8 Best Things to do in Maryland
The U.S State of Maryland boasts a stunning Mid-Atlantic coastline. The state shares its borders with many other states, but it’s the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Ocean that steals the show! The many historical monuments, restaurants, seafood markets, tours, and events makes this one of the top holiday destinations. Here are some of the top things to do in Maryland.
1. Spend an evening at the Baltimore Inner Harbor
Image Source: wikipedia.org
A landmark of the city of Baltimore, the Baltimore Inner Harbor is a scenic waterfront promenade and one of America's oldest seaports. Complete with shopping, dining, and entertainment options, check out the Baltimore’s pyramid-shaped National Aquarium or dine at one of the waterfront restaurants serving up fresh seafood, things to do here are plenty. You can also take a ferry and explore the Chesapeake Bay and enjoy sights like Key Bridge, Fort McHenry, and the Federal Hill neighborhood.
2. Enjoy the colonial flavor of Annapolis
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Maryland’s capital city, Annapolis is located on the Chesapeake Bay. Many 18th-century buildings galore in Annapolis, giving it the quintessential colonial flavor. The best way to explore the historic landmarks is to take a walking tour of the city. Discover the city’s many atmospheric neighborhoods, charming side streets, and stop by to click pictures at Maryland State House, William Paca House & Garden, Annapolis Maritime Museum, US Naval Academy Museum, and Banneker-Douglass Museum among many others.
3. Visit the C & O Canal National Historic Park
Image Source: nps.gov
The Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park is shared by the District of Columbia and the states of Maryland and West Virginia. This park was built to protect the mid-19th-century Chesapeake and Ohio Canal along the Potomac River. Between the 1830s and 1920s, this canal was the only way to move between the Chesapeake Bay and Ohio River before railways and road transport made it obsolete. The park has 6 visitor centers and many paths to explore. Mule-powered canal boats are the best way to explore this park.
4. Spend an afternoon exploring the Annmarie Sculpture Garden & Arts Center
Situated in the town of Dowell on the Solomons Island, the Annmarie Sculpture Garden & Arts Center is a Smithsonian-affiliated facility. Tucked between the Patuxent River and the Chesapeake Bay on a peninsular nook, this 30-acre center has dozens of art fixtures and installations featuring Stonehenge-like rock arrangements, meditative human forms, natural sculptures, indoor gallery, and many more. Though open all year round, the Annmarie Sculpture Garden & Arts Center is best visited during spring and summer.
5. Sports fans must visit the Babe Ruth Birthplace & Museum
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If you are a baseball fan, you wouldn't want to give Babe Ruth Birthplace & Museum a miss. Set inside a well-preserved rowhouse in downtown Baltimore, this is the birthplace of George Herman ‘Babe’ Ruth. Here you can check out the bedroom where the famous baseball player was born, walk through the family memorabilia, check out the sports paraphernalia, and many of Ruth’s records. Open only from Thursday to Sunday, don’t give this a miss when in Baltimore.
Also check out this Baltimore Travel Guide.
6. Relax at the Patterson Park
Image Source: wikimedia.org
The Patterson Park in Southeast Baltimore is like the city’s green lung. Covering more than 130 acres, this park offers a multitude of recreational activities. The 1890-designed Pagoda is easily the park’s icon and has featured in many postcards. Climb up this pagoda and you can see the Patapsco River and downtown as well as many other Baltimore neighborhoods. 10 tennis courts and 2 playgrounds, along with numerous trails offer opportunities to run, jog, walk and bike here. The pool can be used for swimming in summer and for skating during winters.
7. Learn about the history of railways at the B&O Railroad Museum
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Yet another Baltimore attraction, the B&O Railroad Museum is a must for all the history buffs and train lovers. The Baltimore’s B&O Railroad Museum is also the world’s biggest museum devoted to locomotives. The Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Museum opened on July 4, 1953 and is home to many collections of 19th- and 20th-century artifacts that are related to America's railroads. From Wednesday to Sunday during the months of April through December plus on January weekends, you can also enjoy train rides here.
8. Visit the Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine
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The Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine ranks among top Maryland attractions and offers the visitors plenty to experience. You can start by visiting the visitor center where you can watch the orientation film and then explore some of the exhibits before heading out to explore the fort. A full-size replica of the Star-Spangled Banner is a major attraction here. Visitors can watch and help the rangers unroll, raise, or lower this flag too!
Planning a romantic trip in Maryland? Here are top weekend getaways!
Maryland has a variety of things to see and do! Plan a trip to Maryland for your next vacation.
