St. Clement’s Island State Park

Rising from the Potomac River in St. Mary’s County, St. Clement’s Island holds a singular place in Maryland history — this is where the first European colonists stepped ashore on March 25, 1634, marking the founding of the Maryland colony. That alone makes this 62-acre island park worth the trip, but the experience of getting there is half the adventure.

St. Clement’s Island is only accessible by boat, with water taxi service running from the St. Clement’s Island Museum at Colton’s Point on the mainland. The short ride across the river sets the tone for a visit that feels genuinely removed from the everyday. Once on the island, you’ll find the reconstructed Blackistone Lighthouse standing watch at the southern tip, a striking white tower you can explore up close. A large cross memorial commemorates the colonists’ first landing, and interpretive trails wind through the island’s wooded interior and along its shoreline.

The park is ideal for picnicking, birdwatching, and fishing along the riverbank. Kayakers and boaters who arrive under their own power will find the surrounding waters rich with blue herons and osprey, particularly in spring and early summer. The island’s relative isolation means crowds are rare — even on weekends, you may share the place with only a handful of visitors.

Visit between May and October when water taxi service operates regularly. The annual Blessing of the Fleet festival in early October draws locals and visitors for one of Southern Maryland’s most cherished traditions. Bring water and sunscreen — amenities are limited on the island itself.

Explore Nearby

• Blakistone Island Light — Lighthouse in Maryland
• Cobb Point Bar Light — Lighthouse in Maryland
• Douglas Point Special Recreation Management Area — Public Land in Maryland
• Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Byway — Scenic Byway in Maryland
• Meadowood Special Recreation Management Area — Public Land in Virginia