- Take More Adventures
- Posts
- Maryland’s Gems: From Coastal Charm to Mountain Magic
Maryland’s Gems: From Coastal Charm to Mountain Magic
Explore the best places to visit in Maryland—waterfront wonders, wild parks, and historic treasures you don’t want to miss.

Hey Adventurer! 🌲❄️
Maryland might be one of the smaller states, but it packs a punch when it comes to travel-worthy destinations. Whether you’re wandering the cobblestone streets of Annapolis, dipping your toes in Ocean City’s sandy shores, or chasing waterfalls in Western Maryland, there’s no shortage of beauty here.
Looking for the perfect blend of outdoor adventure and American history? Maryland delivers. From the shores of the Chesapeake Bay to the peaks of the Appalachians, this state has something for every kind of traveler. Whether you’re traveling solo, planning a family trip, or looking for things to do in Maryland for couples, we’ve rounded up the very best places to explore.
👉 Craving even more travel inspo? Check out our full guide to things to do in Maryland and our list of the best state parks in Maryland to start mapping your next great escape.

🧐 Maryland Trivia Time: Did You Know?
Which U.S. city was home to the nation’s first Post Office system, launched in 1774? |
📬 Click to vote and we’ll share the answer in the outro.
(Hint: It was founded by William Goddard—and it’s full of charm.)

Discover Maryland’s Gems
Buckle up! We’re taking you beyond the crabs and Old Bay into the mountains, coves, cobblestone streets, and cozy small towns that define Maryland’s magic. Here are some of our favorite gems:
🎨 Baltimore Beyond the HarborYes, Baltimore’s Inner Harbor is iconic—but the real magic? It’s in the neighborhoods. Head to Fell’s Point for cobblestone streets and salty sea air with a side of live jazz. Or lose yourself in world-class creativity at the Walters Art Museum and Baltimore Museum of Art. And don’t forget: the National Aquarium is basically an underwater universe. Looking for more urban escapes? Pair your Baltimore adventure with our guide to things to do in Washington, DC—just a short train ride away. | 🌲 Western Maryland: Lakes, Rails & Secret CavesIf you like your travel with a side of fresh air, Western Maryland will blow your hiking boots off. Explore the rugged beauty of Swallow Falls State Park or rent a kayak at Deep Creek Lake, Maryland’s biggest freshwater playground. Want something with a vintage twist? Hop on the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad, or descend into the glow of Crystal Grottoes Caverns. This part of Maryland is full of surprises—including some serious fall foliage if you hit it at the right time. More into waterfalls and forest hikes? Don’t miss our full list of best hikes in Virginia for road trip inspo across state lines. |
🐴 Assateague Island: Wild Horses & Wildly Good VibesSome islands have palm trees. Assateague Island has wild ponies. These famous four-legged locals roam free along the beaches and dunes of this national seashore, making it one of the most unique places in the U.S. to set up a picnic or paddleboard through salt marshes. Whether you’re kayaking, swimming, camping, or simply watching the ponies do their thing, Assateague is one of those “didn’t know I needed this” kind of places. | 🏛️ Annapolis & Chesapeake CharmHistory buffs, sailing fans, and anyone who loves a good seafood shack—this one’s for you. Annapolis delivers waterfront colonial streets, the U.S. Naval Academy, and sunset sails on the Chesapeake Bay. Don’t leave without checking out the Kunta Kinte–Alex Haley Memorial and the Annapolis Maritime Museum, either. Hungry after all that exploring? It’s only fair to refuel with blue crab everything. |
🌅 Eastern Shore EscapesOver the Bay Bridge lies the low-key cool of Maryland’s Eastern Shore. Think sleepy towns, seafood feasts, and nature preserves like the Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge (a birdwatcher’s dream). Explore the artsy town of Cambridge, wander through Chesapeake City, or stroll the waterfront in Havre de Grace. These spots are pure gold if you love a quiet, scenic getaway with a splash of history and some great coffee shops. | 🧪 Quirky Museums, Scenic Parks & Surprising StoriesIt wouldn’t be a true Take More Adventures roundup without some offbeat stops, right? Maryland’s got plenty. From code-breaking at the National Cryptologic Museum, to the awe-inspiring Antietam Battlefield, to the Community Bridge Mural (an optical illusion that might just melt your brain), every corner of this state has a story. Prefer your history with a twist of local beer? Head to Frederick to tour McClintock Distilling or sample a flight at Flying Dog Brewery, one of Maryland’s top craft beer spots.e stepping into different centuries. From the imperial city of Meknes to the desert fortress of Aït-Ben-Haddou (Game of Thrones fans, take note), these places are dripping with history. |

🧳 From Bay Breezes to Mountain Views… Maryland Has It All
Maryland is more than a state—it’s a storybook of American history, natural wonder, and coastal charm. Whether you’re exploring Eastern Shore seafood spots, walking the battlefields of Antietam, or setting sail from Annapolis, your Maryland adventure starts now. Need help planning your trip? We’ve got you covered with Maryland day trips, places to stay in Maryland, and even family-friendly activities to make every getaway unforgettable. Ready to discover your own favorite corner of the Old Line State? Start here → Take More Adventures? |

🌍 More Travel Inspiration!
If you’re dreaming of budget-friendly adventures, we’ve got plenty more guides to help you plan your next trip:
🔹 Love scenic road trips? Check out these Best Day Trips from the Bay Area 🚗 🔹 Looking for an unforgettable camping experience? Try a Tree Tent Campsite 🌲 🔹 Exploring Mexico? Don’t miss our guide to the Best Things to Do in Tijuana 🇲🇽 🔹 Chasing waterfalls? Plan a Hike to Ouzel Lake 🏔️ 🔹 Rainy camping trip? Be prepared with these Tips for Camping in the Rain 🌧️🏕️ 🔹 Camping in California? Check out the Best Campgrounds for Tents & RVs 🏕️ | 🔹 Hiking fan? Explore the Top Hiking Trails in America 🥾 🔹 Heading to Vietnam? Plan your trip with our Vietnam Travel Guide 🇻🇳 🔹 Want to camp in Utah? Here are the Best Places to Camp in Utah ⛺ 🔹 Exploring Texas? Don’t miss these RV Parks in Texas 🚍 |
Wherever you’re headed, we’re here to help you Take More Adventures! ✈️🌎 🚀

Did you enjoy this post? |