimore/Washington Thurgood Marshall (BWI): BWI is the closest major commercial airport for Solomons Island (about 45-60 miles). Driving time to Solomons is roughly 60-80 minutes depending on traffic; car rental is the most practical option. Typical economy car rental rates start around $40-90/day depending on season; a one-way rideshare/taxi to Solomons is commonly in the $80-130 range.

Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA): DCA is about 70-90 minutes’ drive to Solomons. Driving or renting a car is the easiest way to reach the island; expect similar rental pricing as from BWI. Public transit options require multiple transfers and are considerably slower (allow 2+ hours).

By Train & Bus

Train: There is no direct passenger rail service to Solomons Island. The nearest rail access is the BWI Rail Station (serving Amtrak and MARC commuter trains) and Odenton (MARC); from those stations you must continue by car or taxi. Expect a 45-75 minute drive from the BWI/odenton rail area to Solomons.

Bus: Local service around Calvert County is limited. There are county shuttle and demand-response services for residents; for visitors the practical intercity option is a taxi/rideshare from BWI or driving. Plan on arranging a rental car or pre-booked shuttle for reliable access.

How to Get Around Solomons Island #

Solomons is very compact and easy to walk: the waterfront, marinas and most restaurants are within a few blocks of each other. Most visitors arrive by car; parking is a mix of street spots and small lots. Rideshares and taxis are limited, so plan for short local taxi rides or drive. Boating is common in season-if you have a boat, slips and transient dockage put many attractions within easy reach.

Where to Stay in Solomons Island #

Budget

Waterfront / Solomons - $70-150/night

Solomons Island has several modest motels, inns, and chain options on the waterfront; many budget rooms are seasonal.

Hilton Garden Inn Solomons (budget guide) - Chain hotel on the waterfront area.
Budget rooms & guesthouses (marketplaces) - Seasonal guest rooms and small inns.

Mid-Range

Harborfront - $140-230/night

Mid-range waterfront hotels and inns are the most common comfortable option, close to marinas and restaurants.

Hilton Garden Inn Solomons - Reliable mid-range hotel near marina.
Local inns & waterfront B&Bs - Comfortable rooms with harbor views.

Luxury

Island waterfront - $220+/night

There are no large luxury resorts on Solomons Island; upscale travel typically uses private waterfront rentals or boutique B&Bs with premium services.

Upscale vacation rentals - Private waterfront homes with premium amenities.
Premium B&Bs and boutique stays - Select boutique lodging in the county.

Where to Eat in Solomons Island #

Breakdown of cuisine types found across Solomons Island's restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.

Burger

Pizza

American

Seafood

Mexican

Sandwich

Asian

Chicken

Juice

Chinese

Pasta

Sushi

Steak House

Thai

Donut

Steak

Tex Mex

Japanese

Oriental

Coffee Shop

Nightlife in Solomons Island #

Nightlife in Solomons is low‑key and seasonal. Evenings center on waterfront restaurants, a few neighborhood bars and occasional live music at restaurants. There is no club scene-expect relaxed bars and seafood restaurants rather than late‑night venues.

Shopping in Solomons Island #

Solomons’ shopping is small‑scale: a handful of boutiques, art galleries and marine-oriented stores clustered on the waterfront. The Calvert Marine Museum has a modest gift shop; most other shopping is locally owned and geared to visitors and boaters.