Best Places to Visit in Maryland & Things to Do
Maryland is a beautiful state with charming coastal towns, forests, parks and an array of attractions.
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Maryland is a small state with a big personality—part coastline, part countryside, part city, and all charm. What struck me most as I traveled was how different each destination felt, yet how connected they all were by a quiet sense of place. From crab feasts on the Eastern Shore to forest hikes in the Catoctins, Maryland offers both motion and stillness. I remember thinking, “This is a place you don’t pass through—you pause for.” Every town brought something unexpected: color, calm, or flavor that stayed long after I left.
Best Places to Visit in Maryland:
Nautical Nostalgia in Annapolis
“It felt like stepping through time—then right into something modern.” That thought came to me as I left the quiet paths of Historic London Town and Gardens and drove ten minutes into Annapolis to browse handmade goods at HERE, a local pop-up shop.
Historic London Town surprised me. Set along the South River, the gardens were blooming with color and calm, and the reconstructed colonial village had the faint scent of woodsmoke and damp earth. I wandered beneath ancient oaks and past heirloom vegetables, thinking how close this felt—literally and emotionally—to the Annapolis I already knew.
Later, at HERE, I browsed tables of locally made jewelry, ceramics, and linen goods. The space was bright and full of life, with artists chatting beside their work and the scent of lavender soap and fresh coffee in the air. I left with a hand-poured candle and the feeling that I’d seen two sides of Annapolis in the same afternoon—its roots, and its spark.
Travel Tips:
- Drive Time from DC: ~1 hour east
- Vibe: Nautical, historic, timeless
- Highlights: U.S. Naval Academy, City Dock, Historic District
- Best Time to Visit: Spring or summer for boat tours and open-air dining
- Cost: Naval Academy tours ~$12; museums $10–15
- Hours: Waterfront open all day; restaurants open 11am–10pm
- Address: Boatyard Bar & Grill, 400 Fourth St, Annapolis, MD
Baltimore: Harbor Charm & Crab House Comfort
“The first crack of a crab leg felt like opening a treasure chest.” That moment at Costas Inn stayed with me—crab-scented steam rising, chatter all around, a sense that this was Baltimore at its truest.
I had driven through the old port neighborhoods earlier that day, past colorful rowhouses and mural-covered brick walls. At the Inner Harbor, I watched sailboats drift beneath skyline reflections before heading toward lunch.
What I Loved Most: Exploring the American Visionary Art Museum—its mirrored mosaic walls sparkled in the sun, as surprising and sincere as the city itself.
My highlight? That lunch at Costas Inn. I ordered a 5 oz broiled crab cake and a cup of Maryland crab soup. The cake was rich, flaky, and almost sweet from the fresh lump meat. The soup smelled of Old Bay and slow-simmered broth. I sat back, full and warm, the table still covered in brown paper and butter smudges.
Plan your Baltimore day trip:
- Drive Time from DC: ~1 hour north
- Vibe: Maritime grit meets creative spirit
- Must-Stops: Inner Harbor, American Visionary Art Museum, Fells Point, and Costas Inn (4100 North Point Blvd)
- Best Time to Visit: Spring through early fall for festivals and waterfront views
- Cost: Most museums ~$10–20; crab cakes at Costas from ~$20
Trailheads and Quiet Streets in Hagerstown
Hagerstown felt like a crossroads—where past met present and nature nudged up against brick and stone. It wasn’t flashy, but it had depth. I remember thinking, “There’s something grounding about this place.” Whether it was the Civil War echoes at Antietam or the brushstrokes at the art museum downtown, everything felt close to the land and close to history.
What I Loved Most: Hiking the Appalachian Trail segment just outside town, where the silence was broken only by birds and the occasional crunch of boots on gravel.
My highlights? Lunch at Schmankerl Stube, a charming German beer hall right in the Arts & Entertainment District. I had the jagerschnitzel with mushroom gravy, spaetzle, and a dark draft beer. It felt like stepping into another world—warm, hearty, and full of character.
Travel Tips:
- Drive Time from DC: ~1.5 hours northwest
- Vibe: Historical, outdoorsy, low-key local
- Highlights: Antietam Battlefield, Washington County Museum of Fine Arts, hiking trails
- Best Time to Visit: Fall for foliage hikes and battlefield walks
- Cost: Many sites free; battlefield entry ~$10/car
- Hours: Trails and parks open dawn to dusk
- Address: Schmankerl Stube, 58 S Potomac St, Hagerstown, MD
Forest Trails and Covered Bridges in Thurmont
Thurmont felt like the start of something peaceful. Nestled at the foot of the Catoctin Mountains, it had a stillness I didn’t realize I was craving. I remember thinking, “Sometimes quiet is the adventure.” Hiking past waterfalls in Cunningham Falls State Park, the only sounds were rushing water and the rustle of trees. Even the air smelled cleaner—pine and earth and sky.
