tourist destinations maryland

20 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Maryland

Written by Barbara Radcliffe Rogers Updated Sep 26, 2023

The small state of Maryland wraps around the huge Chesapeake Bay , which almost divides it in half. The state is almost divided again, farther west, where at one point only 1.6 miles of Maryland separates the West Virginia and Pennsylvania state lines.

Also bordered by Delaware, Virginia, and the District of Columbia, Maryland lies at the heart of Colonial America and saw action in the Revolution, War of 1812, and Civil War. Its place in the forefront of American history also includes important roles in the Underground Railroad, the Industrial Revolution, the westward expansion, the Space Age, and every other major period in America's story.

For a state its size, Maryland also offers tourists a wide variety of natural attractions, from the long beaches of its Eastern Shore to the heavily forested hills of its western counties. The Appalachian Mountains cross in the west, and state parks protect waterfalls, lakes, and plenty of walking and hiking trails.

The former towpath of the C&O Canal offers miles of cycling, and wildlife refuges protect precious wetlands for waterfowl and migrating birds.

Whether your interests are history, hiking, birding, sightseeing, or soaking up the sun on a beach, you'll find plenty of things to do in Maryland. To find the best places to visit, follow this list of the top tourist attractions in Maryland.

1. Fort McHenry National Monument

2. national aquarium, 3. the walters art museum, 4. baltimore museum of art, 5. baltimore inner harbor, 6. old town annapolis and william paca house, 7. assateague state park, 8. american visionary art museum, 9. ocean city boardwalk, 10. antietam national battlefield, 11. u.s. naval academy museum and chapel, 12. b & o railroad museum, 13. oriole park at camden yards, 14. chesapeake bay maritime museum, 15. chesapeake & ohio canal national historical park, 16. fell's point, 17. swallow falls state park, 18. harriet tubman underground railroad national historical park, 19. deep creek lake, 20. blackwater national wildlife refuge.

Completed in 1803 to guard the entrance to Baltimore's busy harbor, Fort McHenry became a national icon after withstanding a 24-hour bombardment by the British in 1814. The fort saved Baltimore from occupation and inspired Francis Scott Key, who was being held prisoner on a British ship during the attack, to write The Star Spangled Banner .

You can walk the ramparts, tour the buildings, and watch a dramatic multimedia presentation on the history of the fort and the national anthem.

Fort McHenry is the highlight of the 560-mile Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail , which traces the Chesapeake Campaign of the War of 1812 through Virginia, Washington, D.C., and central Maryland. Other sites along the trail are the Star-Spangled Banner Flag House in Baltimore and Sotterley Plantation , site of a British raid during the war. You can download a map to find other sites.

Address: Fort Ave, Baltimore, Maryland

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Baltimore

The dramatic National Aquarium building overlooking Baltimore's Inner Harbor replicates several ecosystems as homes for marine life from all over the world, as well as birds, mammals, and appropriate plant life.

At the Atlantic Coral Reef Exhibit , you can descend through a 335,000-gallon exhibit where you are surrounded by a rainbow of nearly 100 species of colorful tropical fishes and other reef species, including blacknose sharks. An especially popular thing to see is feeding time, when divers feed the reef fish.

Not all the environments are underwater, but they share a common connection to water. The largest of these is the five-story Amazon River Forest , which you can explore at various levels from the forest floor to the treetops to see birds, frogs, plants, and even sloths and monkeys.

One of the most popular things to do at the aquarium is watching the six Atlantic bottlenose dolphins from an underwater viewing area. Dolphin Discovery is the Aquarium's largest exhibit, and you can also watch these fascinating creatures play and interact with each other from the amphitheater.

Author's Tip: Every Friday evening from 5 to 8pm year-round, museum entrance is half-price; you can get advance tickets online or buy them at the entrance.

Address: Pier 3 and 4, Inner Harbor, Baltimore, Maryland

In Baltimore's Mount Vernon Cultural District , the Walters Art Museum is a unique cultural landmark and one of only a handful of institutions in the world that presents such a comprehensive history of world art.

Covering all media of art from the third millennium B.C. through the early 20th century, the collections - all beautifully displayed and interpreted - are best known for their exceptional jewelry, enamels, ivories, bronzes, and illuminated manuscripts.

Egyptian, Greek, Roman, and Byzantine antiquities are outstanding, as is the medieval and Renaissance art collections. The museum has especially good interpretive materials to engage young people in exploring its collections.

Tip for Parents: Stop on the way in to pick up booklets with puzzles, treasure hunts and activities that engage children in the exhibits. Before and after a visit you can explore Art Adventures , the museum's free virtual programs that include art-making videos and downloadable activity packets.

Address: 600 North Charles Street, Baltimore, Maryland

Known for its superb collections of 19th-century, modern, and contemporary art, the Baltimore Museum of Art now holds 95,000 works by artists that include Pablo Picasso, Paul Cezanne, Vincent van Gogh, Andy Warhol, Joan Miró, and Marc Chagall, in addition to the world's largest collection of works by Henri Matisse .

Along with paintings, sculpture, and graphic arts, the BMA displays notable collections of textiles, jewelry, and furniture, as well as African, Asian, and Near Eastern art. The African collections are among the most important in the United States, comprising more than 2,000 objects ranging from ancient Egyptian art to contemporary works. Masks, headdresses, figural carvings, jewelry, royal staffs, textiles, ceremonial items, and pottery reflect more than 200 African cultures.

Outside the museum, two landscaped Sculpture Gardens present a century of modern and contemporary sculptures. Inside the building, the highly acclaimed restaurant, Gertrudes , features the bounty of the Chesapeake Bay and its surrounding farmlands.

Tip for Parents: Free Family Sundays include monthly drop-in art workshops in the Fox Court from 2 to 5pm. These usually explore themes suggested by current museum exhibits and are designed for families with children ages 6 through 9; all materials are provided.

Address: 10 Art Museum Drive, Baltimore, Maryland

Read More: Best Weekend Getaways in Maryland

Baltimore's Inner Harbor is a magnet for visitors, filled with attractions and entertainment options. The whole area and the neighborhoods just back from the water have been nicely developed with parks, hotels, restaurants, shops, museums, and historic ships to tour .

Foremost of these is the sloop-of-war USS Constellation , a three-masted sailing ship that saw action in the Civil War and intercepting slave ships off the African coast. Also open to tour are the submarine USS Torsk , the US Coast Guard Cutter Taney , and the Lightship Chesapeake .

Surrounding the harbor are the National Aquarium, the Visionary Art Museum , and the interactive Maryland Science Center . Along with a planetarium, the science center is filled with hands-on experiments, demonstrations, and science activities, making it one of Baltimore's favorite places to go for families.

Harborplace is a modern complex anchored by glass-enclosed pavilions featuring shops, restaurants, and an amphitheater on the promenade.

The few blocks of Old Town Annapolis between the Town Dock and the Maryland State House are filled with equal measures of history and charm. Once the United States Capitol, the State House is the oldest one still in continuous legislative use.

A short way down the hill, through narrow streets lined with picture-worthy brick and clapboard buildings, is the William Paca House and Garden, home of the signer of the Declaration of Independence, William Paca. Fully restored and furnished in period antiques and original Paca family items, the house is an outstanding example of the home of an influential and prosperous Annapolis family of the Colonial era and is on the National Register of Historic Places .

The two-acre garden, with terraces, topiary, and a fish-shaped pond, has also been restored to its 1760s appearance.

Author's Tip: On hot summer days, take a break from historic sites and head to Sandy Point State Park , on the shore of Chesapeake Bay. Lifeguards are on duty at the mile-long sandy beach, and you can rent boats at the park's marina to get views of Annapolis from the water. In December the beach turns into a colorful holiday wonderland as Lights on the Bay fills the park with more than 70 illuminated displays, many of them animated.

Address: 186 Prince George Street, Annapolis, Maryland

Assateague State Park is on Assateague Island, a barrier island on Maryland's Eastern Shore. On the east side of the island is the windswept landscape of the Atlantic Ocean, with a long stretch of beach that's popular in the summer for swimming and surfing.

On the more protected bayside of the island, park visitors enjoy fishing and kayaking. The island supports a range of wildlife but is known in particular for the feral horses that roam the dunes and windswept grassland. The park has campsites, picnic tables, a camp store, and a snack bar. The closest town is Berlin, about eight miles away.

A standout, even in Baltimore's rich art environment, the American Visionary Art Museum displays and celebrates the work of self-taught artists, both local and from around the world. Its collection and frequently changing exhibits are often surprising and thought-provoking, looking at art in new ways and from new perspectives.

These may represent traditional folk arts that have been passed down through generations, or they may be creative uses of found materials by artists using whatever medium was available to satisfy their creative drive. The exhibits that fill its main building - itself an award-winning work of art - and the adjoining sculpture barn will never be boring and will likely leave you smiling.

Sculpture is a prominent feature here, and each May an array of original sculptures take to the streets of Baltimore in the museum's Kinetic Sculpture Race . Outlandish human-propelled "vehicles" complete a 15-mile circuit through the city that includes climbing hills and other obstacles.

Crowds line the course, and the most popular viewing spot is where the vehicles go down a ramp and into the harbor, and where the unseaworthy sink. Food trucks line the way to feed spectators, who join in the fun by dressing in crazy costumes. Only in Baltimore.

Address: 800 Key Highway, Baltimore, Maryland

Among the most popular beaches in Maryland and of the mid-Atlantic coast, Ocean City has 10 miles of free public beach and a three-mile classic wooden boardwalk that has been acclaimed as the nation's best. Along this popular promenade are shops, a Ferris wheel, a roller coaster, a 1902 carousel , and kiosks selling foods that range from the famous Delmarva fried chicken to saltwater taffy and hot funnel cakes.

A tram carries visitors between attractions, and on the beach are frequent free concerts, movies, and other evening activities. The Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum has a saltwater tank where you can see local sea creatures.

With miles of uninterrupted ocean shoreline and acres of creeks and back bays to explore, Ocean City is a prime spot for water sports. Consistent year-round waves attract surfers, and several surf schools can teach you how to catch them. A half-dozen surf shops are ready with gear.

You can also rent stand-up paddleboards, or you can explore some of the wildlife-rich creeks in a kayak or canoe. Family-owned Ayers Creek Adventures can take you on guided eco-tours of the tidal creeks and back bays.

Few places illustrate the terrible cost of war like Antietam National Battlefield , the scene of the bloodiest day's battle in the Civil War. On September 17, 1862, the Union army, coming from the east, met Robert E. Lee's Confederates, approaching from the west. In the battle that followed, nearly 23,000 men were killed, wounded, or missing in action.

Today, the battlefield is still open countryside, studded with monuments to the regiments of both sides. Civil War buffs will want to follow the entire eight-mile, self-guided tour route (on foot, on a bicycle, or by car); others should at least not miss the old Dunker Church , where the first clash occurred; the Sunken Road , where the next phase played out; and Burnside Bridge , where Union troops at great cost finally forced General Lee to withdraw.

Tip to Parents: Older children will get more out of touring the battlefield by downloading the treasure hunt from the National Park website. Questions on the treasure hunt encourage them to read the signs as you follow the auto tour.

The U.S. Naval Academy Museum preserves artifacts and memorabilia relating not only to the academy but to important figures and engagements in America's naval history.

Along with medals, uniforms, and personal items are artifacts from historically significant events. These include the table on which the surrender was signed that ended World War II, along with the flag that flew at the signing on the deck of the USS Missouri.

An entire room is dedicated to ship models, remarkable for the fact that each model was made at the same time that the ship itself was being constructed. Some date as early as the mid-1600s, and several are the only records remaining of the ship's construction and features. The collection of ships' instruments is equally impressive, as are smaller exhibits, such as the painstakingly crafted examples of art created by prisoners on board naval ships. The museum is free.

The chapel, which was an important feature leading to the Academy's designation as a National Historic Landmark, is notable for its striking stained-glass windows filled with symbolism of the high ideals of the service and others commemorating naval heroes. In the crypt, is the elaborate tomb of naval hero John Paul Jones.

A visit to the Academy should begin at the Armel-Leftwich Visitor Center , where you can join a guided tour or watch the 13-minute film, The Call to Serve.

Address: 118 Maryland Avenue, Annapolis, Maryland

The B & O Railroad Museum is one of Baltimore's most popular places to see and offers a look at some of America's railroad history. The museum operates out of historical buildings, including the Mount Clare Station, and showcases an extensive collection of locomotives and coaches, most of them in working order.

The main attraction in the Roundhouse, where the rolling stock is displayed, is a turntable with 22 connecting lines. The Mont Clare Station is itself an important part of American rail history, as it was from here that the first passenger train in the United States traveled to Ellicott's Mills in 1830.

The interactive exhibit, The Underground Railroad: Freedom Seekers on the B&O Railroad , highlights the role that B&O trains played in helping enslaved people to escape to freedom. It tells the stories of 27 people who made their way north to safety via the actual railroad with the assistance of "conductors" who hid and fed them.

The exhibition is located in the museum's Mt. Clare Station, through which some of the Freedom Seekers traveled in their escape.

Address: 901 West Pratt Street, Baltimore, Maryland

Home of the Baltimore Orioles, the city's Major League baseball team, Oriole Park at Camden Yards opened in 1992 and heralded a new era in ballpark construction. Eschewing the characterless multi-purpose suburban stadiums, Oriole Park recalls the classic in-town feel of old-fashioned ballparks like Boston's Fenway Park, but with all the latest state-of-the-art facilities.

Located in the former rail center of Camden Yards, it is within sight of the Inner Harbor in the heart of downtown Baltimore. Fittingly, it is only two blocks from the birthplace of baseball's most legendary hero, George Herman "Babe" Ruth. Ruth's father operated Ruth's Cafe on the ground floor of the family's home, a spot that is now in center field at Oriole Park.

The modest home in which Babe Ruth was born is now a museum, and a statue of Babe Ruth stands just outside the park. You can tour Oriole Park for a look behind the scenes in the press box, club levels, and dugout.

The 1879 Hooper Strait Lighthouse , at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum , is the visual centerpiece of a collection of historic buildings and boats that illustrate life and work on the Chesapeake Bay since the Native Americans hollowed out logs for canoes.

In the Small Boat Shed , you can see working and recreational watercraft used throughout the bay's history, including early settlers' adaptations of Native American canoes to use for fishing and oystering.

At Waterman's Wharf , hands-on and audio exhibits draw visitors into the world of oystermen and crabbers in a typical shanty and onboard an oystering skipjack. You can also visit the former home of Eliza Bailey Mitchell, sister of abolitionist Frederick Douglass, and an Heirloom Garden of kitchen and medicinal plants cultivated along the bay since Native American times. A working boatyard continues boat-building and repair traditions as staff maintains the museum's Floating Fleet .

The Chesapeake Bay hosts one of the world's great bird migrations as hundreds of thousands of water, shore, and songbirds shelter in its shoreline marshes each spring and fall. Along with hunting and birding, this migration has given rise to an entire genre of waterfowl art. You can see exhibits here on the waterfowl, while each November in nearby Easton, the Easton Waterfowl Festival is the country's premier wildlife art show.

Address: 213 North Talbot Street, St. Michaels, Maryland

The C&O Canal operated from 1828-1924 as a transportation route, primarily hauling coal along the Potomac River to Georgetown. Hundreds of locks, lock houses, and aqueducts are still standing as reminders of the canal's role as a transportation system during the Canal Era. The canal follows the route of the Potomac River from Washington, D.C. to Cumberland, MD.

Bordering the canal are the well-maintained towpaths, where mules and horses once labored to pull barges through the canal. The route is now a park, and the towpath is a favorite for walking and cycling, and in certain parts, for horseback riding. In most places, the route is shaded by trees, which give way frequently to reveal views of the Potomac River.

All along the route are locks, lock-keepers' cottages, and the remains of canal buildings. Perhaps the most interesting of these examples of canal architecture is the Monocacy Aqueduct , a seven-arched stone bridge that carried the canal across the Monocacy River. Built between 1828 and 1833, the 536-foot-long aqueduct is an icon of the canal and of transportation history.

Several sections of the C&O Canal have been re-watered, and you can kayak in these and along the Potomac River adjacent to the National Park. You can rent kayaks, rowboats, canoes, paddle boards, and bikes at Fletcher's Boathouse at Mile Marker 3.2 on the Washington, DC, end of the canal.

Toward the western end, at Mile Marker 99.6, the canal is re-watered from Cushwa Basin to just below Lockhouse 44, and is a favorite place to go fishing .

The historic neighborhood of Fells Point was once Baltimore's shipbuilding center and is now one of its liveliest meeting places. More than 100 small businesses , including restaurants, cafes, and locally owned shops, line Main Street and fill the restored brick buildings of its adjoining lanes and waterfront. More than 300 of these are historic National Register buildings .

The first shipyard owned by an African American is now home to the Frederick Douglass-Isaac Myers Maritime Park Museum , celebrating the contributions of African Americans in the development of Baltimore's maritime industry. In one of the city's oldest waterfront industrial buildings, the museum memorializes abolitionist Frederick Douglass and Isaac Myers, a free-born African American who established the Chesapeake Marine Railway and Dry Dock Company and was a prime mover in unionizing African American workers.

Be sure to stop in the lively market building, where vendors sell local foods. In early October, during the Fell's Point Fun Festival , the entire six-block harbor area becomes a giant market of foods and works by local artists and artisans.

