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
What to do and see in Maryland, United States: The Best Historic Sites
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. Belair Mansion
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4 reviews
2. Spruce Forest Artisan Village
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 105 reviews
Features local crafts in restored log buildings.
Reviewed By 781nr - Maryland, United States
Located on Route 68 among picturesque mountains, the Spruce Forest Artisan Village offers a changing array of artists who work with iron, stained glass, etc.... The stop also offers several country gift shops and a working mill - Stanton's Mill - a great place to buy freshly milled corn grits and buckwheat flour made from local crops.
3. The Dr. Samuel Mudd House & Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 105 reviews
The original house of Dr. Samuel Mudd, the physician who set the leg of John Wilkes Booth.
Reviewed By jtlijnvainashburn
We visited on Sunday Sept 22 and came away wondering why we hadn’t done this sooner. Made enjoyable by the excellent informative, engaging tour guide who had a depth of knowledge and truly enjoyed her task. Don’t miss it!
4. Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,361 reviews
A unit of the National Park Service. Site of the Battle of Baltimore during the War of 1812, where Francis Scott Key was inspired to pen "The Star-Spangled Banner" in September of 1814.
Reviewed By Y1591GWamyl - Simpsonville, United States
Great trip for students of any age. Mr. Raymond wats very helpful as we made plans for our trip. He got us the paperwork needed for the Dept. of Interior to apply for a Fee Waiver, making the trip free to our 100 students and 12 chaperones. He sent schedules for activities and talks on the grounds, information for teachers to use prior to trip, and maps of the fort to plan. And despite the extreme heat wave we experienced during our trip, this was a great opportunity to share the history of the War of 1812 with our kids and the penning of the National Anthem by Francis Scott Key!!
5. Hampton National Historic Site
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 154 reviews
Once possibly the largest private home in America by 1790, the Hampton mansion serves as a grand example of late-Georgian architecture in America. Hampton is also the story of its people, as the estate evolved through the actions of the Ridgely family, enslaved African Americans, European indentured servants, and paid laborers within a nation struggling to define its own concept of freedom.
Reviewed By bcook2019 - Towson, United States
I've tour the both the big house on this historical land and they have kept up up so well and in it original state. I grounds here are so peaceful and I walk it regularly with my dog. It's never too crowded but I like to see people on the property for that tells me I'm not the only one that likes it here. I've been at least 50 times and will continue to go back. It is by far the best place to take pictures.
6. William Paca House & Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 238 reviews
The William Paca Garden is a two acre oasis of natural beauty in the bustling center of Annapolis’ Historic District. Although many colonial Annapolitans had gardens, only Paca’s has been returned to its original splendor and opened to the public. Intrigued by garden details in the background of Charles Willson Peale’s 1772 portrait of Paca, researchers were able to reconstruct the site from a series of archeological digs that turned up evidence of the garden’s former glory. The William Paca Garden is open to the public for self-guided and guided tours Wednesdays through Sundays. At this time, the William Paca House remains closed for tours.
7. Maryland State House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 678 reviews
The seat of government for the state of Maryland.
Reviewed By barryl575 - Philadelphia, United States
The Maryland capital building is steeped in history and features exquisite architecture. The display highlights many important events that have happened both from a Maryland and National perspective. It is a self-guided tour, but the guards are very helpful if you have questions. If you are interested in early American history it is not to be missed.
8. Ladew Topiary Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 243 reviews
Reviewed By julieselby1 - Baltimore, United States
I love touring gardens. Some are very large and formal. Ladew has some formal aspects to it, but it's also very intimate. I really enjoyed my time there. It's a place where you can take your time and enjoy at your own pace. Parking is easy, and the cafe is very nice. It's a place enjoyable spring, summer and fall.
9. Federal Hill Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 559 reviews
Former lookout during the Civil War and the War of 1812 is now a scenic park overlooking the Inner Harbor.
Reviewed By 703BillB703 - Bel Air, United States
Historic Federal Hill offers the best view of the Inner Harbor and even close ups of unique places like the Visionary Arts Musuem. There is a large fences play area for children and families as well as plenty if benches overviewibg the city. One appreciates why the spot was lookout for ships both commercial and was in the early years of Baltimore and the USA. The grounds are well maintained and beautiful this autumn season. Two monuments and two plaques provide historical information, otherwise it's a do-it-yourself tour. Street parking was available. Definitely worth a walk through the narrow streets of the Federal Hill community.
10. Hammond-Harwood House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 112 reviews
The Hammond Harwood House is the Jewel of Annapolis, preserved intact since 1774. In addition to its magnificent, perfectly preserved architecture inside and out, this National Historic Landmark contains an outstanding collection of John Shaw furniture and Charles Willson Peale paintings.
Reviewed By kedheim - Indianapolis, United States
Our docent was Sharon and she was VERY knowledgeable and excited to share the history of the architect, the owners, their genealogy and the life events during the time of the building of this home. The home is still a residential home and tours are limited, so, schedule your visit in advance to ensure you do not miss out! The crown moldings are intricate and unique, as well as some other architectural techniques. Worth seeing this home. Across the street is the Hammond-Harwood House that we saw along with this tour, which was also architecturally amazing. Time was about 2 hours including the other house. Parking available in front of the home, and we had no issues, but we might have lucked out! Parking takes credit card and maximum parking time is 2 hours. We added more time to walk around the historic area and had lunch 0.3 miles away at the Iron Rooster at the Annapolis City Dock. A lot of old and beautiful houses. Such a lovely place to visit for those that love old historic areas. Sharon provided history on the layout of the city of Annapolis and brought the city to life for us as we walked and drove around after the tour. Highly recommend! Not wheelchair accessible for those confined to a wheelchair. Second and third stories of the house are not on tour and the staircase is only climbed halfway to admire the window construction and the view of the second story ceiling and walkway; otherwise easy to navigate for those with disabilities.
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