An Outdoor Odyssey: The Chesapeake's Western Shore

Annapolis to Solomons and Leonardtown, 139 miles, 5 days / 4 nights

Day 1 - Be in Natural Harmony

Annapolis to Rose Haven

• Travel to Edgewater (30 minute travel time)
• Explore the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center’s (SERC) trails
• Visit the Reed Environmental Center at SERC to see aquatic animals and learn the latest Bay science
• Join a naturalist program or guided paddle at SERC to discover research in action
• Savor a laid-back lunch overlooking the South River at Coconut Joe’s Bar and Grill
• Charter an afternoon sailing trip with Chesapeake Bay Storyteller Chesapeake Bay Yacht Charters to visit Bay habitats
• Travel to Rose Haven (30 minute travel time)
• Stop for a casual dockside dinner at the Happy Harbor Restaurant in Deale 
• OR Dine on regional seasonal favorites from an upscale casual menu at Ketch 22 at The Inn at Herrington Harbour
• Relax and settle in for the night at the beachfront Inn at Herrington Harbour, a boutique resort

Day 2 - Uncover Nature’s Hidden Treasures

Rose Haven to Lusby, Prince Frederick and Solomons Island

• Watch the sunrise and feel the tranquility at Herrington Harbour
• Order a cheesesteak and egg “sammy” or grilled breakfast burrito to-go from the Chesapeake Market and Deli at the resort and gather provisions for your picnic lunch while you’re there
• Travel from Rose Haven to Flag Ponds Nature Park (40 minute travel time)
• Join Chesapeake Heritage and Paleontology Tours for a fossil hunting trip (begins at 9 a.m.)
• OR Take a boat trip to remote beaches for fossil hunting with Megalodon Adventures
• Enjoy your picnic, stroll the sandy beach, and swim at Flag Ponds Nature Park 
• OR Travel to Battle Creek Cypress Swamp Nature Center (15 minute travel time) where you can
• Walk the Battle Creek Boardwalk Trail and 
• See a unique natural environment with stands of Bald Cypress trees
• Drive to Solomons Island (25 minute travel time)
• Check in at Back Creek Inn, a waterfront accommodation that’s off-the-beaten path
• Dine at The Lighthouse Restaurant & Dock Bar for classic local favorites OR the Ruddy Duck Brewery & Grill for casual fare

Day 3 - Find Solomons’ Secrets

Solomons Island and Lusby

• Greet the day with a serene water view from the lawn at Back Creek Inn
• Get a breakfast bowl or stack of buttermilk pancakes for breakfast at Boomerangs
• See the Calvert Marine Museum, including the Drum Point Lighthouse, the Marsh Walk and the Lore Oyster House. Say “Hi” to the live otters at the museum.
• Dig into creative local fare for lunch at the cozy CD Cafe
• Hike through lush wetlands and woodlands to the dramatic Calvert Cliffs in Calvert Cliffs State Park
• Feel the sand between your toes while wading on the beach and take in expansive Bay views
• Enjoy happy hour drinks with an island vibe at The Tiki Bar & Grill 
• Dine on fresh cuisine in a modern and casual setting at The Island Hideaway
• Stroll the Solomons Island Boardwalk and gaze across the wide Patuxent River in the moonlight
• Retire for the night at Back Creek Inn

Day 4 - Paddle, Pedal and Play

Solomons to Leonardtown

• Enjoy breakfast at the Lighthouse Restaurant 
• Embark on a morning paddle on Back Creek (rentals at Chesapeake Bay Storyteller Bunky’s Charters) OR bike the streets of Solomons Island (bikes available to check out from Back Creek Inn)
• Visit the UMES Chesapeake Biological Laboratory Visitor Center to see oyster restoration in action
• Travel to Leonardtown (20 minute travel time)
• Shop for provisions for a local seafood picnic lunch at Crab Knockers
• Enjoy your picnic in a gazebo and sample award-winning wines with locally grown grapes at Port of Leonardtown Winery
• Stroll through Leonardtown Square and the waterfront boardwalk at Leonardtown Wharf Park
• Dine on southern coastal cuisine with the locals in Leonardtown at The Front Porch
• Take a sunset cruise from Leonardtown Wharf to see Breton Bay and views of St. Clement’s Island 
• Return to Back Creek Inn (20 minute travel time)

This trip idea can be joined with Option 2 to extend your "baycation."