7 Best Attractions To Visit In Maryland

Maryland may be small in size, but it’s big on experiences, offering a collection of attractions that highlight its natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture. From the windswept shores of Assateague Island, where wild horses roam freely, to the bustling energy of the Ocean City Boardwalk, the state has something for everyone. History buffs can step back in time at Fort McHenry or Historic St. Mary’s City, while families and explorers can enjoy hands-on learning at the Baltimore Inner Harbor or the Rawlings Conservatory. Nature enthusiasts can hike scenic trails at Deep Creek Lake State Park or paddle along the St. Mary’s River. Each location stands out in its own way, making these seven best attractions to visit in Maryland must-see destinations. Each helps define Maryland’s charm, ensuring the state remains a top destination on the US East Coast.

Assateague Island National Seashore

Just south of Ocean City, Assateague Island National Seashore stretches 37 miles along the coast of Maryland and Virginia. This barrier island is most famous for its wild horses, which wander across sandy beaches and rolling dunes, creating a scene that you'll never forget. If you're into birdwatching, the area is also home to herons, ospreys, and other migratory birds. Experiences like these are what make Assateague Island one of Maryland’s most special destinations, offering encounters with nature that are hard to find anywhere else on the East Coast.

However, the island isn’t just for observing wildlife. Travel along hiking trails that wind through marshes, forests, and coastal plains, or retreat to the shore to go swimming, kayaking, or paddleboarding. Camping sites, ranger-led programs, and a visitor center are other ways you can explore and enjoy the island. While an entrance fee is required, on select holidays and special days throughout the year, admission is free.

Ocean City Boardwalk

The Ocean City Boardwalk, stretching over three miles along the Atlantic shoreline, is a must-visit destination for anyone exploring Maryland’s coast. As you wander along, you’ll find plenty of tempting spots to grab a bite. Classic boardwalk staples like Thrasher’s French Fries and Grotto Pizza are perfect for a quick, satisfying meal, while Bull on the Beach serves hearty sandwiches and fresh seafood.

A major highlight of the boardwalk is Jolly Roger at the Pier, which features classic rides, including its iconic Ferris wheel, offering sweeping views of the sparkling ocean and bustling promenade below. Other attractions, from bumper cars to carousels and games, add to the festive, family-friendly atmosphere. Beyond the rides and eateries, sun-soaked beaches invite you to swim, surf, or simply relax on the sand, offering the perfect way to unwind and round out your visit.

Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine

Baltimore is home to many historic attractions, and Fort McHenry stands out among them. Located just southeast of the Baltimore Inner Harbor, the national monument is a lasting symbol of American courage and one of Maryland’s most significant historical sites. Its story dates back to the War of 1812, when its walls held strong against a British naval attack, defending Baltimore Harbor. Watching the American flag still flying after the bombardment inspired Francis Scott Key to write the poem that would later become the national anthem.

Today, visiting Fort McHenry feels like stepping back in time. While there, you can explore the historic fortifications, watch ceremonial cannon firings, and experience what life was like for soldiers in the 19th century through interactive exhibits. The surrounding park adds to the experience with scenic waterfront views and walking trails, offering a peaceful place to reflect after a day immersed in history.

Baltimore Inner Harbor

After discovering Fort McHenry, spend time exploring everything that the Baltimore Inner Harbor, the city’s lively waterfront and one of Maryland’s top destinations, offers. Along the harbor, you'll find attractions, such as the National Aquarium, home to thousands of marine animals, as well as the historic USS Constellation, which offers a glimpse of 19th-century naval life. For more things to do, check out the hands-on exhibits at the Maryland Science Center or Port Discovery Children’s Museum, or retreat to the Reginald F. Lewis Museum.

The harbor also has many venues offering plenty of entertainment options, from concerts at the Pier Six Pavilion during the summer to bars and nightclubs at Power Plant Live! For something more laid-back, book a harbor cruise with Hornblower Cruises for sweeping views of the skyline from the water. In the heart of it all are plenty of places to enjoy seafood, for which Baltimore is known. Local favorites like Blackwall Hitch, Phillips Seafood, and McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood & Steaks serve everything from fresh crab to classic coastal dishes, letting you enjoy great food while taking in the waterfront sights.

Howard Peters Rawlings Conservatory and Botanic Gardens of Baltimore

The Howard Peters Rawlings Conservatory and Botanic Gardens, also known as the Baltimore City Conservatory, is located within Druid Hill Park; it's another one of Maryland’s must-see destinations. Built in the 1880s, the Victorian-style glasshouse features a variety of plant environments to explore, from the towering palms and lush ferns of the Palm House to the fragrant orchids in the Orchid Room.

Inside, you'll also find rare and endangered plants, some over a century old, and carefully recreated climates that let you experience exotic ecosystems year-round. Beyond the plants, you can join hands-on workshops, seasonal displays, holiday events, and educational programs for both kids and adults, making the conservatory a lively cultural hub as well as a botanical retreat.

Deep Creek Lake State Park

For anyone looking for a peaceful escape filled with natural beauty and outdoor adventure, Deep Creek Lake State Park is the perfect destination. Perched on a high plateau known as the Tablelands in the scenic Allegany Highlands, the park sits at the southern tip of Meadow Mountain, just west of the Eastern Continental Divide and within the Mississippi River watershed.

In the warmer months, you can spend your days boating, fishing, kayaking, or swimming, or hiking the trails that wind through forests and along the shoreline. When winter arrives, Deep Creek Lake transforms into a perfect spot for ice fishing, while the nearby Wisp Resort becomes packed with skiers, snowboarders, and snow tubers.

During your visit, you can also explore the park’s educational and interpretive center, where interactive exhibits bring the region to life, highlighting its plants, wildlife, and the rich cultural and historical heritage that make this corner of Western Maryland so special.

Historic St. Mary’s City

Located just over two hours from Baltimore, Historic St. Mary’s City is another one of Maryland’s top attractions. Founded in 1634 as Maryland’s first capital, the site offers a fascinating glimpse into the state’s earliest colonial history, bringing the 17th century to life with reconstructed homes, churches, and fortifications, alongside archaeological sites that reveal the stories of early settlers and indigenous communities.

While there, you can also see costumed interpreters who demonstrate everything from blacksmithing to colonial cooking. Seasonal festivals, educational programs, and special events add even more to the experience, while scenic trails, peaceful green spaces, and quiet spots along the St. Mary’s River provide the perfect place to relax and take in the surroundings.

Discover Maryland's Must-See Attractions

As you can see, these attractions offer something for every type of Maryland traveler. Whether it’s spotting wild horses on Assateague Island, riding the Ferris wheel at the Ocean City Boardwalk, immersing yourself in colonial history at Historic St. Mary’s City, discovering marine life at the National Aquarium, wandering through the lush gardens of the Rawlings Conservatory, or exploring the scenic outdoors at Deep Creek Lake State Park, each destination highlights the rich diversity of Maryland’s beauty, history, and culture, making the state truly unforgettable.