Aerial panorama of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge at sunset, Maryland

Things to do in  Maryland

Blue crabs and battlefields

Lying just below the Mason-Dixon Line, Maryland blends northern polish with homey southern charm. This is a place of rich diversity, from the people and their myriad cultures to the surprisingly varied landscapes, which include the dazzling Chesapeake Bay, numerous white-sand Atlantic beaches, the gently rolling Appalachian Mountains, and abundant waterways still worked by independent watermen. And then there are the charming small towns and the cosmopolitan city of Baltimore, which is filled with intriguing museums, cutting-edge culture, and daring restaurants. Needless to say, there’s no shortage of things to do in Maryland.

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Top 15 attractions in Maryland

#1

North Beach

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Despite its name, San Francisco’s North Beach neighborhood does not border the water and has no sandy spots. But its position between Fisherman’s Wharf, Chinatown, and the Embarcadero makes it one of the city’s most popular areas for visitors and locals, all of whom enjoy its Italian eateries, Beat history, quiet park, and nightlife scene.More
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#2

Baltimore Inner Harbor

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Baltimore’s revitalized Inner Harbor features a scenic waterfront promenade and pedestrian district replete with shopping, dining, and entertainment options. Heralded by urban developers as a model for post-industrial waterfront land use, the area sits along the Patapsco River at the mouth of Jones Falls.More
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#3

Maryland Science Center

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One of the oldest scientific institutions in the United States, the Maryland Science Center (MSC) in Baltimore has been attracting visitors of all ages since it opened in 1976. Across its three floors, you’ll find exhibits, a planetarium, and an observatory. Hands-on activities and demonstrations are designed to be engaging and fun, to get folks excited about science.More
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#4

Baltimore National Aquarium

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Baltimore’s National Aquarium is the star of the Inner Harbor and home to close to 20,000 creatures and more than 700 species. See slithering reptiles, a giant octopus, and all kinds of fish, from rays to sharks, in habitats including reef, rainforest, ocean, marsh, and beach. The aquarium also promotes conservation initiatives.More
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#5

Fell’s Point

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Cobbled streets and a waterfront setting make Fell’s Point a must-see location in Baltimore. This charming neighborhood is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and maintains much of its maritime past. Dine on local crabs at the area’s seafood eateries, and don’t miss the nightlife—Fell’s Point is known for its bar scene.More
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#6

Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine

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Critical events changed the course of history at Fort McHenry in Baltimore, where soldiers successfully saved the city from British attack in 1812. Inspired by the sight of the American flag waving over the fort after the attack, Francis Scott Key was moved to write the United States’ national anthem.More
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#7

Canton

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An historic Baltimore neighborhood situated on the Chesapeake Bay, Canton is an ideal stop for travelers that want a dose of outdoor recreation and easy access to the waterfront. The hub of the neighborhood is Canton Square, a patch of green surrounded by sophisticated restaurants, galleries, and shops.More
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#8

Baltimore Federal Hill

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Its prime location makes Baltimore’s Federal Hill a popular spot for visitors. Located just south of Inner Harbor, the neighborhood offers a large selection of city attractions within walking distance. Stroll to the National Aquarium, Harborplace, Oriole Park at Camden Yards, and the Maryland Science Center, along with many other destinations. Plus, catch harbor views from its namesake hill.More
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#9
Patterson Park

Patterson Park

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When Baltimoreans need a breath of fresh air, they make a beeline to Patterson Park. Covering more than 133 acres (54 hectares) of green space in southeast Baltimore, the park offers plenty of recreational activities for locals and visitors, and its centerpiece, the Patterson Park Observatory (formerly “Pagoda”) is a favorite of photographers.More
#10

B&O Railroad Museum

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Baltimore’s B&O Railroad Museum is one of the biggest museums devoted to locomotives in the US. The collection of historic trains and rolling stock, buildings, tracks, and artifacts tells the story of Baltimore & Ohio Railroad’s impact on the industry. An on-site restoration facility repairs equipment.More
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#11
Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historical Park

Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historical Park

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After escaping slavery herself, abolitionist Harriet Tubman led dozens of enslaved people to freedom as a “conductor” on the Underground Railroad. Tubman's namesake park commemorates her legacy with a preserved landscape of marshlands, fields, and Chesapeake Bay-adjacent waterways that have remained unchanged since the 19th century.More
#12
Queenstown Premium Outlets

Queenstown Premium Outlets

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An easy drive from Annapolis, Washington D.C., or Baltimore, this outlet shopping center promises savings of up to 65 percent on clothing, household supplies, accessories, and much more. Find big-name brands like Michael Kors, Under Armour, Coach, and Polo Ralph Lauren at discounted prices in a convenient outdoor complex in Maryland’s Eastern Shore.More
#13

Star-Spangled Banner Flag House

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Travel back to the early 1800s at Baltimore’s Star-Spangled Banner Flag House. This was the home and workspace of Mary Pickersgill in 1813, when she sewed the flag that flew over Fort McHenry and inspired Francis Scott Key to write the words that would later become the national anthem.More
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#14

Baltimore Little Italy

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Home to multiple generations of Italian-American families, Baltimore’s Little Italy neighborhood draws visitors to its colorful festivals and community events. Most, however, come here to eat, and eat well. The neighborhood is filled with much-loved, longtime restaurants serving up dishes “just like mamma made.”More
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#15

Edgar Allan Poe House & Museum

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A visit to the Edgar Allan Poe House & Museum is a journey into the mind of the famous American writer. Built in Baltimore in 1930, the unassuming 5-room row house is a shrine to Poe, who lived here for two years. The museum showcases Poe’s daily life and writings he penned in the home, while his grave is at nearby Westminster Hall.More
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Top activities in Maryland