Near Oakland, in western Maryland, Swallow Falls State Park lies at one side of the Youghiogheny River (pronounced Yawk-a-gainy, and popularly known as "The Yough") and hides a world of rushing rapids, cascades, cliffs, rock formations, gorges and a 53-foot waterfall .

You can see all this from a moderately easy trail about 1¼ miles long , passing through beautiful woods before opening onto a stream and Muddy Creek Falls, the tallest waterfall in Maryland. Follow the trail along the stream and through a canyon until it reaches the Youghiogheny River. The trail continues upstream and through a steep-sided canyon.

The rock faces extend over the trail in cave-like formations before you reach Lower Swallow Falls and then Upper Swallow Falls. Look for Swallow Rock, a stone pillar left as the river wore through softer surrounding rock. The falls are named for the cliff swallows that once nested among the rocks.

The fast-moving waters of the Youghiogheny are good for fly fishing , upstream from Swallow Falls to Sang Run. But The Yock's real fame is with whitewater kayakers, who brave the class IV and V rapids of the legendary Upper Yough, in Pennsylvania .

Address: 2470 Maple Glade Road, Oakland, MD

Established in 2022, in recognition of the 200 th anniversary of her birth, the Harriett Tubman Underground Railroad National Historical Park is a combination state and national park on Maryland's eastern shore. The park brings together several places significant in the life of this formerly enslaved woman who devoted her life to helping others escape.

She was the best-known "conductor" in the Underground Railroad , a secret network of volunteers who hid and fed those escaping slavery and saw them on their way to the next "station" until they reached Canada and freedom. She is known to have risked her life repeatedly to guide at least 70 enslaved people north to new lives.

At the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Visitor Center, you'll find exhibits, an audio-visual program, and interpretive programs on Tubman and her work. Visit sites surrounding Harriet Tubman's home , where she was born into slavery, escaped, and returned to guide her family and friends north to freedom.

Tip to Parents: At the National Historical Park, your kids can begin their collection of National Park Trading Cards by attending a ranger program or engaging with rangers by asking questions or joining discussions. Cards here relate to the Underground Railroad and the Civil Rights Movement. Kids can expand their collections as they visit other parks in Maryland, including Antietam National Battlefield, the C&O Canal, Fort McHenry, and Monocacy National Battlefield.

At the Harriet Tubman Museum & Educational Center in Cambridge, you can learn more about her life, and see the powerful mural completed in 2019.

These and other sites are part of a self-guided road trip, the Tubman Byway , which you can follow with a free map or free audio guide. The surrounding landscapes and waterways look much as they did when she lived here, much of it protected by the adjacent Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge .

Address: 4068 Golden Hill Road, Church Creek, Maryland

Maryland's western mountain region is a playground that's often overlooked as tourists head for the eastern beaches. But Deep Creek Lake has 69 miles of shoreline to explore and nearly 4,000 acres of water in which to sail, paddle, fish, or swim.

Along its shores are resorts; beaches; spas; shops; waterside restaurants; and places to rent canoes, sailboats, kayaks, and bicycles.

The mile of shoreline with two beaches is part of Deep Creek State Park, where you'll also find a campground; 20 miles of trails for hiking and biking; and the Deep Creek Lake Discovery Center, where they can meet local wildlife, observe birds in the aviary, and learn about nature through interactive exhibits. Kids will also like Splash Island Inflatable Water Park and the Monkey Business Adventure Park.

Although summer is the peak season for lake activities, Garrett County is where Marylanders go in the fall to see mountainsides covered in brilliant fall foliage, and in the winter, Wisp Ski Resort is another local secret.

The Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge , 12 miles south of Cambridge on Maryland's Eastern Shore , covers 26,000 acres of marshes, ponds, and forest. The refuge provides habitat for large numbers of migratory birds and is a popular spot with bird-watchers. The area is also home to the rare Delmarva Peninsula fox squirrel, only recently removed from the endangered species list.

The best times to visit are in the spring and fall when birds are moving through, but the property is lovely, and you'll see wildlife at any time of year. A visitor center has information on the wetlands. The best way to see the refuge is on one of the numerous walking trails or from the Wildlife Drive.

Address: 2145 Key Wallace Drive, Cambridge, Maryland

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26 Top Things to Do in Maryland

Experience Maryland's memorable museums, beautiful parks, buzzing beaches and succulent seafood.

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Dive into nature, history, seafood and more on your next Maryland getaway.

From cities on the ocean and an island with wild horses to small towns rooted in centuries of American history, Maryland is geographically and culturally diverse. With Washington, D.C., a stone's throw away, the legacy of the country's founding fathers can be keenly felt. For example, the state is home to Fort McHenry, where the national anthem was inspired. Maryland's women have also made their mark on history, with some risking it all to do what was right.

Risk-taking is another quality that defines Maryland, whether it was developing the nation's first steam-powered railway, forging an important canal system or fostering the art of self-taught artists. When it comes to preserving Maryland's wildlife and wetlands, no risk is taken: Refuges, parks and protected areas are intended to keep the state's environmental resources viable and able to be enjoyed for generations to come.

Whatever you're looking to do in this mid-Atlantic state, Maryland has plenty to keep visitors occupied. The best part? Many of the state's museums, beaches, parks and institutions are free to the public. Here are the top things to do in Maryland.

American Visionary Art Museum

This Baltimore museum takes the idea of stuffy art and … stuffs it. The American Visionary Art Museum describes itself as the country's official national museum for self-taught and intuitive artistry. Exhibits vary, but even the permanent collection can be described as colorful, eclectic and unexpected. Mixed mediums will grab your attention from intricate woodcarvings to a collection of robots to a 15-foot-high pink poodle sculpture named "Fifi." Visitors call the four floors of collections thought-provoking, and some even suggest that the gifts in the museum shop are underpriced, which is a rarity. Timed tickets are required for AVAM's main exhibition, which recently was "Healing and the Art of Compassion."

Address: 800 Key Highway, Baltimore, MD 21230

National Aquarium

Courtesy of National Aquarium

The National Aquarium is an eye-catching building with a neon wave located in Baltimore's Inner Harbor . From sharks and jellies to octopuses and an Indo-Pacific coral reef, the aquarium features myriad creatures and habitats to admire and learn about. Award-winning exhibits include faraway lands, such as "Amazon River Forest" and "Maryland: Mountains to Sea," which stars the state's own diverse ecosystem. Beyond the real thing, kids can use all their senses to experience aspects of the aquarium at the 4D theater, which brings fun films like "Being a Dolphin" to life. Recent visitors advise to try to avoid peak times as some of the exhibits are small and the aquarium can get crowded. The family-friendly National Aquarium is open every day.

Address: 501 E. Pratt St., Baltimore, MD 21202

[Read: The Best Tourist Attraction in Every U.S. State .]

B&O Railroad Museum

Courtesy of B&O Railroad Museum

More than just a space on the Monopoly board, the B&O (Baltimore and Ohio) Railroad is the oldest railway in the country, opened in 1827. Discontinued in the 1970s, the Baltimore railroad station called Mount Clare Station and Yard is now a museum containing the oldest and most comprehensive American railroad collection in the world, according to its website. Galleries of the historic locomotives that kick-started American railroading are featured alongside "Thomas the Tank Engine" theme days for the kids and dedicated sensory programming for neurodiverse visitors. Visitors give mixed reviews on the museum's seasonal offerings, such as its holiday-themed Polar Express event, but appreciate how large the museum is and recommend spending extra time on the exhibits in the roundhouse.

Address: 901 W. Pratt St., Baltimore, MD 21223

Explore the Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail

"O say, can you see?" … "The Star-Spangled Banner," originally a poem, was inspired in Maryland and visitors who want to connect with the proverbial "rocket's red glare" can do so at a number of the state's historic sites. The 560-mile Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail stretches across land and water from Virginia into Washington, D.C., and onward into Maryland. The 106-mile scenic route through central Maryland retraces the War of 1812, which gave way to our national anthem. The Maryland route begins at Sotterley Planation in Hollywood and hits numerous sites along the way, taking travelers to Solomons Island, through Baltimore and onward to the Great Chesapeake Bay Loop. Perhaps the most important among these sites is Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine in Baltimore. It was here where 25 hours of a British onslaught were immortalized with the words "bombs bursting in air." Despite the odds, the defending American flag was raised victoriously the following morning, inspiring author Francis Scott Key to pen "The Star-Spangled Banner."

Visit a classic American saloon

The Horse You Came In On Saloon originally opened in the Fell's Point neighborhood of Baltimore in 1775. Still in operation, "The Horse" is considered one of the oldest continuously operating bars in the country. While it's worth a look-in for this accolade alone, the bar's history is far more interesting than its age. It inspired the name of mystery writer Martha Grimes' '90s best-selling detective novel. It's also quite famously the last known location of another mystery author, Edgar Allen Poe, before he died. Whatever draws you in – and for many, it's the sign – grabbing a drink here is a part of Baltimore (and national) history. The daily happy hour specials aren't too bad either. Recent patrons admit that while drinks can be pricey, the atmosphere – including live music – is worth a visit.

Address: 1626 Thames St., Baltimore, MD 21231

[See more of Baltimore: Things to Do | When to Visit | Hotels | Photos ]

Summon a Slurpee at the Ouija 7-Eleven

Elijah Bond lived in Baltimore in the late 19th century and first patented the Ouija board. If you channeled Bond today, you might be led to his one-of-a-kind gravesite in Baltimore's Green Mount Cemetery. The reverse side of his headstone is, itself, a Ouija board. So what does this have to do with a 7-Eleven? After more than a century, the origins of the mysterious board have scattered about the city, and the location of where the name "Ouija" was coined (once a boarding house where Bond lived) is now a convenience store on 529 N. Charles St. See it for yourself: a plaque to the right just inside of the entrance marks the occult milestone.

Address: 529 N. Charles St., Baltimore, MD 21201

Port Discovery Children's Museum

Courtesy of Port Discovery Children's Museum

Parents can find a haven for kids at the Port Discovery Children's Museum, which is located near the National Aquarium in the Inner Harbor. Interactive and engaging play areas and exhibits invite babies, toddlers and preschoolers to take part in this maritime-themed venue with 80,000 square feet of space. Parents say the facilities are clean and well-supervised and the Egyptian area is a standout. Popular attractions include the four-story SkyClimber (best for kids ages 5 and older); a giant pretend cargo ship, perfect for tiny role-playing; plentiful puzzles; occasional theater performances; and a water activity room for those little ones who like to splash. If rain washes out your plans, shore up to Port Discovery, which includes all-day entry plus any special events in the price of admission. According to recent visiting families, 6 is an ideal age for kids spending a day here. Tickets must be purchased online in advance.

Address: 35 Market Place, Baltimore, MD 21202

Catch a baseball game at Camden Yards

Oriole Park at Camden Yards is the home of Charm City's Major League Baseball team, the Baltimore Orioles. Baltimore is also the birthplace of Babe Ruth, one of the game's greatest players, and a bronze statue of his likeness greets fans at the entrance to the stadium. Signed to the then-Orioles in 1914, Ruth reportedly got his "Babe" nickname in his brief time playing for the team. Even more of a fitting tie-in, Ruth's father once owned a building that housed a saloon on the first floor and the family on the second floor; it was located on what is now center field of Oriole Park, which opened in 1992. Be part of Baltimore's growing baseball legacy with tickets to a game at Camden Yards. Even recent visitors who are admittedly not huge baseball fans said the ballpark is beautiful and the hot dogs exceed expectations.

Address: 333 W. Camden St., Baltimore, MD 21201

Get lost in the George Peabody Library

Matthew Petroff | Courtesy Johns Hopkins University Sheridan Libraries

George Peabody found success as an investment banker after a modest childhood and is considered a father of modern philanthropy, due to his generous charitable donations of millions throughout his life in the mid-1800s. One of his largest donations was to The Peabody Institute in Baltimore, where a stylish library was constructed. Sometimes called "a cathedral of books," the library is located in Baltimore's Mount Vernon neighborhood and is part of Johns Hopkins University. It contains about 300,000 volumes, from the 18th and 19th centuries, across five floors of ornamental cast iron balconies. The library is free to visit and open to the public during select hours, though visitors can only access the ground floor.

Address: 17 E. Mount Vernon Place, Baltimore, MD 21202

Worship craft beer at the Ministry of Brewing

The Ministry of Brewing has a unique take on houses of worship. The minds behind the now-taproom (once St. Michael's Church in Baltimore) envisioned it as a community meeting place once again – except the drink of the day is an IPA or a brown ale, not Communion wine. This brewery offers in-house sodas and hard ciders in addition to plenty of beer brewed on-site. Visitors to the Ministry of Brewing can enjoy an inventive rotating tap list from a restored pew. The charitable surroundings aren't all surface-level, though: The brewery's founding members have a focus on education, with the intention to host Baltimore City high school students to teach them lab skills, and philanthropy via fundraising for Baltimore's public school system.

Address: 1900 E. Lombard St., Baltimore, MD 21231

Assateague State Park

Maryland's only oceanfront park is on Assateague Island, located between the Atlantic Ocean and Sinepuxent Bay in Berlin. Assateague is best known for its population of feral horses, and seeing wild ponies running along the shoreline is a special sight. Other wildlife here include Sitka deer and more than 200 species of birds, such as snowy owls and eagles. Visitors to this unique place can enjoy 2 miles of ocean beaches with swimming or fishing, while the bayside offers plenty of great coves to explore via kayak or canoe. Along with its natural and unbridled beauty, Assateague gives day-trippers a window into what Colonial life was like on Maryland's coasts courtesy of the restored 18th-century Rackliffe House. Located a half-mile from the island's visitor center, Rackliffe House offers trails and regular museum visiting hours between mid-May and October, which is also camping season on the island. Access to the island is limited to preserve its wildlife; reservations can be competitive and are available up to a year in advance.

Rocky Gap State Park

Allegany County in western Maryland is home to Rocky Gap State Park, which boasts 3,000 acres of land with rugged mountains on all sides. A mile-long gorge feeds the 243-acre Lake Habeeb and, according to the park's website, it contains the bluest water in the state. Other natural features of this state park include a hemlock forest and a population of black bears. Rocky Gap Casino and Resort is the place to stay if you want to be near the woods but also partake in a round of golf or a trip to the spa. Recent visitors to the park enjoyed swimming in the lake, fishing and visiting the small on-site aviary.

Address: 12900 Lake Shore Drive, Flintstone, MD 21530

Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad State Park & Visitor Center

Courtesy of Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Byway

The land where Harriet Tubman lived – and worked – as an enslaved child in Maryland is now a national historic site dedicated to her heroic freedom-fighting legacy. The visitor center houses permanent exhibits about the Underground Railroad network she operated to help free slaves, a research library, a film about Harriet Tubman and more. Visitors describe the museum as a labor of love from the community and a beautiful tribute to Tubman. The park in Church Creek is open Tuesday through Sunday. For a much fuller picture of Tubman's early life and work, the Harriet Tubman Byway is a self-guided scenic road trip of more than 30 sites – including the park – that also features murals, gardens and the farm where she once lived. What's more, there's the volunteer-run Harriet Tubman Museum & Educational Center in Cambridge with the "Take My Hand" Harriet Tubman mural by artist Michael Rosato, and the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historical Park which includes 480 acres at the Jacob Jackson site slated to be developed for visitors in the coming years.

Address: 4068 Golden Hill Road, Church Creek, MD 21622

Ocean City Boardwalk

The nostalgia of boardwalk amusements is in full effect in Ocean City , a well-regarded beach resort town on the coast of northeast Maryland. The 3 miles of Ocean City's boardwalk are packed with entertainment, day and night, during the spring and summer seasons. With music, arcade games, rides, souvenir shops and the wafting smell of funnel cake, Fisher's Popcorn and Thrasher's French fries, a stay in Ocean City has all the hallmarks of a family beach vacation, plus unexpected sites like the Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum , dedicated to a predecessor of today's Coast Guard. Be sure to peek inside the Trimper's Rides pavilion where you'll find a carousel more than a century old. Handcarved in 1912, the carousel's twin went to New York's Coney Island but was destroyed in a fire, leaving just this one. Have a ride – if you dare: The carousel is supposedly haunted by Joanne Trimper, who was married to the manager of the amusement park until his death in 2008.

[See more of Ocean City: Things to Do | Hotels | When to Visit | Photos ]

Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum

Courtesy of Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum

Along the Miles River in St. Michaels, the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum maintains a dozen exhibition buildings, a fleet of floating historic boats and a peaceful waterfront setting for guests to learn about the Chesapeake Bay. Interactive exhibits include shipyard tours, as well as art and object collections. A visit wouldn't be complete without a scenic boat ride on the bay in a vessel from 1920. What's more, festivals featuring sea glass, antiques or oysters are held here throughout the year. Recent visitors to the museum mused that the exhibits weren't boring, and many appreciated the information on how to build a boat, the chance to climb a lighthouse and the nautical gift shop.

Address: 213 N. Talbot St., St. Michaels, MD 21663

Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge

The Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge in Cambridge has many important distinctions. Among them, it has been named a priority wetland in the North American Waterfowl Management Plan. In addition to an abundance of birdlife, including the largest breeding population of American bald eagles on the East Coast north of Florida, Blackwater is also home to the largest natural population of the formerly endangered Delmarva Peninsula fox squirrels. Visitors can access 20,000 of the refuge's 32,000 acres. Hiking, biking and paddling are great ways to experience Blackwater, as well as a 3.6-mile paved wildlife drive popular with cyclists, birders and photographers. While many of these activities may be best experienced in spring or fall, winter offers its own perks: The best time for viewing waterfowl at Blackwater is between mid-October and mid-March.

