- Best for: Families, solo travelers, history buffs, foodies, outdoor adventurers
- Must-sees: Ocean City Boardwalk, Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, Antietam Battlefield, Catoctin Mountain Park
- Budget: $130–$374/day (solo); $214–$620/day (couple) (see details below)
- When to go: Late spring to early fall for best weather and events
- Safety: Generally safe, with a few areas to avoid after dark. See pro tips below.
- Emergency: Dial 911 for emergencies; see full contacts at the end.
Your Quick Guide to Visiting Maryland
Maryland is a compact yet astonishingly diverse state, offering everything from sun-soaked beaches in Ocean City to the tranquil forests and rugged peaks of the Appalachians.
Whether you crave bustling city life, historical intrigue, or outdoor adventure, Maryland delivers—and as a local, I’ll share the best ways to experience it all.
Why Visit Maryland? Key Takeaways
- Easy to explore: Drive coast-to-mountains in under four hours.
- Rich history: Civil War sites, colonial towns, and the birthplace of the national anthem.
- Natural beauty: beaches, bays, waterfalls, and hiking trails for every skill level.
- Food scene: Legendary blue crabs, farm-to-table fare, and international eats.
- Family-friendly: amusement parks, aquariums, and safe, welcoming towns.
Top Things to See and Do in Maryland
Ocean City & Eastern Shore
- Ocean City Boardwalk: Classic seaside fun, arcades, shops, and eateries. Don’t miss Thrasher’s Fries and Fisher’s Caramel Corn.
- Northside Park: 58 acres of walking trails, playgrounds, and summer concerts.
- Assateague Island: wild ponies, pristine beaches, and kayaking.
- Jolly Roger Amusement Park: Family rides, water park, and mini-golf.
Baltimore & Central Maryland
- Inner Harbor: National Aquarium, Maryland Science Center, and waterfront dining.
- Fort McHenry: Birthplace of the Star-Spangled Banner—join the morning flag-raising for a unique experience.
- Fell’s Point & Hampden: Hip neighborhoods with indie shops, murals, and craft breweries.
- Mount Vernon: Arts district, Peabody Library, and historic architecture.
Mountains & Western Maryland
- Catoctin Mountain Park: Hiking, waterfalls, and scenic overlooks.
- Antietam National Battlefield: Walk the hallowed Civil War grounds and visit the excellent visitor center.
- Deep Creek Lake: Boating, fishing, and winter sports.
- Swallow Falls State Park: Maryland’s highest free-falling waterfall.
Pro Tip: For a true local experience, time your visit around the Maryland Seafood Festival or the autumn leaf-peeping season in the mountains.
Where to Stay: Best Areas & Accommodation Tips
Ocean City
- Best for: Beach lovers, families, nightlife
- Top Picks: Boardwalk hotels (Hilton Ocean City, Dunes Manor), vacation rentals, family-friendly motels
- Average Price: $63–$293/night (hotel); $170–$600/night (rental)
Baltimore
- Best for: Urban explorers, foodies, sports fans
- Top Picks: Inner Harbor hotels (Four Seasons, Kimpton), boutique B&Bs in historic neighborhoods
- Average Price: $87–$149/night
Western Maryland
- Best for: Outdoor enthusiasts, couples, families
- Top Picks: Deep Creek Lake cabins, mountain lodges, state park campgrounds
- Average Price: $100–$250/night
Personal Insight: I always book early for peak summer weekends, especially in Ocean City and Deep Creek Lake—rooms fill fast!
Typical Costs, Budget Suggestions & Money-Saving Tips
Average Costs (per person, per week)
- Solo traveler: $1,338 (avg.), $912 (budget)
- Couple: $2,067 (avg.), $1,499 (budget)
- Family of 4: $5,810 (avg.)
- Daily expenses: $48–$100 (food, transport, activities)
- Flights: $420–$1,021 (economy, round-trip)
Money-Saving Tips
- Travel off-season (late spring or early fall) for lower hotel rates and fewer crowds.
- Book accommodations and attractions in advance for the best deals.
- Use public transit in Baltimore and Annapolis to save on parking.
- Look for free events and festivals—Maryland hosts many, especially in summer.
- Enjoy local markets and casual seafood shacks for affordable, authentic eats.
Pro Tip: Many state parks offer free or low-cost admission—perfect for hiking, picnics, and wildlife watching.
