The Ultimate Maryland Travel Bucket List
Maryland is one of the most beautiful and diverse places in the United States, with so many different attractions to check out in a relatively small area. In fact, there's so much to do there that you might feel overwhelmed by choice. The great thing about Maryland is that it's easy to get from place to place, as everything is in close proximity to each other, and there are reliable public transit options. In this article, we'll help you decide what to check out in this beautiful state with the ultimate Maryland bucket list.
How to Get There
Before you can start exploring Maryland, you need to get there first. There are a wide variety of transportation options available in the state. If your main destination is Baltimore, you can fly into Baltimore-Washington International Airport, which is located just south of the city. You can also fly into one of the two airports in nearby Washington, DC, Washington-Dulles or Washington-Reagan. Reagan is located closer to the city of DC. Once there, you can rent a car for the best access to all of the activities Maryland has to offer. However, if you prefer not to rent a car, there are many other ways to get around. Baltimore has its own light rail system in the city, as well as commuter trains expanding throughout the state. The Washington, DC subway system also expands into parts of southern Maryland. You can also use cab and ride share services throughout the state.
Visit The National Aquarium in Baltimore
The National Aquarium is one of the biggest in the United States, with over 750 species of marine life. It is one of the only places in the country where you can get such a comprehensive look at water animals, plants, and their ecosystems. The museum is located right on the harbor, and promotes a mission of conservation and education about marine life. Some of the unique exhibits at the National Aquarium include an Atlantic coral reef, a marine mammal ecosystem with bottlenose dolphins, and an open air shark tank. Many of the exhibits have received international acclaim for their innovation. In addition to these fascinating programs for all ages, they also have many attractions that are great for children, so it's a perfect family activity for your Maryland trip. The aquarium is public transit accessible via the Shot Tower station on the Baltimore metro system.
Tour Baltimore’s Points of Interest
There are too many fascinating places in Maryland to name here, but you should take at least a day on your trip to explore them. The Inner Harbor is home to many gorgeous historical ships, so it makes a great starting point. After that, head to the George Peabody Library, one of the most gorgeous buildings in the city. You should also visit Edgar Allen Poe’s grave for a little taste of the macabre that he was known for. Finally, you’ll want to check out the Walters Art Museum, which is free to the public and features centuries of stunning artifacts. These are just a few of the many unique activities you can check out in Baltimore during your stay.
Eat seafood in Fells Point
Fells Point is one of the most charming neighborhoods in Baltimore, with beautiful old row houses and cobblestone streets. In particular, it's known for its welcoming pubs and seafood restaurants, which are some of the best places to get fish in the city. You can't beat the quality of the seafood in Baltimore, so it's definitely worth taking an evening to explore the great food in Fells Point. The neighborhood is also known for a vibrant nightlife scene with plenty of live music, as well as chic local boutiques and art galleries.
Relax on the Beach in Ocean City
Maryland has a huge amount of coastline, and while there are many beaches to choose from on your vacation, Ocean City is a quintessential favorite among many locals. This resort town is located on a long stretch of beach running from north to south, with water on either side. Ocean City has a classic American boardwalk, with charming amusement rides as well as plenty of food and drink options. The surrounding area is home to a wide range of restaurants and shopping destinations as well. If you’re feeling active, you might opt to go kayaking in the bay, or you can also relax and see the area via tour boat. There’s plenty of other water sports to check out as well, including surfing, jet skiing, and fishing. In fact, there’s so much to do here that you could easily make an entire vacation out of it on its own.
Explore Maryland’s History in Annapolis
Annapolis is Maryland’s capitol city, and it’s home to many historic attractions and architecture that will transport you back hundreds of years. Just taking a stroll through this charming city is a wonderful experience, but there’s plenty more to do here. Many of the houses here are actually historic landmarks that you can tour, like the William Paca House and the Hammond-Harwood House. You can also explore the state’s sailing history at the Annapolis Maritime Museum. If you want to get outside for a day and enjoy the weather, try heading to Quiet Waters Park, where you will find plenty of paved trails and gardens as well as art galleries.
Hike or Boat Through The Great Falls on the Potomac River
As you get down closer to Washington, DC, you should take a day to explore the natural beauty that Maryland has to offer. One of the most gorgeous outdoor features in the state is the Great Falls on the Potomac River. These are some of the most dramatic waterfalls on the East Coast, and they are sure to take your breath away. Start your trip at the Great Falls Tavern, where you’ll get more information about the area, and then hike the Billy Goat Trail, which ends at a stunning lookout over the falls. If you aren’t much for hiking, you can also choose to take a historic canal boat tour.
Before you visit Maryland or any other destination in the United States, you should make sure to check ESTA status online. ESTA is the electronic system for travel authorization, and travelers from approved countries can use it to travel to the United States without applying for a visa. You can easily apply online, but to qualify for ESTA travel, you must apply at least three days before your flight. Once you have been approved, your status will be good for two years and you can easily update it online if necessary. It only takes about five minutes to complete, but everyone should complete it before coming to the United States, including infants and children.
Maryland is a beautiful state with so much to do, and it is a great destination for families, couples, and solo travelers. If you are looking for a vacation, that has a nice combination of city life and natural beauty, Maryland is a great option. In one vacation, you can experience the big cities of Baltimore and Washington DC, charming towns like Annapolis, hiking, beach life, and much more.
