Best attractions in Maryland
Maryland encapsulates much of what this enormous country represents, in a very small package. Maryland is often nicknamed “America in Miniature,” because it has a little bit of everything.
Rugged coastlines, soft sandy beaches, mountains and lakes, rural stretches and bustling cities. Historical sites that date from before the founding of the United States.
In Maryland’s big cities like Annapolis and Baltimore visitors can explore lively port areas. Museums and some of the country’s most important historical attractions. The coastline of Maryland is lined with quaint beach towns. That are perfect for scenic drives and relaxing weekends.
Six Flags America
Six Flags America features more than 100 exciting rides and shows. A fantastic water park named Hurricane Harbor. Seven world-class roller coasters such as Superman Ride of Steel, one of the tallest coasters on the East Coast.
Batwing, Maryland’s first flying coaster and the classic wooden Wild One. Families with little children and adults who prefer fewer extreme rides also have an array of choices that are super fun. Events include Fireworks -4th of July, Fright Fest mid Sept.-October & Holiday in the Park mid-Nov. –December.
Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine
The Fort McHenry National Park Monument represents one of the most important moments in U.S. history. Dating back to the war of 1812 as a defense base against the British. It was during the September battle of 1814 at the fort that Francis Scott Key inspired and wrote the United States National Anthem.
At the fort, tourists can explore the visitor center, walk through the fort. Enjoy spectacular views of Baltimore’s Inner Harbor. Inside the walls of Fort McHenry are four barracks and a gunpowder magazine that now house exhibits about the fort and its history. Outside the walls are a reconstructed segment of the fort’s original water battery featuring French cannon from the early 1800s.
Sandy Point State Park
This 786-acre Maryland State Park is located along the northwestern shore of the majestic Chesapeake Bay. The park’s beaches and picnic areas known for their breathtaking scenic water views. That overlook one of Maryland’s true treasures, the Chesapeake Bay.
The park also offers a marina store and boat rentals. Sandy Point State Park offers accessible food and beverage concession, fishing, picnic areas, bathhouses and playgrounds. The park’s one-mile sandy beach provides plenty of room for enjoying a variety of beach activities.
National Aquarium in Baltimore
In Baltimore’s inner harbor area, you’ll find The National Aquarium Baltimore, a popular tourist attraction. The aquarium recognized as one of the best in the nation. The aquarium’s collection of marine animals and life includes over 17,000 specimens representing 750 species.
Some of the aquarium’s exhibits include habitats. Like the Australian: Wild Extremes exhibit. Experience dozens of unique aquatic habitats—from a northern Australian river gorge to an Indo-Pacific reef to a tropical rain forest—all interconnected by the binding force of water.
Tours & Experiences-Experience the Aquarium Like Never Before. Explore behind the scenes, meet our experts and come face to face with amazing animals.
American Visionary Art Museum
The American Visionary Art Museum is an art museum located in Baltimore, Maryland. The museum specializes in the preservation and display of outsider art. The museums contain 67,000 square feet of exhibition space and a permanent collection of approximately 4,000 pieces.
Museum’s Main Building features three floors of exhibition space, and the campus includes a Tall Sculpture Barn and Wildflower Garden, along with large exhibition and event spaces in the Jim Rouse Visionary Center.
The museum itself is an architectural oddity, featuring curved hallways, stairwells and rounded gallery walls. The works on display include embroidery, graffiti, diorama, film, sculpture, and multimedia.
Deep Creek Lake State Park
Maryland’s largest inland body of water is Deep Creek Lake State Park which has a shoreline of 69 miles. The lake is a popular destination with excellent fishing, two swimming beaches, 20 miles of hiking/biking trails, 112 site campground, and 6,000 square foot Discovery Center.
Deep Creek Lake State Park is located in Western Maryland’s Garrett County. The park encompasses over 1,800 acres and adjoins Deep Creek Lake Natural Resources Management Area and its 3,900-acre man-made lake. Deep Creek Lake State Park lies just west of the Allegheny Front on a large plateau known as the Tablelands or Allegany Highlands.
Ocean City Boardwalk
In the popular town of Ocean City, you’ll find this 2 ½ mile boardwalk that is a popular attraction for tourists and locals alike. Ocean City boardwalk dates to 1880 and is home to Jolly Roger Pier Rides, where the rides and fun stretch out along the iconic Pier.
The award-winning boardwalk is home to amazing hotels, fabulous restaurants, and attractions. Ocean City has a traditional boardwalk, with games, rides. With the kinds of sweets and salts you’d expect. Boardwalk fries, soft-serve ice cream, and popcorn, combine in the air to add to your memories of walking along the boards enjoying the afternoon and exploring the area.
The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore
Maryland Zoo, a 135-plus acre zoo located in Druid Hill Park, Baltimore’s huge city oasis minutes from downtown. Visitors meet more than 1,500 animals including chimpanzees, penguins, elephants, giraffes, rhinos and polar bears. More remarkable creatures are waiting to meet you.
The zoo offers a variety of up-close encounters with most incredible animal species. Through animal feedings, guided keeper and grooming experiences, and tours with expert educators. Children will love the fun of an old-fashioned carousel ride and a trip on the Zephyr, a 10-minute locomotive ride that departs from the zoo’s farmyard exhibit.
Assateague State Park
Assateague State Park is located on Assateague Island and covers about 41,000 acres from Ocean City to the border of Virginia. Because the park is located on a barrier island. It’s shaped by stormy seas along the peninsula.
The park is famous for its white sand and wild ponies, but a wide variety of recreational opportunities our enjoyed in the area. Some of the popular activities at the national seashore include camping, hiking, swimming, fishing, and four-wheeling.
Brookside Gardens
Brookside Gardens an award-winning 50-acre public display garden situated within Wheaton Regional Park. Included in the gardens are several distinct areas. Aquatic Garden, Azalea Garden, Butterfly Garden, Children’s Garden. Rose Garden, Japanese Style Garden, Trial Garden, Rain Garden, and the Woodland Walk.
The Formal Gardens areas include a Perennial Garden, Yew Garden, the Maple Terrace, and Fragrance Garden. Brookside Gardens also feature two conservatories for year-round enjoyment. The Visitors Center shop features horticultural gifts, jewelry, tableware, and books.
Things to Do in Maryland
As a state that once owned the land that is today the United States capitol city. It makes sense that Maryland is at the center of the country’s social and political history.
Whether you’re visiting Maryland for a leisurely weekend along the coast. A rough trek through the hills, or a few long days and nights of sightseeing in the big cities. This state has a special place in America’s heart, and it has something special for everyone.