What I Loved Most: Sitting beside the cascading Lower Falls with my shoes off, letting the cold water run over my toes while the forest held its breath.
My highlights? Lunch at Kountry Kitchen, a cozy local spot. I had the fried chicken plate with mashed potatoes and fresh green beans—nothing fancy, just honest and delicious. The waitress called me “hon” and topped off my sweet tea without asking. It felt like home.
Travel Tips:
- Drive Time from Frederick: ~30 minutes north
- Vibe: Rustic, natural, quiet mountain charm
- Highlights: Cunningham Falls State Park, Catoctin Wildlife Preserve, Covered Bridge Trail
- Best Time to Visit: Spring or fall for hiking and foliage
- Cost: State park entry ~$3–5; wildlife preserve ~$20
- Hours: Parks open dawn to dusk
- Address: Kountry Kitchen, 17 Water St, Thurmont, MD
Berlin
Located minutes from Assateague Island National Seashore and Ocean City and established in 1790, Berlin looked like the kind of town a novelist would invent—Victorian storefronts, shady porches, and brick-paved charm that made me slow my steps. I remember thinking, “This town doesn’t try—it just is.” Every shopkeeper greeted me like a neighbor, and I lingered longer than planned in the galleries, bookstores, and antique shops tucked around every corner.
What I Loved Most: Wandering Main Street at golden hour, the sidewalks glowing and window boxes spilling over with blooms.
My highlights? Brunch at Blacksmith, a cozy and creative tavern with a focus on local ingredients. I had the crab benedict with Old Bay hollandaise and a spicy Bloody Mary. We sat under string lights in the back garden and just let the day unfold slowly.
Travel Tips:
- Drive Time from Ocean City: ~15 minutes inland
- Vibe: Whimsical, artsy, deeply local
- Highlights: Main Street shops, Atlantic Hotel, live music, arts festivals
- Best Time to Visit: Late spring through fall for events and warm evenings
- Cost: Free to explore; galleries and events vary
- Hours: Most shops open 10am–5pm
- Address: Blacksmith, 104 Pitts St, Berlin, MD
Bay Breezes in St. Michaels
St. Michaels was the kind of coastal town where the tide feels like it sets the pace. Marinas, seafood shacks, and sailboats lined the horizon like a painting in motion. I remember thinking, “This is how you reset—one sunset at a time.” The town was small, but its sense of place was huge. The clink of masts in the harbor, the smell of oysters on the grill, the warm wood of a wine bar at dusk—it all worked like a balm.
What I Loved Most: Taking a late afternoon cruise on the Miles River, the sun casting golden trails across the wake, herons flying low along the banks.
My highlights? Dinner at The Crab Claw, perched right over the water. I had steamed blue crabs with Old Bay, drawn butter, and corn on the cob. It was messy, loud, and perfect. Nothing says Maryland more than cracking crab shells by hand under a sunset sky.
Travel Tips:
- Drive Time from Annapolis: ~1.5 hours southeast
- Vibe: Nautical, charming, waterside quietude
- Highlights: Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, boat tours, boutique shops
- Best Time to Visit: Summer or early fall for boating, seafood, and bay breezes
- Cost: Maritime Museum ~$15; crab feasts ~$30+
- Hours: Most attractions 10am–5pm; restaurants open later
- Address: The Crab Claw, 304 Burns St, St. Michaels, MD
Quiet Roads and Barns in Waldorf
Waldorf felt like I’d found the pause button on a busy day. One of my favorite detours was a quiet road out past Middleton Road, where old tobacco barns leaned into the landscape, tall and weathered. Their doors stood ajar, as if still waiting for the scent of dried leaves and the hum of summer heat. It reminded me of how much stillness costs nothing and gives so much.
What I Loved Most: Driving slowly with no real destination—watching the way the light hit the fields and wondering how many stories those barns could tell.
My highlight? Lunch at Grinder’s Seafood. I walked in expecting something casual—and it was—but the food had heart. The crab cake sandwich was thick and just barely held together, the way it should be. No filler, just sweet Maryland crab, pan-seared golden. The fries had that satisfying crunch and came out piping hot. I took a bite and thought, “This is what coastal states do best—let the ingredients speak.” The air smelled like Old Bay and hush puppies. It felt like summer even though it wasn’t.
Plan your day trip:
- Drive Time from Washington, D.C.: ~40 minutes south
- Vibe: Suburban with rural pockets, nostalgic, quietly evolving
- Highlights: Legacy farms and barns, local seafood spots, relaxing country drives
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall for mild weather and green fields
- Cost: Free to explore; meals ~$15–25 per person
- Hours: Best enjoyed daylight hours; most restaurants open until 9pm
River Light and Small-Town Rhythm in Havre de Grace
“This is where the Susquehanna exhales,” I thought as I stood by the water, watching where the river meets the Chesapeake Bay. The light stretched long across the water, and everything—boats, gulls, breeze—moved slowly, as if in tune with some old coastal rhythm. Havre de Grace felt like a place you settle into, not just visit.
