Wedged into the East Coast, bordering the states of Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia as well as the Nation's Capital of Washington, DC, Maryland is one of the smaller states of the Union. But it is big on activities, particularly during the warmer months when visitors can take advantage of the state's 31 miles of coastline along the Chesapeake Bay. Many of Maryland's top attractions are in Baltimore, its largest city or are located in the Maryland suburbs of Washington, DC. Read on for top tips on what to do in the state of Maryland.
The bloodiest one-day battle in the Civil War and, in fact, in American history, took place at Antietam National Battlefield in Sharpsburg, a town in western Maryland. Visitors to Antietam can take self-guided tours of the 8.5-mile long battlefield by car or bike or by hiking. On July 4th, the Maryland Symphony Orchestra plays a "Salute to Independence" concert at Antietam. While, in December, the annual Memorial Illumination sees the battlefield lit with 23,000 candles to commemorate each solider who died, was wounded, or went missing at the Battle of Antietam.More »
This national monument and historic shrine in the Baltimore Harbor is where the Battle of Baltimore, a key battle of the War of 1812 was fought. The battle inspired Francis Scott Key to write "The Star Spangled Banner," the USA's national anthem. Visitors to Fort McHenry can check out museums, former barracks and officers' quarters, and artillery. Flag talks and flag change ceremonies are offered daily.More »
Located in Baltimore's Inner Harbor, this magnificent aquarium has more than 16,000 animals on its three-hour tour. See jellyfish, sharks, and dolphins, as well as exhibits designed to simulate various natural habitats, such as Atlantic Coral Reef, Upland Tropical Rainforest, and Maryland: Mountains to Sea.More »
Maryland is one of the very few states to have a "state crustacean." Here it is the blue crab, which is famously served steamed or in a crab cake. Most visitors tend to prefer the latter, as it is less messy and concentrates on the sweet, lump meat of the crab. The above link is to Baltimore Magazine's list of the best crab cakes in Baltimore - an extensive list. But you can also find quality cakes in Annapolis and the Washington, DC, area.More »
A cornerstone of Baltimore's downtown revitalization efforts in the 1990s, Camden Yards has become the model for urban ballparks across the nation. Besides its close proximity to public transportation and the tourist attractions of Baltimore's Inner Harbor, Camden Yards is also just a great place to enjoy the national pastime.More »
The peninsula known as the Eastern Shore has the Chesapeake Bay to its west and the Atlantic Ocean to its east. Many visitors travel to the Eastern Shore for its timeless small towns and laid back coastal vibe. For those who want a "real" beach, the Eastern Shore has that, too, at Ocean City. In sum, Maryland's Eastern Shore is the ideal beach getaway for all types of travelers.More »
Antietam
The bloodiest one-day battle in the Civil War and, in fact, in American history, took place at Antietam National Battlefield in Sharpsburg, a town in western Maryland. Visitors to Antietam can take self-guided tours of the 8.5-mile long battlefield by car or bike or by hiking. On July 4th, the Maryland Symphony Orchestra plays a "Salute to Independence" concert at Antietam. While, in December, the annual Memorial Illumination sees the battlefield lit with 23,000 candles to commemorate each solider who died, was wounded, or went missing at the Battle of Antietam.More »
Fort McHenry
This national monument and historic shrine in the Baltimore Harbor is where the Battle of Baltimore, a key battle of the War of 1812 was fought. The battle inspired Francis Scott Key to write "The Star Spangled Banner," the USA's national anthem. Visitors to Fort McHenry can check out museums, former barracks and officers' quarters, and artillery. Flag talks and flag change ceremonies are offered daily.More »
National Aquarium
Located in Baltimore's Inner Harbor, this magnificent aquarium has more than 16,000 animals on its three-hour tour. See jellyfish, sharks, and dolphins, as well as exhibits designed to simulate various natural habitats, such as Atlantic Coral Reef, Upland Tropical Rainforest, and Maryland: Mountains to Sea.More »
Maryland Crabs
Maryland is one of the very few states to have a "state crustacean." Here it is the blue crab, which is famously served steamed or in a crab cake. Most visitors tend to prefer the latter, as it is less messy and concentrates on the sweet, lump meat of the crab. The above link is to Baltimore Magazine's list of the best crab cakes in Baltimore - an extensive list. But you can also find quality cakes in Annapolis and the Washington, DC, area.More »
Oriole Park at Camden Yards
A cornerstone of Baltimore's downtown revitalization efforts in the 1990s, Camden Yards has become the model for urban ballparks across the nation. Besides its close proximity to public transportation and the tourist attractions of Baltimore's Inner Harbor, Camden Yards is also just a great place to enjoy the national pastime.More »
Maryland State House
Completed in 1779, the Maryland State House is "the oldest state capitol in continuous legislative use." Located in Annapolis, Maryland's capital city, the State House also served as the United States Capitol for a short time from 1783 to 1784, the only U.S. statehouse to hold this distinction. The State House is open to the public daily, except Christmas and New Year's Day, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.More »Sailboat Races in Annapolis
Besides being Maryland's capital city, Annapolis is also "America's Sailing Capital." This fact is in no doubt on Wednesday evenings from April through September when the city puts on its Sailboat Races. Spectators can gather at Annapolis Harbor to watch up to 150 sailboats race in the Chesapeake Bay.More »Preakness Stakes
The second horse race of the Triple Crown Series, the Preakness Stakes takes place at Pimlico Racetrack in Baltimore and is one of the biggest events in the state.More »Eastern Shore
The peninsula known as the Eastern Shore has the Chesapeake Bay to its west and the Atlantic Ocean to its east. Many visitors travel to the Eastern Shore for its timeless small towns and laid back coastal vibe. For those who want a "real" beach, the Eastern Shore has that, too, at Ocean City. In sum, Maryland's Eastern Shore is the ideal beach getaway for all types of travelers.More »