Things To Do In Maryland
The home of the Nation’s Capital, though the District of Columbia is considered its own separate entity, is a smaller state on the east coast that, nonetheless, packs quite a punch in terms of tourist attractions. Maryland is a unique area with plenty to offer for all types of personalities, including history buffs, art lovers, wildlife fanatics, adventurers, athletes, landscape admirers, and even sports fans.
A trip through this state is well worth your time. From Ocean City to Baltimore to Annapolis, and everywhere in between, you can find plenty of things to do in Maryland, whether you are a local resident, traveling down the coast, or coming from across the pond for an international vacation. The key to making the most of your Maryland experience is knowing what attractions there are and where to find them.
That is the whole point of this guide…to arm you with a list of opportunities for enjoying all that this state has to offer. As you plan your trip, whether it is a short weekend or a two-week stay, hopefully, you can rely on this resource to get a good picture of all the possibilities for enjoying your time.
Let’s get right down to business.
Ocean City
Ocean City is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the state. It is home to many of the most fun things to do in Maryland. This resort town sits between the Atlantic Ocean and the Isle of Wight Bay on a very narrow strip of land that is surrounded by water on all sides. What this means is that it is one of the most unique locations in the state and has been designed to suit tourists from all walks of life. Here are a few of the notable attractions that you can check out in Ocean City, MD.
Ocean City Boardwalk
Named one of the top ten boardwalks in the United States by National Geographic, the Ocean City Boardwalk is an absolute necessity to explore during your stay. The three-mile stretch contains numerous dining options, entertainment venues, and activities to keep any traveler satisfied, no matter their age. Enjoy some Maryland crab cakes, browse a gift shop, enjoy the amusement park rides if you have kids, and stay for a night full of special events with music and lights. If you are in the area, then Ocean City Boardwalk is a must-see for you and your fellow travelers.
Performing Arts Center
Do you love live performances like plays, dances, or concerts? The new Performing Arts Center in Ocean City is the perfect place to enjoy some live entertainment from performers who are dedicated to their crafts. An elegant stage and auditorium are the perfect backdrop for an enjoyable evening during your trip.
Various Museums
Ocean City features a large collection of museums that feature artwork, historic buildings, and pieces of history that can interest many curious minds. The OC Life-Saving Station Museum tells the story of the precursor organization to the National Coast Guard. Are you an architecture enthusiast? Then head to St. Martin’s Church, a great example of architecture and Episcopal history. Learn about local history through art at the Julia A. Purnell Museum.
Museums of Maryland
Ocean City is not the only place where you can learn about art, culture, history, and the natural world. There are many incredible museums throughout the state that you can find, no matter where your travels take you. Here are a few of the top Maryland museums to visit.
Walters Art Museum
Located in the heart of Baltimore, MD, the Walters Art Museum has a collection of 36,000 objects from around the world. Admire artifacts like 19th-century French paintings, Roman sarcophagi, images of Buddha, and Ethiopian icons. The Walters Art Museum has free admission, so it is an easy way to spend a few hours during an afternoon in Baltimore. The museum itself was established in 1934 to bring together various cultures and histories into one location for people to learn about. If world history and artwork pique your interest, then make sure the Walters Art Museum is at the top of your priority list for Maryland attractions.
Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Museum
The railroad industry was a critical component of 19th-century growth in the United States. At the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Museum, (also known as the B&O Railroad Museum), you can learn about the country’s first commercial railroad which was founded in 1827. It is recognized as the birthplace of American railroading. Head to the city of Baltimore to find this museum and learn about the incredible history of this crucial branch of the early infrastructure of the country. Experience interactive exhibits that are educational for travelers of all ages at the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Museum.
Baltimore Museum of Art
While you are still in this city, it would be worth checking out the Baltimore Museum of Art as well. Over 100 years ago, this museum was founded on the idea that art belongs to everyone and is a vital piece of a thriving civilization. The Baltimore Museum of Art is committed to equity and access to artwork for all people. The collection of 18th-, 19th-, and 20th-century art is sure to thrill any art lover that is passing through this city.
American Visionary Art Museum
This facility in Baltimore offers a truly unique take on art. It combines art with science, philosophy, humor, and even social justice. Visitors to the American Visionary Art Museum are encouraged to let go of any inhibitions and simply have fun with the many exhibits and interactive activities. If you are drawn to what may be considered “outsider art,” then this could be the perfect museum for you.
Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum
The Chesapeake Bay is an incredibly significant body of water on the east coast. Head to the city of St. Michaels and visit the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum to learn all about the history, environment, and culture of this region. Come see the floating fleet of historic ships or the 12 exhibit buildings, all situated along a waterfront setting on the Miles River. The Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum is very educational and could make for a relaxing afternoon with the family.
