Top 10 Weekend Trips In Maryland, USA

weekend getaways from maryland
Tenissa
Tenissa 
Updated
| 4 min read

When it comes to the most wonderful states to visit in the USA, Maryland is one of them. Thanks to its strategic location on the Atlantic Ocean and the Chesapeake Bay, Maryland is endowed with tons of coastlines that are too great to be ignored. Other than the coastlines, you will also be able to admire iconic buildings and visit attractions like museums and parks. Furthermore, you may also get to see blue crabs because Maryland is the place where the highest number of blue crabs are produced. If you’re planning to visit this area, read this article to learn about the top weekend trips in Maryland, USA.

1. Baltimore

Baltimore MD City Hall
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Mbell1975 used under CC BY-SA 3.0

When talking about Maryland, it would be hard not to talk about Baltimore, the most populous city that used to be a seaport. As soon as you set foot in this major city, make a stop at Inner Harbor to admire an impressive collection of military ships. Then, you can move on to the underwater world as you enter the National Aquarium and meet the marine species. The city is quite far from Deep Creek Lake, the next weekend trip to take in Maryland, as it takes as long as three hours by car (179miles/288km). But the trip is going to be worth your traveling time.

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2. Deep Creek Lake

Deep Creek Lake Wide View - panoramio
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Sasha S used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Nature lovers, especially those who are fond of lakes, would not want to miss visiting Deep Creek Lake and spend the day here. Many of you may not be aware that the lake has the largest amount of water in the state, which is why you cannot skip this one. Although man-made, the lake is inhabited by various aquatic birds and freshwater fish. The beauty of the lake is already a charm of Maryland.

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3. Ocean City

Ocean City Maryland aerial view north
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Tex Jobe, U.S. Ar... used under PUBLIC DOMAIN

You would also want to stop and explore Ocean City that will take approximately 2 hours of driving (147miles/236 km) from Baltimore. There are many reasons to drive to this beautiful resort town. You can enjoy the views of the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the Isle of Wight Bay on the other. Then, the town is loaded with amusement parks, such as Jolly Roger Amusement Park, which lets you have fun with thrill rides and train trips, and Trimper’s Rides that is known for its merry-go-round. To indulge in shopping and delicious dishes, stop by Ocean City Boardwalk.

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4. St. Mary's City

St Marys City Historic District Capitol Jul 09
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Pubdog used under PUBLIC DOMAIN

Welcome to St. Mary’s City, the very first colonial settlement of Maryland. The first thing that you need to do once getting here is to explore Historic St. Mary’s City to gain insights into the history of the town. You will be able to see a lot of replicas of 17th-century buildings. Elm’s Beach Park is another place to stop by. With the beach and the lush greenery that surround you, you can have a relaxed moment. From Baltimore, it does not take long to get to St. Mary’s City. Within not more than two hours’ time (97miles/156km), you will reach the town from Baltimore.

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5. Assateague Island National Seashore

Assateague Island National Seashore - Virginia (8124473457)
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Doug Kerr used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Your other stop should be Assateague Island National Seashore that lets you appreciate the beauty of nature even more. A long line of pristine beach accompanied by an inland pine forest, sand dunes and hundreds of wild ponies enjoying themselves on the beaches are what the national seashore is all about. The best time to get to this protected area is after exploring Ocean City as it should take approximately 30 minutes with a distance as short as 18miles/29km.

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6. Annapolis

Colonial Annapolis Historic District - Church of St Anne2
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user AlbertHerring used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Be prepared to embark on a journey to the 18th century when you visit Annapolis. Throughout the city, you will be able to see a gamut of buildings from the 18th century. Marvel at St. Anne’s Church to see a fine example of an 18th-century building. Make a stop at Quiet Waters Park that exudes a peaceful atmosphere and offers features like a jogging track, playground and formal gardens. Do not miss a visit to the United States Naval Academy where you can enjoy an awesome formation of midshipmen march. From Baltimore, Annapolis is 32miles/51km away and can be reached in less than one hour.

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7. Chesapeake City

Chesapeake City
Source: Needpix

What makes Chesapeake City unique is its location on a commercial canal that is still fully functioning until today. The small but beautiful town is loaded with 19th-century landmarks along with gardens, parks and museums. For pleasant camping and other recreational activities outdoors, visit Lumps Pond. If you wish to learn more about the canal of the town, visit C&D Canal Museum for a guided tour. Chesapeake City and Baltimore are separated by 46miles/74km and it needs about one hour to reach either destination.

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8. Frederick

Prospect Hall, Frederick, Maryland
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Acroterion used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Frederick is one of the most beautiful destinations to be visited in Maryland, thanks to the mountainous vistas all around. The county seat also offers interesting attractions in addition to the breathtaking natural beauty. To hike, ride a bike or simply take a stroll, Gambrill State Park is your place. Be ready for a fun time with your loved ones when entering Catoctin Wildlife Preserve and Zoo to meet directly with wild animals and witness live feeding. To reach Frederick from Baltimore, it takes less than one hour and you will have to drive for 44miles/70km.

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9. Kent Island

Kent Island, Maryland - panoramio
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user R01k used under CC BY 3.0

Chesapeake Bay has a really large island and this is called Kent Island. As it is an island, you may already guess that a majority of the attractions here are related to water. Make a stop at Sandy Point State Park for a gorgeous view of the beach and a relaxed walk in the park. To admire a lighthouse, stop shortly at Thomas Point Shoal Light. The picture-perfect Chesapeake Bay Bridge is not something you want to skip as well. It is a rather short journey from Baltimore, only 30miles/48km, which takes as little as 40 minutes.

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10. Tilghman Island

Radio tower on Tilghman Island - panoramio
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user David Broad used under CC BY 3.0

Another island on Chesapeake Bay that is worth exploring is Tilghman Island. From Kent Island, you need to drive for more than one hour to complete a distance of 56miles/90km. Get familiar with life on the island as you are welcome to board a waterman’s boat at Tilghman Watermen’s Museum. Are you curious about the oldest skipjack in the area? Board Rebecca T. Ruark.

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Explore Maryland

As you can see, there are a lot of weekend trips that you can take in Maryland. That is why if there is one recommendation when traveling in the state, it is that you should never stop exploring. When you are always on the move, you will discover a new, wonderful destination. Enjoy your Maryland vacation!

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Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Tenissa is a content writer, translator and editor. She enjoys being a globetrotter and has traveled to many countries around the world. So far, her favourite destination is Switzerland. She looks...Read more

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