Point Lookout State Park is a peninsula, initially explored by John Smith in 1612. The site suffered British raids during both the Revolutionary War and War of 1812. The use of the word "lookout" in the park's name originates in the peninsula's use as a watch station for British naval activity within the Chesapeake Bay. Still later, the site was used to contain Confederate prisoners of war between 1863 and 1865. Several of the prison guards were African Americans, previously enslaved in the South. Today, features in the park include a U.S. Navy lighthouse; Civil War-era earthworks from Fort Lincoln; reconstructed barracks, officer's quarters, and the partial prison pen; and graves, now open, which originally held Confederate dead.

The park offers exhibits, a nature center, outdoor activities, and self-guided tours of Fort Lincoln.

The U.S. Naval Academy Museum presents the historical and modern role of the United States Navy—both in times of war and in times of peace. Emphasis is placed on artifacts related to Naval officers and Naval Academy alumni. Artifacts on display include those related to the USS Constitution, the USS Monitor, Edward Preble, Isaac Hull, John Dahlgren, and William Halsey. Other collection highlights include ship models made in the 18th century.

The museum offers exhibits.

The Point Lookout Lighthouse Preservation Society has conserved the Point Lookout Lighthouse structures, returning them to their 1925 appearance. Once a month, the society opens the lighthouse to the public. The coal and buoy sheds are not accessible to the public.

The society offers informed docents who answer visitor questions during open house events.

The John Paul Jones House Museum structure was built as a residence in 1758. After the death of her husband, the owner of the home rented it out to gentlemen boarders. Revolutionary War hero John Paul Jones (1747-1792) stayed in the home on two separate occasions: while waiting for the Ranger to sail in 1777 and while awaiting the readiness of the U.S.S. America in 1781. The house collection includes period decorative arts, costume and wedding gowns, firearms, toys, and documents.

The museum offers period rooms, exhibits, and tours covering Jones' life.

The USS Potomac was built in 1934, and is best known as Franklin Delano Roosevelt's presidential yacht. It served this purpose between 1936 and 1945, the year of Roosevelt's death (1882-1945). Today, the vessel serves as an interpretive center focusing on the years of Roosevelt's presidency (1933-1945).

The vessel offers exhibits, a 15-minute film, student educational cruises, two-hour history cruises, guided tours, self-guided tours, and a library with circulating materials. The website offers a gallery of historic photographs. Reservations are required for student cruises.