Best Places to Visit in Maryland

Maryland may be a small state, but it offers a remarkable mix of coastal towns, historic cities, Chesapeake Bay scenery, mountain escapes, national historic sites, beaches, museums, seafood, state parks and charming small towns. Known as “America in Miniature”, Maryland gives travellers a little bit of everything: Atlantic beaches, blue crab feasts, harbour towns, Civil War history, forested mountains and easy city breaks.

From the energy of Baltimore to the colonial charm of Annapolis, the beach fun of Ocean City, the wild horses of Assateague Island, the mountain beauty of Deep Creek Lake and the historic towns of the Eastern Shore, Maryland is ideal for road trips, family holidays, romantic weekends and nature escapes.

Why Visit Maryland?

Maryland is perfect for travellers who want variety without long distances. You can walk through a historic harbour town in the morning, eat crab cakes by the Chesapeake Bay for lunch, explore a battlefield in the afternoon and relax in a mountain lodge by evening.

The state is especially strong for history, seafood and water-based travel. Annapolis has colonial streets and sailing culture, Baltimore has museums and waterfront attractions, the Eastern Shore has quiet bay towns and wildlife refuges, and western Maryland offers lakes, forests and mountain scenery.

Best Places to Visit in Maryland

Baltimore

Baltimore is Maryland’s largest city and one of the best places to start a trip through the state. It is known for its Inner Harbor, museums, historic neighbourhoods, seafood restaurants, sports venues and cultural attractions.

Top things to do in Baltimore include visiting the National Aquarium, exploring the Inner Harbor, touring Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine, walking around Fell’s Point, visiting the American Visionary Art Museum and enjoying local seafood. The city also has strong sports, music and arts scenes.

Best for: first-time visitors, museums, seafood, families, history, waterfront walks and city breaks.

Inner Harbor

Baltimore’s Inner Harbor is one of Maryland’s most recognised waterfront areas. It is home to major attractions, harbour views, restaurants, museums, historic ships and walking paths.

Families often enjoy the National Aquarium and Maryland Science Center, while history lovers can explore nearby ships and maritime sites. The Inner Harbor is also a useful base for first-time visitors because many attractions are within walking distance.

Best for: families, harbour views, museums, restaurants, walking and first-time Baltimore visitors.

Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine

Fort McHenry is one of Maryland’s most important historic sites. It is best known for its role in the War of 1812 and its connection to the writing of “The Star-Spangled Banner”.

Visitors can tour the fort, walk the grounds, learn about Baltimore’s harbour defence and enjoy views over the water. It is a meaningful stop for anyone interested in American history.

Best for: history lovers, families, national park sites, educational travel and Baltimore sightseeing.

Annapolis

Annapolis is Maryland’s capital and one of the most beautiful historic towns in the United States. Set on the Chesapeake Bay, it is known for colonial architecture, brick streets, sailing, waterfront dining, boutiques and the United States Naval Academy.

Visitors can walk through the historic district, tour the Maryland State House, explore City Dock, take a sailing cruise, visit the Naval Academy and enjoy seafood by the water. Annapolis is especially appealing for couples, history lovers and travellers who enjoy walkable towns with atmosphere.

Best for: history, sailing, couples, seafood, waterfront dining, architecture and weekend escapes.

United States Naval Academy

The United States Naval Academy is one of Annapolis’s major landmarks. Visitors can take guided tours, see historic buildings, visit the chapel and learn about naval training and traditions.

The academy grounds are beautiful and close to downtown Annapolis, making it easy to combine with a harbour walk or historic district visit.

Best for: military history, architecture, families, educational travel and Annapolis sightseeing.

Ocean City

Ocean City is Maryland’s best-known beach resort town. Located on the Atlantic Coast, it has a long sandy beach, a lively boardwalk, amusement rides, restaurants, shops, nightlife and family attractions.

Visitors can swim, sunbathe, cycle the boardwalk in the morning, enjoy seafood, visit amusements and take boat trips. Ocean City is busiest in summer, but spring and autumn can be excellent for a quieter beach escape.

