Maryland is a wonderful state full of history and natural beauty. From enjoying the seashore to exploring historic battlefields and more, there’s a lot to see here.
In this article, we’ll share items for a Maryland bucket list. You can add your own ideas as well, and then plan your trip. If you have extra time, you can simply add items from your Maryland bucket list to do.
Antietam National Battlefield
The battle that led Lincoln to issue the preliminary Emancipation Proclamation, the Battle of Antietam was an important event indeed. Learn all about his historic event at Antietam National Battlefield.
Assateague National Seashore
Assateague is a magical place where you’ll see horses running free on the beach. Book a campsite or visit for the day. Enjoy the sand-covered beach and snap some photos of the beautiful feral horses that make their home along the seashore.
Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park
The Chesapeake and Ohio Canal is an important part of America’s early transportation history. It was along this canal that goods like coal, lumber, and agricultural products floated from one place to another. This NPS site aims to preserve this history.
Clara Barton National Historic Site
Clara Barton dedicated her life to helping those in need, eventually founding the American Red Cross. Her home for the last 15 years of her life was in Glen Echo, Maryland. Visit the Clara Barton National Historic Site to learn more about her.
Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine
Fort McHenry was the birthplace of the United States national anthem. It was at this fort during the Battle of Baltimore that Francis Scott Key was inspired to write the lyrics we sing to this day. Learn about that story and many more at the Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine.
Hampton National Historic Site
The Hampton Mansion was quite likely the largest home in America when it was built in 1790. It is the perfect example of late-Georgian architecture in the U.S. and is home to some fascinating stories. Visit the home to learn all about its history.
Harpers Ferry National Historical Park
Step back in time with a visit to the historic community of Harper’s Ferry. This town is located at the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers. It features lovely streets, quaint museums, gorgeous hiking trails, and more.
Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historical Park
Harriet Tubman risked her life numerous times to guide 70 enslaved people to freedom via the Underground Railroad. Learn all about her life and work at this national park site.
Monocacy National Battlefield
Another Civil War battlefield that is worth seeing is the Monocacy National Battlefield. Here, history was made as Federal soldiers, outnumbered 3 to 1, fought the Confederacy, giving the Union time to travel to Washington, D.C., and prevent the Confederates from unfairly influencing the election.
Thomas Stone National Historic Site
Thomas Stone was the youngest signer of the Declaration of Independence. A lover of peace, Stone was not quick to latch onto the idea of independence. However, he did eventually change his mind, joining the fight for freedom. See the Thomas Stone National Historic Site and learn about his life.
Eat Steamed Crab
Obviously, you have to eat crab while in Maryland, and the best way to enjoy a good crab is by steaming it. Whether you steam the crab yourself or head to a local restaurant, you’re sure to enjoy this Maryland favorite.
Admire Fish at the National Aquarium
The National Aquarium is an incredible attraction that features more than 17,000 fish and other sea creatures. Guests can even opt for special experiences such as scuba diving with the fish to make their day at the aquarium extra exciting.
Kayak the Everglades of the North
Considered by many to be the “Everglades of the North,” Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge is a beautiful place. We highly recommend getting out on the water in a kayak in order to fully immerse yourself in this amazing environment. Be sure to keep an eye out for eagles, dolphins, and other wildlife.
Try Maryland Rye
Once upon a time, Maryland was famous for its whiskey, and no event was complete without Maryland Rye. Prohibition almost wiped out Maryland whiskey forever, but the drink is making a comeback.
Attend DelFest
If you enjoy bluegrass music, you’re going to love DelFest. This amazing music festival comes but once a year and is a bluegrass lover’s dream come true. Join a camping community in the mountains for three days of toe-tapping fun you won’t soon forget!
Go Skiing at Wisp
Skiing at Wisp Resort is a great winter activity. It gets more than 100 inches of snow every year and features 34 trails and 172 acres of mountain land. Whether you’re a pro or a complete beginner, you’re sure to enjoy hitting the slopes at this winter hangout spot.
Ride a Mountain Coaster
Heading to Wisp in the summertime? There’s still plenty to do. One great option is the mountain coaster. This coaster doesn’t use a chain to move riders. Instead, you sit in a car that uses gravity to make its way to the bottom of the mountain, twisting and turning as it goes and providing plenty of thrills along the way.
Fish for Rockfish
Rockfish is another Maryland seafood staple that is well worth sampling. These fish are also known as striped bass. They are enormous, delicious, and fishing for them on a rockfish charter is a lot of fun.
Get Your Thrills at Six Flags America
Six Flags America is a theme park that is home to a total of 8 thrilling coasters that you won’t want to miss. You can also cool off at Hurricane Harbor Water Park during the summer.
Explore on a Baltimore Water Taxi
There’s no better (or more unique) way to get around Baltimore than in a water taxi. These taxis are boats that take people from one place to another on the water. Not only will this get you from point A to point B, it’ll also provide a fun experience, proving getting there is half the fun.
Enjoy Smith Island Cake
Smith Island Cake is a Smith Island specialty! It’s made from many thin, pancake-like layers – usually 8 to 10 – and frosted with chocolate icing. It’s a tradition on this little island in the Chesapeake Bay.
Fly an F-14 Tomcat Simulator
Maryland is home to the world’s only F-14 Tomcat simulator that is open to the public. The simulator is at the Naval Air Station Patuxent River, the Navy’s premier test facility for fighter planes of the future. It has a collection of planes and gives guests a chance to feel what it’s like to fly one of the coolest planes out there.
Catch a Baseball Game
Maryland is home to Oriole Park at Camden Yards, where you can catch a Baltimore Orioles game. It’s also home to six award-winning minor league parks, so you have plenty of choices to see a baseball game.
Tour Lighthouses
There are a total of 30 lighthouses in the state of Maryland, and every one uniquely different. Try putting together a lighthouse tour during your visit. You likely won’t be able to see all 30, but you can squeeze in a few.
Ride the Capital Wheel
See Washington, D.C. without driving there and dealing with parking by riding the Capital Wheel. This Ferris wheel lights up the night with its kaleidoscope of colors that can be seen up and down the boardwalk. It’s also 180 feet high, so riders get an amazing view of the National Mall, theWashington Monument, the National Harbor, and the Potomac River.
Learn Something New at Calvert Marine Museum
Those with an interest in marine biology will enjoy the Calvert Marine Museum. Here you can watch adorable otters play, sift for fossils to take home, or hop on a fishing boat. You’ll also want to be sure to check out the star of the show: a 37-foot megalodon shark skeleton recreation.
Visit the Maryland Folk Festival
The Maryland Folk Festival is one of the neatest festivals in the country. It’s three days celebrating the roots of American culture and features around 250 musicians, dancers, and craftspeople.
Walk the Ocean City Boardwalk
The Ocean City Boardwalk is 2.5 miles end-to-end. Nevertheless, it is chock-full of rides, restaurants, shops, and entertainment.
As you can see, Maryland is a wonderful state that is overflowing with things to see and do. Your biggest challenge will be fitting it all in.
A Maryland RV rental can help you easily hop from one attraction to the next. You can move locations and still sleep in your own comfortable bed each night.