Annapolis , the capital of Maryland, is home to more than just the U.S. Naval Academy . The city of about 40,000 residents offers attractions ranging from an opera house to escape rooms. Gorgeous waterfront walkways highlight its population of yachts, and tourists can get out on the water for great views of the city on any number of boat tours . But 8 miles from downtown, across the South River, tourists will find Historic London Town and Gardens, a 23-acre park featuring a home from 1760 as well as an ongoing archaeological excavation. A mile-long trail takes visitors through the Woodland Garden, which boasts a variety of native and exotic plants. Back in the heart of Annapolis, there is more history to be found with the Kunta Kinte-Alex Haley Memorial. This sculpture pays homage to the author of the story "Roots" and recognizes the role of Annapolis in slavery. The completed memorial has stood along the water off of Main Street, not too far from the Asbury United Methodist Church, since 2006.

[See more of Annapolis: Things to Do | When to Visit | Hotels | Photos ]

Indulge in a steamed crab feast

It might be impossible to think of Maryland and not think of crabs. And here, crabs aren't anything without Old Bay seasoning, an 18-spice recipe purchased by Baltimore-based McCormick & Co. in 1990. The Maryland blue crab (which turns a red-orange when steamed) is the state crustacean, and half of the country's blue crabs hail from the Chesapeake Bay. Crab comes in many forms – cakes, bisques, claws – but the traditional way is to enjoy this seafood is with a steamed crab feast. A number of restaurants offer steamed crabs, which are often served outside in the summer and early fall, although many eateries allow indoor dining as well. In Baltimore, try L.P. Steamers in Locus Point or Bo Brooks in Canton, both with views of the Inner Harbor. Other popular spots to find steamed crabs around the state include Ocean Pride Seafood Restaurant in Baltimore County, Cantler's Riverside Inn in Annapolis, Kentmorr Restaurant & Crab House in Stevensville, Schultz's Crab House in Essex and Crab Bag in Ocean City.

Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park

Like the B&O, the C&O – Chesapeake and Ohio Canal – contributed to early industrial and transportation efforts along the Potomac River Valley. It's come a long way from being known as the "Grand Old Ditch," first opened in 1831. Nowadays, pleasure-seekers can explore 184.5 miles of the canal with bike trails and notable sights like Williamsport's Conococheague Aqueduct or the Great Falls, which offers views of Virginia for an entrance fee. The Maryland side of the falls has a gorgeous visitor center called the Great Falls Tavern, where historic canal boat rides depart. Pass through a lock and listen to the stories from crew in period clothing of what life was like living and working along the canal in the 1870s. Boat rides are seasonal; check the C&O website for additional details and schedules.

The city (and county) of Frederick is situated less than 60 miles from both Baltimore and Washington, D.C. Along scenic byways, travelers will find quirky museums, such as the National Museum of Civil War Medicine, several golf courses and a few art galleries. The parched can take their pick of wineries, breweries or distilleries – there are numerous options in and around Frederick. Restaurants specializing in comfort food, such as Brewer's Alley, complement specialty shops making chocolate truffles from scratch or selling local fruit products like jams and jellies. This small city is off the charts with charm any time of year, but Frederick's annual events attract lots of attention and include the country's only high-wheel (aka penny-farthing) bike race each July, as well as a nine-day fair and carnival each September.

Explore the Crystal Grottoes Caverns

Courtesy of Crystal Grottoes Caverns

If you find yourself near Boonsboro, about 20 miles northwest of Frederick, you are in the vicinity of Maryland's only known natural caverns. The Crystal Grottoes is in its third generation of business and first opened to the public in 1922. The must-see caverns boast impressive rock formations and are worth a tour to witness yourself. Tours run about 40 minutes long and are available Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Visitors to the caverns say that while the cave is relatively small, it has enough stellar formations in a natural setting that make a stop here worth it.

Address: 19821 Shepherdstown Pike, Boonsboro, MD 21713

Find morbid memorabilia at the National Museum of Health and Medicine

Courtesy of Otis Historical Archives, National Museum of Health and Medicine

If you're not too squeamish, consider a visit to the National Museum of Health and Medicine in Silver Spring for an unusual day at the museum. Founded in 1862 to study the effects of war wounds and diseases on the body, the institute has a historic collection of human remains, including the bullet that killed Abraham Lincoln, along with shards of his skull. Other medical and historical oddities are on display in rotation, with focus on American military medicine, from wax molds and replications to the real thing – in jars. If it's any incentive to brave the bodily displays, the National Museum of Health and Medicine is free to the public.

Address: 2500 Linden Lane, Silver Spring, MD 20910

NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center

Bill Hrybyk | Courtesy of NASA Goddard

There are objectively not many things cooler than NASA, so if you find yourself in Greenbelt, about 10 miles northeast of Washington, D.C., make a stop at the Goddard Space Flight Center. The James Webb telescope – essentially a modern, improved version of the Hubble Telescope, with more clarity – was built in Maryland at the Goddard, which means it's a site burgeoning with active space exploration. Self-guided tours of the collections and exhibits will keep your attention; they include a full-size rocket garden with replicas of rockets from various missions. Free monthly experiments and model rocket launches are fun events for kids. A visit here may spark an interest in a career in engineering, astrophysics or earth science. The Goddard Space Flight Center is free to visit. Even the landscaping is out of this world; the sycamore in front of the visitor center flew as a seed on Apollo 14 and is known as a "moon tree."

Address: 8800 Greenbelt Road, Greenbelt, MD 20771

Calvert Cliffs State Park

Formed 10 to 20 million years ago, the Calvert Cliffs of southern Maryland today reveal fossils of prehistoric sharks, whales and "seabirds the size of airplanes," according to the park’s website. These cliffs trace the shoreline of the Chesapeake Bay in Calvert County (around 50 miles south of Annapolis) for 24 miles and provide a stunning backdrop to sandy beaches and a recycled tire playground. A freshwater and tidal marshland provides fishing opportunities, plus there are 13 miles of scenic hiking trails for visitors to traverse. There is a designated area to hunt for fossils on the beach, and more than 600 species have been identified so far.

Address: 10540 H.G. Trueman Road, Lusby, MD 20657

Tour Maryland's covered bridges

Maryland was home to more than 120 covered bridges at one time. Only six are left in the state, but they are worth a road trip. Half of the bridges are located in Frederick County: the Roddy Road Covered Bridge, circa 1856; the Loy's Station Covered Bridge, built in 1848 (with some original timber); and the Utica Mills Covered Bridge, originally built in 1843. This bold red bridge had to be rebuilt after it was washed out by the 1889 Johnstown Flood and it stands out among the surrounding green fields. Maryland's longest covered bridge is Gilpin's Falls in Cecil County: It's 119 feet long and was restored in 2010 after 150 years. The second covered bridge in Cecil County is Foxcatcher Farms, built in 1860. Little Gunpowder Falls is where you'll find the Jericho Covered Bridge in Kingsville in Baltimore County. People believe the bridge is haunted today based on legends from the Civil War era.

Glen Echo Park

Courtesy of Glen Echo Park

Looking to expand your artistic skill set? Glen Echo Park (located near Bethesda and 8 miles northwest of Washington, D.C.) offers a wide range of hands-on classes from glassblowing and pottery to puppetry, drawing and dance. If you're not quite looking to get your hands dirty, the cultural center also offers art galleries, performances, dances and a carousel for the kids (and young at heart). A supporter of arts of all kinds, Glen Echo hosts 13 resident artists and organizations as well as a nature and aquatic life program. There is always something happening, whether it's a folklore festival or outdoor marketplace.

Address: 7300 Macarthur Blvd., Glen Echo, MD 20812

You might also be interested in:

• The Best Places to Visit in Maryland
• The Best Beaches in Maryland
• The Top Weekend Getaways From Washington, D.C.
• The Top Things to Do in Virginia
• The Top Things to Do in New Jersey
• The Top Things to Do in Pennsylvania

Tags: Travel , US Vacations

World's Best Places To Visit

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The Top 12 Places to Visit in Maryland

Matthew Cannon / Getty Images

With its landscape extending from the seashore (the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean) to the mountains (the Appalachians) to urban areas (Baltimore and Annapolis), Maryland offers a wide variety of things to do. In one day, you can immerse yourself in the state's wonderful scenery and outdoor activities before visiting its museums and historic sites . From the Eastern Shore to the suburbs of Washington, D.C., here are the top places to visit in Maryland.

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The largest city in the state of Maryland, Baltimore makes for a great weekend getaway . You could easily spend an entire day exploring the city's Inner Harbor , which features world-class attractions like the National Aquarium, Port Discovery, Baltimore's Historic Ships, and the Maryland Science Center. However, be sure to visit the city's other neighborhoods, including Fell's Point, listed on the National Register of Historic Districts, and Hampden for its independent shops, restaurants, and buzzing cocktail scene ( The Bluebird Cocktail Room is a must-visit).

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Located on Maryland's Eastern Shore , the town of Ocean City is infused with nostalgia and good ol' Americana. Here, you'll find 10 miles of white-sand beaches, mini-golf courses, go-kart tracks, and Trimper's Rides , the world's oldest continuously family-owned-and-operated amusement park. Don't leave without hitting up the 3-mile Ocean City Boardwalk, open since 1902, for arcade games, shopping, and a spin on Jolly Roger Amusement Park 's Ferris wheel. When you get hungry, grab a cup of Thrasher's Fries or settle in at On the Bay Seafood for "heavy" blue crab.

Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historic Park

Richard T. Nowitz / Getty Images

The Chesapeake & Ohio Canal (C & O Canal) is a national historic park that dates back to the 18th and 19th centuries. The 184.5-mile towpath extends from Georgetown in Washington, D.C. to Cumberland, Maryland. Walking or bicycling along the towpath, you can view original structures including locks and aqueducts. If you're planning to do the trail all in one go, consider booking a stay at one of the seven historic lockhouses along the canal.

The state capital of Maryland has a little bit of everything: Enjoy dining on steamed crabs at Cantler's Riverside Inn , browsing boutique shops on Main Street, and touring 18th-century buildings in the city's historic district—including the Maryland State House, the country's oldest capitol building in continuous use. And because Annapolis is the sailing capital of America, consider diving into the city's nautical heritage by visiting either the Annapolis Maritime Museum or U.S. Naval Academy , then setting sail on a sightseeing cruise through the Chesapeake Bay.

Deep Creek Lake

Offering a wide selection of activities for outdoor adventures, Deep Creek Lake is one of the top getaway destinations in the state of Maryland. In the summer and fall, you can enjoy everything from hiking, cycling, and horseback riding to boating and fishing. Come winter, the area is great for skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling. Located in Western Maryland’s Garrett County, you can either camp at Deep Creek Lake State Park or stay at a hotel in McHenry.

The National Harbor

BackyardProduction / Getty Images

The National Harbor, found just 20 minutes south of Washington, D.C. , is a 300-acre waterfront destination along the Potomac River. The $2.1 billion mixed-use community in Prince George's County, Maryland is home to hotels, restaurants, retail stores, condominiums, a full-service marina, Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center , and commercial office space. Shop, dine, and play your way around here, or get out on the water by renting a kayak, paddleboard, or pedal boat .

Historic Ellicott City

Jon Bilous / Getty Images

During the late 1700s, Ellicott Mills was the largest flour milling center in the region—and while the area closed down its last commercial grain mill in 2020, it's still imbued with historic charm. A 30-minute drive from Baltimore, this quaint town in Howard County, Maryland makes for a fun day trip. Stop by the B&O Ellicott City Station Museum , the nation's oldest standing railroad station, before browsing the town's nice selection of art galleries and antique and specialty shops. When you get hungry, settle in for pub fare at Manor Hill Tavern or Korean barbeque at Honey Pig Restaurant .

Silver Spring

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Located near Ellicott City, this Washington, D.C. suburb offers city-goers a quiet respite. Movie buffs will want to pay a visit to the AFI Silver Theatre and Cultural Center , run by the American Film Institute. In addition to film screenings, events here include filmmaker interviews, panels, discussions, and musical performances. If the weather is nice, head to Brookside Gardens , nestled within Wheaton Regional Park. The 50-acre, award-winning garden boasts azaleas, roses, perennials, yews, maples, and a Japanese-style garden, as well as two year-round conservatories. Admission is free.

zrfphoto / Getty Images

With historic sites, natural attractions, and an underrated wine scene, this Western Maryland city has something to suit every traveler. Dive into Civil War history by touring Monocacy National Battlefield , the site of the Battle of Monocacy Junction in July 1864, or perusing some 1,200 artifacts at the National Museum of Civil War Medicine . A 30-minute drive from downtown, Crystal Grottoes Caverns offers daily guided tours, whereas the 6,080-acre Cunningham Falls State Park has hiking trails and a 78-foot waterfall. For a relaxing retreat, while away an afternoon by sampling one or two of the Frederick Wine Trail's 15 wineries, including Elk Run Vineyards & Winery and Linganore Wine Cellars .

Joesboy / Getty Images

Situated on Maryland's Eastern Shore, Cambridge offers a combination of outdoor attractions and historic points of interest. Birders should make Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge their first stop; the 27,000-acre waterfowl sanctuary contains a third of the state's tidal wetlands and welcomes more than 250 species of migrating and wintering birds. To view the wildlife up close, you can opt between hiking 5 miles of trails or paddling 17 miles of waterways. Later, check out the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Visitor Center , considered the gateway to the Harriet Tubman Scenic Byway . Be sure to carve out 45 to 60 minutes to fully immerse yourself in the center's permanent exhibits and film.

Assateague Island

Home to more than 300 wild ponies, the 37-mile-long barrier island of Assateague Island runs parallel along the coasts of Maryland and Virginia and features three public areas: Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge on the Virginia side, and Assateague State Park and Assateague Island National Seashore on the Maryland side. Each is worth visiting in their own right, but if you only have time to visit one, make it the latter. The national seashore offers a wide range of activities, including hiking, biking, fishing, swimming, and snapping photos of the island's beloved horses. Camping is available on the beach, but you can also find accommodation in Ocean City and Berlin, located just over 8 miles from the park.

Antietam National Battlefield

Exploder1 / Getty Images

On September 17, 1862, the Confederate Army of North Virginia invaded the North for the first time. During the 12-hour Battle of Antietam, approximately 23,000 soldiers were killed, wounded, or missing, leading President Abraham Lincoln to institute the preliminary Emancipation Proclamation. You can learn more about the bloodiest battle in American military history by exploring the former battlegrounds, whose sites include the National Cemetery, Dunker Church, and Pry House Field Hospital, where Union Commander General George B. McClellan set up headquarters. There are also several hiking trails through and around the battlefield, as well as a self-guided 8.5-mile auto tour.

