Maryland, known as “America in Miniature,” offers diverse experiences, from bustling cities to serene coastlines. This compact state packs a punch with its rich history, stunning natural beauty, and vibrant culture. Let’s explore 110 must-do activities that will help you discover the best of Maryland.

Maryland’s diverse offerings cater to a wide range of interests and preferences. From the bustling streets of Baltimore to the serene beaches of the Eastern Shore, from the mountains of Western Maryland to the historic streets of Annapolis, the state offers a rich tapestry of experiences. The coastal regions of Maryland provide endless opportunities for water-based activities.

Ocean City’s vibrant boardwalk contrasts beautifully with the wild, unspoiled beaches of Assateague Island. With its rich maritime history and abundant wildlife, the Chesapeake Bay offers everything from sailing and crabbing to exploring quaint waterfront towns. History buffs will find Maryland a treasure trove of significant sites.

From Fort McHenry, which inspired the national anthem, to the Civil War battlefields of Antietam, the state played a crucial role in shaping American history. The Underground Railroad sites, including the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historical Park, provide powerful reminders of the struggle for freedom.

Coastal Adventures

Walk the Ocean City Boardwalk
Build a sandcastle on Assateague Beach
Watch wild ponies roam on Assateague Island
Go crabbing in the Chesapeake Bay
Take a sunset cruise in Annapolis
Visit the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum in St. Michaels
Kayak through the marshes of Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge
Explore the lighthouses of the Chesapeake Bay
Go deep-sea fishing off the coast of Ocean City
Sail on a skipjack, Maryland’s state boat

Historical Explorations

Tour Fort McHenry in Baltimore
Visit the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis
Explore the Antietam National Battlefield
Walk the streets of historic St. Mary’s City
Take a ghost tour in Ellicott City
Visit the Edgar Allan Poe House and Museum in Baltimore
Explore the Underground Railroad sites in Cambridge
Tour the Maryland State House in Annapolis
Visit the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historical Park
Explore the B&O Railroad Museum in Baltimore

Cultural Experiences

Attend the Maryland Renaissance Festival
Experience the Preakness Stakes at Pimlico Race Course
Visit the National Aquarium in Baltimore
Explore the American Visionary Art Museum
Attend a performance at the Hippodrome Theatre
Visit the Walters Art Museum in Baltimore
Explore the Strathmore Music Center in North Bethesda
Attend the Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival
Visit the Geppi’s Entertainment Museum in Baltimore
Explore the Ward Museum of Wildfowl Art in Salisbury

Outdoor Adventures

Hike the Appalachian Trail in Washington County
Go whitewater rafting on the Youghiogheny River
Ski or snowboard at Wisp Resort in McHenry
Camp in Catoctin Mountain Park
Bike the C&O Canal Towpath
Rock climb at Rocks State Park
Birdwatch at Pickering Creek Audubon Center
Go tubing down the Gunpowder River
Hike to Maryland Heights for a view of Harpers Ferry
Explore Swallow Falls State Park

Culinary Delights

Eat steamed blue crabs at a crab feast
Try Smith Island Cake, Maryland’s official dessert
Taste wines along the Frederick Wine Trail
Enjoy Berger Cookies, a Baltimore tradition
Sample craft beers at Flying Dog Brewery in Frederick
Try a Natty Boh (National Bohemian beer) in Baltimore
Eat fresh oysters in St. Michaels
Indulge in a crab pretzel at Schultz’s Crab House
Visit the Baltimore Farmers’ Market & Bazaar
Try pit beef, a Baltimore barbecue specialty

Urban Explorations

Explore the Inner Harbor in Baltimore
Visit Camden Yards for an Orioles game
Shop at Arundel Mills Mall in Hanover
Take a water taxi tour in Baltimore Harbor
Explore the vibrant neighborhoods of Fells Point and Canton
Visit the National Harbor and ride the Capital Wheel
Explore the arts district in downtown Frederick
Shop at Savage Mill, a restored cotton mill
Visit the Maryland Science Center in Baltimore
Explore the charming town of Berlin, named “America’s Coolest Small Town.”

