20 Best Places to Visit in Maryland 2022

Maryland’s title, “America in Miniature,” is accurate given that it has all the best features of the nation, from the Appalachian Mountains in the west to the white beaches in the east. This border state has an attractive identity dilemma brought on by a fusion of northern independent thinking and southern down-home attractiveness. The Eastern Shore is home to working fisherman and art-and-antique-minded city emigrants, while Baltimore, the region’s largest city, is a tough, demanding port town and is one of the best places to visit in Maryland. 

The DC suburbs are teeming with government and office workers looking for green space and people looking for more reasonable rent. 

The glue that holds it all together is delicious blue crabs, Natty Boh beer, and the magnificent Chesapeake Bay.

This state was one of the first in the USA to allow LGBTQ marriage and is also incredibly progressive and diverse.

Maryland, which also has borders with Delaware, West Virginia, and the District of Columbia, was a venue of the Revolution, War of 1812, and Civil Wars. It is located in the centre of Colonial America. It has played a significant part in every significant period of American history, including the Industrial Revolution, the Westward Expansion, the Space Age, and all others.

Cycling routes stretch for miles along the historic C&O Canal towpath, while wildlife refuges guard vital wetlands for ducks and migratory birds. There are many activities to do in Maryland, whether your interests include history, hiking, birdwatching, sightseeing, or lazing on a beach.

Follow this list of 20 great places to visit  in Maryland and the best time to visit this old-world charm.

1. Experience the World’s Largest collection of Art at Baltimore’s Art Museum

There are plenty of things to do in Baltimore but this is very special! The Baltimore Museum of Art, which is renowned for its outstanding collections of 19th-century, modern, and contemporary art. It  currently hosts 95,000 pieces by artists like Pablo Picasso, Vincent van Gogh, Gary Mondrian, Joan Miró, and Martin Chagall. 

Not to mention, the venue has the largest collection of Henri Matisse’s works in the entire world and is one of the top Maryland attractions.

The BMA features noteworthy collections of tapestries, gems, and antiques in addition to works of art from Africa, Asia, and the Near East. It also exhibits sculptures, paintings, and graphic arts. 

With more than 2,000 items ranging from contemporary artwork to ancient Egyptian art, the African collections are among the most significant in the United States. 

More than 200 African cultures can be seen in the hoods, head scarves, sculptural carvings, jewellery, imperial staffs, tapestries, ritual items, and ceramics.

2. A Vacation by the Water in St. Michaels

In the charming waterside town of St. Michaels, you can indulge in sailing and seafood. On the bay side of the Eastern Shore, St. Michaels combines a historic harbour’s marine vibe with upscale accommodations and restaurants. And, is one of the top Maryland vacation spots. 

The Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, which is housed in a working dockyard and is focused on the 1879 Hooper Strait Lighthouse. It offers an understanding of the history and culture of the area. Take a cruise; as there are many options available, including sailing cruises, air-conditioned launches, and classic skipjacks.

You can go sailing or kayaking on the lovely Miles River for a more active getaway.

3. A Gateway to Western Maryland incepts at Frederick!

Located at the base of the mountains and regarded as the doorway to western Maryland is influxed with rich history. It is evident throughout its 40-block historic center, which is packed with boutiques, cafes, and taverns. It’s understandable why residents of Baltimore and Washington, D.C. enjoy coming here for a weekend vacation. For a reason, it is one of the best places to see in Maryland.

Visit the visitor centre at Monocacy National Battlefield to discover more about the 1864 battle of Monocacy Junction, which took place here, and take a tour for a history lesson on Frederick. Visit one of Frederick’s numerous historic sites thereafter, such as the Schifferstadt Architectural Museum or the National Museum of Civil War Medicine.

The Rose Hill Manor Park and Children’s Museum, which offers children a glimpse into early American life, will be a hit with them. A trip on the Walkersville Southern Railroad’s historic trains is another entertaining family activity. 

4. Baltimore is a Destination all on its own!

Baltimore is a perfect escape for those interested in culture or simply wanting to sample some of the renowned seafood offerings. There is plenty of fun to be had at family-friendly sites like visiting the USS Constellation or checking out the curiosities at Ripley’s Believe it or Not.