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Must-see attractions in Maryland

American Visionary Art Museum

Housing a jaw-dropping collection of self-taught (or 'outsider' art), American Visionary Art Museum (AVAM) is a celebration of unbridled creativity…

Evergreen Museum & Library

Well worth the 7-mile drive north from the Inner Harbor, this grand 19th-century mansion provides a fascinating glimpse into upper-class Baltimore life of…

National Aquarium

Standing seven stories high and capped by a glass pyramid, this is widely considered to be America's best aquarium, with almost 20,000 creatures from more…

Edgar Allan Poe's Gravesite

Horror writer and poet, Edgar Allan Poe was buried (twice) on the grounds of Westminster Hall. His body was first deposited in an unmarked grave behind…

Fort McHenry National Monument & Historic Shrine

On September 13 and 14, 1814, this star-shaped fort successfully repelled a British navy attack during the Battle of Baltimore. After a long night of…

Walters Art Museum

The magnificent Chamber of Art & Wonders re-creates the library of an imagined 17th-century scholar, one with a taste for the exotic. The abutting Hall of…

Calvert Cliffs State Park

In Southern Maryland, skinny Calvert County scratches at the Chesapeake Bay and the Patuxent River. This is a gentle landscape ('user-friendly' as a local…

Maryland State House

The country's oldest state capitol in continuous legislative use, the grand 1772 State House also served as national capital from 1783 to 1784. Notably,…

National Great Blacks in Wax Museum

This simple but thought-provoking African American history museum has exhibits spotlighting Frederick Douglass, Jackie Robinson, Dr Martin Luther King Jr…

Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum

This small but engaging museum sits inside an 1891 life-saving station at the southern end of the boardwalk. Here, the station keeper and six to eight …

Assateague Island National Seashore

A low-key barrier island, Assateague is a place to relax. In the Maryland section of the national seashore, you can cycle along a 4-mile road, hike nature…

Historic St Mary's City

In the 1600s, St Mary's City was a busy port and served as the state's first capital. Today, the spot is a living history museum romantically positioned…

Swallow Falls State Park

Western Maryland

One of the most rugged, spectacular parks in the state. Hickory and hemlock trees hug the Youghiogheny River, which cuts a white line through wet slate…

Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge

Eastern Shore

The Atlantic Flyway is the main route birds take between northern and southern migratory trips, and the Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge was…

Antietam National Battlefield

The site of the bloodiest day in American history is now, ironically, supremely peaceful, quiet and haunting – and uncluttered, save for plaques and…

Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historical Park & Visitor Center

This new visitor center and historic site honors Harriet Tubman, 'the Moses of her people' who led black slaves to freedom on the Underground Railroad,…

C&O Canal National Historic Park

A marvel of engineering, the C&O Canal was designed to stretch alongside the Potomac River from the Chesapeake Bay to the Ohio River. Construction on the…

US Naval Academy

The undergraduate college of the US Navy is one of the most selective universities in America. The Armel-Leftwich Visitor Center is the place to book 75…

Maryland Historical Society

With more than 350,000 objects and seven million books and documents, this is among the world's largest collections of Americana. Highlights include one…

Assateague State Park

The Maryland-run section of Assateague Island stretches for 2 miles along the coast and is tucked within the boundaries of the national seashore. Come…

Hammond Harwood House

Of the many historical homes in town, the Hammond Harwood House, dating from 1774, is the one to visit. It has a superb collection of decorative arts,…

Carroll Creek Park

Originally a flood control project, this mile-long walking path stretches along Carroll Creek between S Bentz St and S East St, all just south of the…

Washington Monument

For the best views of Baltimore, climb the 227 marble steps of the 178ft-tall Doric column dedicated to America's founding father, George Washington. The…

Historic Ships in Baltimore

Ship lovers can tour four historic ships: a coast guard cutter that saw action in Pearl Harbor, a 1930 lightship, a submarine active in WWII and the USS…

Patapsco Valley State Park

The Patapsco River and river valley are the defining geographic features of the region, running through Central Maryland to the Chesapeake Bay. To explore…

Point Lookout State Park

The western shore of Maryland – that is, the western peninsula created by Chesapeake Bay – terminates here, in a preserved space of lagoons, pine woods…

Cumberland Visitor Center & Museum

The national historic park visitor center stocks numerous brochures about the C&O Canal towpath and related attractions. A mock Paw Paw Tunnel connects…

Banneker-Douglass Museum

A short stroll from the State House, this small but worthwhile museum highlights the history and achievements of Marylanders of African American ancestry…

Jewish Museum of Maryland

Maryland has traditionally been home to one of the largest, most active Jewish communities in the country, and this is a fine place to explore their…

Monocacy National Battlefield

The crucial but little known Battle of Monocacy occurred during the last Confederate invasion of the north, which began when Confederate General Jubal…

Glenstone Museum

It's all about the experience at this striking museum where art, architecture and landscape merge, and comfortable contemplation is encouraged. The…

J Millard Tawes Historical Museum

This small museum gives insight into the history of the region's inhabitants, beginning 10,000 years ago. Exhibits explore the life of local watermen –…

Pocomoke River State Park

The Shad Landing section of Pocomoke River State Park, part of the 15,000-acre Pocomoke State Forest and located about 3.5 miles south of Snow Hill, is an…

St Ignatius Church

On a gentle slope overlooking the Potomac River is St Ignatius Church, which hosts the oldest continuously active Catholic parish in the country. The…

Ward Museum of Wildfowl Art

This museum is built around a little-known but fascinating art form that was largely perfected by two brothers who rarely left their small town. In the…

Basilica of the Assumption

Also known as America's First Cathedral, the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (much more commonly known as the…

Brunswick Visitor Center & Rail Museum

The C&O Canal's little Brunswick Visitor Center doubles as the Brunswick Rail Museum. As quiet as this town is, it was once home to the largest rail yard …

B&O Railroad Station Museum

Welcoming its first passengers in 1830 and completed in 1831, this is the oldest surviving passenger train station in the US. A fun destination for kids…

Deep Creek Lake State Park

The lake is most easily accessed via Deep Creek Lake State Park, which sits on a large plateau known as the Tablelands. The area is carpeted in oak and…

Baltimore Museum of Art

Works by Van Gogh, Renoir, Degas, Georgia O'Keeffe and Andy Warhol fill the galleries, and the museum hosts thought-provoking temporary exhibits with a…

More destinations you need to see

53 Fun Things To Do & Places To Visit In Maryland

By: Author Jerric Chong

Posted on Published: November 11, 2020  - Last updated: October 15, 2023

Home to everything from sleek shopping malls to ruggedly remote mountains, Maryland is a great place for a vacation.

It has a little something for everyone, so whether you’re into food, art, music, history, nature or culture, you can find plenty of cool places to visit.

The tricky part will be narrowing down your options during your trip.

There’s simply so much to experience in Maryland that you’re going to need some serious planning mojo to fit it all into your schedule!

Grab your calendar.

It’s time to talk about things to do in Maryland.

Table of Contents

1. Ocean City Boardwalk

Lissandra Melo / Shutterstock

With a big, colorful entrance gate that arches over its old-fashioned wooden pier, Ocean City Boardwalk is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Maryland.

It offers more than three miles of shops, restaurants, games, rides, arcades, bars and hotels all packed into a single walkable location.

Shopping options range from kitschy t-shirts to beautiful handmade collectibles.

Food stalls have funnel cakes, crab cakes, burgers, hot dogs, caramel popcorn and huge buckets of cheese-topped French fries.

Carnival games will beckon you with their gigantic stuffed animals, and rides will keep you moving through carousels, roller coasters and Ferris wheels.

Other entertainment options include museum tours, pub crawls, bike rentals, outdoor concerts and boat trips around the water.

You’ll wear out your flip-flops before you run out of fun stuff to do.

If you want to have a good time in Maryland, Ocean City Boardwalk is a must do!

Address: 698 N Atlantic Ave, Ocean City, MD 21842, United States

2. Basignani Winery

Chris Trotter / flickr

When love is in the air, the Basignani Winery is one of the best places to visit in Maryland.

Its dreamy, romantic atmosphere is sure to get you tingling as you spend time with that special someone, and its wine is perfect for initiating some cuddle time!

Located in the rolling hills of Baltimore County, the Basignani Winery is a small, family-run business with a charmingly quaint atmosphere.

Its vineyards are beautiful, and its buildings have a rustic country charm.

You can take tours, visit tasting rooms, picnic under shaded pavilions or sign up for special classes and workshops to learn more about wine.

If you don’t want the fun to stop once the winery closes, you can buy your favorite bottles from the gift shop or even have them shipped to your home address.

You’re also free to snap couples’ selfies among the brilliant landscapes of the area.

To make special memories, you’ll need to visit a special place.

Grab your partner’s hand and take a stroll through the vistas of the Basignani Winery!

Address: 15722 Falls Rd, Sparks Glencoe, MD 21152, United States

3. National Aquarium

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Considered one of the crown jewels of Baltimore, Maryland, the National Aquarium is a must see destination.

It welcomes more than 1.5 million visitors per year, and it frequently tops lists of the best aquariums in the world.

What makes the National Aquarium so amazing?

For starters, it’s a larger-than-life complex that houses millions of gallons of water, and its architecture includes everything from cute little tide pools to gigantic arched tunnels that will allow you to walk underwater.

Sharks will swim over your head; jellyfish will follow your movements with their ghostly tendrils; fish will dart all around as you move from hallway to hallway.

The biodiversity is another reason to visit the National Aquarium.

In addition to its marine creatures, it also houses thousands of birds, bugs, reptiles, amphibians and mammals.

You can explore a number of habitats, including tropical forests.

The National Aquarium is easily one of the best things to do in Maryland.

If you’ll be anywhere near Baltimore during your trip, you’ll want to make time for the most impressive of its sites.

Address: 501 E Pratt St, Baltimore, MD 21202, United States

4. Mike’s Crab House

Mike’s Crab House

Seafood is a staple of Maryland cuisine, so whether you’re in the mood for crabs, clams, oysters or scallops, you can find it freshly caught and sizzlingly seasoned at a place like Mike’s Crab House .

Crab, of course, is a central menu item; it’s the single most famous food in Maryland.

The most traditional version is soft-shelled crab served with butter, but you can also enjoy it deep-fried with a crispy brown crust or tossed in a pan along with garlic, onion, pepper and oil.

Other seafood items include grilled tuna, fried oysters, stuffed shrimp, steamed mussels and broiled salmon.

Sides range from greasy baskets of onion rings to fancy salads that can be paired with sparkling wines.

When your stomach is growling in Maryland, stop by a place like Mike’s Crab House.

You can’t visit a coastal state without indulging in a little seafood, and this restaurant is one of the best places to get it!

Address: 3030 Riva Rd, Riva, MD 21140, United States

5. Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine

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You might not know Fort McHenry by name.

However, you’re probably familiar with what it inspired: The Star-Spangled Banner!

An immense stone bastion fort, Fort Henry has successfully defended the United States in multiple battles and skirmishes since its original foundation in the late 1700s.

It became one of Maryland’s top places to see after the War of 1812.

The American flag was flown high on the fort after a bombardment, and the sight was so moving that it inspired Francis Scott Key to write a song about it.

Today, Fort Henry is officially known as the Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine .

You can tour the grounds, watch historical reenactments and engage with special programs and activities that range from museum showcases to fireworks displays.

You don’t have to be a history buff to appreciate the significance of Fort Henry.

It’s one of the biggest tourist attractions in Maryland for visitors of all types.

After all, it’s the birthplace of the national anthem!

Address: 2400 E Fort Ave, Baltimore, MD 21230, United States

6. Great Falls

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With its mountains, lakes and trees, Maryland is one of the most beautiful states in the US , and destinations like Great Falls can give you a front-row seat to its splendor.

Located on the border of Maryland and Virginia, Great Falls is actually a series of water features along the Potomac River.

There are waterfalls gushing over the rocks; there are whitewater rapids rushing down mountain valleys.

It’s an absolutely stunning place to experience the power of nature firsthand.

There are lots of cool things to do, too.

Whether you’re into hiking, climbing, kayaking or rafting, you can get your heart pumping with outdoor activities that will really test your resolve.

Great Falls is one of the most beautiful places in Maryland.

If you’ll be anywhere near the Potomac River when you visit, make some time for its epic, picturesque sights!

Address: 11710 MacArthur Blvd., Potomac, MD 20854, United States

7. Live! Casino and Hotel

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Gambling wasn’t always legal in Maryland.

In fact, its first casinos only opened in the past decade.

However, you wouldn’t know that fact when walking into the Live! Casino and Hotel .

Its dim lights and plush carpets are so comfortable that you’ll feel like they’ve always been there.

It merrily jingling slots will transport you to a world where a big jackpot is just a lever away.

There are thousands of gaming tables.

There are hundreds of hotel suites and dozens of bars and restaurants.

There are even spa services for your skin, hair and nails.

If you need it, you can probably find it here; everything is designed for maximum luxury.

Betting on red at the Live! Casino and Hotel is one of the best things to do in Maryland.

It was a hard-won victory that took years of lobbying, but the good news for you, traveler, is that you can reap all of the benefits just by booking a suite!

Address: 7002 Arundel Mills Cir #7777, Hanover, MD 21076, United States

8. B&O Railroad Museum

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Filled with everything from wooden replicas to dissected metal engines, the B&O Railroad Museum is a place where your inner child can remember all of those model sets that you used to build.

It’s dedicated to locomotives of all shapes, sizes and styles, and it’ll provide both education and entertainment for visitors of all ages.

A little-known fact about Maryland is that it’s considered the birthplace of railroading in America.

On May 22, 1830, the first train passenger service took off from a city near Baltimore.

Today, you can amble through the museum and learn about the legacy of America’s trains, and you can geek out at all of the pictures, videos, artifacts, models on display.

They even have full-sized trains available for rides!

In terms of Maryland attractions, the B&O Railroad Museum might not be the biggest or grandest, but it should be respected for the special place that it holds in American history.

It’s literally a one-of-a-kind destination that you can’t find anywhere else.

Address: 901 W Pratt St, Baltimore, MD 21223, United States

9. Harriet Tubman Byway

Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Byway

Winding through Maryland, Delaware and Pennsylvania , the Harriet Tubman Byway is a piece of history that can be lived and breathed by those who desire a deeper understanding of Harriet and her amazing work.

The trail stretches for more than 100 miles and includes many historical museums, monuments and landmarks, including:

– Harriet’s birthplace – Farms and cabins where she experienced major life events – Various stops along the Underground Railroad

You can also visit sites like the Harriet Tubman Memorial Garden and the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Visitor Center.

It’s a self-guided trail, so you can explore these famous places on your own time and through your own means.

Many people choose to drive it, but this isn’t a rule, so feel free to travel by bike, board or even foot.

It’s what Harriet did, after all.

Address (Visitor Center): 4068 Golden Hill Rd., Church Creek, MD 21622, United States

10. Baltimore Museum of Art

Baltimore is one of the most well-known tourist stops in Maryland, and it lives up to its reputation by offering lots of museums, theaters, restaurants and shopping malls for the modern traveler.

If you’re looking for the absolute best, however, you’ll want to make time for the Baltimore Museum of Art .

Internationally renowned for a collection of artwork that spans the globe, the Baltimore Museum of Art will definitely give you a taste of culture.

There are African wood carvings and Asian silk screens; there are European paintings and Native American pots.

Some of the pieces are delicate antiques hidden behind glass displays while others are part of immersive, hands-on exhibits that take up entire hallways.

Because of its diverse collection, there’s a little something for everyone at the Baltimore Museum of Art.

It’s easily one of the top things to do in Maryland.

Drop by when you’re in the area and see what all of the fuss is about!

Address: 10 Art Museum Dr, Baltimore, MD 21218, United States

Traveling to Baltimore soon? See the best things to do in Baltimore before you go!

11. Calvert Cliffs State Park

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If you’ve always wanted a shark tooth to put on the end of a necklace, this is the place to get one.

Best of all, it won’t be a rinky-dink plastic thing that you pick up at a souvenir shop.

It’ll be a real fossil!

Calvert Cliffs State Park is located on a wide, windswept landscape where the mountains meet the sea.

It’s a popular destination for nature photography because of its dramatic views, but you can partake in all sorts of outdoor activities to pass the time, including hiking, fishing and swimming.

Don’t forget the shark tooth, either.

The cliffs were formed between 10 – 20 million years ago when the state of Maryland was underwater, so the fossils of marine animals are everywhere.

Visitors are allowed to take home whatever bones that they can find.

Take a trip to Calvert Cliffs State Park if you’re looking for pretty places to go in Maryland that also offer fun and educational opportunities.

You haven’t lived until you’ve gone treasure-hunting for the fossils of sharks, turtles, alligators and more!

Address: 10540 H G Trueman Rd, Lusby, MD 20657, United States

12. Davis Planetarium

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Journey to the stars with the Davis Planetarium .

It’s a must do for astronomy lovers, but it can provide a fun, educational experience for everyone, even those who aren’t usually dazzled by the night sky.

Located within the Maryland Science Center, the Davis Planetarium boasts a gigantic dome where it plays everything from kid-friendly light shows to scientifically accurate presentations about galaxies, gas clouds, supernovas, constellations and black holes.

One of its most popular events is its “Cruise the Cosmos” show, but other options include “Shapes in the Sky” and “We Are Aliens.”

When you’re done blasting off into space, you can explore the rest of the Maryland Science Center; it offers a wide range of events and activities for the open-minded visitor.

Grab your jet pack and get ready for a great time at the Davis Planetarium.

Whether you’re a solo traveler or the parent of an entire brood, this is a place that can keep everyone entertained.

The whole universe is located within its walls!

Address: 601 Light St, Baltimore, MD 21230, United States

13. Six Flags America

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Is there anything as exciting as a day at Six Flags ?

The amusement park chain has more than earned its reputation for family-friendly fun, so if you’re traveling with the kids in Maryland and wondering what to do with the whole brood, Six Flags could be the answer.

Little ones can enjoy carousels and splash pools.

Older children can play games, win prizes, run through mirror houses and eat their weight in cotton candy.

Teens can brag on social media about riding the tallest roller coasters or being shot through the air on the craziest sling rides.

Mom and dad will have plenty to do as well.

In addition to the rides, there are plenty of dining, shopping and sightseeing opportunities.

For example, there’s a “Mardis Gras” area where you can test your tongue against the spiciest of Cajun flavors.

There’s also a “Coyote Creek” area that’s designed to look like the old American frontier, and you can kick up your spurs and grab a drink at its saloon.

Six Flags is iconic for a reason.

If you’ve never been, it’s time to go.

Put it on your Maryland bucket list and prepare to have a blast!

Address: 13710 Central Ave, Bowie, MD 20721, United States

14. Flashback Old Time Photos

Flashback Old Time Photos

Maryland can be a rainy state.

In fact, it receives more than 44 inches of precipitation per year.

The good news is that Maryland natives are no stranger to snow, sleet and rain, so they have plenty of ways to entertain themselves even when the weather is nasty.

One such activity is creating a portrait at Flashback Old Time Photos .

Located in Ocean City , Maryland, this is a small photography studio that’s filled with vintage props spanning the eras of 1840 – 1930.

Visitors can use them to create countless costumes, including cowboy, flapper, maid, general, gentleman and Southern belle.

The photos are then processed to resemble old, sepia-toned portraits, so that by the time they’re in your hands, they’re indistinguishable from something out of grandma’s scrapbook.

If you’re wondering what to do on a rainy day in Maryland, stop by Flashback Old Time Photos and slip on a three-piece suit with a vintage pocket watch and matching monocle.

It’ll be one of the most fun ways to salvage a dreary afternoon!

Address: 1st St, Ocean City, MD 21842, United States

15. Sandy Point State Park

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Sandy Point State Park is one of Maryland’s most popular swimming destinations.

