Best Places to Visit in Maryland: Maryland earns the nickname “America in Miniature” due to its diverse landscape, rich cultural tapestry, and a plethora of attractions. Despite its compact size, the state’s extensive coastlines, vibrant cities, and historical landmarks make it a perfect choice for a vacation destination.
Ocean City, MD
#1 in Best Places to Visit in Maryland
Ocean City stands out as the perfect family vacation spot, characterized by its unspoiled sandy shores and an array of attractions suitable for children. The 10-mile stretch of beach provides calm waves ideal for swimming and boogie boarding, along with breathtaking sunrises and excellent fishing spots. Furthermore, Ocean City features a remarkable boardwalk equipped with a variety of amenities. Apart from numerous souvenir shops, bars, and restaurants, the boardwalk hosts amusement park rides, arcade games, and entertaining attractions like the Trimper Rides amusement park.
Assateague Island
#2 in Best Places to Visit in Maryland
Embark on a serene and nature-centric getaway by heading to Assateague Island, situated just under 10 miles south of Ocean City. The Maryland section of this barrier island is predominantly occupied by Assateague Island National Seashore, offering expansive sandy beaches and numerous hiking and biking trails.
Additionally, there’s Assateague State Park, featuring an oceanfront park and marshes teeming with wildlife. Whether you’re engaged in activities like swimming, surfing, beachcombing, sunbathing, or surf fishing, be on the lookout for the renowned wild horses of Assateague Island. However, it’s crucial to remember that these majestic creatures are wild, so it’s best to appreciate them from a safe distance.
Annapolis
#3 in Best Places to Visit in Maryland
Situated with a view of the Chesapeake Bay, Annapolis is an ideal destination for water enthusiasts. As the Sailing Capital of the U.S., it offers abundant opportunities for boat exploration. Annapolis also hosts various sailing-focused events throughout the year, such as boat shows and sailboat races.
For those who prefer staying on solid ground, there’s no need to worry: the town features the picturesque United States Naval Academy campus and Historic Annapolis, where one can explore art galleries, shops, and attractions like the Banneker-Douglass Museum. When it’s time to dine, head to Main Street to savor a local specialty: steamed crabs.
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Antietam National Battlefield
#4 in Best Places to Visit in Maryland
Antietam National Battlefield in Sharpsburg stands as an essential destination for history enthusiasts. It was at this location in 1862 that Confederate General Robert E. Lee initiated the North’s invasion, leading to the bloodiest single-day battle in American history, known as the Battle of Antietam.
Today, those keen on delving into this historical conflict can opt for a self-guided auto tour of the battlefield or participate in a ranger-led talk. Be sure to allocate time for a visit to the Newcomer House, an original home on the battlefield, and the Pry House Field Hospital Museum, showcasing a re-creation of an operating theater.
Chesapeake Beach
#5 in Best Places to Visit in Maryland
In its prime, Chesapeake Beach thrived as a sought-after resort destination for travelers arriving by train or steamboat. However, today, this waterfront location is more commonly recognized as a tranquil beach town, perfect for leisurely getaways.
Discover the town’s history at the Chesapeake Beach Railway Museum or enjoy fishing or crabbing at one of the marinas. Visitors can also navigate the Chesapeake Bay on a kayak or pontoon boat. For those with children, the Chesapeake Beach Water Park is a must-visit, offering an array of attractions from waterslides and a lazy river to cabana rentals.
Deep Creek Lake
#6 in Best Places to Visit in Maryland
Maryland’s largest freshwater lake provides abundant opportunities for outdoor activities. During the warm and dry summer, it’s an excellent time for fishing, swimming, and kayaking. In contrast, winter transforms the lake as it freezes and its shores are blanketed in snow, offering opportunities for ice fishing, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing.
To escape the winter cold or the summer crowds, consider arriving in the spring or fall. These shoulder seasons are perfect for biking and hiking around the lake, as well as appreciating Muddy Creek Falls in the nearby Swallow Falls State Park.
National Harbor
#7 in Best Places to Visit in Maryland
National Harbor boasts some of Maryland’s premier shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues, ensuring a visit that is anything but dull. Indulge in retail therapy at Tanger Outlets at National Harbor, savor live music at a dueling piano bar, take in a bird’s-eye view of Washington, D.C. while riding the Capital Wheel, or enjoy a film during National Harbor’s free outdoor summer movie series. For added excitement after sunset, visit MGM National Harbor to try your luck in its casino or catch a show in its 3,000-seat theater.
Baltimore
#8 in Best Places to Visit in Maryland
Despite its gritty reputation, Baltimore is a vibrant city with attractions that cater to diverse travelers. Art aficionados can explore the collections at the Baltimore Museum of Art and The Walters Art Museum, while sports fans may want to plan their visits around attending a Baltimore Orioles baseball game at Oriole Park at Camden Yards or a Baltimore Ravens football game at M&T Bank Stadium.
Families traveling with children will find a plethora of family-friendly attractions in Baltimore’s popular Inner Harbor neighborhood, including the National Aquarium, the Maryland Science Center, and Port Discovery Children’s Museum.
Frederick
#9 in Best Places to Visit in Maryland
History enthusiasts should make their way to Frederick, a city in western Maryland with significant connections to the Civil War. Begin your journey by exploring Monocacy National Battlefield and the National Museum of Civil War Medicine.
Alternatively, rent a bike and embark on the 10-mile Frederick History Bicycle Loop, which includes stops at over 20 historical sites. Once you’ve immersed yourself in history, visit Downtown Frederick to explore its numerous shops, art galleries, and restaurants. The city center is also home to the Public Art Trail and the Frederick Wine Trail.
Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park
#10 in Best Places to Visit in Maryland
Referred to as “The Grand Old Ditch,” this historic waterway, which once served as a conduit for transporting coal, agricultural products, and lumber from Cumberland, Maryland to Washington, D.C.’s Georgetown neighborhood, is now a must-visit destination for those exploring Maryland and our nation’s capital.
Situated within the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park, you’ll encounter extensive hiking trails and a broad towpath suitable for biking, horseback riding, and jogging. Additionally, with nearly 200 miles of canal to explore, visitors have the opportunity to venture out on the water in a kayak or canoe.
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