12 Best Things To Do In Maryland – A Complete Guide (2024)
Maryland is one of the smallest states that you will find in the United States of America. But, there are a lot of fun things that you can do over here. The state is quite famous for its waterways, vast history & nature spots.
So, if you want to explore the history of America, then you should certainly choose Maryland as your vacation destination.
12 Best Things To Do In Maryland – A Complete Guide
In this blog, we would cover the best things to do in Maryland. Let us have a look:-
1) National Aquarium
Address: 501 E Pratt St, Baltimore, MD 21202, USA
Visiting National Aquarium is indeed one of the best things that you can do in Maryland. The national aquarium has a very beautiful building and it is near the inner harbor of Baltimore.
Over here, you can easily find several plants & animals which includes 17000 animals & 750 species. Hence, there are a lot of things that you can witness over here.
Other than this, you can find an Atlantic coral reef, eight bottlenose dolphins, and a shark.
Lastly, Discovery Gallery that is present here is one of the best places that you can visit with young children.
#Things to do
- Watch Dolphins Play
- Witness Sharks
- Pet an Atlantic Stingray
2) Swallows Falls State Park
Address: 2470 Maple Glade Rd, Oakland, MD 21550, USA
Another best thing to do in Maryland is to visit Swallows Falls State Park. It is a park that is present in the mountain which is only at a distance of 10 miles from the north of Oakland. Over here, you can find some of the best scenery which includes the tallest free-falling waterfall. The park is also quite famous for hemlock trees which are more than 300 years old.
Lastly, the park consists of a gorgeous picnic area, 65 campsites, and a kid’s playground.
#Things to do
- Renting a bike to explore the park
- Hiking the Canyon Trail
- Rafting & kayaking in the Youghiogheny River
3) The Walters Art Museum
Address: 600 N Charles St, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
The Walters Art Museum which is present in Baltimore was first started in the year 1934. The museum was opened for the Walters family to display the art collections they had.
Since then it has expanded a lot and you will find artwork over here ranging from the third millennium B.C. to the 20th century.
The attraction is best for the wide jewelry collection that it has for display. You can also mind a lot of traditional artworks which includes sculptures & paintings.
Some of the notable things that you will find over here are 3000 pounds of Egyptian statues, Roman sarcophagi, Greek sculptures, medieval art, and much more.
#Things to do
- Witness Egyptian Mummies
- Attend special cultural events
- Take stunning photographs
4) National Harbor
Address: 165 Waterfront Street, National Harbor, Maryland 20745, USA
National Harbor is just a few minutes from Washington DC and it can easily be accessed by ferry or car. It is quite famous for the 180-foot Ferris wheel that is present alongside the water. On this wheel, you can get the best view of the White House & Potomac River.
Also, at National Harbor, you can easily find many restaurants, shops, trails, rides & special events.
You also get the option to rent out paddleboards, kayaks, and pedal boats. So, National Harbor should certainly be on your checklist for doing the best things in Maryland.
#Things to do
- Taking Ride on Capital Wheel
- Attend special events
- Cruise on the Potomac River
5) Fort McHenry National Monument
Address: 2400 E Fort Ave, Baltimore, MD 21230, USA
Fort McHenry which is located in Baltimore, Maryland is an old military pentagon constructed in the year 1798. During the war of 1812, the fort saved Baltimore from getting attacked by the British Navy.
The visitors can know more about the history of the fort at the visitor’s center and after this, they can explore the historic Star Fort.
In the Star Fort, you can watch short films, explore the different exhibits and then take part in the flag ceremony.
Also, at the park, you can enjoy several seasonal events such as musical performances, reenactments, interactive games & educational talks.
Lastly, children can take participation in the Junior Ranger Program. In this, they get to complete the activities in the park such that the Junior Ranger badge can be earned.
#Things to do
- Enjoy a picnic with family & friends
- Participate in a wide range of events
- Visit the Star Fort
6) Harriet Tubman Byway
Address: 424 Race Street, Cambridge, Maryland, 21613, USA
Harriet Tubman was enslaved in Maryland but later on, she went on to save several other slaves. So, if you are looking for the best things to do in Maryland, then Harriet Tubman Byway should be on your checklist.
It is one of the best educational attractions that you can go to along with your family or friends.
Over here, you will find a driving trail that starts from Maryland to Philadelphia ranging about 100 miles. Some of the important stops that you will find along the way are her farms, birthplace, Underground Railroad, and places where her major life events happened.
#Things to do
- Visit the Underground Railroad
- Take a tour of Long Wharf Park
- Pay a visit to Bucktown Village Store
7) Movies on the North Beach
Address: 9023 Bay Avenue, North Beach, MD 20714, USA
At North Beach, you can find a big screen where you can enjoy watching movies while enjoying the relaxing breeze of the ocean.
