Maryland is a mecca of industry, history, and vibrant activities. It is an area comprised of many counties ranging from Baltimore to Silver Spring, and all of the most entertaining places in between. The state capital is Annapolis, another must-visit city alongside the more famous Baltimore. But attractions aren’t limited to these two cities. Here are 20 of Maryland’s must-see points of interest.
Ocean City, Maryland, is a great place to visit for either a weekend or as part of a last-minute vacation. Not only are there miles and miles of beach, but you would have an opportunity to visit the famous Boardwalk. There are tons of activities located on the Boardwalk, such as games, rides, shops, and plenty of food. Once you arrive on the Boardwalk, you must order a bucket of Thrasher’s french fries, followed by a funnel cake from the stand opposite, then obtain pieces of fudge from Dolle’s and a bucket of caramel popcorn from Fisher’s Popcorn. All of those things combined make for a great afternoon and a much-needed sugar rush.
Kent Island is a treasure trove of seafood restaurants and historic buildings. Originally, Kent Island was the first permanent English settlement that served as a bartering station. Stevensville, Maryland, is considered the biggest town on Kent Island. There are multiple seafood places, along with marinas in the area. Kent Island is also located close to Chesapeake Bay and the Queenstown Premium Outlets. Matapeake Beach, located in Kent Island, also offers great views of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge and contains a picnic area, dog beach, and a café.
Annapolis City Marina is an amazingly peaceful place that happens to be located in downtown Annapolis. The marina features gated parking, and free wireless internet, along with a picnic and grill area. If you plan on being out on the water for most of the day, stop by the general store that’s located on the premises for some food, snacks, beer or wine.
The Baltimore Inner Harbor is a flurry of nightlife, restaurants, sightseeing and shopping. The Baltimore Inner Harbor is located in the downtown area of the city, and one of it highlights is the abundance of restaurants lining the shore. Try the seafood dishes at the Rusty Scupper, who claim, “If you haven’t dined with us you haven’t seen Baltimore.” If seafood isn’t your thing, take a walk around the harbor to find another cuisine, or simply peruse the shops to work up your appetite. Either way, Baltimore’s Inner Harbor is a Maryland must-visit.
Assateague State Park is positioned on Assateague Island which happens to be adjoined by the Atlantic Ocean. Assateague State Park is the only waterfront park located in the entire state of Maryland. There are certain marsh areas that have a variation of wildlife, including wild horses and waterfowl. There is a small, historic town by the name of Berlin that is located only a few miles away from this park. Camping is also made available for those who love to be at one with nature.
Deep Creek Lake is an enjoyable place to get away; especially in the fall/winter seasons. In the fall, Deep Creek usually hosts an Autumn Festival and many people enjoy staying in one of the vacation rentals during the winter. The vacation rentals are spacious, roomy, and very comfortable. If you decide you want somewhere to get away, Deep Creek Lake provides a mountain of entertainment, including a small roller coaster, different activities, and not to mention you can make your own entertainment inside of your vacation rental. Just make sure you bring plenty of beer, wine and hot cocoa.
The Walter’s Art Museum is a fantastic art gallery in Baltimore that has a mixture of interesting exhibits throughout the year. The various art collections range from ancient Egypt to Asia and Europe. Currently, the museum is exhibiting works of Martin Luther and a ceramic arts series. This museum is not only educational, but it is a great way to spend an afternoon with your friends and family.
The Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall is the place for you if you enjoy a nice evening filled with live orchestra music. The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra performs at the Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall and has an international and local following. The concerts that are performed at the symphony hall are beautifully artistic and transport you to another realm. The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra also engages in a variety of community outreach activities and has an extensive calendar of events that you can view on their website.
The M&T Bank Stadium is home to the National Football League team, the Baltimore Ravens. The Baltimore Ravens are a two-time Superbowl Championship team that has a dedicated fan following in Maryland. The M&T Bank Stadium is where the Baltimore Ravens carry out their home games during football season. The Baltimore Ravens also host a variety of activities, such as Ladies Night Out, Pet Training Days, etc to keep fans involved before, during, and after the season is over.
