Top 15 Must-Do Activities in La Plata, Maryland

The seat of Charles County in Southern Maryland is situated near the head of the Port Tobacco River, which served as a significant hub for international trade during the 17th and 18th centuries.

Port Tobacco, now merely a collection of historic structures on La Plata’s outskirts, was formerly the second-largest river port in Maryland, sustained by a flourishing tobacco commerce.

Among the notable planters was Thomas Stone, recognized as the youngest signatory of the United States Declaration of Independence in 1776.

Located near La Plata is the world’s oldest continuously inhabited Jesuit residence, beautifully positioned atop a hill at St. Thomas Manor.

An additional site of historical significance is Mount Carmel Monastery, revered as the oldest Catholic monastery in the initial 13 colonies, which re-established a Carmelite community in the 1930s.

1. Thomas Stone National Historic Site

The residence of Thomas Stone (1743-1787), one of the 56 signatories of the United States Declaration of Independence, is located less than ten minutes west of La Plata. This property, known as Haberadventure, was constructed by Stone in the Georgian architectural style in 1771.

Stone, a planter, lawyer, and politician, was the youngest signer. He relinquished his legal career to tend to his ailing wife, Margaret, and died just four months after her passing.

Stone’s descendants lived at Haberadventure until 1936, and the property was acquired by the National Park Service in 1978.

A guided tour offers insight into Stone’s professional life and the distinctive motivations behind his co-signing of the Declaration of Independence.

Trails lead to the family cemetery and historic outbuildings including a horse barn, corn crib, and tobacco barn.

2. Port Tobacco

Long before the establishment of La Plata, Charles County’s initial county seat was Port Tobacco, first settled in 1634.

By the late 1700s, it had developed into a bustling river port thanks to a prosperous tobacco trade and convenient access to both the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean.

During the Civil War, Port Tobacco gained notoriety as a hub for Confederate sympathizers, particularly as investigators sought John Wilkes Booth.

The town suffered a decline when the river became silted, and this decline was exacerbated in the 1870s when the Baltimore and Potomac Railroad opted for La Plata instead.

Presently, there exists a National Historic District comprising a handful of 18th and 19th-century buildings, along with the reconstructed courthouse, which will be discussed later.

One historic home situated on the former town square is Stag Hall (circa 1766), a notable frame house that offers tours Thursday to Sunday between April and December.

3. St. Thomas Manor

Overlooking the Port Tobacco River, the oldest continuously active Roman Catholic parish in the United States is found here.

The establishment at Chapel Point was initiated in 1641 by Andrew White (1579-1656), an English Jesuit missionary, which evolved into an active parish in 1662.

Constructed in 1741, St. Thomas Manor is the oldest Georgian building in Maryland and the oldest continuously occupied Jesuit residence globally.

Following John Carroll’s (1735-1815) consecration as Bishop in 1790, it also became the first Roman Catholic See established in the former 13 British colonies.

There are informative boards and markers outside, while informal tours of the manor and church are available.

The adjoining cemetery contains the grave of a Confederate spy, alongside a rare example of preserved quarters for enslaved individuals. If you visit, consider coming at sunset for breathtaking views.

4. Port Tobacco Courthouse

The original Port Tobacco Courthouse, constructed in 1819, succumbed to a fire in 1895 under suspicious circumstances. In 1972, a meticulous brick-for-brick replica of this Federal landmark was erected on the site to function as a local history museum.

This building serves as the headquarters for the Society for the Restoration of Port Tobacco and welcomes visitors during the summer months.

Inside, museum exhibits explore various aspects of Port Tobacco’s history, including the tobacco trade of the 17th and 18th centuries and the Civil War, featuring archaeological discoveries made within the vicinity.

5. Marie’s Diner

Undoubtedly a highlight of La Plata’s dining scene is this modest diner, known for its homestyle breakfast, lunch, dinner, and desserts.

Due to its quality food and renowned warm service, Marie’s Diner is frequently bustling and manages a waitlist during peak times.

The extensive menu features several standout dishes worth trying. In the morning, the sausage gravy or chipped beef breakfast is highly recommended.

Given the proximity to the Chesapeake Bay, patrons should also indulge in one of the seafood specialties, like the uniquely crafted 5 oz crab cakes. Additional noteworthy mentions include scrapple, corn fritters, plate-sized pancakes, and daily specials from the bakery.

6. Gilbert Run Park

This beloved Charles County park is located eight miles east of La Plata along Route 6, encompassing the 69-acre Wheatley Lake.

During the summer months, the lake becomes a prime location for boating, whether you choose to bring your own vessel or rent a kayak, canoe, pedal boat, or rowboat from the park office.

Fishing enthusiasts can access a pier located on the southwestern shore, where varieties such as trout, catfish, bluegill, and largemouth bass can be caught.