Best for: families, beaches, boardwalk fun, summer holidays, nightlife and classic coastal trips.

Assateague Island National Seashore

Assateague Island National Seashore is one of Maryland’s most distinctive natural destinations. This barrier island is known for sandy beaches, salt marshes, maritime forests, coastal bays and wild horses. The island stretches along the Maryland and Virginia coast, with much of the Maryland district managed by the National Park Service. 2

Visitors can enjoy beach walks, wildlife viewing, camping, kayaking, photography and peaceful coastal scenery. The wild horses are a major highlight, but visitors should never feed or approach them.

Best for: wildlife, beaches, camping, photography, nature lovers and quiet coastal escapes.

Assateague State Park

Assateague State Park is Maryland’s oceanfront state park on Assateague Island. It offers beach access, camping, fishing, swimming, wildlife viewing and access to coastal scenery close to Ocean City.

This is a good option for travellers who want a more natural beach experience than Ocean City while still staying near the main resort area.

Best for: camping, beach walks, families, wildlife, fishing and nature-based coastal stays.

Eastern Shore

Maryland’s Eastern Shore is one of the state’s most scenic and relaxed regions. It is known for Chesapeake Bay towns, seafood, farms, rivers, wildlife refuges, historic streets and quiet waterfront views.

Popular places include St. Michaels, Easton, Cambridge, Chestertown, Oxford and Crisfield. The Eastern Shore is ideal for slow travel, romantic weekends, scenic drives and seafood-focused trips.

Best for: seafood, small towns, bay views, couples, scenic drives and relaxed road trips.

St. Michaels

St. Michaels is one of Maryland’s most charming Chesapeake Bay towns. It is known for its harbour, boutiques, restaurants, historic homes and the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum.

Visitors can walk through town, enjoy waterfront dining, take a boat cruise, visit the museum and relax in a classic bay-side setting. St. Michaels is especially popular for romantic weekends.

Best for: couples, maritime history, seafood, boutique stays, harbour views and weekend breaks.

Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum

The Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum in St. Michaels is one of the best places to learn about the region’s boating, fishing, crabbing and maritime traditions.

The museum’s waterfront setting makes it enjoyable for both history lovers and casual visitors. It is a strong addition to any Eastern Shore itinerary.

Best for: maritime history, families, Chesapeake Bay culture, boat lovers and St. Michaels visitors.

Easton

Easton is a graceful Eastern Shore town known for historic architecture, galleries, restaurants, boutiques and a refined small-town atmosphere. It is close to St. Michaels and Oxford, making it a useful base for exploring the region.

Visitors can browse shops, enjoy local dining, visit art galleries and use Easton as a quieter alternative to busier waterfront towns.

Best for: food, art, shopping, history, couples and Eastern Shore road trips.

Cambridge

Cambridge sits along the Choptank River and offers a mix of history, waterfront views, local restaurants and access to nature. It is one of the best bases for visiting Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge.

Visitors can walk through the historic downtown, enjoy riverfront dining, visit local museums and explore nearby wildlife areas. Cambridge is also connected to Harriet Tubman history and the broader story of the Underground Railroad.

Best for: history, wildlife, river views, food, scenic drives and cultural travel.

Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge

Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge is one of Maryland’s best places for birdwatching and wildlife viewing. Located near Cambridge, it protects wetlands, forests and waterways that provide habitat for migratory birds and other wildlife.

Visitors can drive the wildlife route, walk short trails, kayak in suitable areas and look for bald eagles, waterfowl and marshland scenery.

Best for: birdwatching, photography, wildlife, kayaking, peaceful drives and nature lovers.

Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historical Park

The Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historical Park and nearby visitor centre help tell the story of Harriet Tubman’s life, courage and connection to Maryland’s Eastern Shore.

Visitors can learn about Tubman’s early life, the Underground Railroad and the landscapes that shaped her story. It pairs well with Cambridge, Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge and other Eastern Shore heritage routes.

