How to Make the Summer Fun in Patuxent River
by D'Antrese McNeil - June 1st, 2022
Located just a little over an hour south of Washington D.C. is Naval Air Station Patuxent River, nestled next to a small town located in Southern Maryland. It’s a place where barns and corn fields line the main roads, so it’s common to think there isn’t much to do here. If you look into the heart of this little town in the heart of St. Mary’s County, the summers are full of fun.
The Naval Air Station also hosts events throughout the year – including summer fun – through MWR. Make sure you check out their calendar and get out and meet some new friends.
Visit one of the many parks near Pax River
One thing never in short supply in Pax River is parks or green areas. Pointe Lookout Park is right at the tip of Maryland and boasts two beaches (one is pet-friendly), a campground, and the entire park is a civil war museum! You’ll find random spots with stand-alone plaques that explain how in that particular spot or area the park played a part in the Civil War.
If you like water fun, head over to Nicolet Park, right in the Great Mills area. It has all the things to make for a great fun family day at the park, including a splash pad and skateboard rink. There are also basketball goals, grills, and volleyball nets to cure your need for outdoor fun.
If you are more of an outdoorsy type, head across the bridge to Calvert County and go to either Calvert Cliffs State Park for some amazing hiking trails or the Navy Recreation Center, where there is a teen center, beach houses for rent, and places to camp.
Enjoy some small-town entertainment
Small towns can make it hard to find good entertainment, but not in the Pax River area. Leonardtown has a robust downtown area, swanked with outdoor pubs and good family eateries like Ledo’s Pizza. There are two movie theaters and one on-base as well. A local bar named Tap House hosts karaoke and live bands over the weekends.
Prefer a daytrip to Washington D.C.? Read our Washington D.C. Bucket List here, so you can see all the highlights during your summers in Pax River.
Foodies will love summer in Pax River
Pax River has an amazing selection of restaurants. Maryland is known for its delicious crabs, so head over to Seabreezes in Mechanicsville about 15 miles north of Pax River, on the water. It’s cheap but so good and you will leave happy. You can also visit one of Stoney’s three locations and try their famous crab cakes and old bay fries.
There is also an amazing Indian restaurant as soon as you arrive in the Pax River area called Bollywood Masala which is hands down some of the best Indian food I’ve ever eaten. Please try the tandoori and lamb saag. There are also plenty of chain restaurants to keep it simple and familiar.
Whether you are looking for good food, outdoor fun, or summer events, your family will enjoy their summers at NAS Pax River!
D’Antrese McNeil is a proud military spouse. She is a stay at home mom, as well as a photographer and vlogger/blogger. She is also the Pax River Military Spouse of the Year 2017. D’Antrese is a proud Houston, Texas Native. She enjoys Hip Hop, R and B and country music and is a big Foodie! Check her out on YouTube: D’Antrese Le’Chelle and FaceBook: D’Antrese Le’Chelle.