The lake’s banks are lined with forest, visible via a 2.5-mile nature trail. Gilbert Run Park is also an ideal venue for gatherings and family reunions, having five pavilions available for rental scattered along the lakeshore.

Lastly, the park offers one of the finest playgrounds in the area, featuring a zipline for added fun.

7. Port Tobacco River Park

Contributing to the array of beautiful outdoor areas near La Plata is Port Tobacco River Park.

This park is particularly noteworthy for its wildlife observation opportunities, featuring a pair of nesting bald eagles visible via the Eagle Cam on YouTube.

The park features three miles of trails equipped with observation platforms and numerous informative signs detailing the local wildlife, including nesting great herons and a variety of turtles. Picnicking is also an option, with a pavilion surrounded by nature.

8. Mount Carmel Monastery

Located on the northwestern edge of La Plata near the College of Southern Maryland, Mount Carmel Monastery represents the oldest Catholic monastery within the original 13 colonies.

Having been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1973, the monastery was initially established in 1790 by a group of discalced Carmelite nuns.

The original community relocated to Baltimore in 1831, but the monastery was re-established in 1933 and continues to welcome visitors to this day.

You can explore the restored 200-year-old structures, visit the chapel, enjoy the gardens, and gain insight into the daily lives of the ten members residing within this community.

9. Tilghman Lake Park

Situated less than five minutes from central La Plata is an underappreciated park, encircling a small lake populated by waterfowl and otters.

Tilghman Lake is bordered by an expansive stand of pine trees, featuring a paved path along the shore with exercise stations scattered throughout.

A floating dock allows for catch-and-release fishing, alongside various spots near the water for relaxation, ideal for picnics or grilling activities.

For special occasions, a pavilion is available for rental through La Plata Town Hall.

10. Port Tobacco Players

As a cornerstone of the arts community in Southern Maryland, La Plata is home to a community theater group with a rich history dating back to 1947.

Notably, the Port Tobacco Players possess their own dedicated venue, housed within a charming and recently renovated former movie theater from the 1940s.

The group stages six productions per season, encompassing a wide range from Shakespearean plays to musicals and family-oriented shows.

The diverse selection of recent productions includes titles such as Little Shop of Horrors, Macbeth, The Importance of Being Earnest, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Guys and Dolls, and Calendar Girls.

11. Chapel Point State Park

Adjacent to St. Thomas Manor, this state park was acquired from the Jesuits in the 1970s and spans over 600 acres of woodlands and waterfront alongside the eastern bank of the Port Tobacco River.

The park remains largely undeveloped, with minimal amenities, providing a serene and unspoiled environment for hiking, picnicking (limited to no tables), and river-based activities.

A small beach area invites swimming, along with a launch point for boating and kayaking (restricting to car-topped vessels only) and designated fishing spots.

12. Laurel Springs Regional Park

This park, located adjacent to La Plata High School, is designed for active recreation and features an array of sports facilities.

Well-supported by ample parking, Laurel Springs Regional Park includes a complex of baseball fields, a softball field, and soccer/football fields, alongside a concession stand that operates on game days.

The entire area is encircled by the multi-use Laurel Springs Trail, which leads to Tilghman Lake Park located a few hundred feet to the southeast. A notable highlight for families is the playground, equipped with advanced, all-abilities apparatus.

13. La Plata Train Station Museum

As La Plata originated around this historical Baltimore and Potomac Railroad station, it is fitting that the building now serves as the home of the Charles County Historical Society.

Completed in 1873, this station remains the last surviving building on the old Pope’s Creek Line.

While the museum aspires to become a fully-functional attraction, it currently operates on irregular hours, though the exterior merits a visit.

Inside, visitors can find an expanding collection of photographs and artifacts related to the Pope’s Creek Line, as well as local life in La Plata over the past 150 years.

14. Fun Haven Golf

This family-friendly venue lies adjacent to Turkey Hill Park, situated just north of La Plata along the Crain Highway.

Visitors of all ages will appreciate the miniature golf course, comprising 18 holes nestled within lush gardens, shaded areas, and decorative features such as a gazebo and a miniature lighthouse.

This course appeals to both avid golfers honing their techniques and families enjoying a day out. Additionally, a driving range is available, with large buckets pricing at $10 (as of the last update) and club rentals starting at just $1.

Furthermore, batting cages with a variety of speeds are offered, though these were temporarily closed at the time of writing.

15. Charles County Fair

The most significant annual event in La Plata is this traditional county fair, taking place over four days in September.

A century-old tradition, the Charles County Fair is celebrated for its diverse exhibits, showcasing livestock, flowers, quilts, crafts, and more.

Throughout the four days, attendees can enjoy a carnival midway featuring rides and games, plus a kiddie area tailored for younger attendees.

Additionally, four stages offer live entertainment, numerous demonstrations, engaging competitions like pig racing, and a variety of culinary offerings, including distinguished Chesapeake Bay crab cakes.