I walked the wooden Promenade along the shore, the boards creaking underfoot in a comforting way. On one side, the river sparkled in a way that made it hard to look away. On the other, tidy historic homes and bed-and-breakfasts stood quietly, like they’d seen more than they let on. There was a kind of dignity here—nothing flashy, just well-worn beauty.
What I Loved Most: Watching the Concord Point Lighthouse catch the morning sun, its white stone almost glowing. It felt like standing inside a watercolor.
My highlight? Lunch at MacGregor’s, tucked just up from the waterfront. I ordered the crab dip and a soft-shell crab sandwich. The dip was bubbling and rich, with just enough Old Bay to make my nose tingle. The sandwich? Crispy edges, tender inside, sweet crab flavor with a vinegary slaw that balanced it all. I ate slowly, staring out at the boats and thinking, “This town knows how to honor its waters.”
Plan your day trip:
- Drive Time from Baltimore: ~1 hour northeast
- Vibe: Nautical, walkable, quietly historic
- Highlights: Promenade, Concord Point Lighthouse, Havre de Grace Maritime Museum, Decoy Museum
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and early fall for light crowds and bay breezes
- Cost: Free to explore; museums ~$5–7; meals ~$15–30
- Hours: Promenade and lighthouse open daily; museums and restaurants typically 10am–5pm
Mountain Echoes in Cumberland
It was the sound of a train whistle that stayed with me—the low, echoing kind that pulls at memory. I was standing on the platform of the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad, feeling like I’d stepped into a sepia postcard. Cumberland wrapped around me in bricks and bridges, its downtown pressed into the hills like a secret trying not to be found.
The mountains pressed in close, but not in a way that felt heavy. More like they were keeping watch. I wandered along the C&O Canal towpath for a bit, letting my thoughts stretch as the river moved beside me. The air was sharp and clean, tinged with damp stone and pine. I passed a few cyclists, a pair of hikers, and for a while, just quiet.
What I Loved Most: That sense of stepping back in time without losing the present—a town that lets you slow down and breathe differently.
My highlight? Brunch at Queen City Creamery. I went for their breakfast sandwich—eggs scrambled soft, thick-cut bacon, and cheese melting into a fresh roll—and added a scoop of house-made coffee ice cream, just because. The sandwich was hearty, warm, comforting. The ice cream was rich with roasted flavor, almost smoky, and felt like a reward for nothing in particular. I sat near the window, watching locals drift in, and thought, “This is the kind of place where people still greet each other by name.”
Plan your day trip:
- Drive Time from D.C.: ~2.5 hours northwest
- Vibe: Historic, mountain-framed, quietly proud
- Highlights: Western Maryland Scenic Railroad, C&O Canal towpath, Downtown Cumberland historic district
- Best Time to Visit: Fall for leaf color, spring for crisp hikes
- Cost: Walking and canal access are free; train rides ~$40–60; meals ~$10–20
- Hours: Most shops 10am–5pm; trains and restaurants vary
Storybook Streets in Ellicott City
I walked down Main Street just after the rain, and the whole town smelled like wet stone and espresso. The buildings leaned close, brick and fieldstone darkened from the drizzle, like they were still catching their breath. Ellicott City had the feel of a story you’d read in a creaky library chair—one full of floods, fires, and the kind of grit that doesn’t try to impress you.
I wandered up to the historic B&O Railroad Station. A passing train rumbled through just as I reached the platform—loud, sudden, grounding. I thought, “This town doesn’t try to be charming. It just is.”
What I Loved Most: The texture of it all—stone walls, ivy-covered corners, hand-painted signs. Every inch told a piece of the town’s long, weathered history.
My highlight? Brunch at Little Market Café. Tucked beside the railroad, it felt like a local secret. I had a warm breakfast panini with eggs, spinach, and melted provolone on pressed sourdough. The bread crackled when I bit in, and the cheese pulled long like it didn’t want to let go. I sat in their leafy courtyard, sipping a vanilla chai that smelled like clove and caramel, thinking, “If I lived here, this would be my Sunday place.”
Plan your day trip:
- Drive Time from Baltimore: ~30 minutes west
- Vibe: Historic, artsy, a little haunted
- Highlights: Main Street shops, B&O Railroad Station Museum, Patapsco Valley State Park
- Best Time to Visit: Fall for foliage and festivals; spring for gardens and walking weather
- Cost: Free to stroll; museum ~$8; meals ~$10–20
- Hours: Most shops 11am–5pm; café open daily
Why Maryland Leaves an Impression
Whether it’s a walkable harbor, a historic battlefield, or a trail that leads to silence and sky, Maryland invites you to feel grounded and curious at the same time. It doesn’t overwhelm—it welcomes. These six towns reminded me that meaningful travel doesn’t always mean far-flung. Sometimes it’s just a couple of hours away, waiting with open doors, fresh flavors, and that one perfect view.
