St Clement’s Island-Potomac Museum

«Was it everything you hoped for and expected?» our intrepid captain asked as he was ferrying us back from the island. For me, the answer was yes. Maybe that’s because my expectations were realistic and not that high; this is a very small island and there is not much on it at all. But if it’s a tourist trap, it’s a very pretty tourist trap, worth a visit for the sheer novelty of it. The historicity of the location is somewhat interesting, but what drew me is the idea of being out on the Potomac on one of the most isolated spots you’ll likely find within driving distance of the nation’s capital.
This place is way out there. I mean, even if you’re already in Southern Maryland, it’s a significant drive from most anything of consequence. It is at least a bucolic ride, and you can expect clear roads. The museum is small but reasonably well done, but really just something to do as you to wait for the ferry. Waiting for the boat, I was greeted by a pair of stingrays flapping pleasantly at the surface of the water (not pictured, sorry); you’re not far from ocean here I guess. The boat is small and the ride quite rough on a windy day, which I’m guessing is a lot of days; if you get seasick or have mobility challenges I would recommend against it.
The north side on which you arrive is decidedly barren and cactus-​ridden (sandal-​wearers beware). However, walking to the south quickly leaves one on a clear trail surrounded by thick underbrush. The only things you’re likely to hear are wind, birds, and bugs (thankfully, the wind factor tends to minimize the biting/​stinging ones). A few locals might be out fishing, but you’re likely to have a lot of peace and quiet. A picnic area, a monument, and a lighthouse are the main landmarks. The island is eroding away, and has been reinforced by rocks on all sides; the one appreciable beach is on the south side. Trying to traverse the wilder parts of the island is dicey at best, but if you simply want to bathe in the sun and sea air, you can find a place.
The ferry runs on very limited hours (10 – 3 on weekends in season, and that’s it), but I found somewhere between 1.5−2 hours on the island sufficient for a fairly complete visit, one that can be interspersed with a day trip by some of the other scattered Southern Maryland Parks. The cost isn’t a ton ($ 7 for museum and a ride to the island), but note that they do charge for children over five.