The Most Beautiful Places in Maryland

Get a flavour of Berlin, Maryland with a walk through the streets
Get a flavour of Berlin, Maryland with a walk through the streets | © Thomas Haensgen / Alamy Stock Photo

The state of Maryland is full of incredible towns and natural wonders. There are amazing panoramic views around the Chesapeake Bay and plenty of natural attractions to keep you occupied and ready to bring out your camera. Make a day trip out of visiting one or more of these fantastic picturesque places.

Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips, compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips.

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Destinations Unlocked:

Let our travel expert Stefano help you find your perfect Culture trip

Looking for an expert's perspective?

Uncover my top 3 recommended places from each continent on the map.
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CentralAmerica

GORGEOUS GUATEMALA

Gorgeous Guatemala

5 days . Mini
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1. Guatemala

An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.

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CentralAmerica

BEACHY BELIZE

Beachy Belize

5 days . Mini
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2. Belize

A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea.
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CentralAmerica

COLONIAL MEXICO

Colonial Mexico

5 days . Mini
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3. Mexico

An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different.
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SouthAmerica

ADVENTUROUS ECUADOR

Adventurous Ecuador

8 days . Epic
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1. Ecuador

A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.

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SouthAmerica

ANCIENT PERU

Ancient Peru

9 days . Epic
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2. Peru

An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon.
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Europe

SEDUCTIVE SOUTHERN ITALY

Seductive Southern Italy

10 days . Epic
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1. Italy

The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.

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Europe

EDINBURGH AND THE SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS BY TRAIN

Edinburgh And The Scottish Highlands By Train

7 days . Culture
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2. Scotland

Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers.
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Europe

COMPLETE PORTUGAL BY TRAIN

Complete Portugal By Train

8 days . Culture
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3. Portugal

A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers.
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Asia

SOULFUL SOUTH KOREA

Soulful South Korea

10 days . Epic
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1. South Korea

Discover incredible temples, mountains and modern cities on this 10 day adventure. This trip is perfect for those seeking immersion in the cuisine, culture and natural wonders of South Korea.

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Asia

THAILAND, CAMBODIA & VIETNAM

Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam

11 days . Epic
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2. Thailand

From Bankgok to Angkor Wat to Ho Chi Minh City and everything in between - adventure through the heart of South-East Asia. Taste the delights, see history brought to life and unwind on a Mekong River cruise.
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Asia

SECRETS OF SRI LANKA BY TRAIN

Secrets Of Sri Lanka By Train

10 days . Culture
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3. Sri Lanka

A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka's fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great price
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Africa

EPIC MOROCCO

Epic Morocco

11 days . Epic
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1. Morocco

An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains - this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!

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Africa

ULTIMATE EGYPT

Ultimate Egypt

9 days . Epic
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2. Egypt

From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You'll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt.
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Africa

IMMERSIVE KENYA

Immersive Kenya

8 days . Epic
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3. Kenya

An immersive blend of culture and wildlife for first time travelers to Africa. Learn about Nairobi, sample local coffee in the Aberdares and finish up with a fantastic safari stay in the Masai Mara.
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Town of Daniels

Architectural Landmark

© Igor Kantzler / Alamy Stock Photo

Daniels is an old, abandoned town located in what is now known as the Patapsco Valley State Park, which extends around the Patapsco River, near Ellicott City, Maryland. What’s left of this small town is a sight to behold, as it used to be a town full of textile mill workers. When you visit, you will be able to see what this town used to be; you’ll see abandoned cars, an old church, and structures washed away by years of rain and outside elements. This town is fascinating as you can see by what’s been left behind the lives people lived at one point in time, and the surrounding scenery is serene and quiet.

Cunningham Falls State Park

Park

© Pat & Chuck Blackley / Alamy Stock Photo

The Cunningham Falls State Park is a fascinating place to visit as it’s not only located in the mountains but has a picturesque waterfall and many outdoor family activities, such as camping and hiking. If you love trekking through the mountains while taking original photos of your hike, you’ll enjoy spending time here in this state park. Cabins are also available if you wish to camp overnight in this park as well.

Baltimore Inner Harbor

Natural Feature

© Michael Ventura / Alamy Stock Photo

The Baltimore Inner Harbor is perfect for sightseeing and exploring the downtown area of Baltimore. There are numerous tall skyscrapers, ships, water views, and industrial buildings on the waterfront. One building that brings beauty and industry to Baltimore is the headquarters of Under Armour, located in the Inner Harbor of Baltimore. The city is full of life, industry, and intriguing views to the average person who loves to explore and see new things.