Located on Chesapeake Bay, it has numerous beaches for folks who enjoy summertime fun, and its calm, mild waters are always welcoming.

You can also rent a boat, hurl yourself from dive spots or go fishing or crabbing along the coast.

There are things to see when you dry off, too.

The Corcoran Woods are nearby, and they offer several miles of nature trails for hiking, biking and birdwatching.

The Sandy Point Farmhouse is a historic, white-walled governor’s mansion that can be viewed from a distance.

If you time your vacation right, you can also participate in special events like the “Polar Bear Plunge,” an annual winter charity drive.

Check their online calendar to see what’s coming up during your vacation days.

The water is clean. The sand is warm.

If you’re looking for great tourist spots in Maryland that have beach access, you’re looking for Sandy Point State Park.

Address: 1100 E College Pkwy, Annapolis, MD 21409, United States

16. Holland Island

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Once upon a time, Holland Island was a thriving coastal town with everything from a post office to an old-fashioned schoolhouse.

Over the years, however, the island started to erode.

Its streets flooded more and more often; its residents were forced to abandon ship.

The very last family moved away in 1918.

Today, Holland Island is almost completely underwater.

The only thing that still juts out from the sea is a single, crumbling house on a small and muddy patch of land.

This once-bustling island town has all but disappeared from sight.

If you’re looking for unique destinations in Maryland, it doesn’t get much better than an underwater city.

Its only drawback is that you can’t really experience it; since it’s all gone, you’ll have to be content with admiring the jagged remnants from afar and maybe snapping a few photos to prove that you were actually there.

All things considered, however, it isn’t a bad way to do something new in Maryland.

Address: Holland Island, Toddville, MD 21672, United States

17. Annapolis

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As Maryland’s capital city, Annapolis is well-known for its naval academy, and it’s true that the streets are often filled with sailors and soldiers.

However, there’s a lot more to the destination than its salutes.

First of all, it has a long, rich history as one of the first New England cities to be founded in the colonial era.

You can see some of that legacy on display when you stroll through the city’s historic district and marvel at its old-fashioned architecture.

Another fun thing about Annapolis is that it’s emerged as a chic, trendy place in Maryland, so if you enjoy site seeing around places with a lot of character, you can grab a bubble tea and go thrifting around shops, cafes and artsy boutiques.

Annapolis is one of the most popular places to visit in Maryland.

If you’ll be traveling in the middle part of the state, consider swinging by.

It’s a bucket list kind of place that you’ll be glad to have visited at least once.

18. Ladew Topiary Gardens

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You can be forgiven for not knowing about the Ladew Topiary Gardens .

Located on the outskirts of Monkton, Maryland, a small town with less than 5,000 people, they’re frequently passed over in favor of other, more grandiose gardens in the big cities.

If you can find them, however, the Ladew Topiary Gardens are a sight to behold.

They were planted, grown, shaped and cultivated by a single individual in the 1920s, and his artistic whims resulted in some really unique designs.

There are topiaries, for example, with fox hunting themes.

The gardener loved to go fox hunting, so he sculptured shrubs and mosses to look like animals on the run.

He also added ponds, fountains, sculptures and other decorative elements to really express his visions, and he brought in birds and fish to give everything a living element.

As a result, the Ladew Topiary Gardens offer a really fun and unique experience in Maryland.

You’ve never seen a garden quite like this one, so make sure to bring your camera to capture it all!

Address: 3535 Jarrettsville Pike, Monkton, MD 21111, United States

19. Assateague Island National Seashore

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With its wave-tossed waters churning endlessly against sandy shores and jagged cliffs, Assateague Island National Seashore is like something off a postcard.

It’s one of the best places to visit in Maryland for sightseeing.

It’s also jam-packed with fun things to do!

The main draw of the island is its wildlife.

Eagles make their nests in tall, spindly trees; wild horses gallop along the coastline.

Visitors come from all over the U.S. to observe these animals in their natural habitats.

If you’re really lucky, you’ll catch a pony taking an afternoon swim!

Other activities at the park include camping, kayaking, hiking, biking and more.

You can dive in the water; you can roar over the sand dunes in a four-wheeler.

There are thrills to be had on both land and sea, so it’s just a matter of finding something that interests you and renting the right equipment for it.

Fortunately, rental shops are everywhere, so you won’t need to pack anything in your already-overstuffed luggage.

Just show up and let the locals get you situated!

Consider a trip to Assateague Island National Seashore if you’re wondering what to do in Maryland as a nature lover or outdoor enthusiast.

Not only is it a gorgeous place, but it’s also an exciting one.

You’ll find plenty of ways to entertain yourself when you’re here.

Address: 7206 National Seashore Ln, Berlin, MD 21811, United States

20. Oriole Park

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The home field of Maryland’s most beloved MLB team, Oriole Park was deliberately constructed as a “retro-style” ballpark.

While it’s tricked out with all of the high-def technology that you’d expect from a modern facility, it also has a symmetrical, vibrantly green design that brings to mind the good old days of crackerjacks.

Baseball isn’t the only thing to enjoy at Oriole Park, however.

You can also catch everything from concerts to papal masses.

You might even see Hollywood production teams now and then; the field has been featured in a lot of media, including House of Cards, The Wire and Major League II.

Check the schedule if you’re headed to Maryland this weekend.

You never know when you’re going to find something new happening at Oriole Park!

Address: 333 W Camden St, Baltimore, MD 21201, United States

21. Antietam National Battlefield

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The Battle of Antietam was one of the bloodiest days in U.S. history.

On September 17, 1862, more than 22,000 soldiers were killed, wounded or otherwise incapacitated during a fight between the Union and the Confederacy.

Their history is remembered at Antietam National Battlefield .

Located in Sharpsburg, Maryland, the Antietam National Battlefield offers several ways for people to learn more about the past.

There’s a cemetery; there’s a museum; there’s a visitor center.

You can take a self-guided drive through the various monuments and landmarks, or you can take an official, state-sponsored tour of things like a preserved field hospital and a stone arch bridge that served as a major tactical point for Civil War infantries.

The Antietam National Battlefield can be an uncomfortable place to visit when you consider all of the lives that were lost on that fateful day in 1862.

However, it’s definitely one of the major points of interest in Maryland, and it has valuable lessons to deliver to anyone who is willing to listen.

Address: 302 E Main St, Sharpsburg, MD 21782, United States

22. Flying Dog Brewery

Flying Dog Brewery

As the largest brewery in Maryland, the Flying Dog Brewery is one of the coolest places to see for those who like their liquor.

Beer isn’t just a beverage here.

It’s an art form.

The first thing to know is that it was founded by a physicist with a degree from CalTech, so its frosty deliciousness has been calculated down to the molecule.

If you want to try its concoctions for yourself, there are tours, tasting rooms and tap houses with plenty of samples.

Another awesome thing about the brewery is its decor.

It was an old favorite of cult classic author Hunter S. Thompson, and he got his illustrator to put bright, funky designs on everything from the walls to the bottle labels.

All things considered, the Flying Dog Brewery is one of the most fun things to do in Maryland.

It’s cool; it’s vibrant; it can get you drunk in less than an hour.

What’s not to love?

Address: 4607 Wedgewood Blvd, Frederick, MD 21703, United States

23. Chaps Pit Beef

Chaps Pit Beef

Another great place to grab a bite, Chaps Pit Beef is one of the best stops in Maryland for meat eaters.

It’s known as a “carnivore heaven” thanks to a gigantic menu filled with even more gigantic burgers, sandwiches, subs, ribs, reubens and party platters.

You’ll never go hungry here.

Each sandwich is absolutely piled with beef; if it doesn’t wobble threateningly when you pick it up, you should send it back.

Sky-high sandwiches are a staple of the establishment.

In addition to its mouthwatering menu, Chaps Pit Beef is also known for its unpretentious vibe.

It’s actually located in a strip mall!

On busy days, however, the line can snake around the building like it’s a five-star restaurant run by Gorden Ramsay himself.

Maryland might be famous for its seafood, but it can serve up a mean pile of ribs as well.

Stop by Chaps Pit Beef when you’ve worked up such an appetite that only several pounds of barbecue will do.

Address: 5801 Pulaski Highway, Baltimore, MD 21205, United States

24. American Visionary Art Museum

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Dedicated to “outsider art,” the American Visionary Art Museum is one of the most unique things to do in Maryland.

Its collection has a fun, vibrant mix of art pieces from creative minds that have allowed their imaginations to take flight in a safe space.

Typical exhibitions include things like handmade robots and human-sized bird nests.

You can also find cars made out of bottle tops and balls made out of women’s bras.

Model planes hang from the ceiling; mosaic sand art decorates the walls.

Entire rooms are dedicated to “round things” or “splatter surprises.”

Tours are available from the museum staff, or you can simply wander the multi-story building with your head swiveling in every direction.

A gift shop is available, and as you might imagine, the souvenirs are just as eclectic as the exhibits.

The American Visionary Art Museum is a must see destination for art lovers in Maryland.

Not only will it stun the eye, but it’ll also delight the soul.

This is one place where you never have to be afraid of being different!

Address:  800 Key Hwy, Baltimore, MD 21230, United States

25. McKee-Beshers Wildlife Management Area

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It might have a boring name, but the McKee-Beshers Wildlife Management Area is an incredible place to visit in Maryland.

It draws thousands of visitors every summer thanks to its bright, beautiful fields of sunflowers.

The main purpose of the sunflowers is to attract wildlife.

Some like the pollen; others prefer to munch on the petals or the seeds.

Others still are just visually drawn to their colors.

People can’t resist the scenery, either.

Tourists come from all over to take pictures, watch the birds or just stroll among the sunflowers while holding hands with their loved ones.

Admission is free, so you won’t have to pay anything for the privilege.

Maryland attractions can range from luxurious spas to death-defying amusement parks.

Sometimes, however, it’s nice to just chill out for awhile.

Visit the McKee-Beshers Wildlife Management Area if you’re looking for simpler, quieter kinds of vacation places.

Address: 16898-16500 River Rd, Poolesville, MD 20837, United States

26. Forest Haven Asylum

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Forest Haven Asylum is one of the top places to visit in Maryland if you’re a fan of the eerie.

Originally a hospital for special needs children, it was closed several decades ago because of the abuses and deaths suffered by its residents.

Rather than tearing it down, the state simply left it to wither, and now it’s become of the creepiest locales in the area.

The walls are covered in vines.

The floors are a mess of dust and broken glass.

Many of the original furnishings remain, including chairs, desks, beds and hauntingly innocent toys.

There are even grave sites on the property.

One of them was a mass grave in the basement where bodies were disposed for years.

Entrance to the Forest Haven Asylum is technically forbidden, but it’s a popular destination for those who obsess over abandoned places, and it can be especially crowded at Halloween.

Locals can tell you all kinds of spooky stories about specific hauntings, too.

If you have a strong enough stomach to tolerate its real, horrific history, this facility will definitely be a memorable stop during your trip to Maryland.

Address: Fort Meade, MD 20755, United States

27. North Market Pop Shop

North Market Pop Shop

Located in Frederick, Maryland, the North Market Pop Shop is one of the most interesting places in the state.

It sells glass bottles of soda that are right out of a cheesy 1950s malt shop ad!

More than 400 flavors are available, and they range from classic root beers to fun, quirky takes on “alien snot” and “zombie brains.”

You can also find the occasional can of old, rare brands like Surge.

Their looks aren’t their only vintage aspect, however.

They’re also sweetened with sugar cane rather than artificial chemicals, so they’re a throwback in multiple senses of the word.

You can enjoy the soda on its own or pair it with ice cream for an old-fashioned soda float.

You can also order classic, American-style hot dogs if you want lunch and dessert.

Stepping into the North Market Pop Shop is like stepping into another time.

If you long for the good old days, put on your bowtie and give it a visit while you’re in Maryland!

Address: 241 N Market St, Frederick, MD 21701, United States

28. Port Discovery Children’s Museum

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Are you looking for Maryland attractions that won’t cost an arm and a leg?

Consider a trip to the Port Discovery Children’s Museum .

Not only will it offer a fun, educational experience for the whole family, but with discounted rates for its littlest visitors, it’s also a budget-friendly way to entertain everyone all at once.

There are three floors to the museum, and each one is packed with nifty things to do.

Children can paint, build, climb and dig.

They can fiddle with dials; they can play with science experiments.

They can even jump into models of planes and trains!

Adults won’t be bored, either.

While the museum is admittedly geared towards K-12 students, older visitors can also entertain themselves with things like videos and art projects.

The Port Discovery Children’s Museum is one of the top places to visit in Maryland.

It’s exciting; it’s affordable; it will teach your kiddos a thing or two even as they run around and expend some of their nonstop energy.

It ticks all of the boxes as a vacation destination.

Address: 35 Market Pl, Baltimore, MD 21202, United States

29. Adventure Sports Center International

Larry Lamb / flickr

Thrill seekers, this one is for you!

Adventure Sports Center International (ASCI) will make your heart slam into your rib cage with high-octane activities that include kayaking, rafting, rappelling, rock climbing and more.

Nestled in the cliffs of one of Maryland’s largest nature reserves, ASCI is the only place in the world for mountaintop whitewater rafting.

It also has traditional activities like hiking and biking through forest trails as well as leisurely, beginner-friendly paddleboarding in the water.

You don’t have to get extreme with ASCI.

It’s just a common recommendation when outdoor enthusiasts are wondering where to go to test their limits.

Do you love challenging yourself with new extremes?

Or are you looking for awesome vacation spots in Maryland that aren’t the usual shops and restaurants?

Pack some swim shoes and hit up Adventure Sports Center International for a wild ride through nature.

Address:  250 Adventure Sports Way, McHenry, MD 21541, United States

30. Inn BoonsBoro

Inn BoonsBoro

Its rooms are named things like “The Nick and Nora” and “The Elizabeth and Darcy.”

Can you guess the theme of the Inn BoonsBoro ?

That’s right: Everything is modeled after famous literary characters.

From The Princess Bride to A Midsummer Night’s Dream, you can take your pick of classic titles to enjoy a quaint evening in an cozy, old-fashioned suite.

The neighborhood is equally charming.

Since the inn is located within the historic district of Boonsboro, you’ll be surrounded by brick sidewalks, mom-and-pop shops, vintage pharmacies and local art displays.

The Inn BoonsBoro is one of the best places to visit in Maryland.

Not only is it supremely comfortable, but it’s so utterly unique that you won’t find another place like it anywhere else in the state.

If you want an awesome vacation story to tell your friends when you get home, this is the place to get it!

Address: 1 N Main St, Boonsboro, MD 21713, United States

31. Rod ‘N’ Reel Resort

Rod ‘N’ Reel Resort

Pamper yourself with a trip to the Rod ‘N’ Reel Resort .

It’s an all-inclusive resort that has bars, restaurants, pools, saunas, game rooms and more, so you won’t even have to leave the premises to have fun!

Since it’s located on Chesapeake Bay, everything has a waterfront view.

Whether you’re getting a manicure or digging into a porterhouse steak, you can do it while surrounded by beautiful, breathtaking coasts.

If you want to go outside and actually see the coasts for yourself, that’s an option as well.

The resort has a private marina where you can fish, boat, sail or sing up for a cruise.

Last but not least, don’t forget about the accommodations!

The Rod ‘N’ Reel Resort has some of the best suites in Maryland, so they’ll be perfect for vacations, weddings, honeymoons, corporate events and more.

Just make sure to call early.

It’s a popular resort that can have a long waiting list during peak tourist times.

Address: 4160 Mears Ave, Chesapeake Beach, MD 20732, United States

32. Sun and Surf Cinema

Sun & Surf Cinema

Maryland is no stranger to movie theaters.

There are hundreds scattered across the state, and they range from old-fashioned drive-ins to sleek and futuristic multiplexes with surround sound and 3D screens.

Sun and Surf Cinema is an example of the former.

It shows modern movies, but its vibe is distinctly retro.

The seats are crinkled red leather; the popcorn buckets are soaked with butter.

They sneak a few modern conveniences into the viewing experience, including button-controlled reclining seats, but vintage is definitely the name of the game here.

You’ll also find lots of special events on their calendar.

A common one is outdoor movies projected in the parking lot, but there are plenty of others as well!

Movie theaters are a staple of Maryland attractions, and you’ll have plenty of options if you decide to catch a flick while you’re in town.

If you’re looking for the absolute best of the best, however, you’ll want the Sun and Surf Cinema.

Its atmosphere just can’t be beaten.

Address: 14301 Coastal Hwy, Ocean City, MD 21842, United States

33. George Peabody Library

Andrea Izzotti / Shutterstock

Considered one of the most beautiful libraries in the world, the George Peabody Library is the kind of place that will turn you into a reader even if you aren’t one already.

It’s impossible not to gawk at its glossy white-and-gold architecture, and with more than 300,000 books, reels, scrolls and newspapers in its collection, you’ll have your pick of reading material.

Do you like animals?

Check out some of the old, sepia-toned anatomy prints from 18th and 19th century zoologists.

Are you interested in other places and cultures?

Dive into biographies of Korean emperors or documentaries about Kenya’s religions.

When you need a break from the books, just wander around the library for awhile.

It has multiple stories with wrought-iron railings and frosted glass windows that rise up to a stunning, cathedral-style atrium.

It really is one of the best places in the state for book lovers.

Put on your reading glasses and visit the George Peabody Library.

