Top Things to do in Maryland
Top Hotels in Maryland
- 1. Hyatt Place Ocean City / Oceanfront
- 2. Princess Royale Oceanfront Resort
- 3. Royal Sonesta Harbor Court Baltimore
- 4. Hampton Inn & Suites Baltimore Inner Harbor
- 5. Carousel Oceanfront Hotel & Condos
- 6. Graduate Annapolis
- 7. Historic Inns of Annapolis
- 8. Staybridge Suites Baltimore - Inner Harbor, an IHG Hotel
- 9. Dunes Manor Hotel, Suites & Court
- 10. Grand Hotel
Things to do in Maryland, United States: The Best State Parks
Maryland is known as “America in Miniature” because of its great variations in topography and culture. This makes it a perfect east coat travel destination for those who would like to experience a little bit of everything. From amusement parks, to beaches, to mountains and historical sites, there is plenty to see and do. Each region of Maryland provides its own unique and fun activities to do. If you're headed for some fun in the sun in Ocean City on its eastern coast, be sure not to miss the Ocean City Beach, the Boardwalk, or Trimper's Rides and Amusement Park for an all-ages fun experience. Central Maryland is home to a Six Flags theme park, the Annapolis Golf Club, and countless hubs of art and culture such as the African Art Museum and Annapolis Opera, Inc. Heading to western Maryland? It is perfect for lovers of nature and the outdoors, with the Washington Monument State Park, Wisp Resort ski slopes, and the spectacular Muddy Creek Falls.
Restaurants in Maryland
1. Rocky Gap State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 217 reviews
Park that offers swimming beaches, campsites and boat rentals.
Reviewed By kabston - Pittsburgh, United States
a well maintained park with many activities to enjoy such as boating rentals, sandy swimming beach and well maintained hiking trails
2. New Germany State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 64 reviews
Five miles from Grantsville, this park is popular with bikers and hikers.
Reviewed By citysuburb - Washington DC, United States
We stayed in a pet-friendly cabin over Thanksgiving (not all are pet friendly). Two teenagers, two parents and a dog. Absolutely lovely. We've stayed at this state park several times and have always had a wonderful time. The cabin had a double bed downstairs and a loft with two twin beds. You must bring your own everything (they give you a pack of matches at check-in). The beds do have have pillows, but no sheets or blankets. Other than that: bring it (spices, oil, soap, towels, bath mat, sponge, coffee / filters). The dishes / pans / utensils (large and small) are all in great shape, as is stove, microwave, toaster, coffeepot, tea kettle, smallish cutting board. Our cabin had a cork screw but no can opener: if you know you'll want it, bring it. Park also supplies endless firewood to cabins - wonderful! And, they put down de-icer on our steps - so nice. We went on long hikes each morning and afternoon from the cabin and didn't have to get in our car for five days = heaven! We didn't have snow, but you can rent full cross country gear at the park's lake house for $25 a day (or $15 for 2 hours). The lake house also has wifi if you're desperate; otherwise, we had zero service at our cabin. We stopped for provisions at the big Walmart in La Vale (just west of Cumberland) on way to cabin - about 30 minutes from New Germany. We also brought a radio (we saw two cabins with TV / satellite dish set ups: way beyond our needs and capacity :)). We also brought two sports chairs - just to give us an easy-to-stow seating option besides dining room chairs, bed and one comfy lounge chair. A big thank-you to all the New Germany staff: you keep an amazing park amazing!
3. Swallow Falls State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 750 reviews
State park that has three waterfalls and many hiking trails.
Reviewed By GCorr7309 - Washington DC, United States
This is an easy hike with a big payoff in terms of spectacular scenery. Go early or late to avoid the crowds.
4. Assateague State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 741 reviews
State park that is managed by Maryland's Department of Natural Resources.
Reviewed By Reviewer1954 - Skaneateles, United States
Assateague Island is a must-do visit in this area. We prefer the National Park end. We have never failed to find some wild horses here, as sometimes happens on Chincoteague. Great beach, ocean and bay views and of course the horses. Nice!
5. Seneca Creek State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 35 reviews
Seneca is a good spot for canoeing.
Reviewed By WWLCC - Bethesda, United States
It's a nice park with a decent loop around the lake. In the summer, there are kayak, canoe and peddle boat rentals.
6. Gunpowder Falls State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 80 reviews
Known for its excellent trout fishing, the topography of this scenic park includes tidal marshes and wetlands to steep, rugged slopes.
Reviewed By Jjccjc06 - Glen Arm, United States
Seriously - just got back from the beach in NC, so I’m picky about beaches, and this was a pretty good beach fix for 20 minutes from home. Nice clean bathhouse with a snack bar and a sandy beach. Water was delightful - warm and relatively clean. There were trees with good shade and picnic tables right behind the beach. I don’t think I could handle the weekend crowds, but the two weekdays I’ve been there have been really pleasant!
7. Catoctin Mountain Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 208 reviews
You can't visit the Presidential retreat of Camp David here, but you can take advantage of the park's 25 miles of scenic hiking trails plus many outdoor activities including camping, fishing and picnicking.
Reviewed By StacyinANP - Annapolis, United States
The Visitor Center, even when closed, has hiking maps available. Hike the 8-mile loop or take some shorter hikes to see rock formations, vistas, and the beautiful fall colors. Some of the trail is easy or moderate, some of the trail is strenuous and rocky, check the map. Wear closed-toed shoes and pack water and snacks. It took us 3.5 hours to do the 8-mile loop. Go early if you want to park at the Visitor Center. The cleanest port-a-potty’s I have ever seen. A beautiful fall day seeing the colors of nature!
8. Janes Island State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 153 reviews
Nearly surrounded by Chesapeake Bay and its inlets, this park offers campsites, hiking trails, flat water canoeing and kayaking along miles of isolated shoreline and marshland.
Reviewed By gabz648 - Maryland, United States
Janes Island State Park was a great place to go on a camping trip during April. My family and I stayed for two nights. Pros: -The bathrooms were clean and kept clean consistently which impressed us a lot. The shower was heated and there was ample space and hooks to place your belongings when showering. -There was a LOT of bathrooms for such a small park. Very cool ???????? -Camp hosts were super friendly! We’d see them walking around saying good morning to everyone and having a chit chat. They weren’t too imposing either which is great. -Camp store has so many options and super cheap compared to other state parks I’ve been to. Their souvenirs are so cute. -Campsite close to the water so very easy to go fishing. Cabins are also other options. -Dog friendly. Lots of waste stations for dogs so the park was mostly clean from dog waste. (please pick up after your pets!!) -You will feel safe. Park rangers do rounds very often to check on the park and it was reassuring. Cons: -Nothing major I can think of! It was a great experience and we’re definitely going to return. Next time we will go when kayaks are available to be rented because the park has water trails available and the area where swimming is allowed is only accessible by boat.
9. Rocks State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 102 reviews
Reviewed By galfam04 - Baltimore, United States
Great early morning walk to Kilgore falls in Rock state park in Jarrettsville, Maryland. Stop at Kilgore falls for a picture spot! Water so clean, pretty views
10. Fort Frederick State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 97 reviews
Reviewed By Pannipannini - Maryland, United States
We parked at the Fort and made loop via that C & O path to Ernstville (you can exit towpath to the Western Maryland Railtrail). Came back on the WMR and walked on the road back to the park.
