Swimming Beach, Point Lookout State Park

Near Point Lookout State Park, several excellent dining options are available. Baia Coastal Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar offers Italian cuisine with a cozy atmosphere and a great wine list. The Lighthouse Restaurant and Dockbar is a waterfront spot known for its seafood and steaks, providing a casual yet elegant dining experience. Traders Seafood Steak & Ale serves local seafood and steak in a casual bar and grill setting, perfect for families and groups. Ruddy Duck Seafood & Alehouse offers locally sourced fare and craft beer in a beachy atmosphere. Abners Crab House is an old-school seafood joint serving crabs and other seafood on a marina.

For accommodations near Point Lookout State Park, visitors can choose from several convenient options. The Rod 'N' Reel Resort is a waterfront resort offering a casino, indoor pool, and multiple dining options, making it ideal for those seeking entertainment and relaxation. The Hampton Inn Lexington Park provides a more straightforward stay with free Wi-Fi and breakfast, suitable for travelers looking for comfort without the frills. The Holiday Inn Express & Suites Lexington Park-California offers a laid-back atmosphere with an indoor pool and gym, catering to families and business travelers alike.

Point Lookout State Park offers a variety of amenities to enhance visitor experiences. The beach area includes grills, picnic tables, a playground, showers, and restrooms, making it suitable for family outings. The park also features a boat launch facility, fish cleaning station, and boat rentals, catering to fishing enthusiasts. A camp store is available for supplies, and canoe rentals are offered on a first-come basis. The park store provides snacks, ice cream, drinks, bait, and camping supplies from May to September.

The park's nature center and museum offer insights into the area's history and natural environment, open seasonally. Additionally, the park is equipped with wheelchair-accessible facilities, including restrooms and picnic areas, ensuring inclusivity for all visitors.

Point Lookout State Park offers a wide range of activities for visitors. Swimming is a popular pastime during the warmer months, with the beach open from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Fishing is another major attraction, with a 710-foot fishing pier and surf fishing areas available. Boating enthusiasts can utilize the boat launch facility, and canoe rentals are available for exploring the waters. The park also provides opportunities for camping, with both primitive and electric campsites available. For nature lovers, birdwatching is a highlight, especially during migrations, and hiking trails offer scenic views of the surrounding landscape.

The park's historical significance is explored through guided tours of the Point Lookout Lighthouse and the Civil War Museum, providing a glimpse into the area's rich past.

Point Lookout State Park offers several accessibility features to ensure that all visitors can enjoy its facilities. The park includes wheelchair-accessible entrances, parking lots, restrooms, and seating areas. These amenities are designed to provide equal access to the park's attractions, including the beach, picnic areas, and historical sites. However, specific services like assistive hearing loops may not be available, so visitors with special needs should contact the park in advance to confirm accessibility options.

Parking at Point Lookout State Park is generally available near the beach picnic area, though it is limited. Visitors should arrive early to secure a spot, especially during peak summer and holiday weekends. The park operates on a first-come, first-served basis for parking, and there are no specific fees mentioned for parking alone, though there may be service charges on weekends and holidays.

The proximity of parking to the beach is convenient, allowing easy access to the swimming area, picnic tables, and other amenities. However, during busy periods, parking may fill up quickly, so planning ahead is advisable.

Point Lookout State Park is steeped in history, having served as a significant location during the Civil War. It was used as a hospital for wounded Union soldiers and later as a prisoner-of-war camp for Confederate soldiers. The park is also known for its paranormal activity, with the lighthouse being considered one of the most haunted in America. Historically, the area was used by British troops during the War of 1812, who offered freedom to enslaved people who reached the peninsula.

The park's natural environment is equally fascinating, with its location being a key stopover for migratory birds, making it a hotspot for birdwatching enthusiasts.

One of the main attractions at Point Lookout State Park is the historic Point Lookout Lighthouse. Built in 1830, it is one of the oldest lighthouses in the U.S. and offers guided tours. The park is also home to the Point Lookout Civil War Museum, which provides insights into the area's role as a hospital and prisoner-of-war camp during the Civil War. Additionally, the park's natural beauty, with its marshes and bays, makes it a prime location for birdwatching and nature walks.

The park's strategic location at the confluence of the Potomac River and the Chesapeake Bay offers stunning views and a unique blend of historical and natural attractions.