Maryland’s waterways are filled with incredible stories waiting to be discovered, from towering lighthouses to forgotten wrecks slowly disappearing beneath the waves.
This road trip brings those stories to life through historic landmarks, scenic coastlines, hidden gems, and unforgettable views.
Along the way, you’ll uncover remarkable stories of shipwrecks, brave lighthouse keepers, and the people who helped shape life on the Chesapeake Bay and beyond.
Pack your camera, hit the road, and get ready to explore some of Maryland’s most memorable coastal treasures that many travelers never even realize are there.
1. Seven Foot Knoll Lighthouse
You’ll find Seven Foot Knoll Lighthouse at Pier 5 in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, where it has stood since being moved from the mouth of the Patapsco River in 1988.
Built in 1856, this cast iron screw pile lighthouse originally stood on the Seven Foot Knoll shoal, guiding ships into Baltimore Harbor from the Chesapeake Bay.
Step inside and you’ll find historic artifacts, photographs, navigational instruments, and exhibits that tell the stories of the sailors and lighthouse keepers who served these waters.
Fun fact: This is the oldest surviving screw pile lighthouse in Maryland, making it a must-visit for history lovers.
2. Historic Curtis Creek Ship Graveyard
Next, drive 25 minutes to the Historic Curtis Creek Ship Graveyard, where abandoned vessels slowly rust along the quiet banks of Curtis Creek.
This unusual site is known for its wooden World War I freighters, a sidewheel steamer, and a crumbling concrete barge, offering plenty of unforgettable photo opportunities.
You can spot peeling paint, towering steel frames, and tangled vegetation reclaiming the shoreline while birds perch on the forgotten wrecks.
If you want an up-close experience, launch a kayak from nearby Solleys Cove Park and explore the ship graveyard from the water.
3. Mallows Bay-Potomac River National Marine Sanctuary
From Curtis Creek, drive 1.5 hours to Mallows Bay-Potomac River National Marine Sanctuary, home to the famous Ghost Fleet of more than 100 abandoned wooden steamships.
These ships were built for World War I, but none actually saw action because the war ended before the last of them was completed.
For the best experience, rent a kayak and paddle among the partially submerged hulls while keeping an eye out for ospreys, bald eagles, and great blue herons.
There’s plenty more to see here since the sanctuary also preserves thousands of years of Native American, African American, and American history, making it a worthwhile stop.
4. Piney Point Lighthouse Museum & Historic Park
Keep the coastal history going at Piney Point Lighthouse Museum & Historic Park, set where the Potomac River meets the Chesapeake Bay in St. Mary’s County.
Dating back to 1836, this is the oldest standing lighthouse on the Potomac River, where you can tour the keeper’s quarters and climb the tower during museum hours.
The museum also features an exhibit on the German submarine U-1105, the World War II Black Panther that now rests just offshore as a shipwreck dive preserve.
Outside, stroll the waterfront grounds, ring the historic fog bell, and relax in the picnic area while taking in sweeping water views and the area’s rich maritime history.
5. Point Lookout Lighthouse
About 40 minutes from Piney Point, you’ll arrive at Point Lookout Lighthouse, located at the southern tip of Maryland in Point Lookout State Park.
It was built in 1830 and stands 41 feet tall at the entrance to the Potomac River, where it helped guide ships for generations.
If you want to step inside, see historical exhibits, and learn about the lighthouse’s connection to the Civil War, visit between Memorial Day and Labor Day when it’s open to the public.
And don’t forget your camera because the shoreline and sweeping water views make this one of the best photo stops on the road trip.
6. Drum Point Lighthouse
Up next is Drum Point Lighthouse at the Calvert Marine Museum in Solomons, one of only three remaining screw pile lighthouses that once served the Chesapeake Bay.
First lit in 1883 at the entrance to the Patuxent River, it was carefully moved to the museum grounds in 1975 to protect it from erosion and changing waters.
Today, you can walk through the restored keeper’s living quarters, see the Fresnel lens, and see original furnishings that show how lighthouse families lived.
After your tour, explore the museum’s exhibits, where prehistoric fossils and Chesapeake Bay maritime history all come together.
7. Cove Point Lighthouse
Lastly, make your way to Cove Point Lighthouse in Lusby, where this striking white tower has guided ships near the entrance to the Patuxent River since 1828.
It is one of the oldest continuously operating lighthouses on the Chesapeake Bay, and today you can explore the grounds, admire views of the Calvert Cliffs, and learn about its history.
For an unforgettable stay, you can even rent the beautifully restored keeper’s house and spend the night by the water.
However you choose to spend your time, it’s a fitting end to a road trip filled with historic lighthouses, shipwrecks, and unforgettable discoveries.
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