The Mid-Atlantic state of Maryland offers a diverse array of landmarks and attractions. During your trip to Maryland, you will discover rich history, charming waterfronts, picturesque scenery, outdoor recreation, and culinary delights. Here are our 7 favorite things to do during your trip.
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National Harbor
Located along the Potomac River in Maryland, the National Harbor offers plenty of entertainment, dining, shopping, and activities. Take a spin on the Capital Wheel to get a bird’s-eye view of the Potomac River and Washington, D.C. Then enjoy a stroll along the scenic waterfront walkway before indulging in a delicious meal at one of the many restaurants available.
The area abounds with art and sculptures. Keep an eye out for the Awakening Sculpture that looks like a giant emerging from the sand. And don’t miss the nightly fountain water and light show at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center.
Shoppers will enjoy visiting the Tanger Outlets featuring more than 85 stores and hundreds of brands. And if you want to try to make a few more bucks for shopping, you can visit the casino at the MGM Hotel. It offers world-class gaming, dining, and shows.
National Harbor is a great place to base your vacation if you love history. It is located right across the water from George Washington’s Mount Vernon estate. Other nearby historical sites include Oxon Hill Manor, National Colonial Farm, and Fort Foote and Fort Washington. You can also take a water taxi from the National Harbor Marina to Alexandria to explore the sites of Washington, D.C.
There are many great places to stay in the area. And there are many other fun things to see and do.
National Aquarium in Baltimore
One the premier aquariums in the U.S., the National Aquarium is must-see when visiting Maryland. Housed in a striking building with a glass pyramid roof, the aquarium is located on Baltimore’s Inner Harbor. It features a vast array of exhibits representing a variety of ecosystems such as coral reefs, rainforests, wetlands, and rivers.
The aquarium is best known for its Blacktip Reef exhibit. This replication of an Indo-Pacific reef features blacktip reef sharks living and interacting with other species in a 270,000 gallon tank. Another notable exhibit is Dolphin Discovery. Home of six Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, this exhibit offers guests opportunities to view and learn more about these playful and intelligent animals. Also not to be missed is the Jellies Invasion exhibit featuring the beautiful and diverse array of jellyfish that populates the world. Tired of sea creatures? Then check out the Australia: Wild Extremes exhibit containing 1,000 animals such as turtles, crocodiles, lizards, birds, snakes, and more!
Upgrade your visit with one of the many tours or special experiences offered. You can tour the animal care and research center, go behind-the-scenes of the shark or dolphin exhibits, or help prepare for museum opening by feeding animals on a sunrise tour. You can also sign up for a dolphin training session, or participate in an aquarium sleepover! And 4D films and virtual reality experiences are offered daily for a minimal fee.
There are many great places to stay in Baltimore. And there are plenty of other things to do nearby!
Assateague Island National Seashore
Assateague Island National Seashore is an island stretching along the Atlantic Ocean on the coasts of Maryland and Virginia. It’s unique because it is inhabited by a population of wild horses known as Chincoteague ponies. No one knows precisely why they are there, but theories abound. Perhaps they are descendents of domesticated horses that survived a shipwreck in the 16th or 17th century. Or they could be descendents of the horses that European settlers brought with them. Regardless of their origin, their presence captivates visitors and add to the scenic beauty of the island.
The horses are not the only reason to visit Assateague Island. Pristine and scenic beaches abound. And the island offers plenty for active tourists to do such as swimming, hiking, and kayaking. Fishing is permitted in some areas, and birdwatchers will love seeing the 300+ species of migratory birds that visit the island throughout the year. The island is recognized as a Dark Sky Park, so it’s a great place for stargazing as well.
Camping is allowed in the park. There are many great places to stay nearby. You can also check out other fun things to see and do while in the area.
Annapolis Historic District
If you love history and charm, look no further than Annapolis Historic District. Located in Maryland’s capital city, this district is home to many well-preserved colonial structures. Take a walking tour to learn more about the district’s history and landmarks. Better yet, take a ghost tour to learn all about the famous residents and ghosts who still lurk in every corner.
