Piney Point Light House Potomac River Museum

A hidden gem at the end of a long drive/​bike ride. They have a great kayak launch, picnic tables, bike rack, pier and beach area (just wading though) all for free… And the lighthouse view from the top and maritime exhibit are well worth more than the $ 7 price of admission!

Museum and grounds are free; entrance and guided tour of the lighthouse is only $ 7. Neat exhibits on the Coast Guard and the sunken U-​boat offshore. Clean restrooms too, but the water isn’t drinkable.

When I was a prisoner, I mean student, at the Paul Hall Maritime Center several years ago all I knew of Piney Point was that there was not much around, I was trapped and phone reception was awful. I was so grateful for the day of our release that I never considered that Piney Point could actually be a cool area. A trip on a whim brought us back to Piney Point and my impressions were definitely incorrect.
Okay, store-​wise there isn’t much around but if you decide to go this direction, I highly recommend heading towards the lighthouse. It is set in a lovely little area surrounded by water and cool houses whose front yards also consist of the beach across the street. Everyone we spoke with was super friendly and the woman at the museum was chock full of great information and suggestions about the area and where to head next.
The lighthouse itself isn’t huge but the setting is pretty cool. You are not allowed to swim on the beach as the sign warns there is an undertow. It should probably warn about the massive amounts of jellyfish floating around the dock as well.
So, older and wiser, I changed my opinion of Piney Point, MD. It was not the prison of my memory but a quaint area in a very pretty setting. What ended up being a jokey idea of visiting where one of my many jobs began, ended up being a great day and it all began here. Plus, my phone reception was much improved.

This is probably the tiniest little lighthouse I’ve ever seen. But my goodness, the view from the waterfront is breathtaking! This area is such a little gem. I’m glad we took the time to drive out there to check it out. It’s very picturesque and quiet.