Best for: history lovers, civil rights history, educational travel, families and Eastern Shore itineraries.

Chestertown

Chestertown is a historic town on the Chester River, known for colonial architecture, waterfront views, independent shops, galleries and a peaceful atmosphere.

Visitors can stroll the historic district, visit the riverfront, browse local stores and enjoy a slower Eastern Shore experience. Chestertown is especially pleasant for couples and history-focused travellers.

Best for: history, architecture, river views, shopping, couples and quiet weekends.

Oxford

Oxford is a small waterfront town with a calm, old-fashioned Chesapeake Bay feel. It is known for quiet streets, historic homes, marinas, seafood and ferry access across the Tred Avon River.

Visitors can walk or cycle through town, enjoy ice cream, eat by the water and include Oxford as part of a St. Michaels and Easton loop.

Best for: quiet stays, cycling, waterfront dining, couples and scenic Eastern Shore drives.

Crisfield

Crisfield is a working waterfront town in southern Maryland’s Eastern Shore region. It is known for crabbing, seafood, Tangier Sound views and ferry access to Smith Island.

Visitors can enjoy seafood, walk the waterfront, take boat trips and experience a less polished but authentic side of Chesapeake Bay life.

Best for: seafood, crabbing culture, boat trips, photography and off-the-beaten-path travel.

Smith Island

Smith Island is Maryland’s only inhabited offshore island in the Chesapeake Bay and is known for watermen culture, quiet village life and the famous Smith Island cake.

Visitors typically reach the island by ferry from Crisfield or other seasonal departure points. It is a unique destination for travellers interested in Chesapeake Bay heritage and slow, local travel.

Best for: Chesapeake culture, island day trips, food, photography and quiet exploration.

Deep Creek Lake

Deep Creek Lake is Maryland’s largest inland lake and one of the top destinations in western Maryland. The area is known for boating, fishing, swimming, hiking, skiing, cabins and year-round outdoor recreation.

Deep Creek Lake State Park sits beside the lake and includes forest, trails, lake access and outdoor facilities in Garrett County. 3

In summer, visitors enjoy water sports and lake holidays. In winter, nearby Wisp Resort offers skiing and snow activities, making Deep Creek one of Maryland’s best four-season escapes.

Best for: lake holidays, families, cabins, skiing, boating, fishing and mountain escapes.

Wisp Resort

Wisp Resort is a popular mountain resort near Deep Creek Lake. It is best known for skiing and snowboarding in winter, but the area also offers warm-weather activities such as mountain biking, golf and adventure experiences.

Wisp works well for families and groups who want outdoor recreation with easy access to lake accommodation and restaurants.

Best for: skiing, families, outdoor adventure, winter trips and Deep Creek Lake holidays.

Swallow Falls State Park

Swallow Falls State Park is one of western Maryland’s most beautiful natural areas. It is known for waterfalls, hemlock forest, hiking trails and the scenic Youghiogheny River.

Muddy Creek Falls is a major highlight and one of Maryland’s most photographed waterfalls. The park is especially appealing in autumn and after rain, when the forest and waterfalls are at their most dramatic.

Best for: waterfalls, hiking, photography, families, autumn colour and western Maryland road trips.

Frederick

Frederick is one of Maryland’s best small cities, offering a charming historic downtown, restaurants, shops, breweries, galleries and easy access to Civil War sites and mountain parks.

Visitors can walk along Carroll Creek, explore downtown streets, visit local museums, enjoy dining and use Frederick as a base for nearby attractions such as Catoctin Mountain Park, Monocacy National Battlefield and Antietam.

Best for: food, history, shopping, breweries, couples and weekend breaks.

Antietam National Battlefield

Antietam National Battlefield near Sharpsburg is one of Maryland’s most important Civil War sites. It preserves the landscape of the Battle of Antietam, one of the most significant and deadly battles of the Civil War.

Visitors can tour the battlefield, stop at interpretive points, walk trails and reflect on the history of the site. It is a powerful and educational stop for history-focused travellers.

