Territory capital · United States
Leonardtown
Give Leonardtown one night, or a half-day stop between Point Lookout and St. Mary's City: the square, the wharf and the winery fill an afternoon.
Leonardtown is the seat of St. Mary's County, a small town on Breton Bay about 1 h 30 min by car from Annapolis and roughly 1 h from Washington, DC. Its draw is a compact historic square with galleries and shops, a wharf park on the water, a cooperative winery and a paddling trail on the McIntosh Run. It works as a base for Southern Maryland's colonial sites, not as a destination on its own.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- USD
- Best months
- Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct
- avoid Jul–Aug (heat and humidity)
- Airports
- DCA · BWI · IAD
- Nights
- 1
Rules in force · 7Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- United States ↗Check whether you need an ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) or a visa on the official CBP and State Department sites; apply only through esta.cbp.dhs.gov, not third-party sites, and allow time before you book.
- United States ↗Several popular national parks use timed-entry or vehicle reservations in peak season; check each park's page on nps.gov and book on recreation.gov before fixing your dates.
- United States ↗Medical care is very expensive for visitors; buy travel insurance with high medical cover before you fly.
- United States ↗Tipping is expected: about 15–20% at sit-down restaurants and bars, and a tip for taxis, hotel staff and guides.
Entry rules depend on your passport. Full visa guide
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Emergency numbers for Leonardtown911 ▾
- Police, fire, ambulance911
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Leonardtown, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the US dollar (USD, $).United States-wide
- SIM or eSIMAT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile cover the country; prepaid SIMs at their stores and Walmart/Target (passport required), or an eSIM before you fly.United States-wide
- Tap waterTap water is drinkable nearly everywhere; boil or treat water from streams in parks.United States-wide
- TippingSit-down restaurant: 18–22% of the pre-tax bill.United States-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 120 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.United States-wide
- SafetyA quiet small town; the real risks are driving Route 5 at night, deer on the road, and summer heat on the water.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree public toilets are scarce in big cities; use cafés, department stores, libraries, stations.United States-wide
- Emergency numbers911 police, fire, ambulance
- Sundays & holidaysFederal holidays close offices, banks and post offices; national parks stay open.United States-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportDCA Ronald Reagan Washington National (About 1 h 30 min by car via Route 5; the closest big-hub airport.).
- Getting aroundA car is close to essential: sights sit along Route 5 and the bay roads, and there is no useful local bus.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Coffee$3–5
- Street or quick mealDeli sandwich or crab cake$10–20
- Budget bedWhole-house rental (up to 6), a night, per roomUS$250
- Mid-range bedRoute 5 chain motel room, a night, per roomUS$130
- High-end bedRoute 5 chain motel room, a night, per roomUS$200
A day, not counting the bed: Budget US$70 · Mid US$130 · High US$220
Prices in local money; change the currency in the header to see yours next to them. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- DCA Ronald Reagan Washington National (About 1 h 30 min by car via Route 5; the closest big-hub airport.) · BWI Baltimore/Washington International (About 1 h 45 min by car; more low-cost flights.) · IAD Washington Dulles International (About 2 h by car; long-haul international arrivals.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
not flagged
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
Feb
not flagged
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
Mar
not flagged
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
Apr
Best
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
May
Best
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
Jun
Best
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
Jul
Avoid
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Aug
Avoid
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Sep
Best
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
Oct
Best
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Nov
not flagged
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
Dec
not flagged
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
Best: Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct. Avoid: Jul–Aug. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)), coolest Jan (−3°C (27°F)27°F (−3°C) low), wettest May (10 rain days), driest Oct (7). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Leonardtown: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
−3°C (27°F)27°F (−3°C)
9 rd
Feb
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
−2°C (28°F)28°F (−2°C)
8 rd
Mar
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
9 rd
Apr
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
9 rd
May
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
10 rd
Jun
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
9 rd
Jul
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
10 rd
Aug
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
9 rd
Sep
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
8 rd
Oct
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
7 rd
Nov
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
8 rd
Dec
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
−1°C (30°F)30°F (−1°C)
9 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
A car is close to essential: sights sit along Route 5 and the bay roads, and there is no useful local bus. The square, wharf and market are walkable from each other in 10–15 min. Parking in the historic district is free but tight on event weekends.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Door to door: About 20 min
Drive Route 5 south, about 15 min
Colonial site and museum on the water; pair with Leonardtown in one day.
