This mid-Atlantic state has beautiful eastern ocean shores, rolling western mountains, and convenient access to Washington, D.C.
Visit Maryland for its beaches, blue crabs and battlefields. The state forms the northeastern border for the U.S. capital and stretches from the Atlantic Ocean to the Appalachian Mountains.
Enjoy waterways throughout the state. Ocean City and other spots along the barrier islands protect the mainland and offer access to sunbathing, deep-sea fishing, ocean kayaking, sailing and surfing along the Atlantic Ocean. See wild horses at Assateague Island National Seashore.
Go boating on the massive Chesapeake Bay and eat fresh blue crab from its waters. Kayak along the upper Potomac River or follow the serpentine route west to its source in the Appalachian Mountains.
Hike part of the 40.9 miles (65.8 kilometers) of the Appalachian Trail winding through the state. This section has flat to moderate elevation, good for family trips. Couple your hike with whitewater rafting on the Youghiogheny River. Nearby, spend solemn moments in Sharpsburg at the Antietam Battlefield, the site of one of the Civil War’s bloodiest battles.
Maryland’s cities offer varied activities. See white-uniformed sailors walking the streets of Annapolis, home of the U.S. Naval Academy. The Annapolis Maritime Museum provides insight into the area’s history as a major seafaring port. Visit the State House, built in 1772, or go to the harbor for a relaxing promenade or thrilling sail. The Historic Ships of Baltimore features the USS Constellation, the last all-sail U.S. warship.
Baltimore, Maryland’s largest city, is a beautiful spot on the ocean. Enjoy the waterfront skyline with older architectural gems next to modern high-rises. See the Baltimore Orioles play baseball at the retro-style stadium at Camden Yards. Nearby, Fort McHenry Monument memorializes the spot where Francis Scott Key saw a star-spangled U.S. flag flying in the rockets’ red glare during the War of 1812; the song would later become the U.S. national anthem.
Maryland itself has plenty of history. It’s hard to tell where the state ends and Washington D.C. begins. Stay in Bethesda and take public transportation to enjoy all the excitement of the nation’s capital.