Maryland: Maryland offers a unique blend of urban energy and natural beauty! Baltimore serves as the primary tourist destination, featuring attractions such as the Maryland Science Center and the National Aquarium at the Inner Harbor. In contrast, the tranquil Chesapeake Bay and the picturesque hills of western Maryland provide ample opportunities for outdoor recreation. One can also explore the state’s rich cultural heritage, including colonial and African American history, at important sites like Antietam National Battlefield and Fort McHenry National Monument. These diverse elements enhance the overall experience, making each visit both enlightening and memorable. Here is my ultimate Maryland travel guide, where you’ll find everything you need to navigate this incredible state, complete with a Maryland attractions map!

To make navigating the content easy, I have organized my Maryland travel guide into two sections. (1) A brief introduction to Maryland, a little history, some geography, commute, and weather. (2) Major Maryland attractions: if you wish, you can skip the introduction and move on to the next section, Maryland Attractions. 

History: Maryland has a rich and storied history that dates back to its admission to the US as the 7th state on April 28, 1788. Named to honor Queen Henrietta Maria, the state reflects its early ties to British royalty. One of the significant aspects of Maryland’s heritage is its nickname, the “Old Line State,” which pays tribute to the valiant Maryland soldiers known as the Maryland Line who fought in the Revolutionary War. General George Washington praised their bravery, referring to them as “The Old Line,” which solidified their legacy in American history. Additionally, Maryland played a pivotal role in the early formation of the nation, serving as a border state during the Civil War and fostering a diverse cultural landscape that continues to influence its identity today.

Geography: Maryland is a state rich in diverse geography and unique borders. It shares its northern boundary with Pennsylvania, while to the south, it meets the expansive Chesapeake Bay and the state of Virginia. Maryland is flanked by Delaware and the Atlantic Ocean to the east and borders West Virginia and Virginia to the west, creating a varied landscape that includes mountains, rolling hills, and coastal plains. One of the state’s defining features is the Chesapeake Bay, which not only serves as a natural divider between the Eastern and Western shores but also plays a crucial role in its ecology and economy. This geographic diversity contributes to Maryland’s varied climate and rich natural resources, making it a vital area for both agriculture and maritime activities.

Getting There

Flight: Baltimore Washington Intl. Airport (BWI), Hagerstown Regional Airport (HGR), and Salisbury-Ocean City Wicomico Regional Airport (SBY) are the main airports in Maryland, BWI being the most popular and the busiest of all.

Drive: If you live in nearby states, you can drive to Maryland. However, if you are coming from farther away, flying into Baltimore/Washington International Airport (BWI) is more convenient. This way, you can save time and energy for exploring the many museums, monuments, and natural beauty that the state has to offer.

Train: Amtrak offers a rail service called Northeast Regional connecting – Boston Providence / Springfield Hartford New York Washington, DC Roanoke / Richmond Norfolk / Newport News Virginia Beach, stopping at Aberdeen, MD (ABE), Baltimore, MD – Penn Station (BAL) and Baltimore, MD – BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI).