Best Places to Visit in Maryland – This Summer
Best Places to Visit in Maryland
This Summer
Summer is upon us and a lot of us have grand plans or maybe just grand dreams of European Vacations to the French Riviera, snorkeling off the coast of Greece, or kayaking on the turquoise waters in the Sea of Cortez off Mexico’s Baja Peninsula. It seems now at the tail end of this pandemic, a lot is still uncertain, especially in regards to where and when we will be able to travel freely to other countries. Sure, you may have to trade the beaches of the French Polynesian isles for the sandy shores of Ocean City, or embrace some local History and sunshine in St. Michaels instead of the Greek Isles. The point is that there are several options available to you in the great state of Maryland this summer. You can still enjoy a great summer that will be memorable, fun, and safe. Below are the 10 Best Places to Visit in Maryland this summer.
Ocean City
#1 in Best Places to Visit in Maryland
With its pristine stretch of sand, sea and lots of kid-friendly and adult friendly attractions, Ocean City is the quintessential family vacation destination in Maryland. Its 10-mile-long beach is great for swimming and boogie boarding, plus superb sunrises and fishing opportunities. What’s more, Ocean City boasts an impressive boardwalk with all kinds of amenities and food choices. In addition to featuring plenty of shops, bars and restaurants, the boardwalk offers amusement park rides, arcade games and fun attractions, such as Ripley’s Ocean City. The city itself is full of tourist attractions making everyone in the family happy. A pretty cool side trip especially on a rainy day is the Ocean City Life-Saving Station, which now serves as a museum, is located on the Boardwalk at the Inlet in Ocean City. This facility was part of the coastal system that was established by the United States Treasury Department for the saving of vessels in distress and lives in peril upon the water.
Assateague Island
#2 in Best Places to Visit in Maryland
If you’re visiting Ocean City and looking for a little more peace and quiet and want to get away from the crowds and enjoy nature, head to Assateague Island, which sits 8 miles southwest of Ocean City. The Maryland side of this barrier island is mostly occupied by Assateague Island National Seashore, where miles of sandy beaches and several hiking and bike trails are available. There’s also Assateague State Park, with an oceanfront park and wildlife-filled marshes. While swimming, surfing, beachcombing, sunbathing or surf fishing, keep your eyes peeled for Assateague Island’s famous wild horses.
Annapolis
#3 in Best Places to Visit in Maryland
Annapolis is the crown jewel of the Chesapeake Bay. Annapolis is a prime spot to get out on the water and really see what the Chesapeake Bay is about. It is the Sailing Capital of the U.S. and provides countless opportunities to explore by boat. Additionally, Annapolis hosts multiple sailing events throughout the year, including boat shows and sailboat races. But no worries, this one time home of the Capital of the United States is filled with rich history and beautiful old buildings to explore on land. The town is home to the stunning United States Naval Academy campus, as well as Historic Annapolis, where you’ll find art galleries, shops and attractions like the Banneker-Douglass Museum. When you’re ready to eat, visit Main Street to try a local specialty: steamed crabs.
Baltimore
#4 in Best Places to Visit in Maryland
Baltimore is a lively city with attractions that appeal to a variety of travelers. It has recently developed a gritty reputation, but if you stick to the tourist’s area, you can still enjoy it. For those traveling with children, Baltimore offers all kinds of family-friendly attractions in its popular Inner Harbor neighborhood, including the National Aquarium, the Maryland Science Center and Port Discovery Children’s Museum. Art lovers will want to check out the collections at the Baltimore Museum of Art and The Walters Art Museum, while sports enthusiasts should time their visits around catching a Baltimore Orioles baseball game at Camden Yards. Oh and dont forget about Fort McHenry! It is best known for its successful defense of the city during the famous Battle of Baltimore that inspired Francis Scott Key to write “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover or just looking for something fun to do a trip to Fort McHenry has you covered.
