8 Most Overlooked Maryland Towns For 2025
Whether you are considering moving to Maryland or planning a trip for your upcoming vacation, there is more to the Old Line State that is yet to be fully explored. Beyond the busy scene of Baltimore’s Inner Harbor or the crowded old town district of Annapolis, several exquisite gems remain under the radar, tucked between its rolling hills, historic byways, and scenic shorelines throughout the state. Although they don't generate the amount of attention they deserve, these hidden gems offer rich culture, vibrant communities, and a slower pace that is hard to come by in busier parts of the state.
From charming waterfront villages to artsy mountain enclaves, this is the perfect year to discover the most overlooked Maryland towns for 2025 before everyone else does. From Taneytown to Thurmont, these low-key places in Maryland are an underrated choice for your next trip.
Taneytown
This unassuming village in the north of Carroll County has a unique Civil War heritage and a quintessential small-town feel, with old buildings and green natural areas. According to the Taneytown History Museum, the community was founded in the mid-18th century, and guests can take Civil War tours, historical walks through old buildings, and barn quilt trails to better understand Taneytown's dynamic past. Several local restaurants and pubs in the downtown region culminate in a lively social atmosphere. Guests can taste the best of mouth-watering Mexican cuisine at Cinco de Mayo Restaurant & Bar, featuring fajitas, burritos, and margaritas.
Elsewhere, those craving an outdoor escape can find the perfect refuge at Roberts Mill Park. This serene natural space covers around 20 acres of picnic pavilions, ball fields, and gentle trails overlooking a calm pond. Alternatively, you can go for an adrenaline-filled paintball action in the obstacle-riddled grounds of NR Adventure Park.
Smithsburg
Smithsburg is a quiet agricultural community in Washington County, known for its sprawling farmlands and a walk-friendly town square filled with Mom 'n' Pop shops. Every day, the Lewis Orchards & Farm Market invites guests to partake in the town's agricultural bounty, where cherries, peaches, strawberries, and other produce are displayed for potential buyers. Meanwhile, a delectable farm-to-table cuisine in downtown Smithsburg treats guests to fresh flavors daily. If you love Italian, consider popping into Rocky's New York Pizza and Italian Restaurant for several favorites prepared using locally sourced ingredients.
Meanwhile, the Smithsburg Historical Society preserves the community's past using a curated collection of relics, memorabilia, and archives. Finally, if you are up for family-friendly entertainment, you can catch a friendly baseball game by the Smithsburg Little Sluggers.
Crisfield
Nicknamed "Crab Capital of the World," this community along the Chesapeake Bay has deep maritime roots and a vibrant arts and culture scene. There are numerous opportunities to get on the water, with many tour vessels stationed at Somers Cove Marina. A sightseeing tour courtesy of Tangier Island Cruises is an excellent way to admire the sights from the water. The laid-back downtown district harbors several noteworthy points of interest. If you enjoy nostalgic encounters, you can stop by the Crisfield Heritage Foundation to explore different aspects of local heritage, from the seafood industry to its nautical expeditions.
Meanwhile, art lovers can attend classes and workshops at the Somerset County Arts Council to connect with their creative side. Alternatively, find a more vibrant scene at the Crisfield Arts and Entertainment District, where local artists and performers converge to host exhibitions and performances.
Brunswick
Historical charm meets railroad heritage in this small town along the banks of the Potomac River. You can learn a lot about its railroading history at the Brunswick Heritage Museum, where a collection of cultural exhibits and artifacts from the B&O Railroad and C&O Canal educate guests on the area's dynamic past. A bustling town square with restaurants, pubs, and antique stores keeps visitors engaged. The Potomac Street Grill is known for serving casual Middle Eastern and American dishes, which you can follow up with a refreshing pint of beer at Smoketown Brewing.
The Brunswick City Park is the local gathering hub for all things outdoor recreation. It offers various amenities for public use, from playground equipment to picnic spaces and a small dog park.
Oakland
Oakland is an underrated destination for outdoor enthusiasts in the western corner of Maryland, situated near the Deep Creek Lake shoreline and home to some of the most breathtaking scenes in the region. This is largely thanks to Swallow Falls State Park, where a mix of old-growth hemlock woods, hiking trails, and waterfalls invite secluded expeditions. The main highlight here is Muddy Creek Falls, a 53-foot cascade that never fails to enchant newcomers. The Garrett County Museum of Transportation chronologically documents the evolution of transportation in the surrounding region using a fair share of interactive exhibits.
A tour of the buildings exposes vintage automobiles, engines, buggies, toys, tools, and a fire engine spread across decades of history. Furthermore, the Oakland B&O Railroad Museum focuses on railway-related exhibits and how they impacted the growth of Garrett County.
New Market
Christened the "Antiques Capital of Maryland," New Market is a history-rich community in Frederick County that charms visitors with its rustic personality. This is evident to anyone wandering the New Market Historic District, where a mix of 19th-century structures with elaborate old-world architectural styles offers a hint of the past. The neighborhood also houses several antique stores that welcome guests with casual shopping opportunities. If you love to accumulate vintage treasures for your home collection, you can stop by Robert Esterly Antiques or R.P. Brady Antiques to check out what they have.
Elsewhere, fans of the outdoors can stroll around the gentle trails at the New Market Community Park for a serene escape from the crowds.
Havre De Grace
Havre de Grace's balanced mix of natural beauty, fascinating maritime heritage, and a vibrant entertainment district makes it one of the most overlooked Maryland towns for 2025. Its picturesque location at the junction of the Chesapeake Bay and the Susquehanna River results in a mesmerizing scene, which you can soak in from the Havre de Grace Promenade. Meanwhile, those who need a natural spot to relax and meditate can go to the peaceful grounds of Millard Tydings Memorial Park.
The town's rich seafaring expeditions are vastly highlighted at the Havre de Grace Maritime Museum. On display is a colorful collection of exhibits, showcasing a culture of fishing, sailing, and crabbing since the early years. Also, don't forget to catch a show at the Cultural Center at the Opera House for your downtown entertainment.
Thurmont
Located approximately ten miles from the Pennsylvania border, Thurmont's remote location means it is often overlooked by tourists in small-town Maryland. Nevertheless, this doesn't take away from its beautiful mountainous surroundings and picturesque covered bridges, which highlight the main local attractions. There is no shortage of outdoor adventure across the 5,000 acres of Catoctin Mountain State Park. This sprawling wilderness offers opportunities for rock climbers, hikers, backpackers, and hunters along rugged climbing trails.
The Catoctin Wildlife Preserve entices animal lovers with exotic wildlife encounters, featuring species like zebras, bears, and other animals on a 100-acre shelter. Lastly, you can get a feel for Thurmont's past at the Historic Utica Covered Bridge. Constructed in the 1830s, it offers a great idea of old-world engineering and traditional craftsmanship used at the time.
These overlooked Maryland towns for 2025 are proof that the Old Line State's charm spreads far beyond the urban hubs to the neglected countryside and border enclaves. From Thurmont to Crisfield, each offers a unique blend of history, community, and natural beauty, without the crowds or high costs of better-known destinations. Whether you are seeking a quieter place to call home or a meaningful escape from the usual tourist trail of the United States, these under-the-radar gems are waiting to be discovered before the rest of the world catches on.
