Newtowne Neck State Park

Newtowne Neck State Park occupies a 794-acre peninsula just four miles southwest of Leonardtown, wrapped by Breton Bay, St. Clement's Bay, and the Potomac River. With seven miles of largely undeveloped shoreline, the park offers a quieter, more natural alternative to the county's more developed beaches - ideal for kayaking, paddling, fishing, and simply taking in open water views from multiple directions. Unimproved trails wind through woodlands, wetlands, and agricultural fields, giving visitors a chance to explore on foot or by bike at their own pace.

The land carries deep historical roots, having once been the site of Newtowne, Maryland's first settlement after St. Mary's City, and later home to a Jesuit mission before the state acquired the property in 2009. The park operates on a Leave No Trace, trash-free policy, asking visitors to pack out everything they bring in and helping preserve its undeveloped character. With no entry fee and free reservations required only on weekends and holidays starting Memorial Day weekend, Newtowne Neck is an easy, low-cost destination for anyone looking for a peaceful escape into nature just outside Leonardtown.