It’s second to none in terms of Maryland destinations, and it’ll offer beauty, history and wisdom all in a single location.

Address: 17 E Mt Vernon Pl, Baltimore, MD 21202, United States

34. Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge

Mary Swift / Shutterstock

If you’re thinking about where to visit in Maryland to “get away from it all,” you’ll want to put on your hiking boots and enter the Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge .

Not only does it boast a beautifully remote landscape that’s free of phones, televisions and radio towers, but it’s also home to dozens of native wildlife species.

Birds migrate across the marshes.

Bucks dash through the forests.

If luck is on your side, you might even catch a glimpse of the Delmarva fox squirrel, a rare creature that was only recently removed from the endangered species list.

Other activities at the refuge include fishing, hiking, cycling, boating and even hunting.

If you’re traveling with younguns, the visitor center has lots of kid-friendly events like puppet shows and archery lessons.

If you’re handy with a camera, there are guided tours of the best photography spots.

At the end of the day, however, the Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge isn’t one of those busy vacation spots where things are always happening.

It’s a quiet, tranquil kind of place where you go to escape the noise of the big cities.

That’s why it’s called a refuge.

Address: 2185 T Wallace Drive Route 1, Cambridge, MD 21613, United States

35. Crystal Grottoes Caverns

Jklispie , CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

What comes to mind when you think about Maryland?

The answer probably isn’t “caves,” but the Crystal Grottoes Caverns will be an awesome experience all the same.

Filled with stalactite, stalagmite, helectite and calcite, these caverns are an example of stunningly complex natural worlds.

It’s actually said that they have more cave formations per square foot than any other cave in the world.

Visitors can take a tour of its thick-packed red mud walls by descending into its depths with a supervised guide.

For safety reasons, you’ll only be able to explore a portion of the cavern, but you’ll definitely get your money’s worth.

The tunnels are completely covered with geological formations.

Visit the Crystal Grottoes Caverns if you aren’t afraid of heading underground for a little fun.

One of the top places to visit in Maryland is actually at the bottom!

Address: 19821 Shepherdstown Pike, Boonsboro, MD 21713, United States

36. Chesapeake and Ohio Canal

Do you like sun-dappled bike paths through shaded tree groves?

Have you ever wandered around the locks and levels of a gigantic stone aqueduct?

With the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal , you can experience the huge, sweeping scale of a European backpacking trip without the fuss of traveling abroad.

It covers more than 184 miles through Maryland and Virginia, and it comes a hair’s breadth within Pennsylvania as well, so it’s ideal for travelers who like scenic places in ever-changing landscapes.

The most common way to enjoy the sights is to take a road trip through its houses, parks, bridges, tunnels and canal ports.

However, you can also bike or backpack it to explore its many points of interest at your leisure.

On foot, it’ll take about five days to complete the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal trail.

Make sure to plan your trip accordingly.

You might be able to start it this weekend, but finishing it will be another story!

Address: 205 W Potomac St, Derwood, MD 21795, United States

37. Sugarloaf Mountain

Regine Poirier / Shutterstock

Escape the smog of the big cities with a deep lungful of fresh air.

Located in the countryside of Dickerson, Maryland, Sugarloaf Mountain is a wonderful way to get away from it all and rest your weary soul in a beautiful, natural landscape.

Like its name, Sugarloaf Mountain is quite sweet.

You can hike, bike and climb it, and since the weather is mild and the trails are easy, you can be a complete beginner and still have a good time.

If you can make it to the top, the sunrises and sunrises are absolutely stunning with their panoramic views of Maryland’s wilderness.

If you can’t make it that high, however, you can still appreciate the sights and sounds of nature in a picturesque location.

Sugarloaf Mountain is one of the nicest vacation spots in Maryland.

Whether you’re a newbie hiker or an experienced backpacker, it’ll serve as a relaxing, rejuvenating getaway destination.

Address: 7901 Comus Rd, Dickerson, MD 20842, United States

38. Harris Crab House

Harris Crab House

Located in a little town called Grasonville, the Harris Crab House offers an all-you-can-eat version of Maryland’s most famous menu item.

You can enjoy everything from crab legs to crab cakes piled high on platters that never stop coming!

In addition to “traditional” dishes like steamed crabs served with butter, you can also try experimental things like deep-fried crab nuggets or crab stews flavored with sherry sauce.

When you can’t eat another bite of crab, consider trying the other seafood options on the menu, including oyster, lobster, clam, shrimp, tuna, flounder and alligator.

Everything is freshly caught right off the Chesapeake Bay, so you’ll be getting the best of the best in terms of quality.

Another nice thing about the restaurant is that it offers live music on Fridays and Saturdays, so you can enjoy your meal in the outdoor pavilion with good tunes and great views of the water.

Are you wondering what to do during a trip to Maryland this weekend?

The Harris Crab House is always open, and it’s a fun, casual place that doesn’t require any reservations.

Just hit it up when you’re hungry to eat your weight in crabs!

Address: 433 Kent Narrow Way N, Grasonville, MD 21638, United States

39. Winterbrook Farm

Winterbrook Farms

You might not think of farms as exciting places.

Winterbrook Farm , however, will shatter your expectations.

It offers dozens of games, events and activities for any family that can find it in the rolling hills of Thurmont, Maryland!

Attractions include sunflower fields, pumpkin patches, hay rides, corn mazes and apple cannons.

There’s a petting zoo for barnyard animals during the day; there’s a collection of metal bonfire cans for roasting smores at night.

There’s even a zipline at Winterbrook Farm.

It’s small and kid-friendly, so there are none of the usual risks of a high-flying zipline, and it will let your little ones do something fun and different during their vacation.

If you’re looking for tourist attractions in Maryland that are clean, modest, wholesome and fun for the whole family, you might want to check out Winterbrook Farm.

It’s a lovely destination with a lot to offer to travelers of all kinds.

Address: 13001 Creagerstown Rd, Thurmont, MD 21788, United States

40. Ghost Fleet of Mallows Bay

Alexanderstock23 / Shutterstock

You don’t have to wait for Halloween to experience thrills and chills in Maryland.

The “Ghost Fleet” of Mallows Bay will be a delightfully spooky visit to one of the state’s most eerie destinations!

It originally existed as a fleet of wooden steamships that were built for WWI.

They were abandoned after a transfer of ownership, however, and left to rot in the water sometime in the 1920s.

They were also joined by the occasional shipwrecked or storm-tossed vessel that happened to drift into the bay.

Today, the remains of more than 100 ships are floating in the Ghost Fleet of Mallows Bay.

The best time to view them is during spooky mists at night, but they’re also a sight to behold during the day.

The Ghost Fleet of Mallows Bay is one of the top things to see in Maryland.

Part spooky and part historical, it’ll tick off several boxes for cool, unique tourist places!

Address: Wilson Landing Road, Nanjemoy, MD 20662, United States

41. Paw Paw Tunnel

Karen M Miller / Shutterstock

If you’re planning a last-minute trip to Maryland, the Paw Paw Tunnel can be something quick and easy to put on your itinerary.

It doesn’t have any admission fees, and it’s never crowded with tourists.

In fact, some consider it a hidden gem since it isn’t well-known outside of its region.

What is the Paw Paw Tunnel?

Simply put, it’s a long, brick-covered tunnel that was originally built in 1836.

It has a colorful history due to delays and complications in its construction, and it was officially abandoned in 1924.

It stretches for more than a half-mile in complete darkness.

Today, the Paw Paw Tunnel is a tourist attraction for explorers, nature lovers, history buffs and anyone else who likes cool and unique vacation destinations.

It can be one of the most fun things to do in Maryland if you’re into historic landmarks.

Just make sure that you aren’t afraid of the dark!

Address: Towpath, Chesapeake and Ohio Canal, Oldtown, MD 21555, United States

42. Arundel Mills

GoMaryland , Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Arundel Mills covers almost two million square feet.

It’s easily the biggest mall in Maryland, and it offers a lot more than just stores.

From a gigantic movie theater to a casino-connected hotel, it’s filled with fun tourist attractions that will keep you busy during your vacation.

Is your money burning a hole in your pocket?

Shop at stores, stalls, boutiques, kiosks and marketplaces.

Are you hungry?

Hit up the multi-ethnic food court with flavors from all around the world.

Teens can play in the arcade.

Kids can bounce on play structures.

Visitors of all ages can see a movie, attend a concert or have dinner at a medieval-themed restaurant.

Arundel Mills is one of the most fun places to visit in Maryland.

It’s a shopping mecca, of course, but it’s also a genuinely exciting destination for other types of entertainment.

Your wallet might cry, but your kids won’t!

Address: 7000 Arundel Mills Cir, Hanover, MD 21076, United States

43. Swallow Falls State Park

KhanIM / Shutterstock

As you’ve already seen from this list, Maryland has plenty of waterfalls.

You might look at a place like Swallow Falls State Park and ask, “Okay, but what makes this destination any different from the rest?”

For starters, it has the tallest free-falling waterfall in Maryland.

Muddy Creek Falls rises like a tower into the air, and it gushes onto the rocks below with a pretty spray that belies its name.

It’s especially beautiful in the wintertime when it starts freezing and forming icicles.

Another fun feature of the park is its hemlock trees.

They’re part of an “old growth forest” that dates back more than 300 years, and some people say that the hemlock is the last of its kind in the state.

For these reasons and more, Swallow Falls State Park is one of the top 10 things to see in Maryland.

It’s naturally gorgeous and historically significant, so if you have “visit a waterfall” on your bucket list, consider checking it off right here.

Address: 2470 Maple Glade Rd, Oakland, MD 21550, United States

44. The Book Thing of Baltimore

The Book Thing of Baltimore

Are you looking for free attractions in Maryland?

You’ll love the Book Thing of Baltimore .

It’s a quirky and kitschy bookshop, but unlike others of its kind, it’s free!

That’s right: You don’t have to pay a dime for any of the books at this bookshop.

It’s more of a giveaway destination than a traditional retailer.

The only rule is that you can’t resell the books once you’ve taken them, so everything gets stamped “not for resale” before you go.

You might be wondering how Book Thing operates since it doesn’t make any profit.

The answer is volunteers, donations, fundraisers and other charitable efforts.

The official mission of Book Thing is to deliver books to anyone and everyone who wants to read, including underprivileged folks who might not have the resources to buy books otherwise.

The Book Thing of Baltimore is amazing for a multitude of reasons, but one of its best qualities is the fact that you can have fun without blowing through your budget.

Maryland isn’t always the cheapest vacation destination, but with free attractions like these, you can save money, support a good cause and have a blast!

Address: 3001 Vineyard Ln, Baltimore, MD 21218, United States

45. Spruce Forest Artisan Village

Jon Dawson / flickr

There’s no shortage of beautiful places in Maryland, but if you’re looking for something a little different than usual, you might enjoy the Spruce Forest Artisan Village .

Built around the National Road, a historic piece of Maryland that greatly helped its westward expansion during the colonial era, the Spruce Forest Artisan Village is a collection of cabins, churches, taverns, mills and one-room schoolhouses.

Some are original structures that have been carefully preserved over the years; others are replicas and recreations that are designed to take you back in time.

Activities at the village include everything from guided tours to art shows.

There’s Shakespeare in the Park in the summer; there’s Christmas in the Village in the winter.

If you’re wondering what to see in Maryland that’s a bit off the beaten path, consider a leisurely afternoon at Spruce Forest Artisan Village.

Whether you’re interested in homemade jams or outdoor fiddling concerts, it can provide lots of good old-fashioned fun.

Address: 177 Casselman Rd, Grantsville, MD 21536, United States

46. Iron Rooster

Iron Rooster

The Iron Rooster is the place to go for a hearty breakfast in Maryland.

It specializes in gigantic, fun filled “RoosTarts” that are basically PopTarts on steroids, but you can dig a fork into many other dishes as well, including omelettes, pancakes, pastries, breakfast burritos and chicken and waffles.

The atmosphere is casual.

A bright red awning will beckon you from the gray, dreary streets, and a cheerful server will greet you as soon as you walk in the door.

The Iron Rooster is known for its hospitality just as much as its menu.

Its headquarters is in Annapolis, but there are also locations in Canton, Hunt Valley and Locust Point.

Basically, if you’re in Maryland, you’re never that far from a gigantic plate piled high with strawberry-filled, sugar-topped breakfast churros.

You just have to find the nearest Iron Rooster.

Address: 12 Market Space, Annapolis, MD 21401, United States

47. Washington County Museum of Fine Arts

Washington County Museum of Fine Arts

The Washington County Museum of Fine Arts is one of the best Maryland attractions for folks on a budget.

Though it welcomes donations, it doesn’t charge entrance fees for visitors of any age, so the whole family can enjoy an afternoon excursion without paying a dime.

The works of many painters, photographers, sculptors, illustrators and printmakers are displayed here, including famous names like Benjamin West and Thomas Sully.

The materials of their work range from rusted metal to intricate hand-blown glass.

The museum itself is relatively small, but what it lacks in size, it employs in style.

Its classic architecture pairs beautifully with its flower-filled landscape in a county park.

Do you want to enjoy a little culture during your trip to Maryland?

Stop by the Washington County Museum of Fine Arts.

It’s a top destination for art lovers, and with free admission, it’ll be an affordable one as well.

Address: 401 Museum Dr, Hagerstown, MD 21740, United States

The travel guides of Maryland are filled with the state’s most popular tourist attractions.

But what if you’re looking for places to go that aren’t crowded with people wearing fanny packs and rubbing sunscreen on their noses?

What if you prefer destinations that are a little off the beaten path?

Bazaar is an oddity shop in Baltimore that definitely lives up to its name.

Offering a strange but compelling mix of goodies, it’s a place where the shelves are crammed with things like skulls, masks, specimens, spell books, anatomical models, star charts and taxidermy animals.

To add to the chaos, the shelves aren’t always organized, so you’ll need to go diving into the piles to see the full range of items on display.

Whether you’re looking for necklaces made out of cat bones or terrariums filled with rare, dangerous plants, Bazaar is definitely a marketplace like none other.

It’s one of the best places to go if you’re a fan of the unusual.

Address: 3534 Chestnut Ave, Baltimore, MD 21211, United States

49. Huntley Meadows Park

Al Orfali / Shutterstock

Animal lovers, you won’t want to miss Huntley Meadows Park .

Its lush landscape includes everything from dry forests to swampy wetlands, and as a result of its biodiversity, it attracts huge amounts of wildlife.

Birds sing in the trees.

Bucks dart among the shrubs.

Beavers construct dams in the creeks and rivers.

Basically, if it runs, swims, crawls or flies, you can probably find it at Huntley Meadows Park.

While there are other outdoor activities to be enjoyed at the park, the wildlife is definitely the main draw.

You’ll be able to observe Maryland’s critters in fully natural habitats to your heart’s content.

Who needs a zoo when you have Huntley Meadows Park?

Address: 3701 Lockheed Blvd, Alexandria, VA 22306, United States

50. Vanadu Art House

BeyondDC / flickr

Located in Hyattsville, Maryland, the Vanadu Art House is a “junk house” where the exterior walls are covered in locks, keys, wheels, watches and other forms of scrap metal.

It isn’t a scrapyard, however. It’s a living art piece!

Built by a museum curator with a flair for the artistic, the Vanadu Art House is an eye-popping destination that has to be seen to be believed.

It’s decorated with nothing but old, recycled junk, but the pieces come together in such a compellingly intricate way that you can’t help but admire their design.

In terms of Maryland destinations, the Vanadu Art House is utterly unique.

You won’t find it anywhere else because it was hand-crafted by a single artist with a vision.

If you’re looking for cool and unusual things to do while you’re in Maryland, drive by the Vanadu Art House.

Address: 3810 Nicholson St, Hyattsville, MD 20782, United States

51. Thomas Point Shoal Light

Malachi Jacobs / Shutterstock

As a coastal state, Maryland has its fair share of lighthouses.

They range from old-fashioned landmarks to newer models with modern tools and technology.

One of the most prominent lighthouses is the Thomas Point Shoal Light .

Originally built in 1825, it was made with a stone tower, wooden cottage and various important architectural elements like a light and built-in foghorn.

The lighthouse is still in use today, and you can take a tour if you’re interested in its construction or operation.

You don’t have to be a history buff to appreciate its legacy.

It stands tall as one of Maryland’s oldest and most significant monuments to its coastal heritage, and it’ll be a great spot for your vacation bucket list.

It’s even been designated on the National Register of Historic Places, so it truly lives up to its reputation as a state landmark!

52. Edgar Allan Poe House and Museum

Darren & Brad / flickr

Quoth the raven: Have you ever been to the Edgar Allan Poe House and Museum ?

Home to the former writer, this historic house has been a fixture of Baltimore, Maryland, since 1830.

It was owned by the Poe family and handed down through the generations.

It’s said that its most famous resident wrote several notable works within its walls, including Berenice, Morella and The Unparalleled Adventure of One Hans Pfaall.

Weekly tours are available if you’d like to step inside of the house and see where one of the world’s greatest poets got his inspiration.

Just be warned that some spooky things have been uncovered here, including skeleton remains under the living room floorboards.

It seems as though The Tell-Tale Heart isn’t just a story when it comes to the Edgar Allan Poe House and Museum.

Address: 203 N Amity St, Baltimore, MD 21223, United States

53. Bethesda

Last but certainly not least, if you’d like to see the best of Maryland, Bethesda is one of the premiere destinations of the state.