Best for: Civil War history, educational travel, quiet reflection, road trips and heritage tourism.

Hagerstown

Hagerstown is a useful base for exploring western Maryland history, parks and scenic drives. The city has museums, parks, shopping and access to several nearby historic sites.

Visitors can combine Hagerstown with Antietam, South Mountain, Fort Frederick State Park, the C&O Canal and scenic routes through the Appalachian foothills.

Best for: road-trip bases, history, parks, families and western Maryland exploring.

C&O Canal National Historical Park

The Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park follows the Potomac River corridor and preserves the history of the canal that once connected communities and commerce along the river.

Visitors can walk, cycle, paddle, visit historic lockhouses and explore sections of the towpath. Popular Maryland access areas include Great Falls, Williamsport, Hancock and Cumberland.

Best for: cycling, walking, history, river views, families and long-distance trail travel.

Great Falls

Great Falls is one of the most dramatic natural sights near the Washington, D.C. region. On the Maryland side, visitors can access views and trails through the C&O Canal area near Potomac.

The falls are powerful and scenic, with rocky river views and hiking trails nearby. Visitors should stay behind barriers and follow safety signs because the river can be dangerous.

Best for: waterfalls, hiking, photography, day trips and Potomac River scenery.

Cumberland

Cumberland is a historic city in western Maryland and a gateway to the mountains, trails and the C&O Canal. It marks the western terminus of the C&O Canal towpath and connects with the Great Allegheny Passage trail.

Visitors can explore the historic downtown, ride the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad, cycle or walk trail sections and use Cumberland as a base for mountain and heritage travel.

Best for: cycling, railway trips, history, mountain scenery and western Maryland road trips.

Western Maryland Scenic Railroad

The Western Maryland Scenic Railroad offers heritage train journeys through mountain scenery from Cumberland toward Frostburg. It is a popular family-friendly experience and a nostalgic way to enjoy the region.

Seasonal schedules and special events vary, so check timings before planning your visit.

Best for: families, railway lovers, mountain views, history and scenic day trips.

Rocky Gap State Park

Rocky Gap State Park near Cumberland offers lake scenery, hiking trails, camping, fishing, swimming and mountain views. Lake Habeeb is the centrepiece of the park, with clear water and scenic surroundings.

It is a strong choice for families and outdoor travellers exploring western Maryland.

Best for: lake views, camping, hiking, swimming, families and outdoor weekends.

Catoctin Mountain Park

Catoctin Mountain Park is a forested mountain park near Thurmont and Frederick. It offers hiking trails, overlooks, wildlife, historic sites and access to the Catoctin Mountain landscape.

The park pairs well with Cunningham Falls State Park and nearby small towns, making it a good weekend escape from Baltimore or Washington, D.C.

Best for: hiking, forests, mountain views, families, scenic drives and weekend escapes.

Cunningham Falls State Park

Cunningham Falls State Park is known for its waterfall, lake recreation, hiking trails and forested setting near Catoctin Mountain Park.

Visitors can hike to the falls, swim at Hunting Creek Lake in season, picnic, camp and enjoy a classic Maryland mountain park experience.

Best for: waterfalls, families, swimming, camping, hiking and mountain day trips.

Ellicott City

Ellicott City is a historic mill town west of Baltimore, known for its old main street, shops, restaurants, stone buildings and hilly streets.

Visitors can browse boutiques, enjoy cafes, learn about local history and combine the town with nearby Patapsco Valley State Park. Because the area has experienced serious flooding in the past, visitors should be aware of weather conditions during heavy rain.

Best for: historic streets, shopping, food, couples, photography and day trips from Baltimore.

Patapsco Valley State Park

Patapsco Valley State Park is one of central Maryland’s best outdoor escapes. It stretches along the Patapsco River and offers trails, bridges, waterfalls, picnic areas, cycling routes and forest scenery.

The park is popular with hikers, mountain bikers and families looking for nature close to Baltimore and Ellicott City.

