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Charles County

· Charles County, MD

Why you should go…

Charles County is a Southern Maryland destination about 30 miles south of Washington DC with more than 300 miles of Potomac River shoreline. Visitors can explore Underground Railroad history sites, kayak among the Ghost Fleet of Mallows Bay, walk the Indian Head Rail Trail and eat at waterfront seafood restaurants. The county's Department of Recreation, Parks and Tourism promotes the area through its Explore Charles County visitor site.

  • #history
  • #potomac river
  • #outdoors
  • #kayaking
  • #day trip

Good to know

General sightseeing guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • The forecast is part of the ticket

    Haze, low cloud, and rain flatten a view. Clear-day visits are worth rearranging your plans for.

  • Golden hour sells out first

    Sunset slots at observation decks and cruises are the first to go, so book those further ahead.

  • Dress a layer warmer

    It is always breezier up high and out on the water than it feels at street level.

  • Timed entry is common

    Plenty of landmarks release tickets in windows rather than at the door, so check before you walk over.

What's around here?

The closest stops to Charles County, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

  • Attractions
    History Buff

    George Washington's Mount Vernon

    $25–$50

    George Washington's riverside estate: mansion tours, gardens, farm animals, and sweeping Potomac views.

    14 mi awaySwitch it up: Attractions

  • Sightseeing
    Family Favorite

    National Harbor

    Free

    A waterfront development on the Potomac near DC, with the Capital Wheel, MGM National Harbor, shops, and hotels.

    15 mi awayMore like this

  • Sightseeing
    Local Gem

    Calvert County

    Free

    A Chesapeake Bay county in Southern Maryland known for fossil hunting beaches, waterfront parks and small bay towns.

    16 mi awayMore like this

  • Sightseeing
    History Buff

    Office of Historic Alexandria

    Free

    The City of Alexandria agency that runs the city's historic museums and sites, headquartered at the Lloyd House.

    19 mi awayMore like this

  • Tours
    Date Night

    City Cruises Washington DC

    $25–$50

    Watch the monuments glow from the Potomac on narrated sightseeing, brunch, and dinner cruises from The Wharf.

    22 mi awaySwitch it up: Tours

  • Shopping
    Local Gem

    Eastern Market

    Free

    Capitol Hill's 1873 market hall, butchers and famous pancakes inside, weekend farmers and flea markets outside.

    23 mi awaySwitch it up: Shopping