Baltimore Walking Foodie Tour in Fells Point

Baltimore Walking Foodie Tour in Fells Point

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$99.00
Baltimore History Sail on the Summer Wind

Baltimore History Sail on the Summer Wind

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$65.00
Fells Point Food Tour in Baltimore

Fells Point Food Tour in Baltimore

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98
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$74.00
Baltimore Signature Lunch Cruise

Baltimore Signature Lunch Cruise

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From
$67.24
Baltimore Indoor Skydiving Experience with 2 Flights & Personalized Certificate

Baltimore Indoor Skydiving Experience with 2 Flights & Personalized Certificate

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96
From
$91.99
Historic Annapolis Food Tour

Historic Annapolis Food Tour

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$76.00
Baltimore Inner Harbor Sunset Sail on Summer Wind

Baltimore Inner Harbor Sunset Sail on Summer Wind

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$75.00
Baltimore Harbor Tour

Baltimore Harbor Tour

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$28.03
Baltimore Signature Dinner Cruise

Baltimore Signature Dinner Cruise

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449
From
$100.90
Montgomery Indoor Skydiving Experience with 2 Flights & Personalized Certificate

Montgomery Indoor Skydiving Experience with 2 Flights & Personalized Certificate

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7
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$91.99
Baltimore Evening Sail on the Summer Wind

Baltimore Evening Sail on the Summer Wind

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$75.00
Arrival Private Transfer Baltimore Airport BWI to Baltimore by Business Vehicle

Arrival Private Transfer Baltimore Airport BWI to Baltimore by Business Vehicle

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$110.78
Federal Hill Food Tour

Federal Hill Food Tour

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$71.00
Baltimore's Cruise ship Tour-shuttle service

Baltimore's Cruise ship Tour-shuttle service

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$25.00
Little Italy and Jonestown Food Tour

Little Italy and Jonestown Food Tour

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$73.00
Baltimore Inner Harbor Sail on Summer Wind

Baltimore Inner Harbor Sail on Summer Wind

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$65.00
Hard Rock Cafe Baltimore

Hard Rock Cafe Baltimore

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$38.50
A Walking Tour of Frederick, Maryland - The Crossroads of Maryland

A Walking Tour of Frederick, Maryland - The Crossroads of Maryland

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$15.00
Private Arrival Transfer from Baltimore Washington Airport BWI

Private Arrival Transfer from Baltimore Washington Airport BWI

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$60.00
Axe-Throwing

Axe-Throwing

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$38.41
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All about Maryland

When to visit

Summer is best for taking advantage of Maryland’s opportunities for outdoor adventures and soaking up the sun on one of the state’s dazzling beaches. Summer visitors to the cities—especially Baltimore—will find the festival season in full swing, but that typically comes with a side of unbearable heat and humidity. If Baltimore is in your travel plans, consider a spring visit—you can catch a baseball game at Camden Yards and enjoy the spectacular cherry blossoms.

Getting around

Marylanders are generally reliant upon their cars. While driving is definitely the most convenient way to get around, Amtrak trains connect Baltimore to the northeast, and MARC trains are reliable for getting between Baltimore and Washington DC (as well as places in between). The bus is also an option for getting to and from New York City, or to a limited selection of Maryland destinations. Baltimore has a comprehensive public transit system and a walkable downtown.

Traveler tips

Particularly on weekends during the summer months, the traffic on the Bay Bridge to and from the beaches of the Chesapeake Bay can reach bottleneck levels. Beat the traffic and avoid stress and frustration by traveling during the quieter times of the day—early in the morning and late in the evening. As an added bonus, this plan gives you even more time to enjoy the beaches and the bay.

Local Currency
US Dollar ($)
Time Zone
EDT (UTC -5)
Country Code
+1
Language(s)
English
Attractions
23
Tours
176
Reviews
2,414
EN
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People Also Ask

What is one thing Maryland is known for?

Crabs. You’ll see them everywhere, from your plate to flags and sculptures on the street. Specifically, it’s all about blue crabs in Maryland, and cracking into one of these red-shelled, Old Bay-encrusted beauties while sipping on an ice-cold Natty Boh beer is the quintessential summertime Maryland experience.

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Why is Maryland called America in miniature?

If there is a kind of terrain found anywhere in the US, there is a good chance of also finding it in Maryland. From the sandy beaches of the Atlantic coast to the rocky Appalachian Mountains, Maryland boasts a strikingly diverse landscape—which, in the 1920s, led National Geographic to bestow the nickname “America in miniature” upon the state.

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What is something unique in Maryland?

Baltimore is well known for its quirky charm, so it’s no surprise that it is home to one of the nation’s most unique museums. The American Visionary Art Museum in Baltimore specializes in outsider art, aka works created by self-taught artists who typically work outside the mainstream art world.

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Is Maryland worth visiting?

Yes. Squeezed between New York, Pennsylvania, and Washington DC, Maryland tends to get overshadowed by its neighbors—but the state has plenty to appeal to travelers of all types. You can enjoy the cultural heft and dining scene of Baltimore at a fraction of the price of NYC or DC, and visit Atlantic beaches that lack the crowds that descend upon the Jersey Shore.

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What is the prettiest place in Maryland?

Straddling both Maryland and Virginia, the barrier island of Assateague boasts one of the best beaches on the East Coast. The biggest draw, however, is its two herds of wild ponies that wander freely around the island and are often spotted running through the surf and grazing around the marshes.

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How many days should I spend in Maryland?

It depends on what exactly you want to do, but seven days will give you enough time to check out the cultural riches of Baltimore, hike a section of the Appalachian Trail, chill out on a couple of Atlantic beaches, and dive into Civil War history around Frederick.

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Frequently Asked Questions
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