Best for: hiking, biking, families, forest walks, river scenery and day trips.

Solomons Island

Solomons Island is a relaxed waterfront destination in southern Maryland, located where the Patuxent River meets the Chesapeake Bay. It is known for marinas, seafood, museums, boat trips and sunset views.

Visitors can walk the waterfront, visit the Calvert Marine Museum, enjoy seafood restaurants and explore nearby beaches and nature areas.

Best for: seafood, boating, museums, sunsets, couples and southern Maryland road trips.

Calvert Cliffs State Park

Calvert Cliffs State Park is one of Maryland’s most interesting coastal parks. It is known for fossil-rich cliffs, forest trails, wetlands and Chesapeake Bay shoreline.

Visitors often come to look for fossils along designated beach areas, especially fossilised shark teeth. The beach requires a walk from the parking area, so bring water, suitable shoes and sun protection.

Best for: fossils, families, hiking, beach walks, geology and Chesapeake Bay scenery.

National Harbor

National Harbor sits along the Potomac River near Washington, D.C. It offers hotels, restaurants, shopping, entertainment, river views and the Capital Wheel.

It is a convenient destination for travellers who want a polished waterfront stay close to the nation’s capital while still being in Maryland.

Best for: restaurants, shopping, river views, families, entertainment and D.C.-area stays.

Best Beaches in Maryland

• Ocean City: Best for a lively beach holiday, boardwalk attractions and family entertainment.
• Assateague Island: Best for wild beaches, camping, wildlife and natural coastal scenery.
• Sandy Point State Park: Best for Chesapeake Bay beach time near Annapolis.
• North Beach: Best for a small-town bay beach atmosphere.
• Chesapeake Beach: Best for bay views, fishing, family activities and easy day trips.
• Point Lookout State Park: Best for history, fishing, camping and Chesapeake Bay scenery.
• Rocky Point Beach: Best for a local beach escape near Baltimore County.

Best Places in Maryland for Families

• Baltimore: National Aquarium, Maryland Science Center, Inner Harbor and historic ships.
• Ocean City: Beach, boardwalk, amusements, mini golf and family-friendly restaurants.
• Assateague Island: Wild horses, beach walks, camping and nature activities.
• Annapolis: Harbour walks, sailing, history and the Naval Academy.
• Deep Creek Lake: Boating, swimming, skiing, cabins and outdoor recreation.
• Frederick: Walkable downtown, parks, food and nearby history sites.
• Calvert Cliffs: Fossil hunting, hiking and Chesapeake Bay scenery.
• Cumberland: Scenic railroad trips, cycling trails and mountain views.

Best Small Towns to Visit in Maryland

• St. Michaels: Harbour views, maritime history, seafood and boutique stays.
• Easton: Art, dining, shopping and Eastern Shore charm.
• Chestertown: Colonial architecture, river views and quiet historic streets.
• Oxford: Waterfront dining, cycling and peaceful bay-town scenery.
• Berlin: Historic streets, shops and access to Assateague Island.
• Ellicott City: Historic main street, food, shopping and nearby trails.
• Havre de Grace: Waterfront walks, museums and Susquehanna River views.
• Leonardtown: Southern Maryland charm, local dining and waterfront access.

Best Outdoor Adventures in Maryland

• See wild horses at Assateague: Enjoy coastal wildlife from a safe distance.
• Hike in Catoctin Mountain Park: Explore forest trails and mountain scenery.
• Visit Cunningham Falls: Walk to the waterfall and enjoy lake recreation.
• Cycle the C&O Canal Towpath: Follow historic canal routes along the Potomac River.
• Explore Deep Creek Lake: Boat, fish, swim, ski or stay in a mountain cabin.
• Walk Calvert Cliffs: Combine forest trails, fossils and Chesapeake Bay views.
• Birdwatch at Blackwater: Look for eagles, waterfowl and marshland wildlife.
• Kayak the Eastern Shore: Paddle quiet rivers, marshes and bay waters where conditions allow.

