Swim season is in full swing across the Mid-Atlantic, with many folks crowding the beaches and other popular watering holes. We certainly have no shortage of options for swim-time destinations, with Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia beaches all ranking high on the list of highlights this time of year.
But what about those who seek an alternative adventure, away from the hustle and bustle of beach-bumming out in the open? If lounging about on unbridled beach shores, baking under a hot sun, sans any trees to provide natural shade, is less than appealing to you, then you may be actively scouting for a viable alternative—one that combines beaching with the bucolic beauty and the lush wonders of nature.
Maryland vacation seekers, take note of one such hidden-gem experience. Found conveniently enough, right in Calvert County, it’s Flag Ponds Nature Park Beach, the ultimate all-in-one alternative to mainstream Maryland beachgoing.
Located just 10 miles south of pristine Prince Frederick in Lusby, Maryland, Flag Ponds Nature Park provides the perfect summertime getaway for folks of all ages and interests. From traditional beaching, swimming, and in-water recreational pursuits to nature hikes, picnicking, and more, this treasured destination offers a slice of everything and then some. Some of the less-expected, albeit most thrilling, activities you can enjoy include scuba diving, cross-country skiing (during the winter months), metal detecting (beach only), and even fossil hunting!
On that latter note, let it be known that these waters and coastal shores were once home to sharks, whales, crocodiles, and other creatures millions of years ago. The fossils and remnants from these one-time inhabitants can still be found by observant explorers, with shark teeth and other Miocene fossils being among the most viable features to keep your eyes open for!
Another famed feature to take in at Flag Ponds Nature Park is birdwatching and gazing for other wild wonders. Take note of various observation piers and wooded walkways surrounding the pond and bay to help you out with view-gazing endeavors.
For those looking to grill, take note that no outside grills may be brought within park limits. Instead, visitors are welcome to utilize the Visitor Center-provided grills at the picnic area.
Pet owners, be advised that well-behaved dogs are both permitted and warmly welcomed to attend the park and beach. Dogs must remain on a leash at all times, and caretakers must pick up after their pets.
Visitors are always encouraged to come here in pursuit of their own individualized interests. However, there also exists a vast array of ongoing programs and events that are open and available to join in at any given time. Reservations are required for larger groups (30 or more individuals) looking to attend a naturalist-led program. Please contact the Division Office at 410-535-5327 to book an available experience.
Flag Ponds Nature Park also hosts plenty of private and public events throughout the year. One upcoming event is Seine the Bay on August 29. On September 2, the Teen Homeschool Series: Aquatic Explorations Session 1 will kick off. Then, there’s the highly anticipated Pawpaw Harvest Hike on September 5. Click here to view the calendar for all other upcoming events.
Program participants do not pay the entrance fee on the day of any program they sign up for. Daily entrance fees, applicable per vehicle, are as follows: $5 for in-county residents and non-residents (January through March); $5 for in-county residents and $20 for non-residents (April through October), and $5 for in-county residents and non-residents (November through December). Walk-ins/bike riders pay $5 per person. For buses (commercial, private, or public vehicle able to carry more than 15 people): $50 per bus for county groups and $75 per bus for non-county groups. Annual Park Passes are available at $30 for in-county residents and $60 for non-residents. Vehicle registration is required for Annual Pass holders. Every other vehicle registered in the same household costs $10. Military Discounts are available.
Visit Flag Ponds Nature Park at 1525 Flag Ponds Parkway, Lusby, Maryland 20657. Visit the website to learn more.