Maryland might be one of the smaller states, but it packs an incredible variety of adventures.
One day you could be watching wild animals or exploring pieces of American history, and the next you could be cruising on the water or tasting famous local food.
Whether you love outdoor adventures, historic landmarks, scenic road trips, or unforgettable food, this Maryland bucket list is filled with experiences that belong on every traveler’s list.
Keep reading to discover 20 amazing things to do in Maryland before you die and start planning an adventure you’ll be talking about for years.
1. See the wild horses at Assateague Island
One of the state’s most unforgettable sights is the wild horses that roam freely across Assateague Island National Seashore on Maryland’s Eastern Shore.
You can often see them grazing on the beach, wandering through the forest, or crossing the marshes while you explore the island.
For the best experience, keep a safe distance of at least 40 feet and arrive early or later in the day to avoid the biggest crowds.
2. Eat steamed blue crabs on the Chesapeake Bay
Nothing captures the flavor of Maryland quite like a pile of steamed Chesapeake blue crabs covered in Old Bay seasoning at a waterfront seafood restaurant.
To experience this messy, delicious tradition, head to popular spots like Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, Crisfield, St. Michaels, and Annapolis, especially during crab season.
Grab a wooden mallet, spread brown paper across the table, and learn how to pick sweet meat from every claw, leg, and body section like a local.
3. Walk the Ocean City Boardwalk
Spend an afternoon walking the Ocean City Boardwalk, a nearly 3-mile stretch packed with ocean views, colorful shops, arcades, and family-friendly fun.
Along the way, snack on Fisher’s Popcorn, grab Thrasher’s French Fries with plenty of vinegar, and enjoy the lively atmosphere as street performers entertain the crowds.
End your stroll with a ride on the Giant Wheel at Jolly Roger at the Pier, where you’ll be treated to panoramic views of the shoreline.
4. Visit Fort McHenry in Baltimore
Visit Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine, where the Battle of Baltimore inspired Francis Scott Key to write “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
Here, you can explore the star-shaped fort and historic barracks, watch ranger programs, and stand beneath the giant American flag flying above the grounds.
Before you leave, stroll the waterfront paths for sweeping views of the harbor and imagine the 25-hour British bombardment that failed to take the fort in September 1814.
5. Spend a day at Baltimore’s Inner Harbor
Baltimore’s Inner Harbor is where museums, historic ships, and fresh seafood restaurants are all within easy walking distance.
Take time to step aboard the USS Constellation, explore the National Aquarium with more than 20,000 animals, and ride the Water Taxi across the harbor.
For even more fun, head to the Maryland Science Center for hands-on exhibits, a planetarium show, and IMAX films about nature, wildlife, space, and more.
6. Tour Annapolis
If you love brick sidewalks, colonial architecture, and a lively waterfront, don’t miss Annapolis, Maryland’s charming capital.
Start by touring the United States Naval Academy and catching the Noon Meal Formation, then visit the Maryland State House, the oldest state capitol still in continuous legislative use.
You can then browse the shops and galleries along Main Street before hopping on a relaxing cruise to see why the city proudly calls itself America’s Sailing Capital.
7. Visit Solomons Island
Escape to Solomons Island, a waterfront town where the Patuxent River meets the Chesapeake Bay, with marinas, fresh seafood, and scenic views around every corner.
The star here is the Calvert Marine Museum, where you’ll find maritime exhibits and the Drum Point Light, one of the oldest surviving screw-pile lighthouses in the U.S.
There’s also the Annmarie Sculpture Garden & Arts Center, with 50 acres of sculptures, gardens, and nature trails, plus Cruisin’ Tikis for a fun boat ride around the island.
8. Visit Antietam National Battlefield
Step back in time at Antietam National Battlefield in Sharpsburg, site of the 1862 Battle of Antietam, the bloodiest single day in American military history.
The best way to experience it is by driving the 8.5-mile self-guided tour, which takes you to 11 historic landmarks, including Dunker Church, Sunken Road, and Burnside Bridge.
You can also hike one of the battlefield trails or swing by the Pry House Field Hospital Museum for a closer look at the medical care provided during the Civil War.
9. Drive the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Byway
Experience history on the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Byway, a 125-mile route across Maryland’s Eastern Shore tracing the life and legacy of Harriet Tubman.
Along the way, you can visit the Brodess Farm where she spent her childhood and see the Bucktown General Store, where she suffered a life-changing head injury.
If you want to learn more, stop by the Harriet Tubman Museum and Educational Center to explore powerful photographs, exhibits, artwork, and colorful murals.
10. Explore Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge
For a dose of nature, head to Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge near Cambridge, where over 28,000 acres of wetlands, forests, and open fields provide a haven for wildlife.
You can drive the 3.6-mile Wildlife Drive, paddle quiet creeks by kayak, or walk the 0.4-mile Marsh Edge Trail for some of the refuge’s best birdwatching.