Oriole Park at Camden Yards is home to the Major League Baseball team, the Baltimore Orioles. The Baltimore Orioles are a baseball team that locals love to support during their daytime games. Their tickets are also significantly cheaper than football tickets; therefore, whole families and groups of people are able to attend these games. Oriole Park is also located near the M&T Bank Stadium, so avid sports fans are only a few miles away from either stadium.
The Forest Haven Asylum in Fort Meade is an abandoned asylum that has been inoperable and unattended since 1991. Originally, Forest Haven Asylum was opened in 1925 in order to service mental patients, along with those who could not function in society. Eventually, funding dried up, many patients were reduced to experimental treatments and many patients died. Today, the buildings of the Forest Haven Asylum still stand; however, they are all rundown, graffitied and neglected. If you are interested in creepy places such as abandoned asylums, this is a place you’ll have to visit.
The Merriweather Post Pavilion is the perfect place for outdoor concerts and family fun. This pavilion is located between the District of Columbia and Bethesda, Maryland, and it is surrounded by acres of forest. Merriweather Post Pavilion hosts a variety of musical shows ranging from rock, rhythm and blues, pop, jazz, etc. There are seats located under the pavilion with a wide space surrounding the stage for those wishing to stand up during concerts. There are also spaces available for those who wish to picnic and sit on the grass behind the seats in the pavilion.
The Maryland Science Center is a great place for kids and family to learn a variety of information about science and the world around us. The Maryland Science Center has a ton of fun activities for children that make learning and exploring interesting for children. There happens to be a great deal of information on dinosaurs, bugs, the moon and planets, etc. For those who love learning how things work and want to know more about scientific phenomena, the Maryland Science Center is the place to visit.
Historic Ellicott City is an old historic district of Ellicott City, Maryland, that is rich in culture, history and places to eat. There are many outdoor activities to participate in, such as hiking, yoga, and outdoor entertainment. There are also many pubs, cafés, restaurants, and bistros so that you will never be bored with the variety of food selections. It would also be a great idea to take a stroll through the town and do some sightseeing as you walk along the streets.
Power Plant Live! is a medley of fun, alcohol-fueled activities. You must be 21 years old and show proper identification in order to enter. There are many bars located inside of Power Plant Live! and they always host fun happy hours where you are able to invite friends and family for free and discounted drinks. This establishment also provides free valet service if you mention that you are a part of a happy hour party. There is a tequila bar, rock bar, a bar where you can obtain buckets of liquor, etc. Overall, if you want to have an entertaining and wild night, visit Power Plant Live! located near the Baltimore Inner Harbor.
The National Aquarium is teeming with a variety of animals and exhibits, including jellyfish, frogs and birds. There are almost 20,000 animals at the National Aquarium and it is located downtown in the Baltimore Inner Harbor. It is best to visit this aquarium during the week or before 11 a.m. to avoid the crowds that make it almost impossible to spend time in the various galleries.
St. Michaels, Maryland is a fantastic place that is located on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. St. Michaels is a small coastal town with a great deal of character and things to do. The harbor has a variety of outdoor activities and delicious restaurants. In the summertime, many people take their boats out onto the water in order to enjoy the views and watch the sunset. If you are also looking for quaint, romantic restaurants, there are plenty with envious picturesque views on the water.
The Maryland Live! Casino is a fun and fast-paced place to be if you like to gamble, shop, and eat. At Maryland Live! Casino, there are plenty of restaurants, shops, and places to gamble. There are also high stakes poker rooms, slot machines, and other games. This casino is also attached to the Arundel Mills mall which is always a flurry of activity.
The Johns Hopkins Hospital is a world-renowned teaching hospital that focuses on first-class research, education, and exceptional patient care. The Johns Hopkins Hospital is located in downtown Baltimore. People from around the world travel to this hospital in order to be seen, study, or simply visit this hospital. This hospital also has residences for their doctors, along with the Johns Hopkins University attached to its grounds.
The Hippodrome Theatre hosts a variety of theatrical performances throughout the year. It was re-opened in 2004 and has not disappointed its audiences since. The Hippodrome Theatre hosts a variety of shows, such as comedy performances and traveling Broadway shows. Patrons of this establishment are also able to purchase yearly subscriptions so that they never miss a show when it comes to town.