The waterfront is a stand-alone destination and is one of the best places to go in Maryland. Visit one of the many museums in this area, including the B&O Railroad Museum or the Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History & Culture, or indulge in world-class dining and shopping.

Make reservations for a stay at The Inn at Henderson’s Wharf if you enjoy repurposed architecture. This well-liked waterfront location is in the Fells Point district, which has cobblestone walkways and a variety of shops and restaurants around.

5. Annapolis – It’s a Historical and Cultural Mecca!

While the United States Naval Academy may be Annapolis, Maryland tourist attraction, the city has much more to offer. It is a centre of history and culture. Did you know that from 1783 to 1784, Annapolis served as the interim capital of the United States? This place has a lot of historical significance, making it a fantastic retreat for families and history aficionados.

Take a break at the Tranquil Quiet Waters Park where you may wander or relax along the South River after a long day of exploring American history. Spend a couple of hours touring the Maryland State House and the United States Naval Academy before you leave the city.

6. Assateague Island is a World Away

The Assateague Island National Seashore is only nine miles south of Ocean City, Maryland, but it feels like a world away. 

Wild horses can be found in this national park, and they can be seen roaming the beaches and is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Maryland. The views from this untamed island are spectacular, and you may get close to the beauty of nature here. You may unwind and refuel on the beach, go swimming in the sea, or benefit from one of their ranger-led trips.

Just two mile of the tranquil beach make up the 37 miles stretch of Assateague Island. Additionally, there are shady pathways that snake into the island’s interior where you can see birds and other species in their natural settings.

Bring a kayak so you may explore some of the shady inlets and bays, or just relax on the beach and enjoy the sunshine. Assateague Island’s tranquil waters are ideal for swimming and surfing.

Tent campers can occupy a basic campsite and spend a few days exploring the island.

7. The Old Town Annapolis is an Equal Measure of History and Charm!

Between the Town Dock and the Maryland State House are a few blocks that are equally charming and steeped in history. The State House, which was once the US Capitol, is the oldest legislative building currently in operation.

The residence of William Paca, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, is a short distance down the hill through winding alleys studded with picturesque stone and board structures. 

The house is a superb illustration of the residence of a powerful and affluent Annapolis family during the Colonial era. It  is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is one of the unique places to visit in Maryland. It has been fully restored and is furnished with period antiques and original Paca family heirlooms.

The two-acre garden, which features hedges, steps, and a lagoon in the shape of a fish, has also been resurrected to its 1760s glory.

8. Who Doesn’t Love Ocean City’s Sunset Cruises?

Ocean City is a terrific destination if sand and sun are part of your ideal vacation. Many families from Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C., come to this beach town during the summer. It is situated on the Atlantic Ocean and has one of the best places in Maryland for its white sandy beaches.

Every year, more than eight million people visit this vibrant city and it is one of the top Maryland destinations. Fall is a fantastic time to enjoy the spectacular vistas of the Atlantic while taking advantage of amazing bargains on hotels without the masses of tourists, and off-season, you can expect a quieter experience.

There are many activities to keep you busy in Ocean City, even if the beach is the main attraction. For the daring, surfing and parasailing are offered.

You can enjoy numerous unique stores and seaside goodies like salt-water taffy or some of Maryland’s world-famous seafood on the two and a half-mile boardwalk. Visit the Jolly Roger Water Park if you enjoy the water but not the sand.

9. The Inner Harbour of Baltimore Draws a lot of Tourists

Visitors are drawn to Baltimore’s Inner Harbour because it is teeming with experiences and entertainment galore. There are parks, hotels, restaurants, stores, museums, and historic ships to visit throughout the entire area.

The most notable of these is the three-masted sloop-of-war USS Constellation, which participated in the Civil War and was used to stop slave ships off the coast of Africa. The USS Torsk submarine, US Coast Guard Cutter Taney, and Lightship Chesapeake are all accessible for tours as well.

