8 Stress-Free Maryland Towns For A Weekend Retreat
Maryland's diverse landscapes, from the beaches in the east to the mountains in the west, and its small-town riches result in exciting options for anyone seeking a short-lived sojourn to relax and recharge. While the state is often associated with bustling cities like Baltimore or weekend-packed Ocean City, the quieter corners offer the most restorative experiences. Tucked away in scenic valleys, along peaceful rivers, and near forested trails, these lesser-known towns are inviting havens of calm.
Whether you are looking to unplug in nature, enjoy a leisurely stroll through a historic downtown, or sip an evening coffee at a cozy local café, the Old Line State has an answer to all that and more. These aren’t just stops on your way to the city; they are destinations to breathe in, slow down, and truly unwind. From Cumberland to Chesapeake Beach, discover the best Maryland towns for your next weekend retreat.
Chesapeake Beach
This coastal town on Maryland's Western Shore provides an alternative to the crowded beaches of Ocean City, allowing guests to unwind and meditate without the unnecessary competition. Tourists enjoy getting outside the wide open spaces along the Chesapeake Beach Railway Trail. This picturesque, 2-mile route is perfect for cyclists, spoiling them with breathtaking vistas of Fishing Creek and native wildlife. You can have an adrenaline-packed jet ski experience during your short stay, courtesy of DMV Jet Skis.
Beyond the beautiful outdoors, guests will also enjoy browsing the region's railway history at the Chesapeake Beach Railway Museum. When it comes to spending the night, accommodation options abound, although many visitors take advantage of the spectacular bay views offered by the waterfront Rod 'N' Reel Resort.
St. Michaels
St. Michaels is one of the best getaways on the Eastern Shore, known for its serene beaches, maritime heritage, and a wonderful seafood tradition. First-timers are quick to notice its open skies and uncrowded open spaces, which you can find at Waterfront Park. This quiet location overlooks the Miles River and provides the perfect spot to catch the sunrise or sunset. St. Michael's dynamic past comes into focus at the many museums in its old town square. You can explore its nautical heritage at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum or take a deeper dive into the town's overall history at the St. Michaels Museum.
Seafood is a staple in this adorable community, promising visitors sumptuous Southern-style dishes at local eateries, including Foxy's Harbor Grille. Lastly, a luxurious lodging experience awaits at the St. Michaels Harbour Inn, which boasts amenities like a marina and a spa.
Solomons
Tourists who appreciate a high level of privacy during their vacation can plan a trip to this secluded island destination, which lies at the meeting point of the Chesapeake Bay and the Patuxent River. Wide open spaces throughout the town encourage guests to explore and discover, including through boating expeditions with Cruisin Tikis Solomons Island. The town's maritime history is well preserved inside the Calvert Marine Museum, which has interactive exhibits highlighting coastal life along the Chesapeake Bay and the Patuxent River.
Elsewhere, art lovers can spend their free time checking out intimate works of creativity at the Annmarie Sculpture Garden & Arts Center. Lastly, the Solomons Victoria Inn is one of the most sought-after hotels on the island, blending old-world charm and stunning sea views to guarantee a peaceful night's sleep.
Hagerstown
Hagerstown offers an impressive mix of small-town charm and city-like amenities to ensure guests get the best of both worlds. On the one hand, this bustling community in Washington County promises guests a modern entertainment experience at the Maryland Theatre, which can seat up to 1,200 guests for an array of live performances, including concerts, musicals, comedic shows, and dance recitals. Furthermore, the lively downtown district hosts the Pennsylvania Dutch Market, a paradise of cakes, pies, cookies, and all-you-can-eat treats to tame your sweet cravings.
On the other hand, Hagerstown shows its more rural and low-key side at the Hagerstown City Park. This tranquil oasis with lush grounds, peaceful walking trails, and artificial lakes presents the perfect escape for outdoorsy tourists. Finally, you can look forward to a contemporary lodging experience at the Hampton Inn Hagerstown.
Cumberland
Cumberland's alluring setting in the mountains of Western Maryland allows it to be one of the most beautiful Maryland towns for a weekend retreat. With stupendous natural views at every turn, visitors can ride the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad to truly appreciate the scenes during a vintage train ride through the town's lush countryside. Approximately 50,000 displays at the Allegany Museum help document the town's enduring heritage and that of its surrounding neighbors.
Elsewhere, live performance enthusiasts can enjoy family-friendly stage productions at the Cumberland Theatre to meet their indoor entertainment needs. When it is all said and done and time comes to call it a day, the grandiose Hampton Inn Cumberland guarantees luxurious accommodation in its spacious rooms with modern amenities.
Berlin
Between its tree-lined historic downtown district and quiet countryside spaces, Berlin proves to be a popular getaway on the Eastern Shore. It boasts rows of historic structures adorning its Main Street, offering a glimpse of the past. A visit to the Calvin B. Taylor House exposes guests to furnishings and archives dating back to the 1830s. The area also harbors a vibrant social scene, with several pubs, diners, and businesses keeping first-timers preoccupied. If you want to sample the night scene, you can stop by Burley Oak Taproom & Brewing Company for a cold pint of beer in a spirited atmosphere bursting with local revelers.
Outside the downtown limits, a remarkable escape to Assateague Island National Seashore demonstrates Berlin's pastoral allure. This cozy barrier island is home to smooth-sand shores where wild ponies can be seen roaming freely. When you need to call it a day, make sure you are close to all the downtown action by sleeping at the Victorian-style Atlantic Hotel.
Chestertown
This historic community in Kent County charms vacationers with its lively arts and entertainment district, which also hosts an impressive cluster of well-preserved 18th-century homes. You can find out much about its captivating past at the Historical Society of Kent County, whose collection of archives and memorabilia paints a picture of the town since the early years. Entertaining live shows at the Garfield Center for the Arts keep the community connected to the arts through musicals, concerts, and other stage performances.
Meanwhile, you can spend time in the quiet outdoors during a laid-back cruise on the Chester River by booking a tour with the Chester River Packet Company. After an evening trip admiring the town from the water, the Driftwood Inn is strategically placed in the heart of downtown to grant you convenient accommodation.
Bel Air
This romantic town in Harford County boasts an upbeat downtown region, where an active arts community resides. This means tourists can anticipate excellent opportunities to reconnect with their artistic side at the Harford Artists Gallery. This Main Street attraction showcases numerous artists from across the county in an always rotating collection. Elsewhere, the historic Bel Air Armory serves as the community's cultural hub by hosting parties, fundraisers, lectures, and even live performances in an invigorating atmosphere.
Outdoor lovers may opt for a trek along the Ma and Pa Heritage Trail. This landmark route stretches about 6.25 miles through woodlands and grasslands, with diverse native wildlife species to observe. Lastly, the Hilton Garden Inn Bel Air is one of many local hotels where you can stay.
From the soothing mountain scenery in Cumberland to the relaxing beachside escapes in Chesapeake Bay, these Maryland towns for a weekend retreat are the missing piece in your quest for rest and renewal in the United States. Far from the stress of daily life and big-city chaos, each destination promises its own version of peace, whether through quiet nature, charming streets, or unhurried hospitality. If you are ready to unplug and recharge, these hidden gems are what you need to start over afresh.
