Food
Ruddy Duck Seafood & Alehouse
Sophisticated menu in a nautical dining room and bar with seasonal outdoor seating. From their long, scenic pier, see the St George Creek and St Marys River to the east and the Potomac River sunset to the west.
WJ Dent Store and Chief’s Restaurant
Country restaurant, bar, deli, store with local menu and comfort foods. Seafood, pizza, deli sandwiches. The combination stuffed ham and chicken salad sub is almost overload!
Weis Markets
The closest full grocery store, 10 miles or 15 minutes.
Sightseeing
Piney Point Lighthouse Beach and Museum
Climb the oldest lighthouse on the Potomac, see historic boats and maritime history in the museum, learn about the U1105 Historic Shipwreck Dive Preserve, stroll the beach, paddle about in your kayak & enjoy 6 acres of park, pier & more.
St. Mary’s River State Park
Big freshwater lake with 7.5 mile hiking and biking trail and fishing. Walk or ride the trail over the dam and see the exit stream.
Viking Axe Throwing and Rentals
Cori and Kraig are high energy and extra helpful with axes hatchets, stars, bow and arrow, darts, cornhole, ladder ball, pool, billiards. For kids and adults! Indoors and outdoors. Food and alcohol available.
Maryland Dove
Visit Historic St Mary’s city, beside St Mary’s College, and this historic ship replica that still sails!
Patuxent River Naval Air Museum
Fishing
Belladoe Charters
Rockfish, bluefish, Croaker, Spot, Flounder, Trout, depending on the season. Catch and cook dinner!
The Tackle Box
Bait and tackle for fishing and crabbing are available at a local campground, some marinas, and hardware stores and The Tackle Box, which specializes in sporting gear.
Piney Point Landing
Public boat ramp and pier at the island bridge. People fish from the rock breakwater around the parking lots. The government (MD DNR) enforces rules sometimes.
Shops
Cecil’s Country Store
Antiques, arts, crafts, and gifts. Next to Cecil’s Old Mill in Great Mills. This was the mill along the stream.
Shepherd’s Old Field Market
A variety of vendors selling unique antiques, arts, crafts, and gifts.
Fenwick Street Used Books and Music
By Boat
Dennis Point Marina
The closest marina with dockside gas regularly available (float up to the waterside pumps). Fireworks on holidays, you can see from the island, or from your boat. Tall Timbers Marina is closer by car.
Coles Point Marina
Restaurant and marina, only a few miles straight across the Potomac in Virginia (takes hours by car!)
Tall Timbers Marina
Marina with food, gas, supplies, in protected Herring Creek on the Potomac (short trip by boat or car). Call ahead to check operating hours and winter availability.
Shark Tooth Island
Isolated sandbar in Virginia with shark teeth. Might require membership payment. Minutes by boat; hours by car.
Traveler advice
Potomac River floods
The Potomac River is tidal below Washington, DC. St George Island is almost at the mouth of the Potomac where it empties into the Chesapeake Bay. This area floods every few months, especially when east winds push the ocean into the bay into the river. The National Weather Service shows current flood stages of St George Creek at Straits Point.
Salt life
St George Island is near the confluence of the Potomac River with the Chesapeake Bay. The river water is brackish, half as salty as the ocean. Humans should avoid drinking the river water for many reasons, even if some dogs seem to tolerate it. In addition to being unsanitary, the salt makes it unpleasant for humans to consume. When swimming, brackish water can be less irritating to eyes than fresh or chlorinated water, as the saltiness is similar to tears.
Island Life
St George Island and Cobb Island are the only regularly inhabited islands in the tidal Potomac. Both are accessed by bridge. Uninhabited islands include Rosilie (under the beltway), St Clements (first landing by the British in Maryland), and St Catherine. Much of St George Island is marsh. It is all susceptible to flooding. Floods come from hurricanes, but also from seemingly harmless east wind. Piles of grass and debris float around in floods and are dropped in yards and marshes. Always be cautious of broken lumber with nails and related hazards.
Hidden Nature
Warm, calm weather brings mosquitos and flies from the marsh. Smoke might discourage them. DEET insect spray is the strongest repellent, and helps with ticks and chiggers if you go near tall grass or brush. Avoid poison ivy if allergic. Sea nettle jellyfish sometimes drift near shore July through September. They retreat with big waves, heavy rain, reduced salinity, or cold. If they sting, you can try vinegar, meat tenderizer, or other questionable remedies, but the best might be to let the skin dry fully.