Ships and the top of Maryland's state capital building in Annapolis, Maryland, USA

Waterfront amusements abound in Annapolis, Maryland, USA (credit: Visit Annapolis)

Visit Annapolis

A perfect blend of energetic cities and relaxing outdoor activities make Maryland ideal for exploration.

Maryland

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With the beautiful Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Coast beaches, Maryland boasts plenty of outdoor charms. From picturesque towns like St. Michaels to the gorgeous beaches and roaming wild horses of Assateague Island, Maryland’s Eastern Shore is full of surprises.

The big city of Baltimore and Annapolis, the capital of Maryland, are filled with restaurants, museums and even more opportunities for fun on the water. Key experiences here include sailing, boating and, of course, enjoying the Old Line State’s signature blue crabs.

Getting Around

Get a feel for Maryland by viewing the map below. MARC trains provide commuter rail service via three lines and 42 stations, including new weekend service between Baltimore and Washington, DC on the Penn Line.

Annual Events

Baltimore’s Artscape (September) transforms two neighbourhoods into a lively open-air gallery with performances, fashion shows, visual arts, literary arts, interactive exhibits and more.

Stroll through vibrant spring blooms in private gardens on the Secret Garden Tour of Havre de Grace (May).

At Cambridge Six Pillars Century Blackwater Tour (May), cycle through the scenic Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge on three courses spanning 37–100 miles (60–161 km).

For two days, a variety of aircraft — including the US Navy’s elite jet demonstration team, the Blue Angels — rumble over Ocean City, performing thrilling aerial feats during the OC Air Show.

Celebrate the rich naval traditions of the Chesapeake Bay and the contributions of Marylanders to the defence of the country during Maryland Fleet Week & Air Show Baltimore. Activities around Baltimore’s Inner Harbor include ship tours, a festival, live music and more.

The Potomac Jazz & Seafood Festival in July offers three days of soulful fun in Colton’s Point. The weekend features concerts, some of Maryland’s best signature foods and gorgeous waterside views. 

For one day in May, suds-lovers descend on Frederick for the Maryland Craft Beer Festival, which features tastings from more than 50 Maryland breweries. 

If you’re more of a vino buff, come September you can pair a variety of wines from across the state with live music, arts and crafts, and locally made cheeses at The Maryland Wine Festival in Westminster.

Classic American fun comes to Timonium each summer with rides, concessions (think peach sundaes and crab patties) and baby animals at the Maryland State Fair.

Downtown Salisbury is home to the National Folk Festival, the country’s oldest multicultural traditional arts celebration. Enjoy continuous music on seven stages, crafts, parades and folk-life demonstrations, all for no admission cost. 

Hosted in August, the Annapolis Crab Feast is your chance to dig into an all-you-can-eat smorgasbord of the state’s culinary crown jewel.

What’s New in Maryland

This year marks the 200th anniversary of Harriet Tubman’s birth, so expect celebrations and special events in her honour throughout 2022.

Charming Ellicott City turns 250, and the small town will be brimming with historical exhibits and cultural activities all year. 

At the new Great Wolf Lodge resort in Perryville, a water park, climbing wall, shopping and dining will delight beginning summer 2023. 

See National Harbor’s sights from the water with Float Boat 360’s guided tours or captain a curated cruise from Monumental Boat Tours

In Annapolis, learn about the city’s colonial scandals or women who changed American history on themed Watermark walking tours.

To explore the rest of the Capital Region, visit our Washington, DC and Virginia pages, or view our Holiday Guide online for more travel ideas.

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