Best Scenic Drives in Maryland

• Chesapeake Country Scenic Byway: Eastern Shore towns, rivers, farms and bay scenery.
• Historic National Road: Western Maryland towns, mountain views and early American road history.
• Antietam Campaign Scenic Byway: Civil War sites, rural landscapes and historic towns.
• Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Byway: Eastern Shore landscapes connected to Harriet Tubman’s story.
• Mountain Maryland route: Deep Creek Lake, Cumberland, Oakland, waterfalls and mountain scenery.
• Southern Maryland road trip: Solomons Island, Leonardtown, Point Lookout and Chesapeake Bay views.

Best Places in Maryland for History Lovers

• Fort McHenry: War of 1812 history and “The Star-Spangled Banner” heritage.
• Annapolis: Colonial streets, Maryland State House and Naval Academy history.
• Antietam National Battlefield: One of the most important Civil War battlefields.
• Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad sites: Eastern Shore landscapes connected to Tubman’s life and legacy.
• C&O Canal: Historic canal routes, lockhouses and Potomac River heritage.
• St. Mary’s City: Early colonial Maryland history and outdoor museum experiences.
• Frederick: Historic downtown, Civil War links and heritage sites.
• Havre de Grace: Maritime history, lighthouse views and Susquehanna River heritage.

Best Time to Visit Maryland

Maryland can be visited year-round, but the best season depends on your itinerary.

• Spring: Excellent for Annapolis, Baltimore, Eastern Shore towns, gardens, hiking and mild weather.
• Summer: Best for Ocean City, Assateague, Chesapeake Bay towns, boating, beaches and lake holidays.
• Autumn: Ideal for western Maryland, Deep Creek Lake, Catoctin Mountain, scenic drives and fall foliage.
• Winter: Good for museums, historic towns, cosy weekends, seafood restaurants and skiing near Deep Creek Lake.

Suggested 7-Day Maryland Road Trip Itinerary

Day 1: Baltimore

Start in Baltimore. Visit the Inner Harbor, National Aquarium, Fort McHenry and Fell’s Point. Enjoy seafood or crab cakes for dinner.

Day 2: Annapolis

Drive to Annapolis. Explore the historic district, Maryland State House, City Dock and the United States Naval Academy. Consider a sailing cruise if weather allows.

Day 3: St. Michaels and Easton

Cross to the Eastern Shore and visit St. Michaels for harbour views and the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum. Continue to Easton for galleries, shopping and dining.

Day 4: Cambridge and Blackwater

Visit Cambridge, Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge and the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad visitor area. Stay overnight on the Eastern Shore.

Day 5: Ocean City and Assateague Island

Head to Ocean City for the beach and boardwalk, then visit Assateague Island for wild horses, beach walks and coastal scenery.

Day 6: Frederick and Antietam

Travel west to Frederick for its historic downtown, then continue to Antietam National Battlefield for Civil War history and rural scenery.

Day 7: Deep Creek Lake or Cumberland

Finish in western Maryland with Deep Creek Lake, Swallow Falls State Park or Cumberland. Choose lake time, waterfalls, mountain scenery or a scenic railroad experience.

Shorter Maryland Weekend Itinerary Ideas

• Baltimore weekend: Inner Harbor, Fort McHenry, Fell’s Point, museums and seafood.
• Annapolis weekend: Historic streets, sailing, Naval Academy and waterfront dining.
• Eastern Shore weekend: St. Michaels, Easton, Oxford, Cambridge and Chesapeake Bay views.
• Beach weekend: Ocean City, Assateague Island and Berlin.
• Mountain weekend: Deep Creek Lake, Swallow Falls, Wisp Resort and Oakland.
• History weekend: Frederick, Antietam, C&O Canal and Harpers Ferry nearby.

