1. Ocean City
Ocean City is noted for its boardwalk, salt-water taffy and seafood. It is also known as the White Marlin Capital of the World.
This city becomes the second most populous municipality in Maryland during the summer months (after Baltimore, of course).
Ocean City
Kayaking along the stunning Atlantic shore is another fascinating pastime. Fishing is also popular. But, at the end of the day, you should go to the local crab shack and have some fresh seafood (dusted in Old Bay Seasoning).
If you’re going on a day trip to Ocean City, you may end the day by visiting Sunset Park to see the city at dusk or dressing up and going to the Performing Arts Centre to see live music and theatre.
2. Annapolis
When the Treaty of Paris was signed, Annapolis was selected as Maryland’s capital. It is now a wonderful destination with a lot to offer visitors!
Beachgoers will enjoy Annapolis since it blends the beach with downtown attractions. Sandy Point State Park, located on the Chesapeake Bay’s northwestern shore, is open to the public for swimming, crabbing, fishing, or simply resting.
Consider taking an Annapolis Harbour cruise for some spectacular vistas and moments. The excursion includes a narrated sail around Annapolis Harbour and the US Naval Academy’s banks.
Tableside service has just been added, allowing customers to dine while learning about the region’s waterways, the history of the Naval Academy, and Annapolis’s role as a historic seaport.
Annapolis
3. Hagerstown
Hagerstown was awarded the nickname “Hub City” due to the enormous number of railways and roadways that served the city. The city is mountainous and beautiful, with stone ridges running from northeast to southwest across the centre of town.
When I was younger, I used to pass through here on my way from Virginia to western Pennsylvania, and it was one of my favourite destinations!
The Antietam Creek Water Trail is a well-known attraction in Hagerstown. It is a 41.7-mile-long Potomac River tributary that flows through Washington County. The creek became famous as the site of the Battle of Antietam during the American Civil War.
There are several parks and leisure spaces in town. Hagerstown City Park, Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park, Fairgrounds Park, and others are among the most notable.
However, there are numerous things to do in Hagerstown that are not limited to parks…
Aside from this, the city is proud of the Washington County Museum of Fine Arts (which features both local and foreign artists) and The Maryland Theatre (which hosts a range of acts such as music shows, symphony concerts, stage shows, comedy evenings, and so on).
Jonathan Hager House and Museum // Editorial credit: Alejandro Guzmani / Shutterstock.com
4. Frederick
Frederick, Maryland, is surrounded by breathtaking mountain views, wineries, and orchards, and is less than an hour’s drive from Washington, DC, Baltimore, and Gettysburg. It’s also a fantastic weekend getaway from Richmond.
Tourists can hike the Appalachian Trail, tour a battleground and visit Maryland’s largest brewery all in one day. There are so many exciting things to do in Frederick!
Frederick may be one of the top wine-tasting destinations in Maryland. Relax and enjoy a private luxury tour in one of the area’s finest vineyards on the Frederick Wine Trail. It’s a self-guided tour of some of the area’s best agricultural and products!
Nearby, history buffs can see Monocacy National Battlefield.
5. Assateague Island National Seashore
Assateague Island National Seashore is a great spot to relax and unwind while feeling on the edge of the world and entirely distant from it all.
With its sandy beaches, salt marshes, maritime woods, and coastal bays, the stretch of land is simply breathtaking. It is one among Maryland’s and Virginia’s best national parks!
There are 5 campgrounds, ranger-guided programmes, hiking, biking, fishing, and hunting… And the list goes on! You can even travel to Chincoteague Island, one of my favourite Virginia sites.
However, horseback riding along the beach in the Over Sand Vehicle (OSV) zone is one of the most unique experiences you can have here. Please keep in mind that it is only legal from October to May.
Assateague Island National Seashore
6. Chesapeake Beach
Chesapeake Beach is well-known for its active recreational areas, including the Chesapeake Beach Water Park, local tackle shops, public boat docks, and charter fishing, and it is only 30 miles from the nation’s capital!
Aside from the numerous activities available at Chesapeake Beach, the area is also known for its fresh-caught Chesapeake Bay seafood, including Maryland blue crabs, rockfish, bluefish, and oysters, among others.
Chesapeake Beach
If you’re seeking for alternative activities, I recommend going to Bay Front Park (Brownie’s Beach), hiking on the Chesapeake Beach Railway Trail, and spending time at the Chesapeake Beach Railway Museum.
7. Swallow Falls State Park
Swallow Falls State Park is 6 miles north of Oakland and has 257 acres of spectacular landscapes and waterfalls, including Tolliver Falls and Muddy Creek Falls, Maryland’s highest waterfall (53 feet).
Both are spectacular and among the top spots to see in Maryland! They are also near some of Maryland’s loveliest tiny communities.
The Youghiogheny River also runs around the park’s periphery, passing through shady rocky gorges.
Tall hemlocks tower above the peaceful woods. The park also includes some winding pathways that lead hikers to some of Western Maryland’s most beautiful landscapes.
Swallow Falls State Park