Washington County Museum of Fine Arts
For those interested in fine arts and education, this museum sits in the historic City Park of Hagerstown, MD. This small museum has a collection of over 6,000 paintings, sculptures, drawings, prints, and other forms of art from around the world. Plus, there rotating exhibitions that feature living artists or those with local connections. The Washington County Museum of Fine Arts is another item to include on your travel itinerary, especially if you are close to the bottleneck area of Maryland.
National Museum of Civil War Medicine
The Civil War was one of the darkest periods in American history when brother fought against brother. Yet this era still displayed plenty of hope and heroism from many, despite the conflict. The National Museum of Civil War Medicine in Frederick, MD focuses on a unique piece of history, telling the stories of soldiers and surgeons and how medical practices advanced during the period.
Museum Houses
Many historic buildings in the state of Maryland have been preserved or restored as historic structures. Some of these include the Irish Railroad Workers Museum, the Hampton National Historic Site, the Captain Avery Museum, and the Beall-Dawson Historic House Museum. Be sure to look up these historic sites during your stay if you want to learn more about the rich history of Maryland and its notable civilians.
National Parks, Monuments, and Facilities
In addition to plenty of museums, there are also parks that are overseen by the national park service. Other monuments and facilities are relevant to the entire country and are worth visiting during your travels. If you are looking for things to do in Maryland, then visiting some of these national locations can elevate your trip to the next level.
Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park
Another crucial component of the historical infrastructure is the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park. This waterway operated for almost 100 years, providing a crucial lifeline to many communities along the Potomac River. Many of the original structures along the 184-mile canal have been preserved. To learn more about this historic canal, you can head to multiple locations including the Brunswick Visitor Center in Frederick County, the Cumberland Visitor Center in Allegany county, or the Georgetown Visitor Center in Washington, D.C.
Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine
In the War of 1812, Fort McHenry successfully defended the Baltimore Harbor from an attack by the British Navy. This battle is significant because it inspired Francis Scott Key to write the Star-Spangled Banner, which would become the National Anthem of the United States. A visit to the Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine will reveal multiple stories about the fort, from the Civil War to WWII, as well as the details behind the national anthem composition. This national historic landmark is a must-see for history buffs traveling in the state of Maryland.
Antietam National Battlefield
The bloodiest day in American history occurred at the Battle of Antietam in Sharpsburg, MD. Now marked as a historical site, the Antietam National Battlefield represents the 23,000 soldiers who died during the conflict, a battle that halted the advance of the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia into the north. Learn about the outcome and tactics of the battle, explore the field itself, and witness this incredible piece of American history in-person at this national historic landmark.
National Aquarium
On Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, you can find the National Aquarium. It features award-winning exhibits, tours, and even 4D movies detailing the amazing aquatic life that is displayed within. Come face-to-face with hundreds of underwater creatures and plants at the National Aquarium, leaving you with memories that you are not likely to forget. This is the perfect attraction for those with young children who are fascinated by wildlife, as it will entertain their minds and educate them about the natural world around them.
Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge
12 miles south of Cambridge, MD is the Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge. It was originally established in 1933 for migratory birds to have a safe haven that was preserved for their use. It is a stopping point on the Atlantic Flyway, a major migration highway for waterfowl in the North American continent. Stop by the refuge to see various species of migratory birds.
Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historical Park
One of the most significant figures in American history, the story of Harriet Tubman is one featuring hope and bravery. She risked her life, again and again, to guide slaves to freedom in the north before the Civil War. The Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historical Park preserves the very lands that were used to help transport these escaped slaves to freedom. Learn more about this incredible activist at the visitor center in Church Creek, MD. Stop at the gift shop on the way out for some souvenirs to remember the trip.
Getting in Touch with Nature
Nature lovers who travel through Maryland will find plenty of opportunities to sate their hunger for experiences with landscapes, flora, and fauna. Places like the National Aquarium and the Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge are great starting points, but there are many other attractions to help you get in touch with nature during your trip through the state.
Calvert Cliffs State Park
Protecting portions of a 24-mile stretch of cliffs on the west side of the Chesapeake Bay, the Calvert Cliffs State Park is a great location to visit to see some incredible rock formations. With multiple hiking trails, beaches, and a campground, this state park has plenty to offer those who want to see a beautiful landscape feature in Maryland.
