Visit Maryland

With mountains in the West and Chesapeake Bay in the East, Maryland is a popular vacation destination for all types of travelers. Known for its waterways and Atlantic shorelines, the mid-Atlantic state is full of charming coastal towns like Ocean City, resorts like Chesapeake Beach Resort and Spa, and harbors like Inner Harbor in Baltimore. 

Explore the state’s unique combination of natural beauty and historic roots by visiting one of its 18 national parks such as Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park or one of its 74 national historic landmarks like the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad.  

Sometimes referred to as “America in Miniature,” Maryland truly has a little bit of everything. Visit for the history, the beautiful rivers and coastline, or the vibrant cities like Baltimore and Annapolis. You can even take a quick day trip to neighboring Washington D.C. 

Best Places to Visit in Maryland

Baltimore

National Aquarium: This non-profit public aquarium is home to dolphins, sharks, turtles, frogs, and alligators and is full of family fun.

Inner Harbor: This waterfront tourist destination features a visitor center, a Civil War-era war ship, and upscale crab shacks and other restaurants.

Fort McHenry: Visit the birthplace of the U.S. national anthem, “The Star-Spangled Banner.”

Oriole Park at Camden Yards: Catch a baseball game at this famous park located in Downtown Baltimore.

Cities in Maryland 

Annapolis: Enjoy some live music at Annapolis City Dock or tour the United States Naval Academy in Maryand’s capital city.

Ocean City: The 10-mile sandy beach features a historic boardwalk with games, shopping, live music, and Ripley’s Believe It or Not Museum.

Frederick: Browse and shop antiques along Market Street or visit Francis Scott Key Mall in this charming, historic small town.

Maryland State and National Parks

Assateague Island State Park: Maryland’s only oceanfront park features 2 miles of beaches for swimming, surfing, and sunbathing. The park is located on Assateague island, a barrier island off the Delmarva peninsula.

Antietam National Battlefield: Located in Sharpsburg, Maryland, this historic site is where the famous battle of Antietam took place in 1862, which ended the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia's first invasion into the North.

Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historic Park: Spanning between Maryland and Washington D.C., this historic park follows the route of the Potomac River for 184.5 miles. 

Cunningham Falls State Park: Home to Maryland’s highest cascading waterfall, visitors can enjoy picturesque views year round. 

Catoctin Mountain Park: Enjoy 25 miles of hiking trails, fishing, camping and horse trails in this forested park in north central Maryland.

Greenbelt National Park: Just 12 miles from Washington D.C., this urban oasis has 9 miles of hiking trails, 170 campsites open year round, and several picnic areas.

Harpers Ferry: This historic national park offers beautiful hiking trails, exhibits and museums, and picturesque streets.

Waterways of Maryland

Maryland has over 50 rivers, creeks, streams, lakes and ponds in addition to its largest body of water, Chesapeake Bay.

Potomac River: Although you can’t swim or fish the 405-mile long river, visitors can enjoy boating, kayaking, or canoeing Maryland’s most well-known waterway. 

Deep Creek Lake: As the largest inland body of water in Maryland, this man-made lake is family-friendly and perfect for swimming, fishing, boating, and camping.

Patapsco River: Visitors can enjoy saltwater fishing, boating and swimming along this 39-mile long river that flows through central Maryland and into Chesapeake Bay.