Lexington Park, MD
- About the City
- Climate and Weather
- Landmarks
- Transport
- Local Cuisine and Culinary Traditions
- Museums
- Sport and Sports Clubs
- Universities and Educational Institutions
- Healthcare Facilities
Lexington Park is a community in Southern Maryland, driven by the Patuxent River Naval Air Station. It offers aviation history, waterfront recreation, and a suburban feel.
About the City
Official Status and Administrative Affiliation
The full official name of the community is Lexington Park. It is an unincorporated area and census-designated place (CDP) located in St. Mary's County, Maryland, United States . It is the principal community of the Lexington Park Micropolitan Statistical Area . St. Mary's County is known for being the site of the first colonial settlement in Maryland and is home to a significant concentration of naval aviation and defense technology assets .
Date of Foundation and Age
The area now known as Lexington Park was originally called Jarboesville. The community was established in its current form in 1943 with the creation of the Patuxent River Naval Air Station during World War II . It was named in honor of the USS Lexington (CV-2), an aircraft carrier that was sunk earlier that year . As of the current year, the community is 83 years old.
Geographic Location and Coordinates
Lexington Park is situated in Southern Maryland at the geographic coordinates 38°15′32″N 76°27′2″W . It lies on a peninsula formed by the Patuxent River to the east and the Potomac River to the west, near their mouths on the Chesapeake Bay . The elevation of the city center is approximately 35 meters (115 feet) above sea level . It is a coastal community that serves as the primary residential and commercial hub for the surrounding area.
City Type and Economic Specialization
Lexington Park is best described as a military and aerospace center. The economy is overwhelmingly driven by the presence of the Naval Air Station Patuxent River (NAS Pax River) , which employs approximately 20,000 people and accounts for an estimated 75% of the economic activity in St. Mary's County . The base is the heart of the U.S. Navy's research, development, testing, and evaluation (RDT&E) of naval aircraft and related systems . Consequently, numerous aerospace and high-tech defense contractors have a significant presence in the area .
Population and Demographics
At the 2010 census, the population of Lexington Park was 11,626 . More recent data suggests the population has grown to approximately 13,318 . As an unincorporated CDP, it is considered a small town. The region is one of the fastest-growing "micropolitan" areas in the nation, with population growth fueled by military and contractor job opportunities . The population is diverse, with the 2010 census showing a composition of 55.5% White, 31.6% African American, and 4.4% Asian .
City's "Business Card" (Briefly)
Lexington Park is the gateway to the Patuxent River Naval Air Station, the nation's hub for naval aviation testing and the training ground for legends like John Glenn and Alan Shepard . Beyond the base, it offers a blend of historic sites, from the first colonial capital to memorials for Civil War heroes, and easy access to the waterways of the Chesapeake Bay.
Climate and Weather
Climate Type and General Characteristics
Lexington Park has a humid subtropical climate under the Köppen climate classification . It is characterized by hot, humid summers and mild winters. The area experiences moderate rainfall throughout the year, with a mix of sunny and cloudy days .
Average Temperatures by Month
The following table presents average temperature data for Lexington Park .
| Month | Avg. High (°F/°C) | Avg. Low (°F/°C) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 44°F (6.8°C) | 30°F (-2.2°C) |
| February | 47°F (8.3°C) | 32°F (-1.4°C) |
| March | 55°F (12.7°C) | 39°F (2.3°C) |
| April | 65°F (18.5°C) | 48°F (7.5°C) |
| May | 74°F (23.4°C) | 58°F (12.9°C) |
| June | 82°F (28.2°C) | 67°F (18.2°C) |
| July | 86°F (30.5°C) | 71°F (20.8°C) |
| August | 84°F (29.4°C) | 70°F (20.1°C) |
| September | 78°F (26.0°C) | 63°F (16.4°C) |
| October | 67°F (20.2°C) | 52°F (10.0°C) |
| November | 57°F (14.8°C) | 42°F (4.8°C) |
| December | 48°F (9.1°C) | 35°F (-0.2°C) |
- Hottest Month: July, with an average high of 86°F (30.5°C) and lows around 71°F .
- Coldest Month: January, with an average low of 30°F (-2.2°C) and highs near 44°F .
- Extreme Values: Record high temperatures have reached 104°F (40°C) , while record lows can dip to around 17°F .
Precipitation and Humidity
The area receives a moderate amount of rainfall throughout the year, with total annual precipitation just under 46 inches .