Door to door: About 45 min
Drive Route 5 south through Lexington Park, about 40 min
Beach, lighthouse and Civil War prison site at the tip of the peninsula.
Solomons
goDoor to door: About 45 min
Drive Route 5 north to Route 4, then east across the Patuxent River bridge, about 40 min
Island boardwalk, seafood and a maritime museum; the crossing is the Governor Thomas Johnson Bridge on Route 4.
Door to door: About 25 min
Drive Route 235 south, about 20 min
Shopping and services, not sightseeing; useful for beds and supplies.
Door to door: About 1 h 10 min
Drive Route 4 north, about 1 h
Bay-side boardwalk and a railway museum; a full half-day out.
Door to door: About 50 min
Drive Route 257 south, about 45 min
Small watermen's village with a beach and a couple of crab houses.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Leonardtown Square and Washington Street
Walk to restaurants, galleries and the market; the only place where you can leave the car parked.
Route 5 strip (north of town)
Chain motels and free parking; 5–10 min drive to the square, no walkable food.
Lexington Park / California, MD
More beds and services 20–25 min south, near the Patuxent River naval base; use it if Leonardtown is full.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- $70–110 excl. bed
- Mid
- $120–190 excl. bed
- High
- $200+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Route 5 chain motel room1 × 1 night × US$130 | US$130 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × US$130 | US$260 |
| Rental car, one day, compact1 × US$60 | US$60 |
| Fuel, about 100 km of local driving1 × US$12 | US$12 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × US$15 | US$30 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | US$49 |
| Trip total≈ US$271 per person per day, bed included | US$541 |
2026 estimate in US dollars; sales tax is added at checkout and is not included here. Lodging and daily figures are estimates — check current rates. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | $3–5 |
| Deli sandwich or crab cake | $10–20 |
| Pizza, one large | $18–26 |
| Winery tasting | $10–15 |
| Canoe or kayak rental on the McIntosh Run | $30–50 |
| Gallon of fuel | $3.20–3.80 |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Distances look short on the map but Route 5 is a two-lane road with traffic: allow more time than the mileage suggests.
- Many kitchens close by 21:00 and some places shut Sunday–Monday; check hours before you drive out.Many kitchens close by 9:00 PM and some places shut Sunday–Monday; check hours before you drive out.
- Summer heat and humidity on the water; ticks and poison ivy on the paddling-trail banks.
- Cell signal is patchy on the bay-side back roads.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 911
Pocket card
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LeonardtownLeonardtown
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
To this address, pleaseTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance911
Embassy
No embassies here; the nearest consulates are in Washington, DC, about 1 h 30 min away.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- DCA → Leonardtown by car: about 1 h 30 min, roughly 90 km (56 mi)about 1 h 30 min, roughly 56 mi (90 km)
- Rental car, one day: $50–80 plus fuel
- Winery tasting: $10–15
Say or show
- Where is the square? — Where is the square?
- Can I pay by card? — Can I pay by card?
- Is the kitchen still open? — Is the kitchen still open?
- One night, two people — One night, two people
Tipping is expected: 18–22% at sit-down restaurants, $1–2 a drink, 15–20% taxis.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Leonardtown. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct · avoid Jul–Aug (heat and humidity) · month by month →
- 3 airports and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 6 day-trips, door to door
- 4 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contracts for DCA, BWI and IAD with field-checked drive times and a rental-car fallback.
- Four walking clusters with rescue anchors: the square, the wharf, Shepard's Old Field Market, and the winery on Newtowne Neck Road.
- Place pages with verified hours (Port of Leonardtown Winery, Shepard's Old Field Market, the paddling trail) and eat pages with last orders.
- Event-weekend fixtures so arrival gates A–D can go green.
Sources
- officialTown of Leonardtown
- officialPort of Leonardtown Winery
- officialShepard's Old Field Market
- secondaryWikivoyage: Leonardtown, revision 5242669 (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Ask about Leonardtown
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