Great Falls Park
Waterfalls are incredible landscape features that often amaze those who see them. They are a strong, erosive force that can shape the land around them in multiple ways. Great Falls Park on the border of Montgomery County in Maryland and Fairfax County in Virginia offers lovely views of a series of waterfalls and rapids along the Potomac River, just 14 miles upstream from Washington, D.C. Multiple nearby hiking trails will offer you a variety of locations from which to view Great Falls, so you can make a long afternoon trip out of your visit to the park. It is a hidden gem in the long list of things to do in Maryland.
Chesapeake Bay
The country’s largest estuary provides hundreds of locations along the coastline where you can experience incredible views of nature. Though many of the areas around the Bay are populated, there are plenty more where you can escape civilization and experience the waters, beaches, wetlands, wildlife, and more. Multiple cities are located on Chesapeake Bay, making it easy to have a base of operations from which to visit many areas along the coast. You can stay in Annapolis, Baltimore, St. Mary’s City, Cambridge, Aberdeen, or others along the Chesapeake Bay, all of which are within driving or even walking distance of incredible views of this natural landscape.
Assateague Island
A 37-mile barrier island in the Atlantic Ocean, the top two-thirds of this landmass is a part of the state of Maryland. Assateague Island offers many natural landscapes, including sandy beaches, maritime forests, salt marshes, and coastal bays. There are plenty of nature trails that are ideal for walking or biking. If you are lucky, you may get to catch a glimpse of the wild horses that roam the island. Because of the wind and waves, the beaches around Assateague Island are constantly on the move, creating a shifting landscape that isn’t always the same. If you love kayaking, then you should hit the waters in one of the best ways to explore the island. There are also ranger-guided programs available for those who want to learn a little more about the barrier island environment.
Lively Sporting Events
Maryland has multiple venues at which both amateur and professional sports are played throughout the year. Whether you are a baseball fan who wants to check out Oriole Park at Camden Yards on West Camden St or just a casual traveler who has an afternoon or evening to kill, attending a sporting event in Maryland can be a truly exciting experience.
University of Maryland
The University of Maryland has multiple large sports programs in which student-athletes participate. The Terrapins have a long history of success in various competitions, from football to basketball to baseball to field hockey. Located in College Park, MD, the athletic program of this university provides many opportunities for sports fans to take in a live event on or near the campus. If you have an afternoon or evening to kill and one of your favorite sports is in season, then taking in a game would be a great way to spend your time.
Baltimore Orioles
One of the biggest professional franchises in the state is the Baltimore-based MLB team that plays its home games in Oriole Park at Camden Yards. With multiple World Series Championships to boast of, this storied franchise has a deeply passionate fanbase in Baltimore and the state of Maryland. If you want to watch the Baltimore Orioles take on other teams from across the country in front of a loud crowd, then consider buying tickets to a home game to enjoy a fun day at the ballpark.
Washington Commanders
This NFL team underwent a name change in 2022 to the Washington Commanders. Football games can give you some of the most raucous live settings that you may ever experience, especially when the home team is beating a divisional rival, in this case, the New York Giants, the Philadelphia Eagles, or the Dallas Cowboys. The Commanders play their home games in Landover, MD, which is just outside the District of Columbia. Attending a game at FedexField is sure to be a thrilling experience, (especially if they are winning), and is the perfect way to kill a Sunday afternoon or evening.
Baltimore Ravens
Baltimore is extremely passionate about its professional teams. The fanbases there are always loud, and you’ll never be disappointed by the home game experience of this NFL franchise. Plus, Super Bowl victories in 2000 and 2012 have made this team one of the few NFL franchises with multiple championships in the 21st century. Before you head to the stadium, make sure you don some purple gear, or even better, find some Ravens swag to mark yourself as a fan of the home team. A Baltimore Ravens game could be a great addition to your trip itinerary, especially if you love the idea of a packed stadium and a live sporting event to take in.
Other Maryland Attractions to Check Out
Even with everything listed above, we still haven’t scratched the surface of all the things to do in Maryland during your visit. Don’t forget to look into these next few attractions to see if they would make your plans even more enjoyable.
Maryland Science Center
Located in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, the Maryland Science Center has three levels of exhibits, a planetarium, and an observatory. With interactive exhibits and experiments to view and participate in, the Science Center has no shortage of activities to excite the curious mind of a traveler. You can also view educational films and features on a 5-story IMAX screen at the Center. Make sure you add this attraction to your list if you are a fan of understanding how the world around you works.
Baltimore’s Mount Vernon Neighborhood
If you want to tour a hip and elegant neighborhood in downtown Baltimore, then find the Mount Vernon neighborhood. This part of the city is one of the oldest neighborhoods and features huge old mansions that belonged to 19th-century industrialists. The historic district has plenty of shopping, dining, and museums to explore to make spending a day there easy. Plus, the Washington Monument is a significant landmark located in this area. You can also visit the Maryland Center for History and Culture to see the original copy of the “Star-Spangled Banner.” There is plenty to do in this illustrious neighborhood, so make sure you spend a day or two visiting this spot.
