27 THINGS TO DO IN PATUXENT RIVER, MD, NEAR BASE

Introduction

Welcome to Naval Air Station Patuxent River! As you get settled into your new home, you’re probably looking for some ideas of things to do in the area. You’re in luck! The installation is close to Chesapeake Bay, historic sites in Maryland and the Atlantic Ocean. This beautiful area has so much to offer visitors and those lucky enough to call it home. The area is known for lush landscapes and coastal weather, amazing seafood, hiking and fishing. Here is a list of 27 of the best things to do in Patuxent River, MD near NAS Patuxent River. Know what you are looking for? Click the number(s) to go right to what you go: (1-9) Outdoor Recreation (10-11) Golfing (12-15) Gyms (16) Bowling (17-20) Nearby Attractions (21-26) Museums (27) Theaters

Suggested read:

Naval Air Station Patuxent River: In-Depth Welcome Center

Things To Do in Patuxent River, MD Near NAS Patuxent River

NAS Patuxent River Outdoor Recreation

1. Goose Creek Campgrounds

46970 Bauhof Road Patuxent River, MD 20670

Phone

: 1 (301) 342-3573 The Goose Creek Campgrounds are open from February 1 through Halloween. Paradise Grove and Hog Point are open year-round. Campers can find camping equipment and supplies inside the Drill Hall. There are 14 RV spaces, 36 tent camping spots and three spaces at Hog Point for overnight, weekly or monthly stays. Reservations are required.

2. West Basin Marina

46970 Bauhof Road Patuxent River, MD 20670

Phone

: 1 (301) 342-3573 The West Basin Marina is a year-round facility offering over 198 pier slips and 44 floating slips with water and metered electrical hookups. There is a pump-out station and a bathhouse with showers and laundry. The West Basin Marina also offers a boat ramp, hauling, and dry storage.

3. NAS Patuxent River Community Recreation Center

47402 Buse Road Patuxent River, MD 20670

Phone

: 1 (301) 757-3010 NAS Patuxent River Community Recreation Center engages patrons by providing recreational programs and services in the areas of outdoor recreation, community events, discount tickets to attractions and vacation bookings, leisure skills development, recreation equipment rentals, parks and picnic areas and information and referral to a variety of recreational offerings in the local area.

4. Hunting, Fishing and Crabbing

Phone

: 1 (301) 342-3670 You will need a State of Maryland Fishing Permit to hunt/fish/crab at any designated fishing or crabbing area on NAS Patuxent River or NRC Solomons. While NAS Pax River and NRC Solomons do not sell Maryland Fishing Permits, there are numerous vendors just outside the bases or you can purchase a fishing permit online.

Solomons

5. Navy Rec Center Solomons

13855 Solomons Island Road South Solomons, MD 20688

Phone

: 1 (410) 326-6903 Navy Recreation Center (NRC) Solomons is the largest outdoor recreation facility in the Navy and is operated by Morale, Welfare and Recreation. NRC Solomons provides a wide array of lodging including campgrounds, cottages, bungalows, cabins, and apartments. Recreational facilities such as picnic pavilions, a recreation center, a 124-slip marina, fishing pier, swimming pools, beach, miniature golf, driving range, basketball courts and tennis courts are just a few of the amenities available.

6. Point Patience Marina

First Street Solomons, MD 20688

Phone

: 1 (410) 326-2859 The Point Patience Marina is located at the southern end of the Solomons complex and is fully equipped with a comfort station: laundry facilities, showers, boat wash, and a pump-out station. Point Patience Marina has 125 wet slips ranging in size from 20-ft. to 45-ft. All wet slips have electric and water hookups; deck extensions are not permitted. Unsecured dry storage is also available on an annual basis. The marina also sells bait, tackle, and ice. Absolutely no fishing or crabbing is allowed in the Marina.

Lusby

7. Cove Point Lighthouse

3500 Lighthouse Blvd. Lusby, MD 20657

Phone

: 1 (410) 326-2042 The Cove Point Lighthouse is a restored and re-purposed active lighthouse and keeper's home that sits on a seven-acre point of land in one of the narrowest parts of the Chesapeake Bay. The keeper's house can be rented as a vacation home, and sleeps up to 16 guests. The Cove Point Lighthouse grounds are also open to the public during the summer months to enjoy a view of the Calvert Cliffs, explore the base of the lighthouse tower, and learn about the history of the oldest continuously operating lighthouse on the Chesapeake Bay.

Upper Marlboro

8. Patuxent River Park

16000 Croom Airport Road Upper Marlboro, MD 20772

Phone

: 1 (301) 627-6074 Established in 1962, Patuxent River Park comprises over 7,800 acres of riverside parkland in Prince George’s County that protects the land’s natural resources and preserves the scenic character of the park. The park includes a variety of amenities and outdoor activities, including a visitor’s center, boat ramp, canoe and kayak rentals, campsites, pavilions, trails, historic sites, fishing, hunting, birdwatching and an observation tower.

