Maryland
Scenic water views over the Chesapeake Bay
Bird's-eye view of the downtown Baltimore skyline
Professional baseball in Oriole Park at Camden Yards in Baltimore
Cross-country outing through Harrington Manor State Park in Oakland
Boats docked for the night at Inner Harbor in Baltimore
Kayaking at Janes Island State Park in Crisfield
Scenic overlook from atop a Maryland Heights trail
Viewing masterpieces at Walters Art Museum in Baltimore
Explore beaches, Baltimore and colonial history
Maryland is often called "America in miniature" for its varied landscape, from mountains to its waterfronts. One of the USA’s first 13 colonies, Maryland was first settled by the English in 1634. It was the seventh state to ratify the U.S. Constitution in 1788. Maryland is known for many things, but primarily its coastline and waterways, particularly the Chesapeake Bay. It’s also celebrated for its access to fresh seafood (especially crabs) and its biggest city, Baltimore. Fort McHenry in Baltimore is where the U.S. National Anthem was written.
The state was a center of military activity during the Civil War, and visitors can explore four Civil War Trails that follow the footsteps of soldiers from that era. Annapolis, the port city that was once the capital of the USA, is home to colonial buildings, as well as the United States Naval Academy. From there, you can set sail on a schooner in the Chesapeake Bay. In Baltimore, visit the birthplace of Babe Ruth or the National Aquarium.
Maryland may be small, but it’s big in history, natural beauty and things to see and do. From clambakes and bonfires to scenic drives through mountains or evenings spent on Ocean City’s boardwalk, this diverse state welcomes visitors with a blend of modern life and history.
Maryland speaks volumes about US maritime life and culture. A dozen lighthouses set Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic aglow, and maritime museums and parks bring Mid-Atlantic history to life. Don't miss trying the cuisine, fresh-caught from the Maryland waterways, which tells a mouthwatering story of its own.
State capital Annapolis offers tours and sailing schools for seafarers. See the state by land on a driving tour along one of Maryland's 18 scenic byways, including the Historic National Road through the mountains or Chesapeake Country Byway along the state’s waterfront villages. Hike the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad, a complex and illuminating network of trails that let you explore a substantial part of US history, and visit the Maryland Museum of Military History in Baltimore for an education in the country’s military past. Don’t leave without unwinding on one of Maryland’s family-friendly beaches or spending a fun night in Baltimore or Gaithersburg, where you’ll also find museums, parks, science centers and zoos.
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Fun Fact
Maryland gave the USA its first railroad, dental school and umbrella factory.
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