Location: California
Top Things to do in California
- 1. Calvert Marine Museum and Drum Point Lighthouse
- 2. California Total Body Massage
- 3. Patuxent River Naval Air Museum
- 4. Sotterley Historic Plantation
- 5. Ruddy Duck Adventures
- 6. Jefferson Patterson Park & Museum
- 7. Port of Leonardtown Winery
- 8. Annmarie Garden
- 9. "On Watch" Monument
- 10. The Newtowne Players
What to do and see in California, United States: The Best Places and Tips
California is a census-designated place and community in St. Mary's County, Maryland, United States. The population was 11,857 at the 2010 census, an increase of 27.4% from the 2000 census. California continues to grow with the spread of population out from the older adjacent community of Lexington Park and the growth in both technology-related and defense-related jobs at the Patuxent River Naval Air Station. There are department stores and numerous shopping centers situated along Maryland Highway 235 ("Three Notch Road"). Maryland Route 4 crosses Highway 235 in California, providing access to the wide Governor Thomas Johnson Bridge and the popular weekend resort town of Solomons, Maryland on the opposite side. Bridge-bound traffic is infamous for backing up during rush hour.
Restaurants in California
1. Calvert Marine Museum and Drum Point Lighthouse
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 340 reviews
In the Exhibition Building, you can touch 20-million year old fossils taken from Calvert Cliffs; discover the ever changing world of the Chesapeake Bay; and learn how humans shaped and changed this region over time, working its waters for survival and profit. Visit the Drum Point and Cove Point Lighthouses; see our outstanding small boat collection, take a ride on the Wm. B. Tennison, a log-built bugeye, and experience the Lore Oyster House, a restored oyster processing plant. Touch a horseshoe crab or Diamond Back Terrapin, see skates, rays, and small sharks cavort, and watch otters, Bubbles and Squeak, at play. Stroll the marsh walk and spy water snakes, great blue heron, osprey, and hermit crabs in their natural environment. We are a community museum, established in 1970 by local residents determined to preserve the maritime heritage of Solomons Island. We are an educational museum, offering everything from the pre-school programs to Elderhostel. We are a research museum, renowned for documented discoveries in Miocene paleontology, and publications on local history based on original research. We are a relevant museum, staying in the forefront of environmental issues and offering a forum for public discourse on controversial topics. We are a partnering museum, actively pursuing opportunities such as the 1812 Grand Tactical that allows us to support and celebrate other institutions. Visit the Museum Store for jewelry, books, home decor, toys and all kinds of unique gifts for people of all ages!
Reviewed By LMJST - Leonardtown, MD
I have been to Calvert Marine Museum before, but only for live concerts. (They have an indoor and outdoor venue for concerts, have been to quite a few). This was the first time we visited the museum itself. So much Chesapeake Bay/Mid Atlantic history presented in interesting and engaging exhibits, including an aquarium and interactive exhibits where you can touch various aquatic life. And three of the most entertaining otters around. Super knowledgeable staff, can answer any question. The admission also includes touring the Drum Point lighthouse, which for me was the best part of the museum. Commissioned in 1893 at the mouth of the Patuxent River in the Chesapeake Bay, and decommissioned in 1962, it was saved from decay and vandalism by the Calvert County Historical society and moved to the Calvert Marine Museum in 1975. It has been totally restored and is incredible to see. Our guide knew so much of it's history, including the stories of the families that lived there (lighthouse keepers and their families). A great visit!
2. California Total Body Massage
Overall Ratings
5 based on 3 reviews
In-home studio, in a townhouse, Beverly Hills development off FDR blvd in California, Maryland; Will Travel- $20 gas charge. 15% Military Discount Personnel Only. Solo Practitioner specializing in Therapeutic Massage, Specifically Stress Management and Pain Relief
Reviewed By John S - California, Maryland
I learned about California Total Body Massage through one of Gwynne's flyers. I receive a very noticeable benefit from my monthly massage treatments. I have a lot of medical issues, one being major back problems and Gwynne has helped me in dealing with extremely abnormal tight muscles and I have come to the conclusion that regular massages helps me greatly. The atmosphere of her treatment area is very soothing and relaxing. Some people finds it a "turnoff" that a health care professional works out of their homes, but DON'T. Gwynne runs her business, I believe as any other therapist. She is very specific in her treatment care and I highly recommend her to anyone.
John Stober
3. Patuxent River Naval Air Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 112 reviews
Reviewed By lovetotravel560 - Annapolis, Maryland
This aviation museum has 25-30 static aircraft to view inside and outside. It is located right outside the gate for Pax River Naval Air Station. There are helpful docents here to answer your questions. They have a small gift store and theater with a few stories of naval aviators. Admission is $9.00 or $7.00 for seniors and military
4. Sotterley Historic Plantation
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 54 reviews
An 18th-century house that sits on a high bluff with wonderful views of the Patuxent River.