Travel Tips for Visiting Maryland

• Rent a car for road trips: A car is useful for the Eastern Shore, western Maryland, Assateague, state parks and small towns.
• Book beach stays early: Ocean City and Assateague camping can be busy in summer.
• Try Maryland seafood: Look for crab cakes, steamed blue crabs, oysters, rockfish and seafood from Chesapeake Bay towns.
• Check bridge traffic: The Chesapeake Bay Bridge can be busy on summer weekends.
• Respect wildlife: Keep your distance from Assateague’s wild horses and never feed them.
• Pack layers: Coastal, bay and mountain weather can feel very different on the same trip.
• Plan around seasons: Summer is best for beaches, autumn for mountains and spring for historic towns.
• Allow time for small towns: Maryland’s charm often comes from slow wandering, local food and waterfront views.

Final Thoughts on the Best Places to Visit in Maryland

Maryland is a compact state with an impressive variety of travel experiences. It offers beaches, bay towns, historic cities, Civil War sites, mountain lakes, wildlife refuges, seafood restaurants and scenic drives all within manageable distances.

For a first visit, consider Baltimore, Annapolis, St. Michaels, Easton, Cambridge, Ocean City, Assateague Island, Frederick and Deep Creek Lake. Travellers with more time should add Chestertown, Oxford, Crisfield, Smith Island, Cumberland, Swallow Falls, Catoctin Mountain, Calvert Cliffs and Solomons Island.

Whether you are planning a family beach holiday, Chesapeake Bay road trip, historic weekend, seafood escape or mountain retreat, Maryland offers a rich and varied travel experience with plenty of memorable places to explore.

Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Maryland

What is the prettiest place in Maryland?

Some of the prettiest places in Maryland include Assateague Island, St. Michaels, Annapolis, Deep Creek Lake, Swallow Falls State Park, Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, Calvert Cliffs, the C&O Canal and the Chesapeake Bay towns of the Eastern Shore.

What is Maryland best known for?

Maryland is best known for Chesapeake Bay blue crabs, Baltimore, Annapolis, Ocean City, Assateague Island wild horses, the United States Naval Academy, Fort McHenry, historic towns, seafood and the Chesapeake Bay.

Is Maryland good for a family holiday?

Yes, Maryland is a good family holiday destination. Families can visit Ocean City, Assateague Island, Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, the National Aquarium, Annapolis, Deep Creek Lake, Calvert Cliffs and the C&O Canal.

How many days do you need to visit Maryland?

You can enjoy one Maryland region in 2 to 3 days, such as Baltimore and Annapolis or Ocean City and Assateague. For a broader road trip covering the Eastern Shore, central Maryland and western Maryland, 7 days is ideal.

What is the best time of year to visit Maryland?

Spring and autumn are excellent for sightseeing, historic towns, hiking and scenic drives. Summer is best for Ocean City, Assateague Island, Chesapeake Bay towns and Deep Creek Lake. Winter is quieter and good for museums, cosy weekends and skiing in western Maryland.

Is Maryland good for a road trip?

Yes, Maryland is excellent for a road trip because it has short distances and varied scenery. You can combine Baltimore, Annapolis, the Eastern Shore, Ocean City, Assateague, Frederick and Deep Creek Lake in one well-planned itinerary.

Where should first-time visitors go in Maryland?

First-time visitors should consider Baltimore, Annapolis, St. Michaels, Easton, Cambridge, Ocean City, Assateague Island, Frederick, Antietam and Deep Creek Lake.

Does Maryland have good beaches?

Yes, Maryland has good beaches. Ocean City is the main Atlantic beach resort, while Assateague Island offers a wilder coastal experience. Chesapeake Bay beaches such as Sandy Point, North Beach and Chesapeake Beach offer calmer bay settings.

What are the best small towns in Maryland?

Some of the best small towns in Maryland include St. Michaels, Easton, Chestertown, Oxford, Berlin, Ellicott City, Havre de Grace, Leonardtown and Crisfield.

What should I pack for a Maryland trip?

Pack comfortable walking shoes, layered clothing, sun protection, insect repellent, a refillable water bottle and weather-appropriate clothing. For beach trips, bring swimwear and towels. For western Maryland, bring hiking shoes and warmer layers.