Maryland holidays

The nutrient-rich waters of Chesapeake Bay run through the veins of this mid-Atlantic state. From legendary regattas to mythical mermaids, holidays to Maryland highlight the region’s rich maritime heritage. Spend some time soaking up its seaside charms, then explore the state’s fascinating history, vibrant arts scene and destination restaurants. But be sure to leave time for an island getaway complete with wild horses.

Top destinations in Maryland

Annapolis

Feast on Chesapeake Bay’s finest seafood, marvel at tall ships in the harbour and immerse yourself in 18th-century history in Maryland’s capital.

Baltimore

From epic crab feeds and NFL game tailgating to nearly three centuries of American history, Maryland’s largest city deserves a spot on your Atlantic coast getaway.

Salisbury

Soak up the energy of this dynamic port city, where historic landmarks sit alongside scenic nature trails, and lively festivals pay homage to local food and wine.

Maryland: fast facts

Language

English

Currency

United States dollar ($)

Time zone

Baltimore - UTC−5 (EST) and UTC−4 (EDT)

High season

May – September

Low season

January – March

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Maryland holiday highlights

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See the boats

Annapolis is considered one of the sailing capitals of the US. Tour the United States Naval Academy and cheer on the amateurs during a summer regatta. For one of the best things to do in Maryland, hop in a kayak to explore the ‘Ghost Fleet’ of Mallows Bay, where partially submerged shipwrecks span three centuries of American shipbuilding.

Learn the local history

Visit the birthplace of ‘The Star-Spangled Banner’ at Baltimore’s Fort McHenry, where historical re-enactments bring the 1814 Battle of Baltimore alive. Harriet Tubman was a Black woman who helped enslaved people escape north in pursuit of their freedom. In Dorchester County, follow in their footsteps along the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Byway.

Eat the crab

The fresh waters of Chesapeake Bay are famous for their abundance of tasty blue crabs. Feast on the crustacean’s sweet meat at a waterside crab shack, where steamed crabs are piled onto butcher paper and devoured from communal picnic tables. Visiting during Labor Day weekend? Don’t miss Crisfield’s National Hard Crab Derby, with fireworks, live music and crab cook-offs.

Things to do in Maryland

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Top attractions

Explore the Ocean City boardwalk from the Inlet to 27th Street for local seafood shacks, vintage arcades and artisan ice cream stands. On Assateague Island, hike the Life of the Marsh Trail for birdwatching and wildlife spotting. In Baltimore, Fort McHenry brings history to life with costumed re-enactors demonstrating 19th-century military drills, musket practice and cannon firings.

Beaches

One of the most popular beaches in Maryland, Ocean City Beach is a hit with families for its lively boardwalk and water sports like jet-skiing, stand-up paddle boarding and parasailing. For something more peaceful, explore the pristine beaches of Assateague Island, home to herds of wild horses. On the water, keep your eyes peeled for dolphins and enjoy some of the country’s best marlin fishing.

Nature

The Calvert Cliffs State Park was once part of an ancient seabed. Scour its coastline in search of megalodon shark teeth and other fossils — visit after a storm for the best results. In the summer, Baltimore locals head for Gunpowder River, where people cruise downstream by water tube with a drink in hand.

Cuisine

The food scene here is deeply influenced by the bounty of the coast and the state’s love for seasoning. It’s common for restaurants in Maryland to sprinkle Old Bay Seasoning on everything from tender crab cakes to cocktail rims. Always keep an eye out for local rockfish, and save space for a slice of layered Smith Island cake, Maryland’s official state dessert.

Culture and museums

One of the best museums in Maryland is Baltimore’s Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History & Culture. Its exhibits cover everything from slavery and the Civil Rights Movement to African American artists. For a dose of fun, check out The Mermaid Museum in Berlin, a kitschy homage to the mythical sea creature that includes vintage figurines and a mermaid sighting timeline.

Nightlife

Some of the best nightlife in Maryland is in Baltimore’s Station North Arts District, where spots like Ottobar showcase the city’s indie music scene. In Annapolis, join a pub crawl through Colonial-era taverns steeped in history. Ocean City keeps the party coastal, with lively boardwalk clubs, beach bars and late-night entertainment just steps from the sand.

Find the best time to visit Maryland

Weather in Maryland through the year

March – May: Spring’s warm days and blossoming flowers make it a prime time for visiting gardens and hiking in the Appalachian foothills. Spring showers are common, so pack an umbrella and waterproofs.

June – August: Daytime highs reach 29°C, with humid conditions along the coast. It’s a popular time for beach days and Chesapeake Bay cruises. But plan for museum days when the occasional thunderstorm hits.

September – November: Crisp air and mild temperatures create ideal conditions for seeing autumn foliage around Swallow Falls State Park and enjoying wine tours in the Piedmont region.

December – February: Temperatures tend to hover around freezing, and snow can sometimes disrupt travel, especially in the mountains. It’s a good time for ski trips at Wisp Resort.