Deep Creek Lake

Park

© Pat & Chuck Blackley / Alamy Stock Photo

Deep Creek Lake is the perfect getaway as it’s secluded, yet there are various activities for you and your family to participate in during your stay. Deep Creek has many vacation rentals for local Marylanders to use during the winter months for a getaway. There are cabins and huge houses, great for girls’ trips, family vacations, bridal party getaways, etc. You’re able to bring your own food, liquor, drinks, snacks, games, plus more and enjoy the natural surroundings of the lake and the mountains.

Assateague Island

Natural Feature

© Chloé Durand / Alamy Stock Photo

Assateague Island is not your typical park or place to camp overnight. This island also has a beach, with various wildlife roaming free throughout the park. If you visit Assateague Island, you’ll see wild horses roaming on the beach and waterfowl walking through the marshes. This state park gives you the perfect oceanfront view as you relax on the beach and feel the sand underneath your feet.

Annapolis

Architectural Landmark

© D. Trozzo / Alamy Stock Photo

Annapolis is the capital of the state of Maryland. Annapolis is, therefore, a city full of history and character for tourists and locals. There is entertaining nightlife in downtown Annapolis but you can take a break by looking at Chesapeake Bay views. Annapolis is close to the Chesapeake Bay so there are many hotels and restaurants with exquisite oceanfront sights, providing perfect moments to capture in your mind and your camera.

St. Michaels

Architectural Landmark

© Nick Hanna / Alamy Stock Photo

St. Michaels is another small but unfrequented town, as it’s mainly known for its fresh seafood and relaxed way of life. Many who live in St. Michaels have always lived here or have lived in one of the surrounding areas off of the Chesapeake Bay and moved to be a part of the town. This town is small but has a rich story, as years ago, it was known for mainly seafood processing and shipbuilding. Now it’s known for fantastic Chesapeake Bay blue crabs, victorian-style homes, and maritime ancestry.

Berlin

Architectural Landmark, Historical Landmark

© B. David Cathell / Alamy Stock Photo

Berlin, Maryland, is an extremely small town known for being a cultural and essential part of the Eastern Shore. The town of Berlin is historical in nature and has architecture ranging from victorian-style to the 20th-century. On the Main Street of Berlin, you’ll find various shopping and dining experiences as you overlook the rich, historical nuances of the town.

Easton

Architectural Landmark, Historical Landmark

© Grandbrothers / Alamy Stock Photo

Easton, Maryland, marks the halfway point on your drive to Ocean City, Maryland. Easton is a part of the Eastern Shore and is another small town with a deep history. This town only has a population of roughly 16,000+ individuals who love living on the Eastern Shore. Easton is right over the Chesapeake Bay Bridge, so if you’re scared to drive over bridges, this isn’t a town you’ll want to visit. The place is rich in cultural heritage and it has gourmet dining in its downtown area and a winery.

Solomons Island

Architectural Landmark, Historical Landmark

© Maryland, Drum Point Lighthouse, Solomon’s Island

Solomons Island is located in Calvert County, Maryland, where the Chesapeake Bay and Patuxent River meet. This is a small town located right on the water and takes pride in its ships and the docks to provide fresh seafood, water-based leisure activities, as well as picturesque views daily. This town also has many art galleries, small shops, and local music concerts everyone can enjoy.

Kent Island

Natural Feature

© Cavan Images / Alamy Stock Photo

Kent Island, Maryland, is a small town which sits at the bottom of the Chesapeake Bay bridge. It’s easy to drive right past this small area. The water views are spectacular, however, and the food and dining experiences in Kent Island rival none. There are steak and seafood houses, a crab shack, and a crab house, to name just a few restaurants. This island is truly something beautiful to behold as it not only gives you views of the water, but you have views of the bridge from various angles if you enjoy capturing special moments on camera.

Cambridge

Architectural Landmark, Historical Landmark

© Michael Gadomski / Alamy Stock Photo

Cambridge is another small town located on the Eastern Shore of Maryland known for its spectacular water views, fresh seafood, and special events. Cambridge is situated on the Choptank River, where there is a magnificent lighthouse used to guide ships along the river. This area is rich in history and community as it’s a town virtually located on the water.

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Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip

meet our Local Insider

Hanna

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HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?

2 years.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?

It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.

WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?

I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!

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Every CULTURE TRIP Small-group adventure is led by a Local Insider just like Hanna.

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KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?

Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

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