Located just a few miles north of Washington, DC , it’s a lovely, peaceful place where you can make good vacation memories in a low-key environment.

As befitting the affluent nature of the neighborhood, there are lots of upscale shopping and dining opportunities downtown.

There are also parks, cinemas, museums, art galleries and country clubs.

Since the city is considered a hot spot for politics, you’ll find many government buildings as well.

You might even run into some familiar faces out and about!

Consider a trip to Bethesda if you’ll be traveling to Maryland soon.

Not only is it a worthwhile destination in its own right, but since it’s located so close to Washington, DC, you can basically get a two-for-one vacation from both places!

Start Planning Your Trip To Maryland

These are just a few of the most fun things to do in Maryland.

It might be a small state, but don’t let its size fool you!

It’s packed with cool and unique tourist attractions, and with any luck, they’ll create a once-in-a-lifetime vacation experience for you.

Happy travels!

• Destinations

25 Best Places to Visit in Maryland

Last Updated By VI on April 27, 2024 in Things to Do in Maryland & Places to Visit

Baltimore, Maryland

Thurmont, maryland.

• Complete List & Map

This town is a perfect reflection of the things that the founding fathers wished to see in their time and it has some of the finest buildings from the 17th and 18th centuries, including the homes of all four founders of this town. There are also a number of old educational institutes which you can explore when you visit the city.

Its history goes back to the 17th century and since then the city has taken part in issues of major trade, war, and business. There are a various tour options available if you wish to explore Baltimore, including tours for weddings, groups, students, and individuals.

There are a number of wineries, which can make for a fun and interesting visit, even for those who are not all that into wine.

Thurmont is a small Maryland town located about 10 miles from the Pennsylvania border, just next to magnificent Cunningham Falls State Park and verdant Catoctin Mountain Park, known for being the location of the Camp David presidential retreat. The Thurmont art and craft annual festival Catoctin Colorfest attracts thousands of people every fall. Cunningham Falls State Park is a great location for hiking, fishing, camping, and visiting scenic waterfalls. The town’s quaint Main Street is perfect for strolling and shopping. You will not want to miss the famous murals next to the Thurmont Trolley Trail. The town is surrounded by orchards and wineries and has a wonderful green farmers market. Kids love to pet the animals during the Safari Ride at the Catoctin Wildlife Preserve and Zoo. If you want to learn more about the city’s history, visit the Main Street Center in downtown.

Located minutes from Assateague Island National Seashore and Ocean City and established in 1790, the small Maryland town of Berlin grew around the main road that had long been used by the Pocomoke and Assateague peoples. Before it became the Berlin Main Street, it was the main route that linked the commercial centers of the west and north and was named the Philadelphia Post Road. After the Civil War, the small frontier town grew and eventually became a popular starting point for tourists, who came to the area for fishing and hunting or just exploring the small coastal towns. Much of the town’s downtown core has been lovingly restored, including the historic Burleigh Inn, many lovely Victorian homes, museums, and shady tree-lined streets. Over 47 structures in Berlin have been placed on the National Register of Historic Places.

St. Michaels

St. Michaels is a scenic Maryland harbor town about halfway along the Eastern Shore of the state. Its charm is in its harmonious combination of historical treasures, a working harbor with fishermen hauling the daily catch, lavish estates, wild swans that share the waters with million-dollar sailboats, and so much more. It is home to one of the country’s oldest Episcopal churches and the famous Honeymoon Bridge. A reenactment, in full period costume, of the War of 1812 is just one of the popular attractions. There is also live music in Muskrat Park in the summer, tours of great local vineries, and popular spooky nighttime tours of local historical cemeteries.

It is a beautiful city to live in, either as a commuter or a traveler, and you will definitely enjoy visiting Laurel of Maryland.

People of this city live a relaxed life with lots of happiness. Another great thing about this city is that residents have access to all the amenities that people do in bigger cities, such as a stadium and cultural attractions.

Salisbury is a great place to live because this city offers great job opportunities, quality education, excellent healthcare, and inspiring people. Also, this city has some of the most amazing trails, parks, and much more, making it a perfect place for a vacation.

Historic Downtown Frederick

The primary goal of this program is to give strength to the neighborhood and it has so far succeeded in doing this. This partnership helps four different communities in the city , so growth never stops here.

Chesapeake City

In addition, the city has a large collection of restored clothing, gifts, antiques, prints, and other collectibles that also have historical value. Chesapeake City has a Victorian charm and an iconic beauty that make it the perfect spot for a vacation retreat and a weekend gateway from nearby cities such as Baltimore, Philadelphia, and Wilmington.

Assateague Island National Seashore

When you go to enjoy the Assateague Island National Seashore , then you can explore sandy Maryland beaches , forest borders, and coastal bays. In short, one can enjoy a very good time on the edge. Other than appreciating the natural beauty , people can also enjoy camping, kayaking, and various programs that are organized on a regular basis.

Rockville is also practically a neighbor to Washington D.C. The history of Rockville goes back to 1776, and this historical city has some amazing destinations that can offer a fascinating experience to any traveler.

Fell's Point

People consider this an enjoyable area to live in, and Fell’s Point has some significant history associated it. The growth of the modern city skyrocketed after 1992 due to the television series Homicide Life, which played out on its streets, helping to increase the interest in Fell’s Point.

Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge

Browse Day Trips from DC and Maryland Lakes

Greenbelt, Maryland

There are plenty of job opportunities in this city due to its rapid pace of growth and it also has many recreational places, making it a fun place to live. On top of that, Greenbelt operates one of the best small town recreational programs.

Cumberland, Maryland

Also, this city has a fantastic quality of life, making it perfect for everyone and, in fact, once you visit this city, you may suddenly find yourself wishing you could stay here for the rest of your life.

Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park

Here, visitors can experience the history of these canals with boat rides and seven visitor cantors that spread accordingly throughout the 184.5-mile area of the park. Other activities include hiking, biking, and camping, while a number of fun or educational events are held here.

Harmony Hall

13551 Fort Washington Rd., Fort Washington, MD 20744, Phone: 301-763-4600

Catoctin Mountain Park

Now, this national park welcomes many hikers and campers because of its scenic beauty and diversified ecological system that caters to many different kinds of plant and animal species in this small area. Visitors can explore it all while hiking its trails using a compass and map.

Deep Creek Lake

Snuggled in the lush mountains of western Maryland, Deep Creek Lake is a popular four-season destination that offers plenty of action and adventure for the whole family, year round. In the summer, the cool shimmering lake invites folks to go boating, swimming, paddleboarding, tubing, or fishing. A number of marinas around the lake offer boat rentals. In the winter, plenty of snow makes conditions perfect for skiing, tubing, or sledding. Many beautiful parks in the area are great for hiking, enjoying a swim from a sandy beach on the lake, exploring the surrounding nature, or ziplining. Railey Vacations offer a large selection of rentals for the whole family, from magnificent lakefront homes to charming mountain chalets. There’s a perfect home for any group size or budget.

This park also provides the opportunity to host a party, picnic, or other event. The rich history of Downs Park has been well preserved by the Downs Park historical society.

Rocky Gap State Park

Its body of water provides opportunities for water-based recreational activities such as boating or paddling. In addition, with permission from the park authorities, events such as parties may be held here.

Thomas Stone National Historic Site

Before the Revolutionary War, Thomas Stone had a normal life, but during the war he risked everything, including his fortune, life, and honor for American rights. This historic site is a collection of stables, a house barn, and other places used or owned by Stone or his family.

Fort Foote Park

Two guns were added to the top to enhance the security and strengthen the circle. Although these weapons no longer usable, they have significant historical value, as does everything in Fort Foote Park.

• 1. Annapolis
• 2. Baltimore, Maryland
• 3. Hagerstown
• 4. Thurmont, Maryland
• 6. St. Michaels
• 8. Aberdeen
• 9. Salisbury
• 10. Historic Downtown Frederick
• 11. Chesapeake City
• 12. Assateague Island National Seashore
• 13. Rockville
• 14. Fell's Point
• 15. Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge
• 16. Greenbelt, Maryland
• 17. Cumberland, Maryland
• 18. Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park
• 19. Harmony Hall
• 20. Catoctin Mountain Park
• 21. Deep Creek Lake
• 22. Downs Park
• 23. Rocky Gap State Park
• 24. Thomas Stone National Historic Site
• 25. Fort Foote Park

If you were to define the state of Maryland in just two words, you could call it “Miniature America” and if you want to see why they call it that, then you should explore some of the fascinating destinations in the state. Here are the best places to visit in Maryland.

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10 Best Places to Visit in Maryland

By Vanessa Holmes · Last updated on February 4, 2024

A popular nickname for Maryland is America in Miniature. That is an apt description of the Mid-Atlantic state that offers a little bit of everything. Within its borders, you will find coastal destinations, waterfront cities, stunning mountains, historic national parks and maritime villages.

It’s proximity to Washington, D.C. keeps it modern, but the incredible history of the region means that the state is rooted firmly in the past. From major cities like Baltimore and Annapolis to the gorgeous bodies of waters dotted throughout the state, here are the best places to visit in Maryland:

10. Deep Creek Lake

In the verdant forests of Maryland, there is a manmade lake known as Deep Creek Lake. The area surrounding the lake goes by the same name, and it is an outdoor recreation hub for locals and visitors alike. During the winter, the mountains around Deep Creek Lake are wildly popular for skiing. During the summer, you can play golf at more than a half dozen regional courses.

All kinds of water-based activities are available, but one of the most enjoyable ways to pass the day is on land. On the Amish Miller Farm, you can set off for the afternoon on a horse-drawn carriage ride, exploring the daily life on a traditional Amish farm.

9. Chesapeake Bay

One of the largest estuaries on the planet is the enormous Chesapeake Bay, which was once known as Great Shellfish Bay. Countless destinations throughout Maryland are located right on the waters of the bay, meaning there are a large number of ways to experience the location.

You might admire the waters while driving over the Chesapeake Bay Bridge from Sandy Point, or you could immerse yourself in the Methodist community found on Smith Island. Wherever you go, don’t miss out on the regional culinary specialty of Chesapeake Bay: Maryland Blue Crabs.

8. Frederick

If you’re a fan of antiques, then there is no better place to visit than the small city of Frederick. Founded in the middle of the 18th century, Frederick retains its historic atmosphere, and there are several great antique malls, local dealers and artists in the area.

There are also lots of historic homes that you can visit, such as the Barbara Fritchie House. This house is furnished in period decor, and Barbara Fritchie was a known hero for bravely flying the Union flag even as General Stonewall Jackson marched past. Market Street is the best place to begin antique souvenir shopping, although the Francis Scott Key Mall is a large alternative.

7. Antietam National Battlefield

The Battle of Antietam is known as the bloodiest day in America’s military history. That means that the Antietam National Battlefield is an important landmark worth exploring. The best way to visit the large battlefield is to start at the Visitor Center.

From there, there’s a nearly nine-mile route complete with audio tour. For the serious Civil War enthusiast, this can’t be beat. You can also visit the Pry House Field Hospital Museum, which boasts fantastic exhibits showing the scope of what doctors and nurses coped with during the battle. Finally, you can appreciate the landscape and the natural beauty of the area by hiking along the Antietam Remembered or Union Advance Trails.

6. Swallow Falls State Park

Outside of Oakland is Swallow Hills State Park. The Youghiogheny River flows right through the park’s borders, creating lots of stunning rapids and beautiful gorges. A highlight of any visit to Swallow Falls State Park is the Muddy Creek Falls, a 50-foot waterfall that makes a serious splash.

An easy one-mile hike takes you to the falls, and you’ll pass through beautiful hemlock trees along the way. If you’re in the mood for a longer, more strenuous hike, you can walk from Swallow Falls to Herrington Manor State Park, a clearly marked hike that is just longer than five miles.

5. Assateague Island

Off the coast of Maryland lies the barrier island of Assateague. This uninhabited island is divided, with half being a state park and the other half being a United States National Seashore. The beautiful island is best known for its wild ponies, which make an awesome sight as they run along the sandy dunes of the shoreline.

A stroll along the Life of the Dunes Trail is a wonderful experience, allowing you to admire the landscape, listen to the waves of the ocean and spot the many birds that call the area their home. Swimming is possible on most of the island’s beaches, and lifeguards are in place at the busiest spots.

4. Annapolis

As the capital of Maryland, Annapolis is a big city with a lot of worthwhile attractions. In the downtown area, much of the architecture is historic, and a significant portion dates back to the 17th, 18th or 19th centuries. The Annapolis City Dock is a popular place to spend some time.

In addition to watching the Naval Academy midshipmen performing exercises in uniform, the dock is home to lots of live music and, of course, enormous ships coming in and out daily. Tours are also available of the United States Naval Academy itself, and they can be arranged through the Armet-Leftwich Visitor Center.

3. Chesapeake and Ohio Canal

The C&O Canal, or the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal, was built in the mid 1800s from Washington, D.C. all the way into Cumberland, a distance of more than 100 miles. Paths run along most of the canal, offering lots of opportunities for hiking, cycling or just admiring the view.

Since the area is steeped in history, there are also lots of attractions surrounding several key spots in the canal. During the summer, there are boat tours available from both the Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center and the Williamsport Visitor Center. Although few people cover the entire trail, visiting a small piece of history can be a memorable experience.

2. Ocean City

As the name might suggest, Ocean City is a city located on the water’s edge. Being on the Atlantic Ocean means that the 10-mile sandy beach, and all accompanying recreational activities, are a big reason to visit. The historic boardwalk is a must-see attraction, and it is found in the southern end of Ocean City’s beach.

Along the boardwalk, you can stop to play games, watch live performers, go shopping, dine on delicious beach favorites and even stop in at the Ripley’s Believe It or Not Museum.

1. Baltimore

The city of Baltimore is an exciting place to visit in Maryland, and its Inner Harbor is the center of the action. The National Aquarium in the Inner Harbor is the city’s biggest attraction, and it is packed with more than 17,000 species ranging from seahorses to sharks.

You can see entire marine ecosystems within a single enormous glass tank, and you can watch 4D films that showcase the depths of the ocean. Also in the Inner Harbor is the Top of the World, an observation deck that allows you to admire the city from a 27th floor vantage point.

If you’re eager to enjoy the pirate-themed adventure in the city, head to the open seas with a swashbuckling ride on a pirate ship, complete with costumed boat staff and even a firing cannon.

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October 3, 2018 at 6:43 am

ocean city looks lovely

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• Last Updated On
• August 21, 2023

15 Best Places to Visit in Maryland — Fun & Unique Places to Go!

Are you tired of the daily grind of your life in the city?

Do you need to go on a much-desired vacation to unwind and catch up with your friends, significant other, or loved ones?

If so, pack your bags and ready your car as you make your way to the waterfront state of Maryland.

This state, nicknamed Little America, rests within the Mid-Atlantic region of the country and offers you numerous fun possibilities, like beachgoing, spending the day in nature, touring historical sites, enjoying lakefront activities, and countless more.

So, have a blast as you go on a terrific vacation as you look through this hand-picked list of the best places to visit in Maryland that I made just for you.

1. Ocean City

Ocean City, MD 21842

Ocean City is a premier resort town sitting right on the banks of the North Atlantic Ocean.

It is a popular summer destination for its miles of sandy coastline.

Why You Should Visit This Place

Are you searching for what to do in Maryland to jet-start your stress-free and fun-filled getaway?

Then drive on over to Ocean City.

It offers you some of the best beach destinations where you can spend the day lazing on the soft sand or enjoying fun activities in the water.

It also has a bustling, oceanfront nightlife where you can dance the night away to eclectic music while drinking a refreshing alcoholic beverage.

Some of the many activities you can do here are having fun at an amusement center, watching a live show at a theater, and countless water sports, such as jet-skiing, surfing, paddleboarding, kayaking, canoeing, and so on.

An Expert Tip Before You Go

Enjoy free family movie nights at the 27th Street Beach during the summer months, usually from June to August.

Aside from watching films from a giant screen, you can also enjoy live entertainment and sports games like corn hole and spike ball.

Related: Best Places to Eat in Ocean City

2. Annapolis

Annapolis, MD 21401 (410) 280-0445

Annapolis , the capital city of Maryland, is known for being the Sailing Capital of the country.

Annapolis is one of the best cities to visit in Maryland, offering a vibrant and lively environment and stunning architecture from four centuries.

It was once known as the Athens of America and offers you a boat-load of recreational activities to enjoy with your companions.

For example, go on a guided adventure on the pristine water, learn about local maritime history at a museum, relax at a beach, stroll through breathtaking gardens, watch an opera at a theater, sip fine wine, go swimming at a waterpark, and so much more.

A must-visit on your visit is the Annapolis Bay Charters Inc.

It is a premier yacht charter where you and your travel buddies can cruise on the gentle waters.

Related: Restaurants in Annapolis, MD

Related: Best Things to Do in Maryland

3. Baltimore

Baltimore, Maryland 21202 (877) 209-5883

Baltimore, nicknamed the Charm City, is an upscale harbor metropolis offering countless attractions on culture, art, history, and entertainment.

It also holds the rank as the most populous city in Maryland.

Create memories that will last a lifetime with your friends or family in the gorgeous city of Baltimore .

It is one of the best places to go in Maryland for an amazing vacation, offering you a wide range of attractions no matter who you are traveling with and what you want to do.

