8 Off-the-Map Towns In Maryland

For most people, Baltimore naturally comes to mind in conversations about traveling to Maryland. However, the Old Line State has far more great destinations beyond its largest city, some of which are rarely mentioned. A detour off the major highways into the off‑beaten path reveals a bevy of beautiful small towns with an eclectic blend of rural charm and Southern hospitality. Their histories, cultures, and stories await discovery by curious travelers seeking an out-of-the-ordinary experience.

These overlooked towns aren’t just places on a map you drive through; they’re destinations that slow you down, let you talk to strangers, taste local specialties, and see a version of Maryland that’s as rich and varied as any cityscape. From coastal escapes like Berlin to mountain enclaves like Oakland, here are remote towns in Maryland worth visiting.

Elkton

Elkton is a small community on the northeastern edge of the state, situated near the Delaware state line, with an underrated historical heritage. Founded in the 18th century, it played a prominent role in the War of 1812 and the Revolutionary War, a backstory extensively documented by the Historical Society of Cecil County. This landmark venue along Main Street stockpiles a load of artifacts chronicling the town's genealogical, human, and military history. While on the same avenue, guests can sample the local brewery scene at the Elk River Brewing Company, which serves a variety of locally handcrafted beers in a chill atmosphere with sociable patrons.

Meanwhile, outdoor lovers can be in their element at Elk River Park, a 68-acre waterfront sanctuary with sublime views. More than 190 bird species call the area home, making it a popular escape for birdwatchers throughout the year, fishermen, kayakers, and boaters.

Emmitsburg

Home of Mount St. Mary's University, Emmitsburg is a quiet college town on your way to Pennsylvania, less than a mile from the Mason-Dixon line. It boasts a couple of historic sites that offer visitors an idea of its enduring heritage, including the Frederick County Fire Rescue Museum. This cool facility preserves artifacts and archives the tradition of fire rescue in Emmitsburg and the surrounding region. The Emmitsburg Antique Mall hosts an excellent inventory of vintage treasures across its 36,000-square-foot display space, where enthusiasts can find classic furniture, glassware, quilts, and other primitives to add to their home collection.

Elsewhere, outdoor lovers can hike or bike along the Emmitsburg Multi User Trails to explore the rich backcountry scenery against the beautiful backdrop of the Catoctin Mountains. This 13-mile network of routes winds through dense hardwoods and is perfect for walking, jogging, hiking, and biking.

Brunswick

This quaint community near the West Virginia border interests tourists with its storied railroading heritage. It provides a detailed account of the same inside the Brunswick Heritage Museum, where a model railroad, vintage railroad equipment, Victorian costumes, and other memorabilia tell the story of the iconic C&O Canal. Brunswick's relaxed downtown district hosts several family-friendly dining spots where you can take a meal break with loved ones. Potomac Street Grill is among the local favorites, known for its sumptuous American and Middle Eastern cuisine, a romantic outdoor setting, and friendly service.

Those who need some fresh air can head to Brunswick City Park for a relaxing picnic under the shade and watch the kids play. But for a more complete outdoor experience, the Brunswick Family Campground lets you pitch a tent by the Potomac River and sleep under the stars.

Berlin

Berlin is an isolated community to the south of Maryland's Eastern Shore and a famous getaway to Assateague State Park. This exquisite barrier island opens doors for uninterrupted outdoor fun, with access to the vast waters of the Atlantic Ocean. The park offers opportunities like hiking, camping, swimming, fishing, and wildlife watching, and stands out for its migrating herds of wild ponies.

The town's historic downtown district stays abuzz thanks to its charming mix of museums, restaurants, galleries, and local businesses. Historians can get a glimpse of Victorian-era Berlin by touring the Calvin B. Taylor House, a lovely Federal-style home with preserved furnishings and antiques from the period. Meanwhile, social animals will fancy meeting and interacting with the locals at the Berlin Farmers Market, where dozens of friendly farmers, bakers, and other producers from the area sell their assorted goods.

Crisfield

Crisfield lies at the southern tip of the Eastern Shore, just off the Chesapeake Bay, and has a colorful reputation for its crabbing and fishing industries. With read access to the water, guests here enjoy fantastic excursions exploring the town's beautiful surroundings. You can book a sightseeing tour with Tangier Island Cruises for a guided trip to the neighboring Tangier Island. Meanwhile, Crisfield's seafood cuisine is a must-try for first-timers, and Linton's Seafood has some of the freshest delicacies you can find in the town, such as steamed blue crabs, scallops, crab cakes, and more.

Visitors can explore the community's rich history at the J. Millard Tawes Historical Museum, where diverse exhibits interpret Crisfield's maritime heritage, natural history, oyster industry, and shipbuilding past. Meanwhile, those who relish cultural experiences can visit Crisfield's Art and Entertainment District for lively interactions with a community of artists, performers, musicians, and other creatives.

Oakland

One of the most isolated towns in Maryland, Oaklands sits on the extreme west of the state, and enchants guests with its unparalleled natural beauty. The town's spectacular scenery is embodied by Swallow Falls State Park, which houses a breathtaking 54-foot waterfall, lush mature trees, picnic areas, campgrounds, and the winding Youghiogheny River. Furthermore, the Oakland Golf Course offers a unique way to enjoy the open spaces while playing golf with peers, admiring the rolling mountain landscapes that surround the 18-hole course.

Oakland's railroad heritage comes alive inside the Oakland B&O Railroad Museum, which preserves artifacts about railroading history in a restored Victorian train station. Also, theater enthusiasts can catch compelling live shows at Our Town Theatre, including dramas and musicals.

Flintstone

Flintstone is a tiny municipality in western Maryland and an excellent escape for outdoor buffs. The town borders the Green Ridge State Forest, a 46,000-acre expanse of untamed woodlands that serves as a playground for hikers, bikers, anglers, boaters, and other adventurers throughout the year. It is also home to Rocky Gap State Park, which features a 240-acre reservoir with a sandy beach, where people go to relax and enjoy the scenery. The on-site Rocky Gap Casino, Resort & Golf offers a luxurious accommodation option with brilliant amenities, including a golf course, a comedy club, three restaurants, and more.

Finally, tourists seeking the ultimate outdoor adventure should consider sleeping under the stars at the Rocky Gap State Park Campground. There are over 270 individual tent and cabin camping sites available, with ready access to a shallow swimming beach.

Oxford

This former colonial port in Talbot County has an enduring history, dating back to the 17th century. Several historical markers, including the Oxford Museum, help preserve this by storing old photographs, archives, relics, memorabilia, and other artifacts relating to the community's dynamic history and culture. Meanwhile, the Water's Edge Museum focuses on the history of African American families in the early days, telling their story through paintings, drawings, literature, and exhibits related to the Civil Rights movement.

A 20-minute ride on the Oxford-Bellevue Ferry takes guests across the Tred Avon River, during which they can savor the sublime water scenery. On the other hand, those who prefer to stay indoors can watch an entertaining theatrical performance at Tred Avon Players.

Hidden Gems In Maryland

From admiring the mountain scenery in Oakland to relaxing on the waterfront in Crisfield, these adorable small towns in Maryland prove that you can have a good time away from the bright lights and stifling crowds of the city. Quiet streets, local eateries, scenic views, and genuine hospitality await at every turn. Together, they inspire travelers to take on the off-the-beaten-path for an opportunity to discover a Maryland defined not by its cities, but by its charm, character, and the unforgettable moments tucked between hills and shoreline of the United States.