8 Off-The-Grid Maryland Towns To Visit In 2025
While Maryland may not be the most famous East Coast state, it has a couple of big cities that put it on the map. Baltimore particularly stands out as the birthplace of the national anthem and its vibrant arts and culture scene. However, there is more to the Old Line State that doesn't get talked about in news headlines and travel magazines, including the beautiful little towns that span its backcountry.
Whatever they lack in hype, they make up for with authentic experiences that bring out the true character of the state. So, whether you want to disappear into the mountains of Thurmont or relax on the sandy shores of Ocean City, here are off-the-grid Maryland towns to visit in 2025.
Saint Michaels
St. Michaels' strategic positioning along the Chesapeake Bay allowed it to become a crucial seaport during the sailing heydays in coastal Maryland. Today, visitors tour the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum to browse its vast collection of interactive exhibits and admire its 18-acre waterfront. Highlights among these world-class displays include the Edna E. Lockwood, a preserved bugeye sailboat built in 1889. The surrounding Chesapeake Bay fuels laid-back tours on the water, and guests get a feel for this on board the St. Michaels Harbor Shuttle. This unique sightseeing cruise exposes them to the diverse ecology of the area.
While at it, you will notice several storybook landmarks, none more prominent than the Hooper Strait Lighthouse. Initially constructed in 1879, the structure provides the perfect photo opportunity. Lastly, don't leave without trying the magnificent Chesapeake Bay cuisine at the Ruse, featuring sumptuous seafood dishes and artisanal cocktails.
Ocean City
Ocean City is a picturesque coastal community sandwiched between the Atlantic Ocean and the Isle of Wight Bay. It has a serene waterside atmosphere tailored for letting your hair down and unwinding, and visitors take advantage of this by relaxing on the sandy shores of Ocean City Beach. This lovely outdoor space spoils picnickers and strollers with soothing water views. The beach borders the busy Ocean City Boardwalk, a vibrant corridor with craft stores, cafes, pubs, and other small businesses. It is a great spot to socialize, buy a souvenir, and revel in the festive setting.
Several amusement parks, including Jolly Roger Amusement Park, make Ocean City a go-to for families. Guests can enjoy everything from a giant wheel and roller coasters to games and thrill rides. Furthermore, Ocean City invites travelers to experience its beauty from the water via a fun boating tour courtesy of West OC Watersports.
Cumberland
Western Maryland boasts some of the most exquisite natural scenery in the state, and you will get the ideal when visiting this lovely gem of Allegany County. Cumberland is encircled by the picturesque peaks of the Allegheny Mountains, and an easygoing trip on the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad allows newcomers to appreciate the town's outdoor allure. A handful of historical markers remind guests of Cumberland's enduring heritage. You can tour the Gordon-Roberts House for a journey back to the 19th century. This rustic Second Empire home still maintains furnishings, art, and toys from the era.
Alternatively, a trip to the Allegany Museum provides a deeper glimpse into the region's past through an organized collection of artifacts stretching back to the early days. After the history lesson, consider catching a riveting live performance at the Cumberland Theatre, reputed for hosting musicals, dramas, and similar stage presentations.
Berlin
Berlin is an adorable municipality in Worcester County, whose charm lies in its vibrant Berlin Commercial District. This historical corridor houses an eclectic mix of museums, galleries, restaurants, and other businesses that make up the urban core. Among these, you will encounter historical treasures like the Calvin B. Taylor House. The Victorian-era structure excites first-timers with its rustic Federal-style architecture and antiques from the 1800s. Additionally, the quirky Mermaid Museum promises to leave you with more questions than answers as you examine its unusual exhibit collection, entirely made up of mermaids.
If you appreciate craft brews, consider sampling Berlin's local flavors at Burley Oak Taproom & Brewing Company, featuring root beer and ales. But if you want to escape the downtown atmosphere, a visit to Assateague State Park isolates you in a serene natural environment punctuated by quiet beaches with free-roaming wild ponies.
Bel Air
An impressive blend of natural beauty, historical significance, and small-town feel draws tourists to this modest community in Harford County. Bel Air is home to a friendly fold that welcomes strangers with open arms, a feeling you'll get when shopping at the Bel Air Farmers Market. The weekly gathering draws at least sixty local vendors eager to strike up an amicable conversation and sell their merchandise. This is also true for the many restaurants throughout downtown. Mucho Gusto Bel Air boasts a family-friendly atmosphere and serves delicious Mexican dishes like churros and tacos.
There is no shortage of important historical sites in Bel Air. One such is Liriodendron Mansion, whose origins trace back to the 1890s. Elsewhere, those seeking the town's outdoor scenery can don walking shoes for a trek along the Ma & Pa Heritage Trail.
Oakland
Oakland is one of the top off-the-grid Maryland towns to visit in 2025 for travelers who gravitate toward the great outdoors. Its picturesque natural surroundings comprise waterfalls, mountains, and parks, tempting visitors to step out and discover. You can start with Swallow Falls State Park, whose spectacular scenery is embodied by the 54-foot Muddy Creek Falls. This stunning cascade serves as the ideal backdrop for photo enthusiasts. The Oakland Golf Course lets you practice your swing on an 18-hole championship course while delighting in the pristine natural views.
Meanwhile, exploring the downtown district allows newcomers to learn about regional history at the Garrett County Historical Society Museums, home to a treasure trove of artifacts, archives, and memorabilia. Alternatively, you can mingle with the local arts community while watching an entertaining play inside the Our Town Theatre.
New Market
New Market earned the nickname "Antique Capital of Maryland" owing to the multiple antique stores that dot the historic district. This opens doors to an exciting shopping experience for souvenir collectors at establishments like Fleshman's Antiques and Robert Esterly Antiques. The rustic neighborhood houses a cluster of vintage structures that provide a window into the past. This includes the Henkel House, built in 1802, which was once a dwelling for one of the town's first physicians, Dr. Solomon Henkel.
Beyond the town square, tourists can head to Shenvalee Golf Resort for a laid-back swing session with friends. Meanwhile, a trip to New Market Plains Vineyards introduces you to some of the award-winning wines produced in the locality, and you can bring your own food to the wine-drinking escapade.
Thurmont
Sitting about ten miles from the Pennsylvania border, this Frederick County community is a certified getaway for ardent adventurers. Popularly known as the gateway to the mountains, Thurmont promises adventuresome opportunities in the foothills of the Catoctin Mountains. Backpackers, hikers, campers, and hunters can take advantage of the 5,000-acre Catoctin Mountain Park to immerse themselves in the great outdoors. Cunningham Falls State Park provides more opportunities to remain in wide open spaces. It boasts a stunning 78-foot waterfall, the highest cascading waterfall in the state.
While exploring Thurmont's nature, spare time to visit the Historic Roddy Road Covered Bridge and admire old-world engineering up close. Meanwhile, those seeking animal friends will find inspiration from rare wildlife encounters at the Catoctin Wildlife Preserve, featuring species like meerkats and zebras.
Final Thought
Even though they are not as famous as their city counterparts, these low-key off-the-grid Maryland towns to visit in 2025 are the true heart and soul of the Old Line State. Their unique histories, fascinating cultures, and undisturbed nature paint a picture of Maryland in its rawest form, reminding visitors of how things used to be back in the day. They also present numerous fun opportunities, from riding wild ponies in Berlin to chasing gorgeous waterfalls in Oakland.