Do things like discovering the richness of marine life at an aquarium, learning about local history by visiting century-old sites, viewing various displays at an art gallery, trying fresh seafood at a crab shack, watching a thrilling sports game at a stadium, and so on.

Enjoy an immersive art experience for a cheap price by touring the Walters Art Gallery.

It boasts an impressive collection of over 22,000 art pieces from all over the world, like Asia, Europe, and the Middle East, as well as ancient civilizations.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Four Seasons Baltimore

Related: Best Places to Eat in Baltimore

4. Patapsco Valley State Park — Ellicott City

8020 Baltimore National Pike Ellicott City, MD 21043 (410) 461-5005​

Patapsco Valley State Park, spanning at least 14,000 acres, is the first state park of Maryland.

It is a premier hiking destination offering more than 200 miles of trails of varying difficulties and different purposes.

Are you tired of tall buildings and crowded places?

Are you searching for beautiful places to visit near you to go on a nature excursion with your companions?

Then wear comfortable shoes, pack your necessities, and head on over to Patapsco Valley State Park.

At this picture-perfect state park, you can enjoy the ultimate outdoor adventure as you go hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, camping, fishing, kayaking, canoeing, swimming in a river, crossing swinging bridges, playing a fun game of disc golf,

If you are visiting with your family and children, the Hilton Area of Patapsco Valley State Park is the best place for you.

It features rentable mini cabins, which are more comfortable than spending the night in a tent, a tire playground to keep your kids well-entertained, easy access to hiking trails, and more.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Holiday Inn Express Baltimore West – Catonsville, an IHG Hotel

5. Assateague Island National Seashore — Berlin

7206 National Seashore Lane Berlin, MD 21811 (410) 641-1441

The Assateague Island National Seashore, encompassing 41,320 acres, sits on a barrier island.

It offers a powdery white sand shoreline, spectacular oceanfront views, and endless recreational opportunities.

Explore the best of Maryland by going on a vacation at the Assateague Island National Seashore.

It features jaw-droppingly stunning scenery with wild horses grazing its white shoreline and backdrops of the sparkling cerulean ocean.

It also offers many fun activities for you to enjoy together, like surfing, camping, fishing, four-wheel driving on selected beaches, hiking, kayaking, canoeing, and the like.

You can also opt to have a relaxing day by the coastline as you work on your tan, make sandcastles with your youngsters, have an oceanfront picnic, and watch wild horses passing by.

If you want to enjoy a four-wheel-drive along the beach, you must first secure a permit for a fee.

Contact the Assateague Island National Seashore for more details and gather vital information on their regulations.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Courtyard by Marriott Ocean City Oceanfront

Related: Best Beaches in Maryland

6. Deep Creek Lake State Park — Swanton

898 State Park Rd Swanton, MD 21561 (301) 387-5563

Deep Creek Lake State Park, established in 1959, is about 1,160 acres in size.

It is a popular attraction for water sports and has various camping facilities.

When searching for the top places to visit in Maryland to have a fun day out with your friends doing all sorts of thrilling activities, this state park is a terrific option.

It has a breathtakingly beautiful landscape featuring towering trees, lush greenery, a sandy shoreline, and a glimmering lake.

Bond with your friends as you enjoy activities like mountain biking, water-skiing, driving motorboats, fishing, kayaking, canoeing, camping, and swimming.

If you are preparing for a family outing or a large gathering with friends, there are four pavilions you can reserve ahead of time.

Each pavilion is close to parking spaces, well-maintained restrooms, basketball courts, and more.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Inn at Deep Creek

Related: Best Weekend Getaways in Maryland

7. Frederick

Frederick, MD 21701 (301) 600-4047

Frederick, founded in 1745, is a charming city nestled on the shores of the Monocacy River.

It has a rich history dating hundreds of centuries into the past.

Are you a history buff looking for places to travel in Maryland with your travel buddies?

If so, Frederick is the ideal destination for you.

It offers many places of interest, like Rose Hill Manor Park & Museum, where you can learn about local history and tour a 1750-colonial home.

And the National Museum of Civil War Medicine, featuring displays about nursing, surgical, and medical practices in the Civil War.

It also has various boutique shops to enjoy a fantastic shopping spree and picturesque parks for you to explore.

Don’t leave the city without visiting Brewer’s Alley, a restaurant and brewpub . It offers cocktails, beer, wine, and mouth-watering dishes, such as pizza, flavorful chicken wings, fresh salads, seafood, and countless other tasty choices.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Frederick, MD

8. Chesapeake Beach

Chesapeake Beach, MD 20732 (410) 257-2230

Chesapeake Beach is a small but beautiful town resting on the banks of Chesapeake Bay.

You can find it at Calvert County and features numerous waterfront tourist hotspots.

Spend quality time with your significant other, loved ones, or friends as you enjoy a plethora of waterfront attractions.

It is perfect if you are looking for cool and unique places to visit in Maryland to enjoy the ideal bonding experience.

Here, you can find many fun vacation spots, like a bustling marina, a fun-filled water park featuring attractions for all ages, boat charter agencies offering guided tours, pristine beaches, and so much more.

A top location for you to visit with your companions is the Chesapeake Beach Water Park.

It offers you crystalline pools, slides of varying lengths and heights, private cabanas you can rent, and onsite eatery options.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Anchored Inn at Hidden Harbor

Related: Best Waterpark Hotels in Maryland

9. National Harbor

National Harbor, MD 20745 (877) 628 5427

National Harbor , sitting on the Potomac River, is a census-designated place.

It is a well-loved waterfront attraction featuring a handful of hotels, restaurants , a convention center, and so on.

Can’t decide where to go in Maryland to enjoy a fantastic time with your travel companions? Then drive on over to National Harbor.

At this picture-perfect attraction, you can enjoy multiple activities.

Like making your bet at a casino, shopping at various stores, trying the local cuisine at top-rated restaurants, riding a carousel with your children, and plenty of other options.

Before leaving, make sure you ride the Capital Wheel.

It towers at 175 feet tall and features 42 climate-controlled gondolas and magnificent views of the landscape.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: MGM National Harbor

10. Antietam National Battlefield — Sharpsburg

302 E Main St Sharpsburg, MD 21782 (301) 432-5124

The Antietam National Battlefield, constructed in 1862, serves to commemorate the American Civil War Battle of Antietam, which cost the lives of over 23,000 soldiers.

There are many awe-striking and captivating places to see in Maryland, like the Antietam National Battlefield.

It welcomes hundreds of thousands of visitors each year, making it one of the most popular attractions in the state.

As you explore the area, you can honor the thousands of lives lost during one of the bloodiest battles in the Civil War, the Battle of Antietam.

You can visit areas like a cemetery where you can pay your respects to thousands of soldiers, a museum featuring countless exhibits on the American Civil War, and a visitor center that offers guided tours of the area for a more educational time.

Stop by the Dunker Church before ending your tour of the area.

It is one of the most famous churches in the military of the U.S. and served as a symbol of hope and peace during the bloody battle.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Comfort Suites Hagerstown

11. Swallow Falls State Park — Oakland

2470 Maple Glade Rd Oakland, MD 21550 (301) 387-6938​​

Swallow Falls State Park, spanning roughly 257 acres, is a public recreation area.

It is home to the tallest free-falling waterfall in the state, Muddy Creek Falls, with a height of 53 feet.

Take a break from spending the day indoors and have a fantastic time in the heart of nature at this breathtaking state park.

Get a break from the mundane cycle of your life as you enjoy activities like hiking, practicing nature photography, camping, fishing, picnicking, mountain biking, visiting the glorious waterfall, swimming, and so on.

Don’t bother looking for a sitter to watch over your pet because this state park has pet-friendly areas where you can take your furry friend along for the adventure.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: The Lodges at Sunset Village

12. National Aquarium — Baltimore

501 E Pratt St Baltimore, MD 21202 (410) 576-3800

The National Aquarium, which opened in August 1981, is home to over 20,000 animals representing at least 800 species.

It is an award-winning facility welcoming millions of tourists annually and features a 4D Immersion Theater.

Take your family, partner, or friends on a memorable vacation by visiting one of the best Maryland tourist attractions, this state-of-the-art aquarium.

Here, you can observe magnificent animals, like stingrays, frogs, dolphins, sharks, jellyfish, monkeys, and so much more.

It also offers various engaging tour options where you can get the opportunity to enjoy an up-close and personal experience with the animals.

Other activities you can do are watching dolphin training sessions or a 4D movie at the theater, and more.

When visiting with someone with special needs, like hearing impairments, you can request trained guides at this aquarium.

If you don’t want to pack bulky or heavy items, you can also rent strollers or wheelchairs here.

13. Baltimore Museum of Art — Baltimore

10 Art Museum Dr Baltimore, MD 21218 (443) 573-1700

The Baltimore Museum of Art, founded in 1914, boasts an impressive collection of more than 95,000 pieces from all over the country.

There are many popular sites for you to tour with your companions to enjoy a day immersed in artful masterpieces.

You can find awe-inspiring artwork from world-famous artists, like Henri Matisse, Vincent Van Gogh, Pablo Picasso, and Paul Gauguin.

It features various exhibits of varying art forms, like sculptures, pottery, clay, paintings, native artwork, jewelry, textiles, ceremonial weapons, pieces from ancient civilizations, and so much more.

Check their website ahead of time because the Baltimore Museum of Art often holds engaging events throughout the month.

Like art workshops, fascinating lectures, family-friendly programs, and the like.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Royal Sonesta Harbor Court Baltimore

14. William Paca House & Garden — Annapolis

186 Prince George St Annapolis, MD 21401 (410) 990-4543

The William Paca House & Garden, constructed in 1763, is a National Historic Landmark and one of the most significant attractions in the city.

The William Paca House & Garden is a magnificent historic site with a Georgian architectural style.

It was the former home of Italian-American William Paca, one of the people who signed the Declaration of Independence.

Travel back in time to the 18th century as you explore the many rooms of this mansion, like a kitchen, a walled garden, an office, a grand foyer, a parlor, bedrooms, and tons more.

It also has a gift shop where you can buy souvenirs to bring as gifts to your family and friends back home.

After touring the William Paca House & Garden, make your way to the Iron Rooster to enjoy a traditional, mouth-watering American meal.

It serves an all-day breakfast, like freshly cooked pancakes and waffles, other tasty dishes, and a wide menu of alcoholic beverages.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Crowne Plaza Annapolis, an IHG Hotel

Related: What is Maryland Famous For?

15. Ocean City Boardwalk — Ocean City

698 N Atlantic Ave Ocean City, MD 21842 (800) 626-2326

The Ocean City Boardwalk is a world-class, award-winning seaside port.

It features many up-scale hotels, exquisite restaurants, and popular amusement centers.

Gather your family, a special someone, or friends as you spend a fantastic day together at one of the best places to visit in Maryland, the Ocean City Boardwalk.

It has so much to offer you to guarantee a fun time, like an amusement park, complete with thrilling rides and a colossal Ferris wheel, a museum, beachfront bars, stores selling various souvenir items, local agencies offering tour options, an aquarium, and so much more.

Visit from October 1 to April 30 if you are planning to take your pet along for your unforgettable vacation.

These are the only times during the year when the boardwalk is pet-friendly.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hilton Suites Ocean City Oceanfront

Map of Places to Visit in Maryland

Maryland Places to Visit: The 15 Best Places to Go for 2024

• Ocean City — Ocean City
• Annapolis — Annapolis
• Baltimore — Baltimore
• Patapsco Valley State Park — Ellicott City
• Assateague Island National Seashore — Berlin
• Deep Creek Lake State Park — Swanton
• Frederick — Frederick
• Chesapeake Beach — Chesapeake Beach
• National Harbor — National Harbor
• Antietam National Battlefield — Sharpsburg
• Swallow Falls State Park — Oakland
• National Aquarium — Baltimore
• Baltimore Museum of Art — Baltimore
• William Paca House & Garden — Annapolis
• Ocean City Boardwalk — Ocean City

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USA TODAY 10Best

A perfect weekend in Easton, Maryland: Where to eat, drink, and stay

April 25, 2024 // By Sarah Maiellano

By Sarah Maiellano April 25, 2024

Maryland's Eastern Shore along the Chesapeake Bay is a playground for sailors, seafood lovers, and sunset chasers. Easton, Maryland, a charming, walkable town that punches well above its weight regarding cultural attractions and dining, is a must-stop. A short drive from Washington, D.C., Baltimore, and Philadelphia, Easton might not be on the water, like nearby St. Michael's, but the coastal feel is there.

The town comes alive in the summertime when vacationers descend to enjoy the area's waterways, villages, and local crab and oysters. But its history, charm, and colonial and Victorian architecture make this a year-round destination. No wonder it's been a top contender for Best Small Town Cultural Scene and Best New Year's Eve Drop in the USA TODAY 10Best Readers' Choice Awards.

Here's where to go, what to do, and where to stay in Easton, Maryland.

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Things to do in Easton

For a small town, Easton is rich in arts and culture. At the restored 100-seat Ebenezer Theater , celebrated musicians from around the world take the stage. The 400-seat Avalon Theatre hosts touring bands in an art deco venue a few blocks away.

Founded by a group of local artists in the 1950s, the Academy Art Museum features a wide-ranging collection, from Marc Chagall and Mary Cassatt to contemporary artists. The mix of 19th century and new architecture includes a beautiful two-story glass atrium. Catch special exhibitions that showcase works from modern masters and emerging artists alike.

Easton was involved in some meaningful moments in Black history, particularly those involving Frederick Douglass and Harriett Tubman, who were both born in this area.

Take self-guided driving tours of important moments in Douglass' life, including the abolitionist's early days on the Eastern Shore before he escaped enslavement and returned as a local hero.

Don't miss the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Visitor Center , about 30 minutes south of Easton. This national park site tells the story of Tubman's life, from the time of her enslavement in Maryland to her brave Underground Railroad missions and beyond.

Where to eat in Easton, Maryland

The ultimate destination on the Eastern Shore is Bas Rouge . Led by James Beard Award finalist Harley Peet and former staff from New York City's Le Bernardin, Bas Rouge exudes elegance. Rare ingredients dot the prix fixe menu in this glowy, high-ceilinged space, while sommelier-led wine pairings complement each course. You must order post-dinner cheese and dessert, plated tableside from rolling trolleys.

Bas Rouge's sister eateries should also be on your list. Bonheur serves ice cream, pie, high tea, and morning crepes in a whimsical, picture-perfect space. Sunflowers & Greens specializes in fresh, create-your-own salads, some with high-end ingredients like savory prosciutto.

Locals enjoy tiki-themed Tiger Lily for brunch. For lunch, dining on the patio at Legal Assets , located in an 1867 carriage house, is a treat.

Where to sample wine and scotch in Easton

On the same block as Bas Rouge, The Stewart takes its cues from Edinburgh. Its $1.5 million Scotch collection is set behind a curved bar in a cozy space with a central fireplace. Your best bet is to try one-ounce pours of a few different single malts — the knowledgeable bar staff will guide you. The menu is tight, with indulgent treats like fries topped with caviar and a grilled cheese stuffed with braised short rib.

The Wardroom is a busy wine, liquor, and cheese shop and a sit-down restaurant. During the day, come for cheese (aged in a 40-degree underground cave on-site) and charcuterie-filled lunches, and at night, it's all about fresh pasta. A self-serve wine tap system lets you sample well-sourced new and old-world wine.

Where to shop in Easton

All over town, large-format vintage posters decorate the walls of local businesses. Call it the Flying Cloud Fine Art Posters effect. This gallery and shop collects and sells colorful posters that hawk long-gone airlines and liquor brands. Next door, find bestsellers and a sweet children's section at Flying Cloud Booksellers .

Stroll around to find art galleries and lovely shops of all stripes, like Caroline Dalton's boutique, Arrae , known for fine jewelry, home decor, beauty products, children's items. Get in the coastal spirit at Sailor , which outfits shoppers in Lilly Pulitzer, Southern Tide, Patagonia, Vineyard Vines, and other brands perfect for seaside locales. Shopping for kids is easy at Crackerjacks , where owner Linda Laramy has sold unique toys to generations since 1979.

Benjamin is a must-stop whether you're a window shopper or have the budget to collect fine crystal, china, and silver. The gallery-style boutique literally sparkles.

A quick drive from downtown, pick up some Amish-style soft pretzels, pies, and fudge at Easton Amish Market . More than 20 vendors from central Pennsylvania sell their wares — including solid wood furniture — at this market.

Where to stay in Easton, Maryland

You can walk to all of Easton's attractions from the Tidewater Inn. This centrally located hotel offers comfortable rooms in its main building and a historic mansion about a block away. Rooms take on distinct themes, like the Palmetto Suite and the French Suite.

The Hummingbird Inn , a bed and breakfast in an 1800s house, is also centrally located. Rooms here are spacious and guests enjoy gathering in a Victorian Garden with a fountain and a firepit.

For a next-level stay, drive 10 miles to the Inn at Perry Cabin in the buzzy neighboring town of St. Michael's. You might recognize it as the waterfront filming location of the film, "Wedding Crashers." Named the most romantic inn in the U.S. by 10Best readers, this luxury property features a spa, golf, tennis, sailing, and a popular seafood restaurant.

About Sarah Maiellano

Sarah Maiellano is a Philadelphia-based freelance writer covering travel, food, wine, and more. She was born and raised in Philly and lived in Washington, D.C. for 10 years.

Read more about Sarah Maiellano here.

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