It is indeed one of the perfect activities for movie buffs & beach lovers. The best part is that it is open to all and completely free.
You can bring your chair or lounge on a blanket to enjoy the best outdoor movie environments.
Alongside this, you can go shopping or grab food at various restaurants present there.
So, if you are on a low budget, then you should mark this place.
#Things to do
- Take lovely photographs
- Enjoy Fishing
- Watch movies on the beach
8) Blackwater National Wildlife Refuse
Address: 2145 Key Wallace Dr. Cambridge, MD 21613, USA
One of the best things to do in Maryland is to visit the Blackwater National Wildlife Refuse.
This Wildlife Refuse is situated about 12 miles from the south of Cambridge and it is spread over about 26000 acres. Additionally, over here you will find different kinds of ponds, marshes, and forests.
It is also quite popular among birdwatchers as it acts as a spot for all migrating birds. The best part is that you are guaranteed to see wild animals during every trip that you do.
#Things to do
- Admire the Wildlife
- Opt for Hunting
- Do Hiking
9) Oriole Park at Camden Yards
Address: 333 W Camden St, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
If you are a sports enthusiast, then it is recommended that you visit Oriole Park. The baseball field was opened in the year 1992 and it is based out in downtown Baltimore. It can accommodate fifty thousand fans and it was built at the cost of over a hundred million Dollars.
The best thing is that the fans can visit the team shops that are present in the park to buy baseballs, jerseys as well as other team merchandise.
A variety of baseball food is available in the stadium such as popcorn, hot dogs, nachos, crab cakes, sandwiches, etc.
When the baseball season is going on, then the fans can take a tour of the stadium. These include the press area, Orioles dugout, etc. which you don’t get to experience normally.
#Things to do
- Visit Monument Park
- Go to New Center Field Bar
- Participate in the Hot Dog Race
10) Live! Casino & Hotel Maryland
Address: 7002 Arundel Mills Cir #7777, Hanover, MD 21076, USA
Another best thing to do in Maryland is to stop by Live! Casino & Hotel Maryland.
The casino first started in the year 2012 and it has more than fifty poker tables, two hundred live table games, and several other electronic machines. It is regarded as one of the best casinos that are present in the state.
The hotel which is adjacent to it opened in the year 2018 and has more than three hundred rooms. The hotel is designed in a very contemporary manner and thus it is a perfect place for visitors & casino guests.
A salon & spa is also available at the hotel which offers the guests manicures, massages, skin treatments, etc. such that their stay can be enhanced.
Lastly, it has a concert venue that offers great live entertainment for the guests. Moreover, the guests can also get access to twelve bars & restaurants such that they enjoy the food and drinks.
#Things to Do
- Play Casino
- Participate in the live concert
- Enjoy the food & drinks
11) Port Discovery Children’s Museum
Address: 35 Market Pl, Baltimore, MD 21202, USA
One of the best things to do in Maryland for families is to go to Port Discovery. The museum is based out in Baltimore and it is spanned 80000 Sq. Ft. where all kinds of exhibitions are on display.
All the exhibitions are quite interactive and it is perfect for toddlers, babies, and children up to the age of ten. One of the most popular exhibitions is the Sky Climber where children can climb and enjoy a four-story-high jungle gym.
It also has a cargo ship with dedicated educational areas. Over here, information about sea navigation, ships, and boats is given.
Some of the other areas include workshops, a sports arena, and a theater. Lastly, it has story time with music events, activities, and much more.
#Things to Do
- Enjoy Sky Climber
- Visit the Cargo Ship
- Splash in Waters of Wonder
12) NASA Goddard Space Flight Center
Address: 8800 Greenbelt Rd, Greenbelt, MD 20771, USA
If you want to do something interesting in Maryland, then you should pay a visit to NASA Goddard Space Flight Center.
It came into existence in the year 1959 and it has become the largest organization for spacecraft-focused engineers & scientists in the USA.
The scientists that are in NASA learn about the solar system, earth, and universe using the information that is available from space.
As a guest, you can visit the center free of cost. Inside, you will find an exhibition that is going about Hubble Space Telescope.
Some of the other things that you will find here are technology displays about Sun, Digital art, and presentations to become a scientist to name a few.
At the center, several large events also happen which include robot competitions, festivals, entertainment, and educational presentations.
#Things to Do
- Participate in the robot competition
- Attend various exhibitions
- Use several telescopes
You may feel that the size of Maryland is small but the state has many places that you can certainly visit.
Above we have come up with a list of some of the best things to do in Maryland after a lot of research.
Hence, you can be rest assured that you would love your vacation trip if you visit the places that we have mentioned.
Lastly, if you have anything to discuss, then do connect with us and we would be happy to take all your queries.