Goddard Space Flight Center
In Greenbelt, MD, just a few miles northeast of Washington, D.C., you can find the Goddard Space Flight Center. It is a major NASA research laboratory and currently employs around 10,000 people who continue to research and discover on behalf of the space exploration industry. Goddard Space Flight Center offers virtual tours, exhibits, and lots of learning opportunities in the fields of Earth science, astrophysics, heliophysics, planetary science, engineering, communications, and technology development. All science lovers will be thrilled to visit the Space Flight Center in Greenbelt.
Port Discovery Children’s Museum
Do you have some kids with you on the trip that you want to entertain for a day? Then the Port Discovery Children’s Museum in Baltimore is where you need to be. Over 260,000 guests visit this museum each year, which demonstrates how exciting it can be for young minds. Hands-on learning opportunities and entertaining programs will help your children expand their minds and discover more about the world around them. If you believe in the value of learning through play, then your kids deserve a trip to the Port Discovery Children’s Museum during your Maryland trip.
Take in a Concert
Concerts and other forms of live entertainment are a staple of Maryland tourism. You never know what musical group might be in town as you travel around the state, or maybe you came for the sole purpose of seeing your favorite singer in concert. Whether it is at the Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia, MD, or any of the other major venues across the state, you can take in those favorite tunes of yours in a live, exciting setting at a concert during your vacation.
Pratt St. Baltimore, MD
This central roadway in downtown Baltimore is notable for multiple reasons. First, it was the site of the famous Baltimore Riot in 1861, when Confederate sympathizers attacked Union militia troops. Second, this street is an important gateway to the Inner Harbor, a crucial sightseeing hub and family-friendly area. Pratt St. Baltimore, MD is also close by to many important landmarks in the city, including Oriole Park at Camden Yards, Little Italy, and the National Aquarium. Pratt St. is a one-way street that you should include in your visit.
North Market Pop Shop
If you are in Frederick, MD, then you must stop into this small ice cream and soda shop. Known for being the east coast’s largest collection of bottled soda, the North Market Pop Shop offers 400+ varieties of bottled soda, on top of a vast selection of all-natural ice cream flavors. If you’re in the mood for a retro experience, then head to downtown Frederick to find this gem and enjoy a cool bottle of soda, (or pop depending on where you live).
Adventure Park USA
A great theme park to take the kids to, Adventure Park USA is located in New Market, MD not too far east of the city of Frederick. Go-karts, mini golf, laser tag, bowling, and plenty of roller coaster rides like the Wild West Express make this park the largest family entertainment center in the state. It is truly one of the most fun things to do in Maryland if you have children.
National Harbor Resort
Maybe you are hoping for a more relaxing vacation without traveling across the entire state. Fortunately, National Harbor Resort is made for that very purpose. Head south of Washington, D.C. on the east side of the Potomac to find this luxury property for a revitalizing stay. This waterfront getaway offers live music, multiple luxurious hotels, proximity to the city, views of the historic Woodrow Wilson Bridge, and plenty of activities to make your vacation perfect. Experience the east coast’s premiere gaming floor at the MGM National Harbor.
What Are You Waiting For? It’s Time to Travel to Maryland
Everyone knows that planning a vacation or a long trip can be stressful. Maybe you have one location that you want to visit but are not sure about how you will spend each day or if there are nearby attractions that you don’t know about. the purpose of this guide is to give you a roadmap for your travels that can equip you to make the most of your Maryland adventure.
Explore Maryland’s eastern shore on the Chesapeake Bay. Head to M&T Bank Stadium in the fall for an exciting Ravens game. If football isn’t your sport but you love America’s pastime, then Oriole Park at Camden Yards is a must-see for a Baltimore Orioles home game. Visit the many historic places that the state has to offer, such as the educational center at Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Park. Head to Ocean City for special events and plenty of entertainment opportunities on a unique barrier island. Check out the historic ships at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum. Come see the wild horses and sandy beaches of Assateague Island. Visit St. Mary’s City near the southern tip of the state that just out into the Bay and pick up some souvenirs from the gift shop. Enjoy a luxurious staycation at the National Harbor Resort on the Potomac.
There are so many things to do in Maryland that this list is just a tiny view of all the attractions that may draw the interest of travelers. Checking out a state park, national museum, beautiful landscape, or new adventure is easy when you come to this state. Whether you are an international traveler, a cross-country road-tripper, or a resident of Maryland, use this guide to discover more of what the state has to offer and start making more memories that you will never forget.