- Wettest Period: Late spring to late summer, with May through August seeing an average of over 10 wet days per month . August is typically the wettest month .
- Snowfall: The area sees significant seasonal snowfall, averaging over 4 inches in both January and February . The snowiest period lasts from December to mid-March .
- Humidity: Humidity levels are high during the summer, contributing to the muggy conditions. The average humidity is around 76% .
Seasonality and Best Time for Visit
- Spring (March-May): Temperatures warm from cool to comfortably mild. Rainfall begins to increase. It's a good time for outdoor activities before the summer heat arrives.
- Summer (June-August): This is the hottest and most humid period. While it can be uncomfortable for some, it's ideal for water-based activities on the river and bay .
- Fall (September-November): Similar to spring, fall offers mild temperatures and lower humidity. It is a pleasant time for hiking and exploring local parks .
- Winter (December-February): Winters are cold, with regular frosts and occasional snowfall. It is the least busy season for tourism but offers a quiet perspective on the community.
- Best Time to Visit: Based on weather, the best times for warm-weather activities are late spring (June) and early fall (mid-August to early October) .
Landmarks
Patuxent River Naval Air Museum
This is the premier attraction in Lexington Park and the only museum dedicated to naval aviation research, development, testing, and evaluation . It features an impressive collection of over 30 aircraft, from early testing models to modern jets, all with connections to the work done at NAS Patuxent River. Visitors can explore exhibits on flight test technology, see aircraft up close, and learn about the history of the base and its impact on aviation . It is a must-visit for anyone interested in aviation history .
United States Colored Troops Memorial Statue
Located in John G. Lancaster Park at 21550 Willows Road, this nationally recognized memorial honors the more than 700 African-American soldiers and sailors from St. Mary's County who served in the Union forces during the Civil War . The memorial includes an educational display and serves as a place of remembrance and celebration for their contributions .
Historic St. Mary's City
Located just seven miles south of Lexington Park, this is a must-visit historical site . It is the site of Maryland's first colonial settlement and capital, founded in 1634, and is recognized as the birthplace of religious freedom in America . Today, it is a living history museum and a complex of reconstructed colonial buildings and a visitor center. A highlight is the Maryland Dove, a full-sized working replica of the ship that brought the first colonists .
Transport
Nearest Airports
Lexington Park does not have a commercial airport of its own. The nearest major international airports are located in the Washington, D.C. / Baltimore metropolitan area.
- Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) is approximately 90 miles north.
- Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) is approximately 70 miles north.
- Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) is approximately 80 miles northwest.
Main Highways
The primary thoroughfare in Lexington Park is Maryland Route 235, also known as Three Notch Road . It runs the length of the community and provides direct access to NAS Patuxent River, shopping centers, and residential neighborhoods. The Governor Thomas Johnson Bridge carries Maryland Route 4 across the Patuxent River, connecting the area to Solomons Island and Calvert County to the northeast .
Public Transportation and Ridesharing
Public transportation in the area is provided by St. Mary's Transit System (STS). Several bus routes serve Lexington Park, connecting it to other communities in the county, such as Charlotte Hall and the Solomons area .
- A key hub for the local bus service is Tulagi Place .
- Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft operate in Lexington Park, offering on-demand transportation within the community and to nearby areas, though pickup times may be longer than in larger cities . Food delivery via Uber Eats is also available .
Local Cuisine and Culinary Traditions
Caribbean Jerk and Soul Food
While Lexington Park doesn't have a single globally famous dish, its culinary identity is strongly shaped by a beloved local eatery, Cocoa's Authentic Caribbean Jerk. This locally owned and operated restaurant is a community staple, offering a fusion of home-cooked Jamaican and American meals . The menu features authentic Caribbean flavors like curry chicken, curry goat, and oxtails, alongside Southern and soul food staples such as collard greens, potato salad, and fried chicken . This blend reflects the diverse cultural influences in the region. It's a go-to spot for both a casual meal and a taste of the islands, often accompanied by great reggae music .
Dining Options in Lexington Park
For those looking to explore a variety of flavors, Lexington Park offers a range of dining experiences. According to the official Maryland tourism site, visitors can find several local restaurants, including The Mixing Bowl, Sake (a Japanese restaurant), and Elements - Eatery & Mixology, which offers a more contemporary dining experience . For a quick, satisfying meal, Firehouse Subs is a popular choice, known for its hearty, filling sandwiches like the "Hook and Ladder," with customers praising the generous portions .
