Maryland is a state within the United States of America bordering Virginia, West Virginia, the District of Columbia, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and the Atlantic Ocean. The state is named after Henrietta Maria, who was the French-born Queen of England, Scotland, and Ireland and was called Mary in English. Sometimes called the Old Line State, the Free State, and the Chesapeake Bay State, Maryland is an excellent place to visit for both long and short holidays. The following will explore a few key draws to the state for tourists and travel lovers.
Coastal Bliss
One of the most popular places to visit in Maryland is Ocean City. With a gorgeous stretch of sandy beach and a plethora of attractions for all ages, Ocean City has become a favorite travel destination for families. Swimming, watersports, boogie boarding, fishing, and other oceanside activities are at the top of the list. Walk the 3-mile-long boardwalk that’s packed with shops, games, amusements, and delicious food options.
Stop by Assateague Island, where wild ponies still wander (please follow all recommendations regarding feeding and approaching the ponies; wild ponies are different than domesticated ones). There’s even the option to camp within the park. You can even look up the events schedule for ocean City to find a ton of different events, many of which are free, like Sunfest, Springfest, Winterfest, Bike Week, Ocean City AirShow, Shore Craft Beer festivals, weekly summer concerts, fireworks, Family Beach Olympics and Sundaes in the Park. There are a ton of activities and events in Ocean City.
Historical Charm
Annapolis is the capital city of Maryland, and this historic city overlooks the Chesapeake Bay. It’s been voted one of America’s prettiest cities by Southern Living, one of America’s most romantic towns by Travel and Leisure, and one of the most charming cities in the USA by Travelmag; it’s no wonder you can’t avoid this local on lists of Maryland recommendations. It’s another spectacular place to get out on the water and has been called the Sailing Capital of the U.S. There are a ton of sailing-focused events all year round, including races and boating shows.
On land in Historic Annapolis, you’ll find tons of shops, stellar art galleries, and museums galore. If you’re a seafood foodie, this is also a wonderful place to try steamed crabs, the local Annapolis specialty. There are also a ton of wine and beer tours.
Picturesque Town
Lovers of history and charm will feel right at home in Frederick, Maryland. The city has a beautiful historic downtown that you can explore on your own or via a walking tour. Carroll Creek Linear Park is a water-lily-filled park full of adorable bridges, canals, and tompe l-oeil art that can provide hours of soothing, casual wandering. The National Museum of Civil War Medicine can also be found in Frederick, and this is a place you can go to be deeply moved and impressed with what humans are capable of.
Afterward, you can visit Monocacy National Battlefield, where the last push from the Confederates took place in 1864. There are reenactments sometimes as well as that ineffable feeling that comes from sensing the powerful moments that have happened previously in the place you stood. Frederick is the perfect balance between city comforts and the slow pace of more rural areas making it a great stop for people who want a gentle pace for their travel with lots of stops to look at swans and other charming elements.
Wilderness Lovers
Patapsco Valley State Park is massive—more than 16,000 acres and more than 200 miles of scenic trails. There are several recreational areas, excellent fishing spots, playgrounds, and picnic facilities, making this park a great place for all ages and wilderness comfort levels. Horse trails and mountain biking trails, along with Cascades Falls Trail, can make this a wonderful spot to soak in the healing benefits of fresh air and trees and slow down a little. If you’re traveling with children, this is also a wonderful spot to get all their energy out and take some beautiful pictures, particularly in the autumn when the park comes to life with color.
The above information should have drawn your attention to a few key stops to make when visiting Maryland. Of course, Maryland is a fair-sized state, and this means that there are a ton of wonderful sites and towns not included on this list. If you have particular interests like food, culture, history, or nature, it might be a good idea to read up on specific offerings in those areas.