Southern Maryland / Local guide

St Mary's County

Leonardtown’s square, working waterways, and nearby towns.

Get your bearings

A closer look at the county

St. Mary's County is easier to understand when you explore more than one stop. Leonardtown's square and wharf offer one introduction. California, Lexington Park, and Great Mills add another, while Mechanicsville, Charlotte Hall, and Hollywood bring more places to investigate. Start with the destinations that shape your week, then use a few local outings to get to know the wider county.

The county's parks and markets give that exploration some substance. You can visit Leonardtown's waterfront, find a farmers market in California or Lexington Park, or explore Greenwell State Park in Hollywood. Pair those experiences with a review of travel, school assignments, and conditions for each property. A community guide should help you ask better questions about a home, not promise that every address offers the same experience.

Different places, different starting points

Communities to get to know

Leonardtown

Shops and galleries gather around the town square and Fenwick Street, with the wharf downhill along Washington Street. The county courthouse, hospital, and governmental center are also in Leonardtown. Visit the square and waterfront together, and check the town's event calendar if you would like to experience a First Friday.

Local information

California, Lexington Park & Great Mills

These communities offer several concrete stops for an exploratory visit: Myrtle Point Waterfront Park in California, Lexington Manor Passive Park in Lexington Park, and Chancellor's Run Regional Park in Great Mills. California and Lexington Park also have farmers markets sponsored by the county. Compare the location of each home with your own daily destinations.

Local information

Mechanicsville & Charlotte Hall

Explore the county's northern communities with a visit to The Barns at New Market, one of its farmers markets sponsored by the county. Fifth District Park is another local stop. STS publishes routes serving Charlotte Hall and Mechanicsville; consult the current schedules if a transit connection is part of your plans.

Local information

Hollywood

Greenwell State Park gives Hollywood a distinctive place on a county tour, with a setting along the Patuxent River. Add it to an exploratory visit, then travel from the prospective home to your workplace and regular errands to understand the practical side of the location.

Local information

Beyond the showing schedule

Put these places on your list

Leonardtown Wharf Park

A waterfront stop below the town square, with a boardwalk, views over Breton Bay, and canoe/kayak access. The tourism listing notes restrooms and no overnight boat facilities. Check current access and activity information before planning time on the water.

Plan a visit

Myrtle Point Waterfront Park

This county park on Patuxent Boulevard in California is an option for adding a waterfront stop to your community tour. Consult the county's park information for current access, facilities, fees, and operating arrangements before your visit.

Plan a visit

Greenwell State Park

Located in Hollywood along the Patuxent River, Greenwell adds a state park setting to your exploration. The county tourism guide highlights its commitment to serving people of different abilities; check specific program and facility information for your own visit.

Plan a visit

Travel and local services

Plan your regular routes

STS publishes routes connecting Leonardtown, California, Lexington Park, Great Mills, Charlotte Hall, and Mechanicsville, along with a connection between Lexington Park and Solomons in Calvert County. Use the current route map and schedule to check the complete journey, including transfers and the return trip. If your destination is a workplace with controlled access, include the correct entrance in your driving test. Compare weekday travel at the times you expect to leave and return.

Before you choose a home

Look up schools by addressUse the St. Mary's County Public Schools bus stop and school locator for a prospective property's address. Confirm the applicable school year and any assignment questions directly with the district. Official resource: Look up schools by address → (Opens in a new tab)
Investigate flood information earlyThe county explains how to find a property in its GIS map and turn on FEMA flood layers. Treat this as an initial check, and discuss questions about the property with county staff and an insurance professional. Official resource: Investigate flood information early → (Opens in a new tab)
Check plans for outdoor improvementsBefore assuming you can clear trees, add a structure, or change a shoreline, ask Land Use and Growth Management about the property's environmental review requirements and Critical Area status. Official resource: Check plans for outdoor improvements → (Opens in a new tab)
Separate scenery from property rightsA water view, a nearby public launch, and deeded access are different features. Review the property documents to establish what is included, who maintains it, and whether any shared access carries rules or fees.

Guide sources reviewed November 8, 2026. Check official sites for current hours, fees, routes, and school year information. Maps are a starting point, not a boundary survey, title review, or guarantee of service. Photos are archival views; see credits for dates.

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