Museums
Patuxent River Naval Air Museum
The premier museum in Lexington Park is the Patuxent River Naval Air Museum. Located at 22156 Three Notch Rd, this museum is dedicated to the history of naval aviation research, development, testing, and evaluation . It showcases a vast collection of artifacts and aircraft that highlight the work done at the nearby Patuxent River Naval Air Station. Visitors can explore exhibits featuring historic naval aircraft and learn about the base's significant role in aviation history. The museum is open from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM .
Calvert Marine Museum and Drum Point Lighthouse
While located in nearby Solomons, Maryland, the Calvert Marine Museum is a key cultural attraction for the Lexington Park area. It serves as a regional hub, highlighting the rich maritime heritage of the area through diverse exhibits on local history, marine life, and fossils . A major highlight is the Drum Point Lighthouse, a historic 19th-century screwpile lighthouse that is part of the museum grounds and offers a unique glimpse into Maryland's coastal past .
Sport and Sports Clubs
Community Sports and Local Clubs
Lexington Park has a vibrant community sports scene, centered around amateur clubs and youth leagues. According to data on local nonprofits, the greater Lexington Park area is home to over 40 amateur sports clubs . These organizations provide opportunities for residents to engage in a wide variety of sports.
The directory of local clubs includes teams and leagues for nearly every interest:
- Youth and School Sports: There are active leagues for baseball (St. Marys Babe Ruth League, Charles-St Marys Baseball League), softball (St Marys Thunder Fastpitch), football (St Marys Youth Flag Football League), basketball (Patuxent River2 Youth Basketball), and gymnastics (St Marys Gymnastics Booster Club) .
- Aquatics: Swimming is well-represented by clubs like the Great Mills Aquatic Club and the Southern Maryland Swim League .
- Lacrosse: The sport is popular, with organizations like the Mechanicsville Youth Lacrosse Club, Admirals Select Lacrosse, and the SAINT MARYS GIRLS LACROSSE League .
- Other Sports: For those with different interests, there are clubs for rugby (Southern Maryland Rugby Football Association), sailing (Southern Maryland Sailing Foundation), and even BMX racing (Southern Maryland BMX) .
Local Parks for Sports and Recreation
For casual sports and outdoor activities, residents and visitors can visit Jarboesville Park. Located behind Lexington Park Elementary School, this park offers facilities including tennis courts, a basketball court, and a baseball field, making it a good spot for dog walking or playing fetch in an open field . For those seeking proper tennis courts, reviewers recommend visiting the nearby George B. Cecil Park .
Universities and Educational Institutions
Colleges and Universities Near Lexington Park
While Lexington Park itself is not a major college town, it is within easy reach of several higher education institutions. The closest and most notable is St. Mary's College of Maryland, a public liberal arts college located just 4.7 miles away in St. Mary's City . Often called the "public honors college," it is highly regarded for its rigorous academics and beautiful campus on the St. Mary's River.
For students seeking a wider range of options, there are over 100 colleges within a 100-mile radius of Lexington Park . This includes major research universities like Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, which is ranked #10 in the nation, and Old Dominion University in Norfolk, VA . For more affordable options, community colleges such as the College of Southern Maryland (37.3 miles away) offer accessible two-year programs .
Healthcare Facilities
Primary and Urgent Care Services
The St. Mary's County Health Hub, located at 21625 Great Mills Road, serves as a central access point for a wide array of health and wellness services in Lexington Park . It offers free or low-cost services to all county residents, including primary care provided by Greater Baden Medical Services at their nearby clinic on Great Mills Road, mental health counseling, health insurance enrollment, and even literacy tutoring .
For immediate medical needs, MedStar Health operates an urgent care center in the Great Mills community of Lexington Park, located at 45870 East Run Dr., Suite 102 . This modern facility, which opened in 2025, features eight exam rooms, on-site X-ray and lab services, and is equipped to handle a variety of non-emergency issues. It is open seven days a week from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and is conveniently located just five minutes from the Patuxent River Naval Air Station .
Nearby Hospital Care
For comprehensive hospital services, the nearest full-service facility is MedStar St. Mary's Hospital, located about 20 minutes away in Leonardtown, MD . This provides the Lexington Park community with access to advanced medical care, including emergency services, close to home.