Nature and Wildlife

Go stargazing at Cherry Springs State Park
Observe migratory birds at Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge
Visit the National Wildlife Visitor Center in Laurel
Explore the Adkins Arboretum in Ridgely
Hike the Billy Goat Trail in Great Falls Park
Visit the Salisbury Zoo
Explore the Howard Peters Rawlings Conservatory in Baltimore
Go fossil hunting at Calvert Cliffs State Park
Visit the Assateague State Park
Explore the Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary

Family Fun

Visit Six Flags America in Upper Marlboro
Explore the Maryland Zoo in Baltimore
Visit the College Park Aviation Museum
Ride the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad
Explore the Adventure Park at Sandy Spring
Visit the Port Discovery Children’s Museum in Baltimore
Enjoy the rides at Trimper’s Rides in Ocean City
Visit the Goddard Space Flight Center Visitor Center
Explore the Chesapeake Children’s Museum in Annapolis
Visit the National Cryptologic Museum in Fort Meade

Unique Experiences

Attend the Décor & More Flamingo Fling in Havre de Grace
Visit the National Museum of Civil War Medicine in Frederick
Explore the Ladew Topiary Gardens in Monkton
Attend the Waterfowl Festival in Easton
Visit the National Electronics Museum in Linthicum
Explore the Chesapeake Bay Environmental Center
Visit the Antique Tool Museum in Hampstead
Attend the Maryland Bacon Festival in Baltimore
Explore the Banneker-Douglass Museum in Annapolis
Visit the National Cryptologic Museum in Fort Meade

Seasonal Activities

Go apple picking in Western Maryland in the fall
Attend the Maryland State Fair in Timonium
Go ice skating at the outdoor rink in downtown Baltimore
Enjoy the cherry blossoms at Centennial Park in Columbia
Attend the Annapolis Oyster Roast & Sock Burning
Visit the sunflower fields at Clear Meadow Farm in summer
Attend the Autumn Glory Festival in Oakland
Go cross-country skiing in New Germany State Park
Enjoy the holiday lights at Seneca Creek State Park
Attend the Preakness Balloon Festival in Howard County

Hidden Gems

Visit the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park
Explore the ruins of the Enchanted Forest in Ellicott City
Visit the Scorpion Brewing Company in Owings
Explore the Wild Pony Centre on Assateague Island
Visit the National Capitol Columns at the National Arboretum
Explore the historic town of Havre de Grace
Visit the Annmarie Sculpture Garden & Arts Center in Solomons
Explore the Ward Museum of Wildfowl Art in Salisbury
Visit the Chesapeake Beach Water Park
Explore the historic St. Mary’s City, Maryland’s first capital

Conclusion

Maryland’s cultural scene is vibrant and diverse. Baltimore, the state’s largest city, has world-class museums like the National Aquarium and the American Visionary Art Museum. The Maryland Renaissance Festival transports visitors back in time, while the Preakness Stakes continues a long tradition of horse racing excellence. Outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty to explore in Maryland’s varied landscapes. The state offers year-round outdoor adventures, from hiking in the Appalachian Mountains to kayaking in the Chesapeake Bay, skiing at Wisp Resort, and rock climbing at Rocks State Park.

Food lovers will delight in Maryland’s culinary offerings. The state is famous for its blue crabs, often enjoyed at lively crab feasts. But there’s more to Maryland cuisine than seafood. Try the unique Smith Island Cake, sample craft beers in Frederick, or indulge in a Baltimore-style pit beef sandwich. Urban explorers can lose themselves in the charming neighborhoods of Baltimore, the historic streets of Annapolis, or the vibrant downtown of Frederick. Each city and town in Maryland has unique character and attractions to discover.

Nature and wildlife enthusiasts will find Maryland a haven for observation and exploration. The state’s diverse ecosystems support various plant and animal life, from the Chesapeake Bay to the Appalachian forests. Birdwatchers, in particular, will find ample opportunities to spot migratory species. Families visiting Maryland will find no shortage of kid-friendly activities. From amusement parks and zoos to interactive museums and outdoor adventures, there’s something to entertain visitors of all ages.

Maryland also offers many unique experiences that can’t be found anywhere else. Where else can you attend a Flamingo Fling, visit a museum dedicated to the history of cryptology, or participate in a sock-burning ceremony to welcome spring? As you plan your Maryland adventures, remember the state’s seasonal offerings. Fall brings colorful foliage and apple picking, winter offers skiing and holiday light displays, spring heralds cherry blossoms and outdoor festivals, and summer is perfect for beach trips and concerts.