Maryland Vacation Planner

2024 Maryland Visitors Guide

Travel opportunities abound in Maryland. The shores that surround the state bring thousands of visitors seeking water recreation and provide a source of livelihood for thousands of Maryland residents. Clams, crabs, and oysters are bountiful for both catching and dining. Annapolis, located in Maryland’s south, is the state’s capital and also the sailing capital of America. The United States Naval Academy, which trains many of the finest navy officers in the world, is also located in Annapolis. Maryland’s maritime past is evidenced throughout the state with maritime museums scattered about the landscape, such as the Baltimore Maritime Museum, located in Baltimore—the state’s largest city. Baltimore has undergone an extensive renovation and is a vibrant and exciting city. In Maryland’s south, Civil War buffs will want to visit the National Museum of Civil War Medicine in Frederick. Recreation is abundant along the eastern shore, especially in Ocean City, Maryland’s most popular ocean resort.

Annapolis, MD Visitors Guide

Annapolis, the capital of Maryland, is located on the Chesapeake Bay. The city was a central harbor in colonial times and has the distinction of serving as an early national capital for the United States. The narrow streets feature historic homes and restored buildings such as the Hammond-Harwood House, a structure that showcases architecture from the 18th and 19th centuries. The waterfront harbor in Annapolis allows for ship watching and the lively cafes and shops of Market House are an inviting place to relax. The Greystone U.S. Naval Academy is located in Annapolis and has more than 4,000 midshipmen training to become Naval Officers. Guided tours of the Academy are available for the public. Guided tours within the city are also offered via Capital City Colonials, a company that features guides in colonial dress. For the outdoor enthusiast, Amphibious Horizons provides kayak rentals and trips to a variety of destinations on the Chesapeake Bay.

Baltimore, MD Visitors Guide

Most visitors to Maryland cannot resist spending time in Baltimore, which is often fondly referred to as Charm City. Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, one of the city’s main highlights, is flooded with water taxis, cruise boats, and sailboats, all of which offer tours. Always bustling with locals, tourists, and excitement, the Inner Harbor is one of the oldest seaports in the United States and is home to attractions such as the National Aquarium and the USS Constellation. A feature point of the Inner Harbor is Harborplace, a complex that consists of two malls side-by-side that are filled with dozens of shops and restaurants. Free performances are also offered at the Amphitheatre at Harborplace during the summer months. Depending on which season you are visiting, the Baltimore Orioles Baseball Club (March through October) or the Baltimore Ravens Football Club (September through December) are sure to make sports fans cheer.

Ocean City, MD Visitors Guide

Ocean City is Maryland’s thriving ocean resort and summer destination. Each summer the resident population is dwarfed by the influx of tourists eager to relax and enjoy the outdoors. Much of the action in Ocean City is centered around the Boardwalk, where visitors find a colorful array of shops, restaurants, and attractions, including Ocean Pier Rides and Amusements. Another popular family attraction is Jolly Roger Amusement Park, a massive facility with a waterpark, rides, a go-kart track, and mini-golf. Scenic day and evening cruises are a great way to get acquainted with the area and see the waters surrounding Ocean City. The 10-mi (16-km) beach is a haven for water recreation enthusiasts, and sport fishing is among the most prevalent activities. Numerous charter boat operators offer deep-sea fishing tours for tuna and wahoo, as well as blue and white marlin.