Stand Up Paddleboard Around DC

As much as I enjoy planning our excursions around DC and surrounding areas, sometimes it’s really nice to have the logistics coordinated for me. Especially when the day’s outing is devised by people who really know a locale and its best offerings, and have first-hand insight on how to make the most of it all.

This is what I appreciate most about Ruddy Duck Adventures, the Calvert County tour company that offers all-inclusive day trips around the Solomons, MD, area. They provide an itinerary that includes fun activities and great dining, plus all the instruction and gear needed; all guests have to do is drive. And they plan the adventures with local knowledge and ardent zeal for all the area has to offer, making the trips as authentic as they are enjoyable. We know this from experience, their Fossil & Shark Teeth Hunt easily a KFDC favorite last year.

Ruddy Duck Adventures has just expanded their selection of tours, introducing two new packages that combine several activities to make for fantastic day-long excursions. And a great thing about these new adventures, is that they can be family outings (depending on the ages of your children) or unique grown-up outings (think daytime date or moms’ day out). Even better, they are offering KidFriendly DC readers a special 10% discount on bookings for a limited time!

The Paddle Package is perfect for those who like active recreation, especially on the water. Start with kayaking around Solomons Island. After working up an appetite, enjoy a tasty lunch at the cozy Ruddy Duck Brewery. From there, swing by the Solomons Island boardwalk for ice cream, shopping, and great views. That will give you some rest time before the next activity: stand-up paddle boarding! Finally, wind down the day with dinner, including amazing Potomac views, at the Ruddy Duck Seafood & Alehouse. No prior experience is necessary for any of the paddling, and all instruction and gear is included.
Cost: $129/person ($20/kids ages 5-11).

The Gardens & Grapes Package lets you savor the area in a more relaxed and artsy way. Start by exploring the beauty of nature and art at Annmarie Sculpture Garden. Then, drive just down the road to Ruddy Duck Brewery & Grill for a yummy lunch. From there, head to award-winning Port of Leonardtown Winery for a delicious wine tasting. That segues right into the next activity, wine and cheese aboard a Chesapeake skiff for a relaxing human-powered boat tour. Top it all off with dinner, including amazing Potomac views, at the Ruddy Duck Seafood & Alehouse.
Cost: $109/person ($20/kids ages 3-11).

The original Fossil & Shark Teeth Hunt is also available for $89/person ($20/kids ages 3 and up). When you consider all that is included with all of the packages — the activities, instruction & equipment, two meals, snacks, admission fees — you’re getting a pretty amazing deal, not to mention there is also the KFDC 10% discount. And you can consider it for a special occasion, as a friend of mine did when her family opted for (and loved!) the Fossil Hunt Package a couple of weeks ago to celebrate her birthday. Though anytime you go and share a unique and wonderful experience is going to be special.

For more about Ruddy Duck Adventures and to book your adventure, visit the website — and be sure to use the code KFDC at check out to get your 10% discount. You can also read about our experience on the Fossil & Shark Teeth Hunt.