Getting Around Maryland: Transportation Tips
- Car rental: Best for exploring the mountains, small towns, and the Eastern Shore.
- Public transit: Baltimore has a light rail, metro, and bus network. MARC trains connect DC, Baltimore, and Frederick.
- Bike-friendly: Many cities have bike lanes and rentals, especially Annapolis and Baltimore.
- Water taxis: A fun way to see Baltimore’s harbor.
Personal Insight: I love using the Baltimore water taxi for a scenic, traffic-free route between neighborhoods.
Best Time to Visit Maryland
- Late spring (May–June): Mild weather, blooming gardens, and fewer crowds.
- Summer (July–August): Peak beach season, festivals, and family fun. Book early!
- Early fall (September–October): Gorgeous foliage in the mountains, apple picking, and harvest events.
- Winter (December–February): Skiing in Western Maryland, festive lights, and quieter cities.
Pro Tip: For the best crab feasts, visit from late May through September.
How to Get to Maryland
- By air: Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) is the main hub, with easy access to Baltimore, Annapolis, and DC.
- By train: Amtrak and MARC trains connect Maryland with major East Coast cities.
- By car: I-95, I-70, and US-50 are the primary highways. Maryland is within a 4–5 hour drive of NYC, Philly, and Richmond.
- By bus: Greyhound, Megabus, and regional lines serve Baltimore, Silver Spring, and other cities.
Pro Tip: For a scenic arrival, drive the Chesapeake Bay Bridge and stop at Kent Island for fresh seafood.
Recommended Tours & Experiences
- Guided walking tours of Annapolis’ colonial district
- Historic ghost tours in Frederick and Ellicott City
- Crab feast cruises in the Chesapeake Bay
- Kayak and paddleboard rentals at Deep Creek Lake
- Baltimore food tours—sample pit beef, Berger cookies, and more
Personal Insight: The Annapolis ghost tour is a personal favorite—equal parts spooky and historical!
How Many Days Should You Spend in Maryland?
- Weekend (2–3 days): Focus on one region—Ocean City for beaches, Baltimore for city life, or the mountains for hiking.
- 4–5 days: Combine city and nature—Baltimore + Annapolis + a day trip to Antietam or Catoctin Mountain Park.
- 7+ days: Explore coast to mountains, including Ocean City, Baltimore, Annapolis, and Western Maryland.
Pro Tip: If you love road trips, Maryland’s compact size makes it easy to see multiple regions in a single week.
How to Stay Safe in Maryland: Local Advice
- Most of Maryland is safe for visitors, but avoid certain neighborhoods in Baltimore and Prince George’s County after dark.
- Stay alert in crowded areas—use a cross-body bag and keep valuables secure.
- Use well-lit, busy streets at night, especially in urban areas.
- Public transportation is generally safe, but always be aware of your surroundings.
- Follow park rules and stay on marked trails in natural areas.
Personal Insight: I’ve traveled Maryland solo and with kids—common sense and a friendly attitude go a long way.
Emergency Contacts & Resources
- Police, Fire, Ambulance: 911
- Non-emergency police: 301-333-4000
- Maryland Health & Human Services: 211
- American Red Cross (MD): 240-487-2100
- Tourism Info: VisitMaryland.org
Pro Tip: Save these numbers in your phone before your trip for peace of mind.
Interactive Map: Maryland’s Top Attractions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to travel around Maryland?
Driving is the most flexible way, especially for visiting the mountains and Eastern Shore. In cities, public transit and rideshares are convenient.
Is Maryland safe for tourists?
Yes, most areas are safe. Exercise caution in certain neighborhoods after dark, keep valuables secure, and follow basic travel safety practices.
When is the cheapest time to visit Maryland?
Late fall and winter (excluding holidays) offer the lowest hotel rates and fewer crowds.
What food is Maryland famous for?
Maryland blue crabs (try them steamed with Old Bay), crab cakes, pit beef, and Berger cookies.
How many days do I need to see Maryland?
A long weekend covers one region well; a week lets you explore coast to mountains.
Are there any must-know local tips?
Pack layers—weather can change quickly. Always try the local seafood, and don’t skip small towns for hidden gems.
WakaAbuja has made every effort to ensure that the information in this post was correct at the time of publication. However, we do not assume any liability caused by errors such as pricing, hours, or location details. Please consult official websites or social media pages for the most up-to-date information.
