Known for its 143 miles of shoreline, Calvert County, Md., is an angler’s dream. Bounded by the Chesapeake Bay to the east and Patuxent River to the west, there are plenty of opportunities to cast a line by land or water.
Access the river at Kings Landing Park. Launch your paddle-powered boat to explore and fish the river marshes. Or fish from the pier for spot, white perch, and blue fish. Head to the North Beach Pier, Breezy Point Beach & Campground or Flag Ponds Nature Park to fish from the bay shore for striped bass, croaker, and Spanish mackerel.
If you want to get out on the Chesapeake Bay, consider hiring a charter fishing boat to reach the best places. There are several fishing charter companies that offer half day or full day fishing trips, and bait and tackle can be purchased at various shops throughout the county. Paddleboard and kayak rentals are another popular option.
When you’re done fishing for the day, explore Calvert County’s outdoor spaces! Check out 22+ miles of trails at the American Chestnut Land Trust or Biscoe Gray Heritage Farm, keep an eye on the osprey platforms, bat boxes and educational oyster information along the Chesapeake Beach Railway Trail, go birdwatching at Wetlands Overlook Park and collect some prehistoric sharks’ teeth on the beach at Calvert Cliffs State Park.
Bring the whole family to the Chesapeake Beach Water Park, search for fairy houses along the wooded path at Annmarie Sculpture Garden & Arts Center and climb inside a giant nest at the nature play space at Jefferson Patterson Park & Museum. Spend some quality road trip time playing iSpy along the Calvert Barn Quilt Trail.
Extend your stay at a local hotel, B&B, campground or vacation rental, indulge in a steaming plate of Old Bay-covered hot crabs paired with a local craft beverage to top off your day!
All photos courtesy Calvert County Government