25 Best Places to Visit in Maryland, USA

By VacationIdea Staff on February 3, 2023 - Updated

Courtesy of steheap - Fotolia.com

Maryland is a beautiful state with charming coastal towns, forests, lakes, islands, flea markets, waterfalls, amusement parks, campgrounds, resorts and an array of attractions. 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.

We recommend that you call the attractions and restaurants ahead of your visit to confirm current opening times.

1. Annapolis

Annapolis is one of the most important historic cities in the entire USA. Currently, it is the capital of Maryland State, but this city was formerly the capital of the country.

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. Things to Do in Annapolis

2. Baltimore

Baltimore is a city with a great vibe and amazing people, providing each visitor to the city with a unique experience. This town is in the State of Maryland and is the largest city in the state. This economic hub is known for its museums, neighborhoods, and world-class medical care.

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. Things to Do in Baltimore

3.Hagerstown

Hagerstown is a county in Maryland known for its rich history as it witnessed the civil war as a battlefield in 1863. Today, Hagerstown is rich in culture and natural beauty, attracting many visitors. It offers many things for a visitor to enjoy, including musical shows, adventures sports, and lectures.

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.

4.Thurmont

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.

5.Berlin

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.

6.Places to Go Near Me: 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.

7.Laurel

Laurel is a city in the beautiful state of Maryland between Washington D.C. and Baltimore, making it a popular commuter town for the people of these two cities. It began in the 19th century as a mill town, but later it became home to various reputed names, including the Fort Mede Army base, the National Security Agency and the Applied Physics Lab from Johns Hopkins University.

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

8.Aberdeen

Aberdeen is a small city in Maryland located just 26 miles from Baltimore. The history of Aberdeen stretches back almost 125 years, and it has grown a lot during that time. You can find beautiful neighborhoods, family-friendly communities, and fantastic natural resources for a variety of recreational activities.

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.

9.Salisbury

Salisbury is a gorgeous city in Maryland lying at the headwaters of the Wicomico River that came into existence around 300 years ago. Back then, it was a smaller town, but now it is one of the largest cities on the peninsula.

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.

10.Historic Downtown Frederick

The Historic Downtown Frederick Partnership is an effort that works towards maintaining the financial stability of Downtown Frederick and its people. This program started in 2001, and since then the main street program has won much recognition as well as many awards.

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. The program has a clear vision for 2020, with the motto of work, stay, play, live, and connect downtown.

11.Chesapeake City

Chesapeake City is in the Maryland area and is a city with great historical value, as can be seen by its presence in the National Historic Registry. This town has many historical homes, galleries, and shops that have been restored to their original state.

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.

12.Assateague Island National Seashore

Everyone wants a bit of excitement and happiness in their life and visiting Assateague Island National Seashore can provide just that. This is a place that receives a fresh, new look every day with the help of waves from the ocean.

When you go to enjoy the Assateague Island National Seashore, then you can explore sandy 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.

13.Rockville

Rockville may be small in size, but it is also one of the leading small cities in America for working, playing, and living. This city has a vibrant enthusiasm and its educated and business-friendly population is probably the reason why you can find some of the most trusted companies here.

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.

14.Places to Go Near Me: Fell's Point

Fell’s Point is a beautiful waterfront neighborhood in Maryland that was established in 1673. There are a number of fabulous shops in this city neighborhood, including coffee shops, restaurants, music stores, and a marketplace.

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.

15.Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge

Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge is in Maryland and a great number of plants and animals can be found in the three major habitats of the park, namely marsh, shallow water, and forest. This refuge is also an accepted wetland of international importance due to its ecological value and importance.

The Delmarva Peninsula fox squirrel is an endangered and protected animal, and the largest natural population of this species can be found in this refuge. Visitors also come here to enjoy the scenic beauty and to observe the beautiful migrating birds.

16.Greenbelt

Greenbelt is a small city in Prince George County which is one of the largest and fastest developing counties in the entire country. This city secured its special place in the history books because it was the first community to be built as a federal venture in the USA.

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.

17.Cumberland

Cumberland is a small and beautiful city in the Maryland Mountains. If you are planning to visit a beautiful place that connects art and community, then visit Cumberland. The tree-lined streets, the friendly nature of its people, and the beauty the of city will certainly amaze you.

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.

18.Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park

Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park is famous not only because of its incredible beauty, but also because this park preserves the early transportation history of America. However, people now use these canals only for recreational purposes.

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.

19.Places to Go Near Me: Harmony Hall

The Harmony Hall mansion in Fort Washington is a beautiful mansion sited in almost 62.5 acres of open grassland along part of the Potomac River. The history of the Harmony Hall estate goes back to 1769, which explains its historical value and why the National Park Services purchased this property in 1966 to preserve the history and culture of the hall. Needless to say, they did it well, and now visitors can come here to connect with the history of colonial times while appreciating the mansion and the beauty of its surrounding scenery.

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

20.Catoctin Mountain Park

Catoctin Mountain Park is a national park in Thurmont, Maryland, that covers the history of the nation in a consolidated and small location. This place received a second chance from the Civilian Conservation Corps and work progress administration for growth as a recreational area, and it succeeded in doing so.

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.

21.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.

22.Downs Park

Downs Park is a beautiful and amazing park located on Chesapeake Bay offering entertaining and natural activities for recreational purposes that take place throughout the entire park. For hikers, this park offers 5 miles of natural and paved trails.

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.

-- You are reading "25 Best Places to Visit in Maryland, USA" Back to Top

23.Maryland Destinations: Rocky Gap State Park

Allegany County in Western Maryland is home to the Rocky Gap State Park, and many visitors come to enjoy this place, which spreads across a vast 3,000-acre area. This state park has some beautiful creeks, cliffs, and dense forest, making it an ideal location for hiking and family camping.

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.

24.Thomas Stone National Historic Site

Thomas Stone was one of the 56 people who signed the Declaration of Independence, and thus anything related to him has a great role in the history of America. The Thomas Stone National Historic Site is a successful attempt to preserve that history.

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.

25.Places to Go Near Me: Fort Foote Park

During the time of the Civil War, 68 forts came into existence around the Washington D.C., and Fort Foote Park was one of them. Built in 1863, its sole purpose was to protect the capital city.

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.