Keep your camera handy because there’s no shortage of incredible photo opportunities here, especially at sunrise and sunset or when birds soar overhead.
11. Spend a weekend in St. Michaels
Slow down with a weekend in St. Michaels, a postcard-perfect Chesapeake Bay town known for its waterfront views, maritime history, and walkable streets.
Start at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum to admire the 1879 Hooper Strait Lighthouse, then head out on a sailing cruise or kayak trip along the Miles River.
Finish the day by browsing Talbot Street’s boutiques and gift shops before settling in for a peaceful sunset over the harbor as sailboats gently return to their slips.
12. Try Smith Island Cake on Smith Island
Since it’s only accessible by boat, Smith Island feels like a true getaway, and it’s the best place to try the famous Smith Island Cake, Maryland’s official state dessert.
It’s made with eight to ten thin yellow cake layers filled and covered with rich chocolate frosting, giving it a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Stop by a local restaurant like Bayside Inn Restaurant to enjoy a fresh slice, then spend some time exploring the area’s quiet villages by golf cart or bicycle.
13. Hike or bike the C&O Canal Towpath
If you love hiking or biking, follow the C&O Canal Towpath, a 184.5-mile trail stretching from Georgetown in Washington, D.C., to Cumberland, Maryland.
The route passes restored lockhouses, stone aqueducts, bridges, and the famous Paw Paw Tunnel, an engineering marvel that stretches 3,118 feet through Tunnel Hill.
Whether you choose a short scenic section or a multi-day adventure, every mile feels like a step through history.
14. See Great Falls from the Maryland side
Along the Potomac River, take in the Great Falls from the Maryland side, where the river drops about 76 feet in less than a mile as it rushes through a rocky gorge.
For the best views, follow the short boardwalk through Olmsted Island to the Great Falls Overlook, just a 15-minute walk from the Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center.
Arrive early to beat the crowds, wear sturdy shoes for the uneven terrain, and keep your camera ready because the roaring waters make every step worth it.
15. Visit Deep Creek Lake
Enjoy some mountain scenery at Deep Creek Lake, Maryland’s largest freshwater lake, where boating, fishing, and relaxing by the water await.
Deep Creek Lake State Park has swimming and hiking, or head to Wisp Resort for year-round adventures like skiing, snowboarding, and zip-lining.
After a day outdoors, unwind at Firewater Kitchen & Bar with delicious food, creative cocktails, and beautiful lake views from the outdoor patio.
16. Hike to Muddy Creek Falls at Swallow Falls State Park
In Swallow Falls State Park, you’ll find Muddy Creek Falls, Maryland’s tallest free-falling waterfall, where the water plunges 53 feet.
You can reach it via the 1.1-mile Swallow Falls Canyon Trail loop, which also passes Upper and Lower Swallow Falls and the smaller Tolliver Falls.
Beyond its cascades, the park is home to one of the state’s last remaining old-growth forests, with hemlock trees over 300 years old creating an unforgettable setting.
17. Visit historic Frederick
For a fascinating downtown experience, visit historic Frederick, where brick-lined streets and beautifully preserved 19th-century buildings are around every corner.
Here, you can spend time at Carroll Creek Park, visit the National Museum of Civil War Medicine, and stroll along Market Street, popping into its shops and boutiques.
If you plan your visit in May, stick around for the Maryland Craft Beer Festival, featuring dozens of local breweries, live music, food vendors, and more.
18. Explore Havre de Grace
Up next is Havre de Grace, a waterfront town where the Susquehanna River meets the Chesapeake Bay, known for its scenic promenade and beautiful parks.
Be sure to visit the 1827 Concord Point Lighthouse, then explore the Decoy Museum to learn about the region’s long tradition of decoy carving and waterfowl hunting.
To slow things down, stop by the 22-acre Millard Tydings Memorial Park for scenic shoreline views, open lawns, picnic areas, and a peaceful walk by the water.
19. Spend time in historic St. Mary’s City
Another must-visit is Historic St. Mary’s City, Maryland’s first colonial capital, where history comes to life through historic buildings.
Explore the area by touring the reconstructed State House, stepping aboard the Maryland Dove, and learning traditional skills like pottery at the Woodland Indian Hamlet.
You can also stop by the Godiah Spray Tobacco Plantation, a working 17th-century farm with heirloom gardens, tobacco fields, and farm animals.
20. Paddle through the Ghost Fleet at Mallows Bay-Potomac River National Marine Sanctuary
Mallows Bay-Potomac River National Marine Sanctuary is home to a ‘Ghost Fleet’ of abandoned wooden steamships from World War I.
You can rent a kayak to paddle past the haunting shipwrecks, many now covered with wild plants, while spotting ospreys and great blue herons.
To learn more about what you’re seeing, join a guided kayak tour to learn about the sanctuary’s natural history, and don’t forget your binoculars and camera.
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