9. Patuxent Water Trail

16000 Croom Airport Road Upper Marlboro, MD 20772

Phone

: 1 (301) 627-6074 The Patuxent Water Trail is a self-guided paddling trail designed for kayaking and canoeing enthusiasts. It allows paddlers to explore the Patuxent River and experience its beauty, camp along its banks and visit its numerous parks, historic sites, sanctuaries, and refuges.

NAS Patuxent River Golf Course

10. Cedar Point Golf Course

23248 Cedar Point Road Patuxent River, MD 20670

Phone

: 1 (301) 342-3597 The picturesque Cedar Point Golf Course on NAS Patuxent River features a par 72 championship course that stretches 6,714 yards from the longest tees. The course features well-bunkered greens with narrow, tree-lined bermudagrass fairways and spectacular views of the Chesapeake Bay and Patuxent River. The golf course went through a complete renovation in 1998-1999 to include new USGA bentgrass greens, bunkers, tees, upgraded irrigation, and a full-service clubhouse. A second bunker renovation project was completed in 2014.

Lexington Park

11. Hot Shots Disc Golf Course

21550 Willows Road Lexington Park, MD 20653 Hot Shots Disc Golf Course was established in 2009 in the old Navy base housing area. The 18-hole (36 baskets) course is free to use. The grass is nicely manicured with old growth trees creating a perfectly shaded course for disc golf enthusiasts.

NAS Patuxent River Gyms

12. Drill Hall

47382 Keane Road Bldg. 458 Patuxent River, MD 20670

Phone

: 1 (301) 757-3943 The Drill Hall is dominated by three basketball courts and another full-sized, NCAA regulation basketball court, one full-sized regulation volleyball court, and two full-sized regulation racquetball courts. The Fitness Centers and Gyms at NAS Patuxent River are available for all individuals with base access. Military personnel, DoD Civilian employees, and family members may use the facilities in the Drill Hall at no charge. Contract employees must purchase an MWR membership to enter the Drill Hall.

13. Energy Zone

47382 Keane Road Bldg. 1586 Patuxent River, MD 20670

Phone

: 1 (301) 995-3869 The Energy Zone hosts over 30 group exercise classes varying from water aerobics, Spinning, Body Step, and Body Pump. Classes are held Monday through Saturday starting as early as 5:30 a.m. and as late as 5:30 p.m. Classes are free for active duty personnel, reservists and retired military personnel.

14. Indoor Pool

47382 Keane Road Bldg. 458 Patuxent River, MD 20670

Phone

: 1 (301) 342-5960 The NAS Patuxent River Indoor Pool is a 6 lane, 25 yard facility with non-turbulent lane lines located in the Drill Hall Fitness Complex. Swimming and recreational leisure is available for the whole family to enjoy.

15. Outdoor Pool

Cuddihy Road Bldg. 1598 Patuxent River, MD 20670

Phone

: 1 (301) 342-4225 The NAS Patuxent River Outdoor Pool, located next to Rassieur Youth Center, is open seasonally for enlisted personnel, retirees and DOD civilian personnel and contractors with base access. The pool is available for lap swimming or training exercises.

Naval Air Station Patuxent River Bowling Alley

16. Patuxent River Bowling Center

47382 Keane Road Bldg. 458 Patuxent River, MD 20619

Phone

: 1 (301) 342-3994 Located inside the Drill Hall, the NAS Pax River Bowling Center is a modern entertainment complex featuring 12 lanes, Strike Zone Cafe, league play, tournaments, Cosmic Bowling nights, and other special events. Authorized patrons of all ages can enjoy bowling as bumpers are available for younger players. The Bowling Center is open to all active duty and retired military, reservists, DOD employees, and family members. Government contractors are permitted but cannot sponsor guests.

Nearby Attractions

Lexington Park

17. Flat Broke Shooters

48845 St. James Church Road Lexington Park, MD 20653

Phone

: 1 (301) 863-4524 The Flat Broke Shooters range is 10 lanes and 25 yards long featuring a state-of-the-art target retrieval system, Carey’s ventilation and it is fully ballistic enabling training forward of the firing line for group training. Additional features include a training room, lounge, retail area and kitchen. Flat Broke Shooters aims to provide a safe, family friendly, high-quality shooting experience while continuing to offer quality shooting instruction in southern Maryland.

Solomons

18. Adventure Zone Recreation Center

A Avenue Solomons, MD 20688

Phone

: 1 (410) 326-2964 The Adventure Zone Recreation Center is fun for the entire family. It features an air-conditioned TV lounge, with an arcade and gear issue. Just outside is an 18-hole miniature golf course, billiard tables, ping pong table, and 300-yard driving range with both tee mats and grass tees. The Adventure Zone hosts various special events, including dances, outdoor movie nights, karaoke, and other family events. The Adventure Zone is open from May through October annually. However, the Mini Golf and Driving Range are available for use year-round.

