Thomas Point Park

Rate this place

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Thomas Point Park is a scenic recreational area located in the state of Maryland, USA.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Situated on the Chesapeake Bay, this park offers visitors a plethora of reasons to visit and explore its natural beauty.

One of the main attractions of Thomas Point Park is its stunning waterfront views. Visitors can enjoy picturesque vistas of the Chesapeake Bay, providing a serene and peaceful environment. The park is also renowned for its historic Thomas Point Shoal Lighthouse, the last screw-pile lighthouse in its original location on the Bay. This well-preserved lighthouse, built in 1875, is a popular point of interest for history enthusiasts and offers guided tours during the summer season.

Nature lovers will be delighted by the diverse wildlife and ecosystems found in the park. It is a haven for birdwatchers, as the park and its surrounding areas host a variety of migratory birds, including ospreys, herons, and eagles. The park's marshlands and wooded trails provide ample opportunities for hiking, biking, and nature walks, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the region's natural beauty.

When it comes to interesting facts about Thomas Point Park, it is worth mentioning that the lighthouse located within the park is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Furthermore, the Thomas Point Shoal Lighthouse is the only lighthouse in the United States that has been designated as a National Historic Landmark.

The best time of year to visit Thomas Point Park depends on personal preferences. Spring and fall offer mild temperatures and vibrant foliage, making it an ideal time for outdoor activities such as hiking and birdwatching. Summer is another popular season, as the park hosts various events and festivals. It is important to note that some facilities, like the lighthouse tours, may be limited to specific months or days of the week, so it is recommended to check the official park website for up-to-date information.

To ensure accuracy, information about Thomas Point Park and its attractions have been gathered from multiple independent sources, including the official Thomas Point Park website, travel guides, and reputable online resources dedicated to Maryland tourism.

       

Weather Forecast

Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References