The Lighthouse Restaurant & Dockbar in Solomons, Maryland

Overview of The Lighthouse Restaurant & Dockbar

The Lighthouse Restaurant & Dockbar is a premier waterfront destination located in Solomons, Maryland, just south of California, MD. Boasting sweeping views of the Patuxent River and Chesapeake Bay confluence, it offers an upscale-casual dining experience ideal for families, couples, tourists, and locals. Whether you’re seeking fresh Chesapeake crab cakes, thick-cut steaks, or creative cocktails, this docksider spot delivers both ambiance and flavor. Its outdoor deck invites warm-weather enjoyment, while the bar atmosphere remains lively year-round. It’s the go-to place for scenic waterfront dining occasions. Click here.

History of The Lighthouse Restaurant & Dockbar

The Lighthouse began in 2014. Located on a refurbished 1940s fishing camp at the waterfront, it was revitalized into a beach-chic venue that blends history with modern hospitality. Over the past decade, it has grown to become a standout on the Maryland Crab and Oyster Trail, drawing visitors on the strength of its seafood, raw bar, and cozy dockside charm. Local residents often note the blend of maritime heritage and fresh culinary experiences, reflecting Solomons’s long relationship with boating, fishing, and waterfront tourism. Click here to read about Sherna’s Synchronicities, LLC ,California, Maryland.

Points of Interest

Waterfront Dining Deck

Perched right above the Solomons Harbor, the waterfront dining deck is the heart of the Lighthouse experience. Open seasonally and during warm evenings, it’s a scenic spot to enjoy happy hour, dinner, or cocktails with panoramic water and sunset vistas. Visitors can expect crisp local breezes, attentive servers ready with seafood recommendations, and cozy nautical styling that reinforces the waterfront feel. It’s a perfect spot for romantic dinners, family meals, or festive group gatherings, setting The Lighthouse apart as an experience-driven destination.

Raw Bar & Seafood Selection

The Lighthouse features an impressive raw bar and seafood menu, including offerings like oysters on the half shell, Prince Edward Island mussels, crab tower, and fried oysters. Guests can also indulge in signature appetizers such as crab dip pizza, bacon-wrapped scallops, and rockfish bites. The focus on fresh, local seafood highlights the region’s maritime roots and appeals to seafood lovers, tourists sampling Chesapeake Bay fare, and locals who expect quality and creativity in every dish.

Full-Service Bar & Happy Hour

Beyond food, the Lighthouse’s full-service bar offers a wide selection of local craft beers, specialty cocktails, bourbons, draft wines, and alcohol-driven refreshing beverages. Happy hour specials run Monday–Thursday (3–6 PM) and Fridays (2–5 PM), featuring discounted drinks and appetizers . Combining maritime sunsets with lively service, the bar is a popular gathering spot for both after-work crowds and families seeking a casual, social eating-out option beside the water.

Places to Eat Near The Lighthouse Restaurant & Dockbar

Stoney’s Seafood House

Just a few steps along the Solomons waterfront, Stoney’s Seafood House offers casual, boat-friendly dining with steamed crabs, steamed shrimp, and fresh fish baskets. With picnic tables and harbor proximity, it’s ideal for laid-back, seaside meals. Families and casual tourists enjoy the interactive crab-steaming atmosphere, while boaters dock and dine without fuss. It’s a great companion stop for those sampling multiple waterfront eateries along the bay.

Captain Smith’s Seafood

Located within walking distance on Solomons Island Road, Captain Smith’s draws crowds with its fresh fish tacos, clam chowder, and rotating seafood specials. The atmosphere is casual yet lively, catering to vacationers and local lunch crowds. Seafood lovers appreciate the creative interpretations, while families find the menu and casual setting approachable. It adds variety for visitors seeking lighter fare before or after a visit to The Lighthouse.

Coast 2 Coast Bar & Grill

Also nearby is Coast 2 Coast, a lively bar-grill offering burgers, sandwiches, and seafood cocktails amid sports screens and island-themed décor. Open late and family-friendly, it attracts locals, college students, and visiting boaters. With a robust beer selection and vibrant atmosphere, it complements The Lighthouse’s focus on upscale waterfront dining with a more laid-back, high-energy option nearby.

Places to Visit near The Lighthouse Restaurant & Dockbar

Calvert Marine Museum

Just a short drive from The Lighthouse, the Calvert Marine Museum showcases Chesapeake Bay ecology, prehistoric fossils, boat exhibits, and lighthouse artifacts. Visitors can explore fish tanks, a recreated waterfront village, and daily educational programs. Perfect for families, history buffs, and marine enthusiasts, it deepens understanding of the region’s natural and maritime heritage—complementing a waterfront meal with context and discovery.

Annemarie Sculpture Garden & Arts Center

Approximately 30 miles north, this riverside arts complex in Solomons features outdoor sculpture trails, artist studios, and seasonal workshops. Visitors experience rotating installations, live performances, and serene nature trails. It’s a cultural gem that balances The Lighthouse’s culinary appeal, offering a creative, reflective counterpart to the waterfront dining scene and inviting visitors to explore Southern Maryland’s artistic spirit.

Point Lookout State Park

Located 15 miles south at the Chesapeake Bay entrance, Point Lookout State Park offers sandy beaches, kayaking, Civil War history, and scenic Bay views. Visitors can picnic, hike, or tour historical fortifications and cemeteries. This blend of natural landscapes and regional history makes for a peaceful yet poignant day trip, offering outdoor relaxation and educational value near the Chesapeake—ideal after a hearty meal and evening drink at The Lighthouse.

Practical Information

• Address: 14636 Solomons Island Rd S, Solomons, MD 20688
• Phone: (410) 231‑2256
• Website: https://www.lighthouserestaurantanddockbar.com/
• Hours: Mon–Thu & Sun: 11:30 AM–9 PM; Fri–Sat: 11:30 AM–10 PM; Happy Hour Mon–Thu 3–6 PM, Fri 2–5 PM
• Features: Outdoor seating, raw bar, full liquor bar, happy hour, live music Fri–Sat summer evenings, takeout & delivery, wheelchair accessible

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Driving Directions from The Lighthouse Restaurant & Dockbar to Green Garden Landscaping

• Begin at The Lighthouse Restaurant & Dockbar: 14636 Solomons Island Rd S, Solomons, MD
• Head northwest on Solomons Island Rd S (MD‑2/4) toward California, MD
• Continue for approximately 6 miles, passing through pair of traffic light intersections near the Solomons Bridge entrance
• Stay on MD‑2/4 N toward Prince Frederick and California
• Pass through the town of Lusby and enter California boundaries
• After approximately 10 miles, take the exit for Three Notch Road/MD‑235 toward California
• At the signal, turn left onto MD‑235 N
• Continue about 3 miles; Green Garden Landscaping is located on the right after passing local landmarks like California Elementary School

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