Chesapeake Beach
#5 in Best Places to Visit in Maryland
In its heyday, Chesapeake Beach was a thriving resort destination for travelers arriving by train or steamboat. But now, this bay front locale is better known as a quiet beach town ideal for relaxing getaways. Venture to cliff-filled Bayfront Park to swim and look for sharks teeth and fossils at its beach, or spend some time fishing or crabbing at one of the town’s marinas. Those traveling with children will also want to check out the Chesapeake Beach Water Park, which offers everything from waterslides to a lazy river to character meet-and-greets. For the adults the World Famous Rod and Reel Resort and Spa is nestled right beside the bay for your enjoyment. They run a summer concert series thats a lot of fun.
North Beach
#6 in Best Places to Visit in Maryland
While visiting Chesapeake Beach, check out its neighbor North Beach. This small town has seven blocks of waterfront, a public fishing pier, public beach, and a half mile long boardwalk with a bike path. Its the closet beach on the bay to Washington D.C.. You’ll enjoy wide open views of the Chesapeake Bay. The town has a variety of shops to peruse, antiques, art and gifts. There are also several restaurants to choose from in North Beach. All are within walking distance from the pier, so park your car and enjoy a stroll around town. The once popular Friday night Farmers Market has been moved to Saturday mornings, 8am to 11am, at the Senior Center (May to September).
National Harbor
#7 in Best Places to Visit in Maryland
The National Harbor is an ideal destination for a Maryland Vacation. It is located along the Potomac River waterfront boasting 160 shops, 40 restaurants and 8 hotels. It also hosts multiple entertainment venues and options for water-focused adventures. Dine at a waterfront restaurant, enjoy a bird’s-eye view of nearby Washington, D.C. while riding the Capital Wheel, or listen to live music during a complimentary summer concert. If you’re looking for a bit more excitement once the sun goes down, stop by the MGM National Harbor to give lady luck a try at its world class casino or catch a show. This is also a perfect destination to use as a home base if your visiting Washington D.C. this summer.
Solomons Island
#8 in Best Places to Visit in Maryland
This small quaint beach town is nestled in the southern tip of Calvert County, Maryland, where the Patuxent River meets the Chesapeake Bay. The town welcomes tourists with numerous marinas, seafood restaurants, gift shops, and small boardwalk great for sunset strolls. Some popular day trip destinations are Annmarie Garden Sculpture Park, the Chesapeake Biological Laboratory, and the Calvert Marine Museum where visitors can climb atop of one of Maryland’s iconic screw pile, cottage-type lighthouses, board a harbor cruise, and hear an occasional outdoor concert. Solomon’s also has three major hotels and an U.S. Navy family recreation center.
St. Michaels
#9 in Best Places to Visit in Maryland
The historic town of St. Michaels is a charming well-preserved vintage port, whose origins date from the birth of the colonies. Once a thriving seaport during the days of the tall ships, the town has managed to survive and thrive while maintaining its historic seafaring romance appeal. Enjoy a day at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum with its 18 acres of waterfront displays and interactive exhibits. Be sure to save plenty of time to meander through St. Michael’s unique shops and enjoy the restaurants along Talbot Street.
Deep Creek Lake
#10 in Best Places to Visit in Maryland
Maryland’s largest freshwater lake offers endless opportunities for outdoor recreation. Here you’ll find unmatched splendor and beauty, the cool, sapphire blue water, the sunshine all nestled in the quiet mountains of Western Maryland. In summer, the weather is warm and dry, making this season an excellent time to go fishing, swimming and kayaking. With several marinas to choose from, boats of all makes and styles can be rented, as well as personal watercrafts. The lake has several no wake coves, offering smoother water for stand-up paddle boarders, kayakers, and swimmers! The southern end of the lake is famous for its sailing clubs, with races happening all summer long. Deep Creek Lake State Park offers a sandy beach and shallow swim area in a quiet cove, perfect for a relaxing afternoon.
