Overview
La Plata is a city in Southern Maryland. It is the county seat of Charles County.
3 sights · 1 things to do · 1 places to eat · 3 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about La Plata
Thomas Stone National Historic Site
This is the house of Thomas Stone, one of the 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence. The National Park Service operates a visitor center with information about the Revolutionary leader's life and the Declaration …
St. Thomas Manor
The oldest continuously occupied Jesuit residence in the world, the Manor and Church is a pretty place to visit, with a good bit of history to its name. The mission was founded in 1641 to administer to the Potapoco Ameri…
Gilbert Run Park
A good sized wooded county park with hiking and nature trails, playgrounds, and a 60 acre lake for fishing, pedal boating, rowboating, and canoeing.
Port Tobacco Courthouse
The Courthouse is the centerpiece of the historic village, and upstairs they maintain a small museum with exhibits on local history and archaeological findings. Occasional tours in with costumed docents.
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Apr–Oct. Summer highs reach about 90°F; winter lows dip to about 30°F. Very hot (Jul) — plan outdoor time for mornings. Wettest: Jul and Jun. (climate data from nearby Washington, D.C.)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- DCA Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, Washington — 22 mi away (major hub). Directions
- IAD Washington Dulles International Airport, Dulles — 38 mi away (major hub). Directions
La Plata is located on US Route 301, a major East coast North-South highway. La Plata does not have an airport or a train service. The easiest way to get to La Plata is by car. Driving time to La Plata is about 1 hour from Washington, D.C., about 1.5 hours from Baltimore, and about one hour and forty-five minutes from Richmond (Virginia).
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
- Places to stay listed here: about $70–$79 a night (typical $79), from 3 listed prices.
- Estimated daily budget per person (room, two meals, local transport and an activity): budget ~$110, mid-range ~$150, comfortable ~$240.
See the Sleep guide ↓ for places to stay.
Sample 1-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Thomas Stone National Historic Site, St. Thomas Manor
- Lunch Marie's Family Restaurant
- Afternoon Gilbert Run Park, Port Tobacco Courthouse
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Get in
La Plata is located on US Route 301, a major East coast North-South highway. La Plata does not have an airport or a train service. The easiest way to get to La Plata is by car. Driving time to La Plata is about 1 hour from Washington, D.C., about 1.5 hours from Baltimore, and about one hour and forty-five minutes from Richmond (Virginia).
See
See Thomas Stone National Historic Site (Habre de Venture)
This is the house of Thomas Stone, one of the 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence. The National Park Service operates a visitor center with information about the Revolutionary leader's life and the Declaration of Independence, and also offers guided tours of the country estate.
Port Tobacco
Just at the western edge of La Plata is Port Tobacco, Maryland's smallest town (15 people), dating back to 1727. Owing in no part to its extremely small size, the village is well preserved and home to much archaeological research. To get here, take MD-6 (Port Tobacco Rd) west from La Plata and then make a left on Chapel Point Rd. Turn right on small Commerce St for the village itself, while St. Thomas Manor is further south along the same road.
See Port Tobacco Courthouse (Port Tobacco Museum)
The Courthouse is the centerpiece of the historic village, and upstairs they maintain a small museum with exhibits on local history and archaeological findings. Occasional tours in with costumed docents.
See St. Thomas Manor (St. Ignatius Church)
The oldest continuously occupied Jesuit residence in the world, the Manor and Church is a pretty place to visit, with a good bit of history to its name. The mission was founded in 1641 to administer to the Potapoco American Indians. It was here that John Carroll was invested in his robes as the first Catholic bishop in the country (he later also founded Georgetown University). Outbuildings include a small, mid-19th century wood-frame slaves' quarter.
Do
Eat
Eat Marie's Family Restaurant
A country diner that is a favorite among locals for breakfast.
Sleep
Stay Part of Plenty B&B
A charming country B&B outside the town towards Port Tobacco, with gardens, three rooms, a separate carriage house, an outdoor pool, and convivial owners.
Nearby
Waldorf
City / town · 4 listings · 9 mi away
Fort Washington
City / town · 5 listings · 15 mi away
Mount Vernon
City / town · 15 listings · 15 mi away
South Alexandria
City / town · 10 listings · 16 mi away
Woodbridge
City / town · 23 listings · 17 mi away
Quantico
City / town · 3 listings · 17 mi away
National Harbor
City / town · 28 listings · 17 mi away
Clinton-Camp Springs
City / town · 16 listings · 18 mi away
My experience
Write about your trip here. Notes save automatically in this browser as you type; back them up from My journal.