Events in Maryland

Artscape (July): Baltimore hosts the nation’s largest free arts festival, with outdoor sculptures, live music and multimedia installations. Street performers, food stalls and evening concerts keep things lively after dark.

Maryland Renaissance Festival (August to October): One of the largest in the US, this fair transforms Crownsville into a 16th-century village with jousting, costumed performers, artisan workshops and flowing flagons of ale.

Maryland Seafood Festival (September): Roll up your sleeves for Annapolis’ crab feast on the Chesapeake, with cooking contests, oyster tastings, live music and bayfront views.

Washington Monument Lighting (December): Baltimore’s Christmas season kicks off in Mount Vernon Place with the lighting of its famous monument. Expect carol singers, mugs of hot apple cider and fireworks.

Know before you go

Budget

Kick off your day in and around Baltimore with a cappuccino for less than five US dollars ($). From there, a meal at an inexpensive restaurant will cost roughly $20. With so many free attractions around the state, cheap holidays to Maryland are entirely possible. Tipping is the norm here, so be sure to include at least a 15% gratuity for waiters and taxi drivers.

Health and safety

Tick-borne illnesses like Lyme disease are a risk in Maryland’s forests and hiking areas, so use insect repellent and check for ticks after outdoor excursions. In summer, high temperatures and humidity can lead to dehydration — carry water and take breaks in the shade. If you’re heading to the coast, pay attention to jellyfish warnings around the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic beaches.

Free things to do

Baltimore’s Walters Art Museum and Baltimore Museum of Art both offer free admission, with collections spanning from ancient relics to modern masterpieces. In Western Maryland, Swallow Falls State Park rewards hikers with wooded trails and the 16-metre Muddy Creek Falls. Near Washington, D.C., Brookside Gardens in Wheaton Regional Park features themed landscapes, ponds and vibrant floral displays year-round.

Family friendly

Port Discovery Children’s Museum in Baltimore keeps kids busy with hands-on exhibits, including interactive art studios and indoor play areas. Trimper Rides of Ocean City has entertained families since 1893 with its vintage carousel and classic carnival rides. For a change of pace, hop aboard the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad for a steam train ride through the Allegheny Mountains.

Getting around Maryland

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Public transport

Buses: Long-distance services such as Greyhound and Megabus connect major cities like Baltimore and Annapolis with nearby hubs like Washington, D.C. Local transit agencies such as MTA Maryland serve the area’s towns and suburbs.

Trains: Amtrak connects Baltimore with major cities like Philadelphia, New York City and Washington, D.C. More locally, Maryland Area Regional Commuter (MARC) runs frequent routes between Baltimore, Washington, D.C., and suburban towns like Odenton, Bowie and Laurel.

Boats: The Baltimore Water Taxi and Chesapeake Bay ferries connect Baltimore’s Inner Harbor with destinations like Canton Waterfront Park, Fells Point and Fort McHenry. Seasonal ferries also service Eastern Shore towns, including Saint Michaels and Tilghman Island.

Domestic flights

Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport provides frequent flights to major hubs like New York City, Chicago and Atlanta. Smaller airports in Salisbury-Ocean City and Hagerstown offer easy access to Maryland’s coastal resorts and western mountain towns.

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Driving and car hire

Driving in Maryland is straightforward, with I-95 connecting Baltimore and Washington, D.C., and I-70 heading west into the Appalachians. Traffic often backs up around Baltimore and Annapolis during rush hour. In winter, I-68 and other mountain routes can be icy, so it’s best to check road conditions before setting out.

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FAQs about Maryland holidays

Baltimore makes a great base for first-time visitors, with world-class museums, harbourfront attractions and historic neighbourhoods such as Fells Point and Mount Vernon. For a classic beach escape, head to Ocean City, where endless stretches of shoreline, a lively boardwalk and plenty of crab shacks create fun for all ages.
You can see most of Baltimore in a single weekend, including its harbour, museums and sports venues. But set aside close to a week to cover highlights like the Underground Railroad and a beach break on Assateague Island.
The good news is that blue crab and sailing seasons last from spring until autumn. One of the best times to visit Maryland is summer, especially if you want to hit the beach. Hotel prices drop with the winter temperatures, making it a great time to explore Baltimore’s arts scene, museums and nightlife.
Maryland is generally safe for visitors, but in Baltimore it’s wise to keep an eye on belongings in crowded areas and get local advice on neighbourhoods best avoided after dark. Along the coast, be mindful of hurricanes and tropical storms, most common from June through November.
The main language spoken in Maryland is English. However, diverse immigrant populations mean you could hear Spanish, French and Arabic being spoken, depending on where in the state you’re visiting.
Maryland uses the US dollar ($). Cards are accepted almost everywhere, but it’s smart to carry some cash for small-town crab shacks or boardwalk treats. ATMs are easy to find in cities but less common in rural areas. Tipping is expected — plan to leave about 20% in restaurants.

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