The National Aquarium, the Visionary Art Museum, and the interactive Maryland Science Centre with a planetarium are all located close to the port. Harbor place is a contemporary complex with shops, eateries, and an amphitheater on the promenade that is framed by glass-enclosed pavilions.

10. Following the C&O Canal by Foot or Bicycle

The Chesapeake and Ohio Canal, which connects Washington, DC, to Cumberland, was completed between 1828 and 1850. It was a project that George Washington enthusiastically supported who was in charge of Fort Cumberland at the time.

It runs along the Potomac River in central Maryland, connecting Cumberland and Hagerstown through history and providing a recreational corridor. Both of them serve as cool places to visit in Maryland for adventures on foot, by bicycle, or in a canoe or kayak.

The Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historic Park is a unique linear park that maintains the canal’s towpath, historic structures, and its course. The 3,118-foot-long Paw Paw Tunnel, which you may go inside, is arguably the most remarkable of the remnants.

The free national park map clearly shows campgrounds, Potomac boat launches, picnic areas, and points of interest in addition to canal access locations. At various locations, you can hire kayaks, canoes, and bicycles.

11. Visit Hagerstown for Antique Shopping

There are at least 20 shops and antiques cooperatives in the direct proximity of Hagerstown,  a bustling little city in central Maryland.

Washington County Trading Company, The Wandering Geranium, Junkworks Antiques, and two thrift stores are all located in the downtown area.

Browse a vast selection of vinyl records, arcade games, antique billboards, games consoles, and coin-operated antiquities at Coinopwarehouse on E. Franklin Street. An indoor flea market is located at Olde Time Treasures on Pennsylvania Avenue. And, it is one of the fun places to visit in Maryland.

Memory Lane Antiques & Collectibles, which has 10,000 square feet of contracted merchandise, is located on Route 40-W south of the centre.

Three stores are located further south on Route 40: Antique Crossroads, Beaver Creek Antique Market is a multi-speciality store. While A&J Antiques, a smaller store with more specialised inventory. 

12. Try Tilghman Island for a Tranquil, Calm Seaside Hideaway

Try Tilghman Island if you’re looking for a casual, tranquil waterfront escape. This quaint fishing community in Talbot County is the ideal getaway from the grind. The island is reachable by car or boat and is situated between the Chesapeake Bay and Chop tank River. Just be aware that Tilghman Island’s drawbridge is reportedly one of the busiest in the US, so make travel arrangements accordingly.

There are no chain stores on the island, simply a relaxed way of life that will allow you to unwind and re-energize for the day. Visit the Tilghman Watermen’s Museum while you’re in the area to learn more about the rich maritime heritage of the island. You should also eat plenty of the fresh seafood that the island is famous for and is one of the best places to visit in Maryland for couples.

13. Deep Creek Lake is a Summertime Destination if you Want to Escape the Bustle

While visitors are heading to the eastern beaches, the western mountain region of Maryland is a wonderland that is frequently disregarded. One of the best places to visit in Maryland where you may sail, paddle, fish, or swim in approximately 4,000 acres of water at Deep Creek Lake and explore its 69 miles of shoreline.

Along its banks are resorts, beaches, spas, stores; waterside eateries. There are places where you can rent canoes, sailboats, kayaks, and bicycles.

The mile-long stretch of shoreline is a part of Deep Creek State Park, which is also home to a campsite, 20 miles of hiking and biking trails, and the Deep Creek Lake Discovery Centre. It is where visitors can interact with nature-themed exhibits, see local wildlife up close, and see birds in an outdoor enclosure. The Monkey Business Adventure Park and Splash Island Inflatable Water Park are both great for kids.

Garrett County is where Marylanders go in the fall to view mountain sides clothed in spectacular fall colours, even though summer is the busiest time for lake activities. Wisp Ski Resort is another local treasure in the winter.

14. St. Mary’s City Guarantees to Take You Back in Time!

St. Mary’s City, an ex-colonial town and the original capital of Maryland, is a holiday retreat that will undoubtedly transport visitors back in time. This state-run historical site has museums, a colonial town, and living history activities. Families and history aficionados alike will like the live exhibits.

