Maryland is a pretty epic state to visit in the United States! Sometimes overlooked in favour of other big-hitting states. Yet, it has some total gems and heaps of the best things to do in Maryland dotted all across the region. It’s perfect to explore.
If you’re on an East Coast road trip, there are certainly a few stops you can include in Maryland. Even if it’s for a day or a week. Heck, as long as you want!
So, to help you along the way, I wanted to share some of the best things to do in Maryland when you visit. Take a look, below, and have the best time travelling across Maryland.
1.) Annapolis
If you’re something of a water baby, it is time for you to head to Annapolis! You see, it overlooks the Chesapeake Bay and, best of all, is the United States’ Sailing Capital. You can explore the place by boat and experience events focused on sailing through the whole year; some of these are sailboat races and boat shows.
Meanwhile, if you want to stay on land rather than on water, you can still enjoy Annapolis. You can check out the United States Naval Academy campus, Main Street and Historic Annapolis where you’ll find William Paca House. It’s a historically restored property, dating back to the 1700s.
After exploring the coast, make sure to book this phantom ghost tour for something a little different. It’s one of the best things to do in Maryland if you’re into paranormal and ghoulish activities.
Getting peckish? Hope over to Chart House Prime for their delicious seafood. Their calamari is a top dish you have to order.
Read more: Best places to visit on the East Coast
2.) Baltimore
Regardless of activities, Baltimore is a great stopping point to make on your wider Maryland road trip.
It’s got everything you’d expect from a city in the US and you’ll find lots of the best things to do in Maryland dotted across the city.
Once here, be sure to book this harbour cruise tour of Inner Harbour. It’s such a great way to see the city and idyllic. Just be sure to book this ticket in advance. Places can fill up at peak times.
Afterwards, head over to explore; Camden Yards, Historic Ships of Baltimore and the Baltimore Museum of Art. The latter is a totally amazing spot if you like your museums and galleries and they have heaps of seasonal events that are so worth checking out.
Not only that, it houses more than 95,000 artworks by different artists.
Baltimore Museum of Arts is a go-to place when in Maryland. Its magnificent collections of 19th-century contemporary and modern art of Paul Cezanne, Marc Chagall, Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, Vincent van Gogh and many other artists are what most tourists expect to see when visiting the museum.
There are also jewellery, textile and furniture collections in the Baltimore Museum of Art, together with collections of Asian, African and Near Eastern art.
Meanwhile, you can find Sculpture Gardens outside the museum and Gertrude, a famous restaurant, inside the building. Can you tell we loved it?
Finally, make sure to stop by Druid Hill Park on a sunny day. The trails are lovely.
Read more: Best places to visit on the East Coast
3.) Deep Creek Lake
Easily one of the best things to do in Maryland, Deep Creek Lake is a stunner to visit in the height of summer.
You see, it’s the perfect adventure for anyone who loves the great outdoors. Once here, be sure to follow the trails in Deep Creek Lake State Park and see the views from Thayerville Lookout Tower. That being said, you’ll also find some great trials on the other side of Deep Creek Lake at Fort Run.
Oh, and don’t forget, you can pop into Deep Creek Lake Discovery Center. It’s a small museum that’s well worth visiting whilst in the area.
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4.) Ocean City
Ocean City might be the best choice when it comes to family vacations or if you want easy access to lots of amenities while visiting Maryland.
You see, there are loads of family-friendly attractions and the pristine Ocean City Beach is just lovely on a sunny day. Just be sure to pack the sunblock, it might get a little windier on the beach, but that sun is still as strong.
Once here, you can head for a dip or even book this incredible dolphin boat tour when you visit.
If you don’t fancy taking to the waves, head over to the Jolly Roger Amusement Park. It’s filled with lots of rides and games that are totally kitsch and fun for all ages. If you fancy yourself as a thrill-seeker, head down to Trimper Rides of Ocean City. Their coasters will have you screaming for sure.
Ocean City’s amazing boardwalk has complete amenities and you will find various restaurants, bars and souvenir shops which will keep you busy.
5.) Chesapeake and Ohio Canal
Also known as the C&O Canal, this majestic canal runs from Cumberland to Washington DC.
The Chesapeake and Ohio Canal was built in the middle of the 1800s, and it offers a great spot to chill out and hike, the cycle just really slows down your vacation.
The area is also rich in history, so the surrounding of the canal is filled with historic key spots. You can follow the Seven Locks trail it’s so lovely in summer.
Oh, and if you’re a little further upstream, head to Bear Island for the Carderock trails.
6.) Frederick
Visiting Frederick, although a small city, is one of the best things to do in Maryland as you head further west to Hagerstown.
Founded in the mid-18th century, the historic vibe and atmosphere of the area was well-preserved city centre is just lovely to see.
Once here, you can check out some historic homes if you like, and one of the most famous ones is the Barbara Fritchie House or stop by the Schifferstadt Architectural Museum, too. It dates back to the 1700s and is well worth seeing.
For a tasty bite to eat, grab a table at Hootch and Banter for some of the best burgers in the area.
Read more: Best places to visit on the East Coast
7.) Assateague Island National Seashore
Located on Assateague Island, Assateague Island National Seashore is one of my favourite places in Maryland.
On the island’s east side, you can find the Atlantic Ocean’s windswept landscape which is perfect for summer surfing and swimming. Plus, you get some gorgeous sunrises (if you’re up early enough) from here.
Meanwhile, the more protected island bayside is a great place where you can book this brilliant kayak tour of the shoreline. It’s idyllic.
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8.) Aberdeen and Havre De Grace
Just a small city located 26 miles away from Baltimore, visiting Aberdeen is one of the best things to do in Maryland that’s totally historic.
You see, its past stretches back for around 125 years, and this place has been flourishing slowly since then.
Once you arrive, head down for a stroll around Shore Creek or head over by boat to Sand Island. It’s a totally beautiful (and small) island where you can chill and relax during the day. Just be sure to take lots of provisions with you.
For an unfussy lunch, head to the all-American diner called, Aberdeen Diner. It might not look like much from the outside but their biscuits and gravy are so delicious.
Read more: Best places to visit on the East Coast
9.) Laurel
Found between Baltimore and Washington D.C., Laurel is a pretty well-known commuter town in Maryland. It’s not the kind of place you’ll spend days exploring (it’s good for a few hours), but it’s still worth stopping off.
Once here, stop off for the trails around Patuxent River or Cash Lake Fishing Area.
Also, just outside Laurel in Glenn Dale, you’ve got Glenn Dale Splash Park. It’s a great spot for a day trip with children’s slides, and pools and it’s so much fun for a young family.
Read more: Fun cities to visit in the USA
10.) Salisbury
Found in the Wicomico River which has been existing for more than 300 years now, another beautiful city in Maryland is Salisbury. It has become one of the peninsula’s largest cities despite just being a small town back in time.
Once here, be sure to stop by The Ward Museum for their bird exhibits and art. It’s a great little spot for an hour or so. Also, just outside the city is the Furnace Town Historic Site. It’s lovely for a walk and they also hold seasonal fairs, too.
Oh, and don’t forget to head down Highway 13 to Tangier Sound. It’s stunning and you can stop at places like; Crisfield.
Alternatively, you can drive further east to visit the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historical Park. It’s such an important place to visit and a great way to learn more about Harriet Tubman through accounts, photos and exhibits. It’s one of the best things to do in Maryland that you can’t miss.
Read more: Best places to visit on the East Coast
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