Reviewed By Joseph B - Houston, Texas
We stopped in the middle of the week , so not busy. We had a very knowledgable young man take us on the house tour. Not only is this like a small scale Mt Vernon, the original owner was friends with Washington. If you are interested in colonial history this would be a stop you should make.
5. Ruddy Duck Adventures
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 14 reviews
All-inclusive day trips near Washington, DC and Baltimore - start your adventure in Solomons Island, MD. We've got fossil and shark teeth hunting, kayaking, Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP), boat rides leading out to the Chesapeake Bay, outdoor sculpture gardens, nature exhibits, outdoor dining, fresh locally sourced food, amazing craft beer and more!
Reviewed By mrsweiner1418 - Mechanicsville, Maryland
Every time we run the Calvert Cliffs trail, we come here for pizza. It's just right down the road. Yummy every since time, and the service is always great! Grab one of their micro-brews, you won't be disappointed.
6. Jefferson Patterson Park & Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 26 reviews
This combination museum and state park includes more than 70 archaeological sites from the prehistoric period 9,000 years ago through the Colonial period.
Reviewed By Stewfoot - California, Maryland
We want on Labor Day (Monday.) The Museum is closed on Monday, but there are still several hikes and driving tours around the park. And access to the river for Kayaks and canoes is still open. We were also able to see artifacts from the same time period of "Outlander."
The day tip ended with a drive out to Petersons Point, a good vantage point for the Battle of St. Leonard's Creek in the War of 1812.
7. Port of Leonardtown Winery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 59 reviews
Port of Leonardtown Winery consists of twelve vineyards from St Marys, Calvert, Charles, & Kent counties in Maryland.
Reviewed By Hey_Joe54 - Solomons, Maryland, United States
Wine tasting at its best with the expert staff at Port of Leonardtown Winery. Wine is crafted here to perfection from imported grapes. The Wine Club offers quarterly tastings for a modest fee of $55 which includes 3 bottles of wine. The tasting room is open to public on a regular basis and live music is offered in the patios area on weekends.
8. Annmarie Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 148 reviews
Annmarie Sculpture Garden & Arts Center is located in scenic Solomons, 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 thirty works on loan from the Smithsonian Institution and the National Gallery of Art. Artists in the collection include: Antonio Tobias Mendez, Barbara Hepworth, Cesar, Robert Engman, Jean Arp, Kenneth Snelson and Fransisco Zuniga. The award-winning Arts Building includes rotating exhibition space, a gift shop, and a sunny patio. Annmarie presents a variety of popular annual festivals, rotating exhibitions, family activities, and creative public programs. The Studio School offers classes for all ages and abilities - from pottery to dance - taught by professional artists and arts educators. Come explore this special place where art and nature meet!
Reviewed By Avalonavalon - Mystic, Connecticut
We biked here from the marina (since we are traveling by boat on the coast) and we were so glad we did. What a peaceful interesting walk in the woods to see all the magnificent sculptures. We were thrilled to see the installation of a...MoreWe're so glad you enjoyed your visit, and what a great day to come with the installation of our newest piece. It was an exciting day! We hope to see you again!
9. "On Watch" Monument
Overall Ratings
4 based on 9 reviews
Reviewed By Ben_Theretoo406 - Chevy Chase, Maryland
This modest memorial to a crucially important aspect of the Second World War would have escaped our notice entirely, had it not been for the gracious and dedicated docent at the Solomons visitor center. She penned it in on the map she gave us, with the caveat that “ It doesn’t look like you can get there, but you can”.
The monument itself is quite small, simply a small plot with a single statue, a bronze tablet, and a bricked area, each of which bricks bears the name of some WWII warrior who served at the training base.
The facility was active for just four years, but in that time trained over 68,000 sailors and coast guardsmen in the incredibly complex infrastructure presented in sailing huge transport vessels to a target area, then unloading fighting units, ordnance, ammunition, food and other supplies onto landing craft. The landings had to be closely, minutely, coordinated with naval artillery and airborne bombing barrages, the craft had to be run almost onto the shore, unloaded, backed away then returned to the proper ship among the hundred, even thousand of those out there on the horizon to repeat the process.
If you have ever read of the landings on Sicily, at Anzio, D-Day at Normandy, and the scores of invasions at South Pacific islands like Okinawa or Iwo Jima you quickly come to realize that exhaustive training and practice were an absolute necessity. To turn away from the statue of the sentinel and face the river and bay, it is quite stirring to see exactly where that all happened.
10. The Newtowne Players
Overall Ratings
5 based on 16 reviews
The Newtowne Players is a non-profit 501(c)(3) community theatre group located in the heart of Southern Maryland. The group performs five mainstage (full length) productions each year including musicals and 2-3 second stage (short run) productions including one act festivals and benefits. NTPs mission is to promote all aspects of the performing arts in Southern Maryland.
Reviewed By Lewis B
In a place where lots of people complain about having nothing to do, they obviously have never taken the time to seek out the productions at The Newtowne Players. They provide great performances and community involvement. I have seen several shows and have not been disappointed yet. Support the community and the community will support you.
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