Maryland Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Maryland with our comprehensive travel guide. Discover the top attractions, nature spots, hiking routes, best things to do, where to stay and eat, and more!


Comprehensive Travel Guide to Maryland

Are you planning to visit Maryland and looking for the best places to see, things to do, and local experiences? Look no further! In this comprehensive travel guide, we will help you discover the hidden gems, must-see attractions, natural wonders, and cultural hotspots of Maryland.

Introduction to Maryland

Located in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States, Maryland is known for its diverse landscapes, vibrant urban centers, historical landmarks, and natural beauty. Maryland is bordered by Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia, with the Atlantic Ocean on its eastern edge.

The state is home to many picturesque sights, including the Chesapeake Bay, Antietam National Battlefield, and Baltimore’s Inner Harbor. Maryland is also renowned for its culinary scene, seafood, and outdoor recreation options.

List of Places to Visit in Maryland

Maryland has something for everyone. Whether you are a history buff, nature lover, foodie, or adventure enthusiast, there are many places to visit in Maryland. Here are some of the must-see attractions in Maryland:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • National Aquarium, Baltimore
  • Maryland State House, Annapolis
  • Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine, Baltimore
  • The Walters Art Museum, Baltimore
  • Antietam National Battlefield, Sharpsburg
  • Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad State Park, Church Creek
  • The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore, Baltimore

Natural Attractions of Maryland: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, Saint Michaels
  • Assateague State Park, Berlin
  • Cunningham Falls State Park, Thurmont
  • C&O Canal National Historical Park, Hagerstown
  • Deep Creek Lake, McHenry
  • Patapsco Valley State Park, Ellicott City
  • Savage River State Forest, Grantsville

Hiking/Biking Routes of Maryland

Maryland’s diverse topography offers numerous opportunities for hiking and biking enthusiasts. Here are some of the most popular hiking and biking routes in Maryland:

  • Appalachian Trail, South Mountain State Park
  • Billy Goat Trail, Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historic Park
  • Capital Crescent Trail, Georgetown to Silver Spring
  • Gwynns Falls Trail, Baltimore
  • Patapsco Valley State Park, Ellicott City

Best Things to Do in Maryland: Activities and Tours

From outdoor adventures to cultural experiences, there are plenty of things to do in Maryland. Here are some top activities and tours that you should not miss:

  • Annapolis Food Tour, Annapolis
  • Eastern Shore Brewery Tour, St. Michaels
  • Chesapeake Bay Sailing Cruise, Annapolis
  • Stand-up Paddleboarding at Deep Creek Lake, McHenry
  • Baltimore Inner Harbor Segway Tour, Baltimore

Week-Long Itinerary for Maryland

If you are planning to spend a week in Maryland, here is our suggested itinerary:

Day Activity
Day 1 Explore Baltimore’s Inner Harbor and visit the National Aquarium or The Walters Art Museum
Day 2 Take a walking tour of Annapolis, visit the Maryland State House, and have lunch at one of the city’s seafood restaurants
Day 3 Drive to Deep Creek Lake for kayaking, hiking or mountain biking, and spend the night
Day 4 Visit the Assateague Island National Seashore and see wild horses on the beach
Day 5 Explore the C&O Canal National Historical Park and bike along the Capital Crescent Trail
Day 6 Hike along the Appalachian Trail at South Mountain State Park
Day 7 Spend the morning at Cunningham Falls State Park and drive to Baltimore for some shopping and dining

Food and Drink Scene of Maryland

Maryland is known for its seafood and regional specialties such as crab cakes, oysters, and Old Bay seasoning. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Crab Cakes
  • Smith Island Cake
  • Steamed Crabs
  • Old Bay Seasoning
  • Maryland-style Fried Chicken

Local Beverages

  • National Bohemian Beer (Natty Boh)
  • Baltimore Whiskey
  • Heavy Seas Beer

Where to Stay in Maryland: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Maryland offers a variety of accommodation options, from budget-friendly hostels to luxury hotels. Here are some of the best places to stay in Maryland:

  • The Ivy Hotel, Baltimore
  • Inn at Perry Cabin, St. Michaels
  • Hotel Indigo, Annapolis
  • Deep Creek Lake Cabins, McHenry
  • Chesapeake Bay Beach Club, Stevensville

What to Buy in Maryland: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

If you are looking for souvenirs or local products to bring home from Maryland, here are some suggestions:

  • Old Bay Seasoning
  • Mary Kay & Co. Wildflower Seeds
  • Maryland Flag-inspired Apparel
  • Smith Island Cake
  • Route One Apparel

Local Culture and Customs of Maryland

Maryland’s culture is heavily influenced by its location and deep-rooted history. The state has a mix of Southern and Mid-Atlantic customs, and prominent African-American and Irish-American communities.

Best Time to Visit Maryland

The best time to visit Maryland depends on your interests. Summer is the peak tourist season, with warm temperatures and lots of outdoor activities. Fall is a popular time to visit for the changing leaves and fall festivals. Winter offers skiing and snowboarding options. Spring is cherry blossom season.

Do’s and Don’ts of Maryland

Do:

  • Try Maryland’s famous seafood dishes
  • Visit historic sites and museums
  • Enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking and boating
  • Attend local festivals and events
  • Take a food tour and explore the culinary scene.

Don’t:

  • Underestimate traffic in crowded areas
  • Forget to bring sunscreen and insect repellent in the summer months
  • Swim in non-designated areas
  • Leave valuables unattended in your car

Safety and Health

Safety in Maryland

Maryland is generally a safe state, but visitors should always be cautious and aware of their surroundings, especially when in urban areas. Keep your valuables in a safe place and avoid walking alone at night.

Health in Maryland

Visitors should be aware of ticks and Lyme’s disease in wooded areas during the warmer months. It is recommended that visitors receive vaccines for Hepatitis A and B before traveling to Maryland.

Getting to Maryland: Transportation Options and Logistics

Maryland is easily accessible by various modes of transportation.

Airports Near Maryland

  • Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)
  • Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA)
  • Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)

Bus Stations Near Maryland

  • Greyhound Bus Lines, Baltimore
  • Peter Pan Bus Lines, Baltimore
  • Megabus, Baltimore

Other Options

  • Amtrak Train Service
  • Car rental options available at major airports and in cities.

How to Get Around in Maryland

Maryland is easily navigable by car, but visitors can also use public transportation options such as light rail, metro subway, and bus. Bike sharing and scooter rental options are available in some cities.

Where to Go Next from Maryland: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Maryland’s location on the East Coast makes it easy to plan excursions to nearby destinations such as Washington D.C., Philadelphia, New York City, and Virginia Beach.

Conclusion

Maryland is a beautiful state that offers something for everyone. With its rich history, stunning natural beauty, and vibrant cultural scene, there is always something new to discover. We hope this travel guide helps you plan the perfect trip to Maryland and create memories that will last a lifetime.

The massive Chesapeake Bay Bridge The massive Chesapeake Bay Bridge The state sport is indeed jousting The state sport is indeed jousting The USS ''Constellation'' museum-ship in the Baltimore Baltimore/Inner Harbor The USS ''Constellation'' museum-ship in the Baltimore Baltimore/Inner Harbor Annapolis Rock on the Appalachian Trail Annapolis Rock on the Appalachian Trail Old Annapolis Old Annapolis


    Capital Region
    Central Maryland
    Eastern Shore
    Southern Maryland
    Western Maryland