Fun Things to Do in Maryland
Maryland is famously known for its blue crabs. While you might want to grab some while you visit the Old Line State, you’ll want to see the many fascinating destinations perfect for a day trip or extended vacation. Here are some of the spots to visit:
Educational
B&O Railroad Museum (Baltimore) — educational and entertaining, it advertises hosting the oldest and most comprehensive American railroad collection in the world.
Davis Planetarium (Baltimore) — located within the Maryland Science Center, it features a gigantic dome that plays shows for all ages on topics such as galaxies, supernovas, and black holes.
National Aquarium (Baltimore) — be one of the 1.5 million annual visitors and experience sharks swimming overhead. Thousands of birds, bugs, reptiles, amphibians, and mammals are residents along with extensive marine life.
Port Discovery Children’s Museum (Baltimore) — a great place for youngsters to burn off energy. They can paint, climb, dig — even venture into planes and trains.
Historical
U.S. Naval Academy (Annapolis) — tour the academy’s beautiful campus, architecture, and monuments. You’ll hear fascinating stories from the tour guides relating to the academy’s long, distinguished history (dating back to 1845) and learn what it takes to become a naval officer.
Antietam National Battlefield (Sharpsburg) — visit the scene of one of the most devastating Civil War battles. Antietam features various monuments and landmarks, a museum, cemetery, and visitor center.
Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine (Baltimore) — oh say can you see the birthplace of the American national anthem? Of course, but you can also watch historical reenactments, view museum showcases, and enjoy fireworks.
George Peabody Library (Baltimore) — a must–see if you’re into architecture. The library features a stunning, cathedral–style atrium with five tiers of ornamental cast–iron balconies. It is considered one of the most beautiful libraries in the world.
Thomas Point Shoal Light (Annapolis) — originally built in 1825, this historic lighthouse is still in use today and offers tours. One of the state’s oldest and most significant monuments, it’s on the National Register of Historic Places.
Recreational
Assateague Island National Seashore (Berlin) — the wild horses of Assateague draw tourists from all over the U.S. After enjoying their beauty and eagles’ nests in the island’s tall, willowy trees, you can kayak, hike, bike, and camp out.
Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge (Cambridge) — if it’s back to nature you’re looking for, this beautiful, remote landscape is home to dozens of wildlife species. Visitors can add fishing, hiking, cycling, and boating to their list of things to do.
Calvert Cliffs State Park (Lusby) — visit a popular destination where the mountains meet the sea. It’s a fantastic location if you like taking photos of dramatic views, including cliffs formed 10 to 20 million years ago.
Great Falls of the Potomac (Montgomery County) — located on the Maryland–Virginia border, it provides a breathtaking view of waterfalls cascading over rocks and whitewater rapids rolling down mountain valleys.
Ocean City Boardwalk (Ocean City) — enjoy a day on the beach followed by walking the three miles of shops, restaurants, rides, and carnival games on the famed Ocean City Boardwalk. Don’t forget the saltwater taffy.
Sandy Point State Park (Annapolis) — situated on the Chesapeake Bay with many popular beaches from which to go diving, fishing, or crabbing.
Swallow Falls State Park (Oakland) — located nine miles north of Oakland, this park contains some of the state’s most breathtaking views. It has the tallest free–falling waterfall in Maryland and hemlock trees more than 300 years old.
And For Something Completely Different
American Visionary Art Museum (Baltimore) — one of the more eclectic museums you are likely to encounter. If you ever wanted to view handmade robots, human–sized bird nests, and cars made out of bottle caps, this is the place for you.
Ghost Fleet of Mallows Bay (Nanjemoy) — home to a fleet of wooden steamships built for WWI and left to rot in the water in the 1920s. Over the years, other shipwrecked or storm–tossed vessels beached there. Now, more than 100 ships can be found floating in the bay.
North Market Pop Shop (Frederick) — if you like soft drinks, this is a must see throwback shop. It features more than 400 flavors, including old, rare brands. You can even have a scoop of ice cream added to create a refreshing ice cream float.
