CALIFORNIA, Md. – Southern Maryland is home to some of the oldest and most picturesque lighthouses on the Chesapeake Bay, each holding a unique history and, in some cases, a spooky legend. These historic beacons—Piney Point, Cove Point, Point Lookout, Drum Point, and more—offer visitors a glimpse into the region’s maritime history.
Here’s a guide to the best-known lighthouses in Southern Maryland, with details on their histories, paranormal tales, and tips for planning your visit.
1. Piney Point Lighthouse
44550 Lighthouse Road, Piney Point, MD 20674
Phone: (301) 994-1471
Website: Piney Point Lighthouse Museum & Historic Park
Built in 1836, Piney Point Lighthouse is one of Maryland’s oldest surviving lighthouses. This conical, whitewashed lighthouse is nestled along the Potomac River, where it once guided steamboats and cargo ships. Known as the “Lighthouse of Presidents,” Piney Point was a favorite retreat for U.S. presidents seeking a break from Washington.
Ghostly Legends: Locals and visitors have reported mysterious sights and sounds, including the distant echo of ship horns and shadowy figures along the beach. Some believe these spirits belong to sailors who lost their lives in nearby waters.
Best Time to Visit: Piney Point Lighthouse Museum & Historic Park is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The spring and fall seasons are ideal for a visit, offering cooler weather and fewer crowds.
2. Cove Point Lighthouse
3500 Lighthouse Boulevard, Lusby, MD 20657
Phone: (410) 474-5370
Website: Cove Point Lighthouse & Keeper’s House
Constructed in 1828, Cove Point Lighthouse is the oldest continuously operating lighthouse on the Chesapeake Bay. Its unique brick tower stands 51 feet tall, offering panoramic views of the Bay and surrounding landscape. Operated by the Calvert Marine Museum, Cove Point also offers overnight accommodations in its restored keeper’s house.
Ghostly Legends: While Cove Point doesn’t have a documented ghost, visitors often speak of eerie experiences, like unexplained cold drafts and faint whispers in the keeper’s house.
Best Time to Visit: The lighthouse grounds and Visitors Center are open to the public on Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday. May through September and guests can book overnight stays year-round.
Photo by Acroterion
3. Point Lookout Lighthouse
11175 Point Lookout Road, Scotland, MD 20687
Phone: (301) 872-5688
Website: Point Lookout State Park
Point Lookout Lighthouse is one of the most haunted lighthouses in America, situated at the southernmost tip of Maryland where the Potomac River meets the Chesapeake Bay. The lighthouse, built in 1830, served as a beacon and a hospital during the Civil War.
Ghostly Legends: Point Lookout is famous for its hauntings, with many claiming to have heard ghostly voices, seen spectral soldiers, and even encountered the spirit of a lighthouse keeper. Paranormal investigators have recorded countless unexplained phenomena here, making it a must-visit for ghost hunters.
Best Time to Visit: Guided ghost tours are available during special events, especially in October. For general visits, Point Lookout State Park is open year-round, but the lighthouse itself has limited hours.
4. Drum Point Lighthouse
Calvert Marine Museum: 14200 Solomons Island Road S., Solomons, MD 20688
Phone: (410) 326-2042
Website: Calvert Marine Museum
Originally located at Drum Point in the 1880s, this historic lighthouse was relocated to the Calvert Marine Museum in Solomons, Maryland, in 1975 to preserve it. The screwpile lighthouse offers a close-up look at the life of a 19th-century lighthouse keeper, complete with period furnishings and artifacts.
Ghostly Legends: Although Drum Point lacks a documented paranormal history, some museum guests claim to have felt an otherworldly presence in its restored quarters.
Best Time to Visit: Drum Point Lighthouse is part of the Calvert Marine Museum, open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
5. Blackistone Island Lighthouse (Replica)
St. Clement’s Island Museum: 38370 Point Breeze Road, Colton’s Point, MD 20626
Phone: (301) 769-2222
Website: St. Clement’s Island Museum
While the original Blackistone Island Lighthouse was destroyed in the early 20th century, a faithful replica now stands on St. Clement’s Island. This lighthouse is accessible by seasonal water taxi from Colton’s Point, offering a unique opportunity to explore a piece of local history.
Ghostly Legends: Although the replica has no ghost stories, the island itself is said to be haunted by early settlers and sailors. Mysterious sightings and sounds add to the intrigue of this remote site.
Best Time to Visit: St. Clement’s Island Museum is open year-round, but water taxi rides to the lighthouse are seasonal, from April through October.
6. Point No Point Lighthouse
(Accessible by Boat Only)
Phone: (410) 260-8888
Website: Visit St. Mary’s MD
Built in 1905, the Point No Point Lighthouse stands alone in the Chesapeake Bay, about 10 miles southwest of Scotland, Maryland. This unique, off-shore lighthouse is not accessible by land, but boat tours are available through several local charter companies, giving visitors a close-up view of its isolated and iconic architecture.
Ghostly Legends: No widely known hauntings surround Point No Point, though its remote location and storied past fuel imaginations. Some say that on foggy days, figures appear in the windows, perhaps former keepers watching over the Bay.
Best Time to Visit: Summer is the ideal time to arrange a boat tour, as calmer waters and clearer skies make the lighthouse easily visible.
Planning Your Tour
Whether you’re a history buff or a paranormal enthusiast, Southern Maryland’s lighthouses are well worth exploring. Many sites host special events throughout the year, including ghost tours, historical reenactments, and maritime festivals. Be sure to check each lighthouse’s website or call ahead for the latest information on hours and tour availability.
Exploring these iconic beacons is a way to step back in time and experience the rich maritime history of Southern Maryland, one lighthouse at a time.
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