NAS Patuxent River

19. Liberty Center

22208 Cuddihy Road Bldg. 2818 Patuxent River, MD 20670

Phone

: 1 (301) 342-3565 The Liberty Program at the Liberty Center sponsors free and reduced-price recreational programs for enlisted personnel. The purpose of the Liberty program is to provide military members with improved quality of life by offering a variety of recreation-based activities, both on and off station. Typical Liberty programs include trips to sporting events, outdoor recreation trips, both local and non-local shopping trips, and free movies at the station theater. The Liberty Center also features free WiFi, a game room with a variety of video games and a theater room to enjoy movies or TV on a big screen.

20. Navy Community Recreation Tickets and Travel Office

47384 Keane Road Bldg. 2655 Patuxent River, MD 20670

Phone

: 1 (301) 342-3648 The Navy Community Recreation Tickets and Travel Office provides discount ITT tickets to your favorite places, including local events, museums, and attractions, as well as amusement parks such as Universal Orlando Resort and Walt Disney World. The team will also assist with your leisurely travel needs internationally or nationally. With access to over 5,000 tickets and trips, you can see it all! The office also operates a loan locker, which can supply basic household items to active duty service members and their families at no cost until their HHG shipment arrives. Items are available on a first-come, first-served basis and checked out for up to 30 days.

NAS Patuxent River Museums

Lexington Park

21. Patuxent River Naval Air Museum

22156 Three Notch Road Lexington Park, MD 20653

Phone

: 1 (301) 863-1900 The Patuxent River Naval Air Museum preserves and interprets the Patuxent River Naval Air Base history and heritage of advancing US Naval aviation technology. The Patuxent River Naval Air Museum flightline sits on over 2.5 acres of land adjacent to the museum buildings. Visitors are welcome to get a close look at 25 different Navy and Marine Corps aircraft, many of which are one-of-a-kind test aircraft and prototypes. Also on the flightline is the cupola from the Cedar Point lighthouse, which once stood watch at the confluence of the Patuxent River and Chesapeake Bay.

22. The Maryland Dove

Old State House Road Lexington Park, MD 20653

Phone

: 1 (240) 895-4990 The Maryland Dove, a tall ship built in 1978, is a recreation/replica of Dove, an early 17th-century English trading ship, one of two ships which made up the first expedition from England to the Province of Maryland. The modern Dove was designed by the naval architect and naval historian William A. Baker.

23. United States Colored Troops Memorial Statue

21550 Willows Road Lexington Park, MD 20653 The United States Colored Troops Memorial Statue is a memorial to the more than 700 African-American soldiers and sailors from St. Mary’s County, Maryland who served in the Union forces during the American Civil War. The memorial was completed and dedicated in 2012 and includes an educational kiosk with a written history and also features two African-American men, William H. Barnes and James H. Harris, from St. Mary's County who received the Medal of Honor.

Solomons

24. Calvert Marine Museum

14200 Solomons Island Road S Solomons, MD 20688

Phone

: 1 (410) 326-2042 The Calvert Marine Museum is the place where prehistory, natural history and maritime heritage come together to tell a unique story of the Chesapeake Bay. It is a family-friendly museum that offers live animals, fossils, interactive exhibits, daily activities and a furnished cottage-style lighthouse — something for every age.

25. Drum Point Lighthouse

14150 Solomons Island Road S Solomons, MD 20688

Phone

: 1 (410) 385-5582 Drum Point Lighthouse is one of four surviving Chesapeake Bay screw-pile lighthouses. It was decommissioned in 1962 and Drum Point Lighthouse was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1973. Originally located off Drum Point at the mouth of the Patuxent River, it is now an exhibit at the Calvert Marine Museum.

26. Annmarie Sculpture Garden and Arts Center

13470 Dowell Road Solomons, MD 20688

Phone

: 1 (410) 326-4640 Annmarie Sculpture Garden and Arts Center is located near historic sites in Maryland, where the Patuxent River meets the Chesapeake Bay. The sculpture garden features a 1/4-mile walking path that meanders through the woods past permanent and loaned sculpture, including over 30 works on loan from the Smithsonian Institution and the National Gallery of Art.

NAS Patuxent River Theater

27. Center Stage Theater

22255 Cedar Point Road Bldg. 1495 Patuxent River, MD 20670

Phone

: 1 (301) 342-5033 The Center Stage Theater brings the magic of cinema to life at Patuxent River. The theater shows first-run movies at discounted prices, making it an ideal place for spending a relaxing afternoon or evening with your family or friends. Tickets can be purchased 45 minutes before the start of the movie. Proof of age required for R-rated shows.

Conclusion

Life is good on the Chesapeake Bay while stationed at NAS Patuxent River! It’s the perfect place for outdoor enthusiasts, history buffs, fishermen or foodies. Whatever your mood or hobby, there’s something for you to enjoy near your new home at Naval Air Station Patuxent River. And the Navy MWR Pax River can help you track down other things to do in Patuxent River, MD, near Naval Air Station Patuxent River.