Experience farming in the 1600s up close and personal, and participate in Civil War reenactments and interactive activities set in the era.

Be sure to stroll through the town square. Touring a real market allows visitors to see the goods that early colonists would have purchased 400 years ago. 

Before you leave, take a stroll down to the waterfront and check out the popular with tourists old ships in the dock. 

Visit the Woodland Indian Hamlet to discover more about the indigenous Yaocomaco as well as the colonists and is one of the top Maryland tourist attractions.

The Hampton Inn & Suites Lexington Park is located in Lexington City, just five miles away. This reputable business is close to a number of eateries and provides complimentary Wi-Fi, parking, and a hot breakfast.

15. Visit the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historical Park

2022 is a crucial year for this state-national park combo on Maryland’s eastern shore since it marks her 200th anniversary. 

This former slave, who dedicated her life to assisting others in escaping slavery, is commemorated in the park by bringing together a number of locations. And is one of the best places to visit in September 2022. 

She set up the Underground Railroad, a system of “conductors” who watched over fugitive slaves as they travelled from one “station” to the next until they reached Canada to chase freedom.

You can find exhibitions, an audio-visual performance, and interpretive events on Harriet Tubman and her work at the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Visitor Centre. And, it is definitely one of the top places to visit in Maryland.

Visit the areas around Harriet Tubman’s house, where she was born into slavery, managed to flee, and then came back to lead her family and friends to freedom in the north. 

You can find out more about her life and view the dramatic mural at the Harriet Tubman Museum & Educational Centre in Cambridge, which opened its doors in 2019.

16. Chesapeake Bay Hosts the World’s Great Bird Migration!

The 1879 Hooper Strait Lighthouse is visually anchored by a cluster of historic structures and vessels that depict life and work on the Chesapeake Bay since the Native Americans carved out timbers for rafts. 

You can witness industrial and recreational boats used throughout the bay’s history in the Small Boat Shed, including early settlers’ adaptations of Native American canoes for oystering and hunting.

A typical shack and the deck of an oyster skipjack are just two of the interactive and acoustic displays at Waterman’s Wharf that engage visitors in the world of oystermen and lobstermen. 

Each spring and fall, hundreds of thousands of aquatic, beach, and song birds seek refuge in the shoreline marshes of the Chesapeake Bay, hosting one of the greatest bird migrations in the world. This migration, together with birding and hunting, has spawned a whole field of waterfowl art and is one of the top Maryland attractions.  

17. The American Visionary Art Museum Honours the Creations of Independent Artists

The American Visionary Art Museum showcases and honours the creations of regional and international self-taught artists. Its frequently changing exhibitions look at art in fresh ways and from different viewpoints, which is startling and thought-provoking.

One of the unique places to visit in Maryland exhibits examples of conventional folk arts that have been handed down through the years. There might be imaginative uses of materials that were found by artists who were using whatever medium was at hand to satiate their creative urge. The displays that occupy its award-winning main building and the adjacent sculpture barn will never get old and are sure to make you happy.

18. Betterton Beach is a Legit Fishing Haven!

At the mouth of the Sassafras River, a small village includes Betterton Beach. The steamboat’s introduction is what caused the area to change from a sleepy fishing village to a flourishing Maryland destination.

The five acres of waterfront park features two beaches that make up the family-friendly beach area. 500 feet of boardwalk, a bathhouse, and public facilities are some of its other features. On a beautiful bluff, there is also a picnic space. You can launch a boat from the public pier or cast a fishing line from the jetty.

19. Kent Island will not Disappoint

Kent Island won’t let down families looking for a relaxed weekend break or couples looking for a romantic retreat. There is a lot to do on this island, which is the biggest in the Chesapeake Bay, without having to deal with the traffic and crowds of the mainland.

Kent Island won’t let down families looking for a relaxed weekend break or couples looking for a romantic retreat. There is a lot to do on this island, which is the biggest in the Chesapeake Bay, without having to deal with the traffic and crowds of the mainland.

