Nestled on the East Coast on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean, Maryland is a state that offers a diverse range of vacation options from beach breaks to camping. A haven for nature lovers, foodies, history enthusiasts, and intrepid adventurers, there’s plenty to see and do in the Old Line State. If you’re planning to visit for the first time, this handy guide is bursting with tips and recommendations.
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City breaks in Baltimore
Baltimore is the most populous city in Maryland. A thriving waterfront city, Baltimore offers something for everyone. A perfect blend of modern and traditional architecture, urban areas dotted with skyscrapers deliver beautiful views of rumbling river waters, the bustling harbor, and green parks.
There are many reasons to visit Baltimore if you’re planning a Maryland vacation. Firstly, there’s an abundance of sights and attractions, including the National Aquarium, the charming, historic Inner Harbor, Fort McHenry, and the American Visionary Art Museum. A city steeped in history, it is the birthplace of the Star-Spangled Banner, the US national anthem.
Another key reason to stop off in Baltimore is the food. This is a city famed for its gastronomy. Freshly-caught seafood is a particular draw for many, with top-rated restaurants boasting menus that celebrate local dishes and flavors.
Eateries like Magdalena Restaurant in Baltimore are an excellent example of menus that showcase sustainable, seasonal produce. Chesapeake Bay blue crabs are a local delicacy. If you’re a seafood lover, this is a must. Other dishes to try during your stay include Baltimore crab cakes, lake trout, Atlantic salmon, and pit beef.
Coastal adventures
If your dream vacation involves being by the water, Maryland delivers in spades. A trip to the Free State affords all kinds of vacation types, including lively beach breaks, outdoor pursuits, relaxing visits to charming seaside villages, and experiences for nature and wildlife lovers.
Ocean City is the place to be if you’re looking for a traditional, fun resort vacation with easy access to beaches, boardwalks, and amusements. Ideal for families and groups of friends, it offers a host of restaurants, bars, and leisure facilities flanked by a 10-mile stretch of golden sand. Ocean City is a popular destination, particularly during the summer, when there’s a lively atmosphere and crowds gather to soak up the sun.
For outdoor activities and camping trips, Assateague Island National Seashore provides an idyllic base for hiking, water sports, sailing, kayaking, fishing, crabbing, and open-water swimming. There’s a wide range of accommodation options for campers and those who prefer hotels, inns, and apartment rentals.
Assateague State Park, the only park located on the ocean in Maryland, is famous for its free-roaming wild horses. It’s a fantastic place for wildlife spotting. Keep your eyes peeled for oyster catchers, ospreys, herons, foxes, and bottlenose dolphins.
The Chesapeake Bay is one of the most famous locations in Maryland. The largest estuary in the US, it covers over 3,000 square miles. If you’re visiting the area, you can expect to find charming towns, laid-back eateries serving fresh crab, and lots of people enjoying water-based activities like boating and fishing.
The Chesapeake Bay Bridge joins the Western Shore to the Eastern Shore. The Western Shore is busier, with easy access to Annapolis and Baltimore, while the Eastern Shore is more tranquil and remote.
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Historic sights
Maryland has huge significance in the history of the United States. If you’re interested in history, this state is a veritable treasure trove, with all kinds of attractions, monuments, and landmarks to discover. Annapolis is the natural place to begin your tour. The capital of Maryland, this city is also known as the sailing capital of the US.
It boasts an enviable location on the water and is home to the US Naval Academy. The streets of Annapolis have a rustic charm that makes you feel as though you’ve traveled back in time. It’s well worth leaving time in your itinerary to stroll at leisure and meander through the quaint courtyards and waterfront pathways. There’s a strong colonial identity within the architecture, and the city boasts a welcoming, friendly atmosphere.
Other attractions to see include Annapolis Maritime Museum & Park, the historic harbor, William Paca House and Garden, Ego Alley, and the Banneker-Douglas Museum. You can also catch a sunset cruise around Chesapeake Bay to enjoy stunning views as dusk descends.
Leaving Annapolis behind, history aficionados can explore the Fort McHenry monument in Baltimore, which played a significant role in protecting the city during the war of 1812, Antietam National Battlefield in Sharpsburg, and St John’s Site. Located in St Mary’s City, St John’s Site Museum houses artefacts from the plantation built for John Lewger, Maryland’s first secretary, in the 1600s.
Sports
Sports fans in Maryland tend to follow the two biggest teams, the Baltimore Ravens and the Baltimore Orioles. The Ravens compete in the NFL, while the Orioles are the state’s leading baseball team. If you’re eager to catch an NFL or MLB game during your stay, head to the M&T Bank Stadium to see the Ravens in action or Camden Yards to enjoy the thrills and spills of live baseball. It’s a good idea to check fixtures and book tickets in advance. You can search listings and book tickets online via reputable, approved websites.
Maryland is also known for its impressive collegiate sports system. The Terrapins, from the University of Maryland, compete in the NCAA Division. If you’re a football supporter, you can soak up the atmosphere and join the hordes of fans in the stands at College Park.
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Maryland is a fabulous destination for travelers with a diverse range of interests. Boasting everything from cosmopolitan cities to tranquil bays and quaint seaside towns, it offers opportunities to plan city breaks, outdoor adventures, camping, beach vacations, and cultural tours. Highlights include visiting historic monuments, museums, and landmarks in Baltimore and Annapolis, fishing, boating or relaxing by the water in Chesapeake Bay, sampling local seafood, including blue crab, catching live sport, and enjoying chilled-out or fun-filled days at the beach. Whatever kind of vacation you’re looking for, Maryland is a wonderful choice.