Smith Island Cruise Itinerary
FROM WASHINGTON D.C. AND BALTIMORE
The ferry to Smith Island departs from Point Lookout State Park is in Scotland, Maryland and is 1 hour and 40 minutes from D.C. and is 2 hours and 10 minutes from downtown Baltimore.
The ferry departs at 10:30 a.m. so the traffic going south is usually light from either city.
Best way to get to Point Lookout from DC is to get on Route 5 and head south and follow the signs to Point Lookout.
From Baltimore, you want to get on Route 2 which becomes 2/4 South. Follow that over the bridge in Solomons Island, and make a left on 235 which will take you to Route 5 follow signs to Point Lookout.
CONSIDERATIONS
The ferry does not run year round so you will want to check the schedule. We bought our tickets online, and they gave us the option of purchasing an entire nine layer cake as part of the package. We declined and were glad we did. It is much better to have a slice on the island. Keep it special.
The ferry arrives at the dock and there is a restaurant and the golf cart/bike rental shop right there. We made the mistake of renting a golf cart which is not allowed into Tylerton or Rhodes Point which was disappointing. That is why we highly recommend renting the bike instead of the golf cart.
ESSENTIALS
Prepare for the Cruise
This is a full day trip. Bring plenty of sunscreen, and some water. You can choose to sit outside on the top deck, or inside on the bottom deck.
The total cruise time is about 1 1/2 hours each way, and you have a little over 2 hours on the island.
Bring cash, there are no banks or ATM’s on the Island and many of the businesses are cash only.
On the Island
- Rent a bicycle instead of the golf cart as there are distance restrictions.
- Eat a piece or two of the nine layer cake, it’s sublime.
- Find a bag of Smith Island roasted coffee beans.
- Take time to visit the Smith Island Cultural Center.
- Remember, people live here so be courteous, don’t litter, and don’t walk through peoples yards.
- Above all, support local businesses.
UPDATE!
If you would rather have a more immersive Smith Island experience, check out this new business Experience Smith Island.
This is an all day private tour, of all the towns on Smith Island, and a local waterman to give you a deeper understanding of the island and its people.
We are going back in May and will be taking the tour with Captain Landon and will keep you updated!
DO NOT MISS!!
The captain on our cruise made sure to take us for an up close look at the old military ship that was used for target practice. An eerie sight.
Point Lookout
If you have any energy left, please take the time to drive down to the end of Point Lookout, checkout the beach park, and walk out to the end of the fishing pier. It is a fabulous park. One you will want to visit more than once.
On the Way Out
Upon leaving Point Lookout, make one last stop at Buzzy’s Country Store. You probably saw it on the way in, please stop in, have a chat with the locals, and grab a cold drink.
FURTHER READING