The Chesapeake Exploration Centre, which provides a fantastic history of the region, will be a hit with families. Take a stroll along their picturesque walkway at dusk to see the falcon and other nearby birds. They are frequently occupied by grazing. Explore Terrapin Beach Park which gained its reputation as one of the best places to visit in Maryland for couples.

20. Civil War Buffs Want to Follow the Antietam National Battlefield

The site of the Civil War’s deadliest day of combat, is one of the few locations that best exemplifies the horrific burden of war. 

On September 17, 1862, Robert E. Lee’s Confederates were arriving from the west when they were intercepted by the Union army coming from the east. 

Nearly 23,000 troops lost their lives in the ensuing conflict, were injured, or were missing in combat.

The battlefield is still a rural area today, dotted with memorials commemorating troops. Fans of the American Civil War will want to complete the eight-mile self-guided tour routes. The historic Dunker Church, the Sunken Road, and Burnside Bridge should not be missed.

Best Time to Visit Maryland

There is a saying in Baltimore that “crabs may be prepared in 50 ways and all of them are wonderful,” according to Maryland author H.L. Mencken. The famed crabs are undoubtedly a must-eat when visiting Baltimore, but the same can be said about the rest of Maryland.

There are numerous ways to have fun in Maryland. In the winter, visit its attractive cities to be inspired by the art museums, and in the spring, visit any farmer’s market to buy some local oysters. While the fall is all about getting into the Halloween spirit with a ghost tour through every  district in Maryland consisting of centuries-old structures, festivals abound in the summer. Here are our recommendations for when to travel to Maryland.

Here is a calendar of events for each month of the year in Maryland.

• January – Tour Baltimore’s top-notch museums while the weather is dropping. The entrance to its two principal museums, the Walters Art Museum and the Baltimore Museum of Art, is free. The fanciful artwork on display in the American Visionary Art Museum will continue to inspire people for years to come.

• February – While Black History Month is an excellent opportunity to visit the Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History & Culture or the National Great Blacks in Wax Museum, you may commemorate Black history every day in Maryland.

• April – Maryland’s vivacious farmers markets are back after their winter hibernation, bringing with them a variety of fresh vegetables, blooms, and local food sellers. Beginning in early April, the Farmers Market opens in every city and neighbourhood of the state with thousands of farmers, producers of food and beverages, and independent merchants.

• May – The Preakness Stakes, one of horse racing’s Triple Crown competitions, is run annually at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore. 

• June – Beginning in 2022, the annual AFRAM festival will take place all over the state on Juneteenth weekend and will be a celebration of Black fashion, food, music, and culture.

• July – Even though it’s hot and crowded, the largest free arts festival in the state is well worth it. In July, the Mount Vernon area was taken over by Artscape, which includes everything from well-known rock bands to experimental music and zany-decorated cars. 

• August – A Maryland tradition is to eat fresh, fried crustaceans. This can be done from April through November. The best time to enjoy the water is during the summer. Consider taking kayaking and paddle tours all across Maryland.

• September – Before the season concludes in the fall and the temperature has cooled off from summer highs, September is an excellent time to attend a baseball game, especially in Baltimore and Annapolis.. Fall is a fantastic time to visit Baltimore’s waterfront and historic neighbourhoods.

• October – Baltimore, the old residence of Edgar Allan Poe, takes Halloween very seriously. Take a Baltimore Ghost Tour to explore all the haunting bars and alleyways in the famous Fells Point neighbourhood.

• December – In Maryland, there are many holiday celebrations, and even though it gets colder, it doesn’t often get below freezing. This is a good time to visit Ocean City, where the entire neighbourhood is decked out in extravagant lights and decorations.

Conclusion

Bordered by the US Naval Academy in the state capital of Annapolis, Maryland is the place to explore both historic and contemporary architecture. The state boasts bold architecture with its mid-century modernist Baltimore Basilica and contemporary science museum, which celebrates the future of innovation and sciences.

Maryland is a state of outstanding cultural, natural and historic diversity. This is the reason why there are so many different places you could go in Maryland to have a great time. The weather can be quite temperamental, but it can also be very warm during the summer if you don’t mind the humidity.