With the new year just around the corner, you may already be thinking about how you’ll spend your time. Maryland has plenty of locations and activities to choose from whether you’re looking to take a day trip or try out a new hobby. The list below is full of ideas you won’t regret partaking in this year. Perhaps you’ll want to add a few of these items to your bucket list as well!
- Visit Smith Island.
fabulousfabs / Flickr If you’re looking for a peaceful day trip look no further than Smith Island. This secluded place is full of serenity and old town traditions. Find out more on their website here.
- Explore Crystal Grottoes Caverns.
A. Currell / Flickr These caverns located in Boonsboro are one of the most unique places you’ll ever visit. For more information click here.
- Ride the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad.
jpmueller99 / Flickr This is fun for all ages year-round and the best way to view the western mountains. WMSR Website
- Go antique shopping in Historic Ellicott City.
Jon Dawson / Flickr Spend a day among historic buildings, charming boutiques, and vintage antique shops. Website here.
- Discover underwater life at the National Aquarium.
Douglas Whitfield / Flickr There is something so fascinating about life under the sea and the National Aquarium in Baltimore has it all. Visit their website.
- Take in the beauty of Swallow Falls State Park.
Doug Kerr / Flickr One of the most gorgeous locations in Maryland, it also has several breathtaking waterfalls. More information here.
- Witness the Antietam Battlefield luminaries.
Phil Romans / Flickr The battlefield displays 23,000 luminaries in honor of each soldier killed, wounded, or missing during the Battle of Antietam. Absolutely gorgeous and a must see. Click here for more information.
- Bicycle along the gorgeous C & O Canal.
matt / Flickr The views of the canal are great and you can find a canal cycling guide here.
- Take a stroll through the Ladew Topiary Gardens.
Fred Schroeder / Flickr Who doesn’t love nature with a dash of whimsy? The gardens are located in Monkton and are one of a kind. Website
- Ride in a hot air balloon.
Danny_Eugene / Flickr The Preakness Celebration Balloon Festival is a fun event held in the Spring at Turf Valley in Ellicott City. The event is free and balloon rides are available for $225 per person.
- Venture to the King and Queen Seat at Rocks State Park.
Kevin / Flickr Located at Rocks State Park, this natural rock outcrop is a spectacular place to view the scenery of rural Harford County. More information here.
- Try stand up paddle boarding.
Larry Lamsa / Flickr Stand up paddle boards have been trending along the coast for the last few years. You should try it at least once.
- Take a cruise on the harbor.
m01229 / Flickr Some spots of the inner harbor can only be seen from the water. Visit Spirit Cruises for an unforgettable experience.
- Have a blast at Terrapin Adventures.
Meal Makeover Moms / Flickr Challenge yourself with rope courses and zip-lining at Terrapin Adventures. Terrapin Adventures Website
- Pick your own fruits and vegetables at Larriland Farms.
viviandnguyen_ / Flickr Crops here include strawberries, raspberries, spinach, beets, and so much more! Visit the Larriland website for more information.
- Go river tubing.
Chepner / Flickr Did you know there are several places in Maryland to go river tubing? We found this great site on locations you can go to spend a day floating down river… in the best of ways.
- Spend a weekend - or week! - at the beach.
TCDavis / Flickr Maryland is blessed with several beaches. Choose one and enjoy every moment.
- Wet your whistle at Wine In The Woods.
baltamour carla / Flickr Despite current construction going on at Merriweather Pavillion, Wine In The Woods WILL be back this May! Rather than go to a winery, they all come to you which is simply fantastic. Website
- Attend a Sugarloaf Craft Festival.
HimmelrichPR / Flickr This festival stops by several places in Maryland throughout the year, the largest taking place in Gaithersburg. Spend a day exploring artisan crafts at one of these
great events.
- Have a crab feast.
Alan Levine / Flickr We saved the best item for last. ‘Nuff said.
Feel free to share your ideas that are MUST-DO activities in Maryland. The more the merrier! 🙂
fabulousfabs / Flickr
If you’re looking for a peaceful day trip look no further than Smith Island. This secluded place is full of serenity and old town traditions. Find out more on their website here.
A. Currell / Flickr
These caverns located in Boonsboro are one of the most unique places you’ll ever visit. For more information click here.
jpmueller99 / Flickr
This is fun for all ages year-round and the best way to view the western mountains. WMSR Website
Jon Dawson / Flickr
Spend a day among historic buildings, charming boutiques, and vintage antique shops. Website here.
Douglas Whitfield / Flickr
There is something so fascinating about life under the sea and the National Aquarium in Baltimore has it all. Visit their website.
Doug Kerr / Flickr
One of the most gorgeous locations in Maryland, it also has several breathtaking waterfalls. More information here.
Phil Romans / Flickr
The battlefield displays 23,000 luminaries in honor of each soldier killed, wounded, or missing during the Battle of Antietam. Absolutely gorgeous and a must see. Click here for more information.
matt / Flickr
The views of the canal are great and you can find a canal cycling guide here.
Fred Schroeder / Flickr
Who doesn’t love nature with a dash of whimsy? The gardens are located in Monkton and are one of a kind. Website
Danny_Eugene / Flickr
The Preakness Celebration Balloon Festival is a fun event held in the Spring at Turf Valley in Ellicott City. The event is free and balloon rides are available for $225 per person.
Kevin / Flickr
Located at Rocks State Park, this natural rock outcrop is a spectacular place to view the scenery of rural Harford County. More information here.
Larry Lamsa / Flickr
Stand up paddle boards have been trending along the coast for the last few years. You should try it at least once.
m01229 / Flickr
Some spots of the inner harbor can only be seen from the water. Visit Spirit Cruises for an unforgettable experience.
Meal Makeover Moms / Flickr
Challenge yourself with rope courses and zip-lining at Terrapin Adventures. Terrapin Adventures Website
viviandnguyen_ / Flickr
Crops here include strawberries, raspberries, spinach, beets, and so much more! Visit the Larriland website for more information.
Chepner / Flickr
Did you know there are several places in Maryland to go river tubing? We found this great site on locations you can go to spend a day floating down river… in the best of ways.
TCDavis / Flickr
Maryland is blessed with several beaches. Choose one and enjoy every moment.
baltamour carla / Flickr
Despite current construction going on at Merriweather Pavillion, Wine In The Woods WILL be back this May! Rather than go to a winery, they all come to you which is simply fantastic. Website
HimmelrichPR / Flickr
This festival stops by several places in Maryland throughout the year, the largest taking place in Gaithersburg. Spend a day exploring artisan crafts at one of these
great events.
Alan Levine / Flickr
We saved the best item for last. ‘Nuff said.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
