Maryland is a Mid-Atlantic state that's defined by its abundant waterways and coastlines on the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Ocean. Its largest city, Baltimore, has a long history as a major seaport. Fort McHenry, birthplace of the U.S. national anthem, sits at the mouth of Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, home to the National Aquarium and Maryland Science Center. ― Google
Spring (April–June): Mild weather and beautiful cherry blossoms and gardens.
Fall (September–October): Colorful foliage and harvest festivals.
Summer (July–August): Great for beach destinations like Ocean City (can be hot and humid).
Winter (December–February): Quieter season, some snow inland but mild on the coast.
By Air:
Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI): Major hub serving the Baltimore and D.C. metro areas.
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) and Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) are also close to Maryland's southern border.
By Train:
Amtrak and MARC Train serve major cities like Baltimore, Rockville, and D.C. suburbs.
Easy connections to NYC, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C.
By Car:
Accessible via I-95, I-70, and I-495. Maryland’s compact size makes road-tripping easy.
By Bus:
Greyhound, Megabus, and BoltBus connect Maryland to nearby East Coast cities.
Baltimore Inner Harbor: Shops, restaurants, historic ships, and museums (like the National Aquarium).
Ocean City: Popular beach destination with a lively boardwalk.
Annapolis: Charming colonial capital and home to the U.S. Naval Academy.
Assateague Island National Seashore: Famous for wild horses and natural beaches.
Antietam National Battlefield: Historic Civil War site.
Deep Creek Lake: Year-round destination for water sports, hiking, and skiing.
Fort McHenry: Birthplace of the U.S. national anthem.
Chesapeake Bay: Ideal for boating, fishing, and crabbing.
C&O Canal National Historical Park: Biking and hiking along the historic canal route.
Sailing & Boating on the Chesapeake Bay.
Visit museums like the Baltimore Museum of Art, American Visionary Art Museum, and Maryland Science Center.
Beach activities in Ocean City: parasailing, jet skiing, sunbathing.
Hike and bike in Patapsco Valley State Park and the Appalachian Trail section in western Maryland.
Winter skiing & snowboarding at Wisp Resort (Deep Creek Lake).
Attend festivals like the Maryland Renaissance Festival (fall) and Artscape (Baltimore).
Luxury:
Four Seasons Hotel (Baltimore) – Waterfront views and high-end spa.
Inn at Perry Cabin (St. Michaels) – Historic and romantic retreat on the Eastern Shore.
Mid-range:
Historic Inns of Annapolis
Hotel Revival (Baltimore) – Trendy boutique hotel in Mount Vernon.
Budget:
Well-reviewed motels and inns throughout the state.
Airbnbs and vacation rentals in coastal and rural areas.
Unique Stays:
Chesapeake Bay bed-and-breakfasts
Cabin rentals near Deep Creek Lake and state parks.
Must-Try Maryland Foods:
Maryland Blue Crab (steamed or in cakes)
Crab soup and crab dip
Old Bay seasoning on everything!
Pit beef sandwiches
Smith Island Cake – official state dessert
Oysters & Rockfish
Top Restaurants:
Thames Street Oyster House (Baltimore) – Renowned for crab and seafood.
The Black Olive (Baltimore) – Upscale Mediterranean cuisine.
Boatyard Bar & Grill (Annapolis) – Casual, fresh seafood and sailor vibes.
Woodberry Kitchen (Baltimore) – Farm-to-table excellence.
Maritime Heritage: Sailing, crabbing, and seafood are embedded in coastal life.
African American History & Arts: Baltimore was home to Frederick Douglass and Billie Holiday; explore the Reginald F. Lewis Museum and National Great Blacks in Wax Museum.
Political & Naval Influence: As the U.S. Naval Academy is based in Annapolis, patriotism and military presence are prominent.
Sports: Marylanders are passionate about the Baltimore Ravens (NFL) and Orioles (MLB).
Diverse Communities: Especially in Baltimore and the D.C. suburbs, Maryland is a melting pot of cultures, languages, and traditions.
Pride in Local Identity: From crab feasts to lacrosse, Marylanders fiercely celebrate their local customs.