You can also visit the U.S. Naval Academy. Start at Halsey Field House to see a high-tech exhibit that explains how the academy educates future Naval officers. Then make your way to the Visitor’s Center to see a brief film and enjoy 700+ photographs documenting Naval Academy history. Interested in more Naval history? Don’t miss the USNA Museum containing exhibits and information on the history of seapower, the history of the U.S. Navy, and how the Naval Academy prepares future officers. A variety of tours are of the campus grounds are also available. Plan your visit to coincide with the Noon Meal Formation to see thousands of Midshipmen marching in for roll call. After the ceremony, the USNA band plays several tunes, including Anchors Away and the Halls of Montezuma. It’s a must-do!
Don’t miss the Annapolis waterfront during your visit. It’s a great place to dine and shop and admire the scenic views of the harbor. Or take a sailing, harbor, or sunset cruise out to explore Chesapeake Bay. You can also visit the Annapolis Maritime Museum to learn more about oyster harvesting, boat building, and the bay itself. In the evening, hang out at the benches along Dock Street to see the parade of boats passing through Ego Alley. Christmas visitors get a special treat – many of the boats are decked out in lights!
There are many great places to stay in Annapolis. And there are plenty of other things to do nearby.
Ocean City Boardwalk
Make your way to the coast of Maryland to explore Ocean City Boardwalk. This popular getaway offers scenic beach views and a lively atmosphere. Rent bikes or roller blades to take advantage of the dedicated lanes along the boardwalk. After you burn some calories, indulge in classic boardwalk treats such as funnel cakes, saltwater taffy, and other treats. Want something more substantial? No worries – delicious seafood options including Maryland’s famous blue crab are prevalent. After dinner, wander along the boardwalk and enjoy entertainment from street performers, musicians and artists.
Kids and kids-at-heart will love visiting the Jolly Roger at the Pier amusement park. Featuring rides, carnival games, and entertainment, there’s something for everyone. There are also several arcades along the boardwalk to enjoy. Try your hand fishing and crabbing from the Ocean City Fishing Pier. And there’s no shortage of shops featuring everything from beachwear to artwork to find that perfect souvenir.
Visit the Ocean City Life Saving Station Museum dedicated to preserving the history of the organization responsible for rescuing shipwrecked sailors. The museum also serves as a repository of information and artifacts highlighting the history and maritime heritage of Ocean City.
There are many great places to stay in Ocean City. And there are also several other fun things to see and do while in the area.
Great Falls Park
Great Falls Park is located along the Potomac River and is accessible from both Virginia and Maryland. From the Maryland side, the park is part of the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historic Park. Start your visit at the Great Falls Tavern Visitors Center. It was an inn in the 19th century when activities in the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal were at their peak. Today, it has exhibits showcasing the history of the canal, the role of the tavern, and the development of canal transportation.
After checking out the visitor’s center, take the 7 minute walk over to the Great Falls Overlook to see a great view of the falls. Another great viewpoint is from the Olmstead Island Overlook, a 13 minute walk from the visitor’s center. If you are up for a strenuous hike, tackle the Billy Goat Trail. It’s a total of 8 miles but is broken up into three sections so you can choose the part that is right for your hiking ability. If you want a more simple hike, take the C&O Canal Towpath alongside the river. You can also ride a replica canal boat! Go through the canal locks just as visitors would have in the 1870s during the canal’s heyday.
Lodging is available in historic lockhouses in the park, and you can also camp there. And there are many great places to stay nearby. Check out these other fun things to see and do while in the area.
Fort McHenry National Monument
Our final site in Maryland is Fort McHenry National Monument. This is where the battle that inspired Francis Scott Key to write the U.S. National Anthem, The Star-Spangled Banner. He wrote the lyrics after seeing the American flag flying over the fort during the Battle of of Baltimore during the War of 1812.
Go to the Visitor and Education Center to see interactive exhibits and displays about the history of the fort, the War of 1812, and the battle that inspired the national anthem. Visitors can also explore the well-preserved fortifications, barracks, and artillery positions of the fort. Park Rangers share stories about the people who defended the fort and provide insights into the history of the region.
There are many great places to stay in Baltimore. And there are plenty of other things to do nearby!
What’s on your Maryland trip itinerary?
These are just 7 of the sensational sites to see in Maryland. But the state is full of many more incredible destinations that are worth exploring. Tell us below where you plan to visit!
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