What days of the week and hours is the museum open?

The Calvert Marine Museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Guests are able to preselect an entry time for their visit. Once you enter the museum, stay for as long as you like.

The Calvert Marine Museum and Museum Store are closed New Years’ Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. We also close at 3 p.m. on Waterside Concert days for concert preparation. All closings are listed on our Calendar of Events and Plan Your Visit pages.

Can we take pictures?

Yes! In fact, we encourage you to take as many photos as you would like so you can remember what a great time you had at the Calvert Marine Museum. During Waterside Concerts, you can take photos, but are not allowed to bring in cameras with detachable lenses or video cameras.

Can I buy tickets to ride the Wm. B. Tennison in advance or over the phone?

You can purchase tickets for the Wm. B. Tennison, online, up to 24 hours in advance of a cruise. Each day at 2 p.m., you will no longer be able to purchase tickets online for the following day. You can purchase tickets in person at the Admissions Desk in the lobby of the Calvert Marine Museum, the day of the cruise, while space is available. The Tennison accommodates 40 passengers and the tickets are first-come-first-served. If you want to check to see how many tickets are still available before driving to the museum, call 410-326-2042, ext. 8068 and ask the Admissions Desk Clerk. They will gladly help you.

The Tennison cruises are at 2 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday, May through the end of October.

Click here to purchase tickets.

Are the otters on exhibit, outside, all year long?

Yes! Otters love cold weather, so even though you may want to stay inside, they can still be found frolicking in the water and having fun. During the hot summer months, they always have access to a behind-the-scenes indoor area that is air conditioned in case they want to cool down.

Do you have a restaurant or food vending machines on site?

Sorry, we do not have a restaurant or food vending machine on site. We do, however, have a conveniently located soda and water vending machine just outside of the museum. There are many wonderful restaurants in Solomons that are close by. Visit www.solomonsmaryland.com for a list of local restaurants.

Can I bring a lunch and eat on the grounds?

Of course! Picnic tables are located on the grounds for your enjoyment and use. Some are under cover in the Corbin Nature Pavilion.

Are there nearby places for a quick lunch?

Yes! There are many wonderful restaurants in Solomons that are close by. Visit www.solomonsmaryland.com for a list of local restaurants.

I am planning a day-trip for my family. What other things are in the area that we might enjoy?

Solomons is beautiful all year round and fun to explore by foot. Enjoy a stroll on the boardwalk and grab an ice cream cone during the warmer months. Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday afternoons, May through September from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., you can visit the Cove Point Lighthouse, located approximately 10 minutes north of the Calvert Marine Museum. Annmarie Gardens (http://www.annmariegarden.org/) is about seven minutes away by car. They host many family programs and events throughout the year. Are you a fossil hunter? Check out our Paleontology page for recommended locations where you can put your fossil hunting skills to the test and walk away with cool fossils. You can even bring them back to the museum and ask one of the volunteers in the Paleo Prep Lab to help you identify them. The Patuxent River Naval Air Museum is just over the bridge in St. Mary’s County. Visit www.paxmuseum.com for more information. Visit www.Solomonsmaryland.com, www.choosecalvert.com and www.visitstmarysmd.com to search out more fun possibilities for your family trip.

Are there hotels nearby?

Yes, there are several hotels as well as Bed & Breakfast Inns nearby. Visit www.solomonsmaryland.com and click on “Lodging and Accommodations” for options.

I’m arriving by boat. Can I dock my dingy while I visit the museum?

Yes! But please call ahead and ask for permission to make sure there is space available. For permission, call 410-326-2042, ext. 8046. If you want to dock your boat during a Waterside Concert day, call 410-326-2042, ext. 8063, in advance.

Is there a public sandy beach in Solomons?

No, unfortunately there are no public beaches in Solomons. However, the boardwalk offers great views of the Patuxent River just before it empties into the Bay as you walk through Solomons. Flags Pond Park and Calvert Cliffs State Park are a little further north on Route 4 and you can hike to the beaches. Click the link below for more information and a listing of beaches in Calvert County.

Are pets allowed in the museum?

Only service dogs are allowed in the museum.