Maryland Travel Guide
Maryland is a state shaped by water, from the Chesapeake Bay, the Atlantic Ocean, and countless rivers. Dine on blue crabs fresh from the bay, enjoy watersports in the summer, go snow skiing in the winter, and explore charming and historic towns.
Racing in Cambridge, Maryland
IRONMAN 70.3 Eagleman is a big race for a small town. This half-Ironman distance triathlon is one of the longest running Ironman sanctioned 70.3 events, with triathletes competing since 1996. As Maryland natives, we’ve been racing Eagleman on a regular basis. This article details our experience and what you can expect to see on the course as you swim, bike, and run to the finish line.
IRONMAN 70.3 Eagleman: What to Expect from a Frequent Competitor
Top Experiences in Maryland
Chesapeake Bay. The Chesapeake Bay is the largest estuary in the United States. It is a popular spot for boating, fishing, and watersports. Some of the best ways to enjoy the bay are at waterfront towns like Annapolis or at public parks such as Sandy Point State Park, which features a small beach.
Annapolis. Maryland’s capital city, Annapolis has a charming historic district that is seated along the Chesapeake Bay. You will find plenty of great shops and seafood restaurants here, and the U.S. Naval Academy is within walking distance of downtown. The Annapolis Historic District is an easily walkable area and a great spot to spend an afternoon.
Eat Blue Crabs. Maryland is known for its blue crabs which are commonly harvested from the Chesapeake Bay. Enjoy a meal at a crab house or seafood restaurant along the bay for the best experience.
Baltimore. Baltimore is the largest city in Maryland, as well as one of the most historic. Tour historical sites such as Fort McHenry and the B&O Railroad Museum, catch an Orioles game at Camden Yards, take a stroll along the Inner Harbor, and spend an afternoon at the National Aquarium.
Fort McHenry. Fort McHenry successfully defended Baltimore Harbor from an assault by the British Navy during the War of 1812. Francis Scott Key witnessed this defense and it inspired him to write “The Star-Spangled Banner”, the national anthem of the United States.
Ocean City. Ocean City, located on a barrier island, is a popular destination for summer vacations. With the Atlantic Ocean to the east and the Assawoman and Isle of Wight Bays to the west, Ocean City is a great spot for all types of watersports. Enjoy 10 miles of continuous sandy beach lined with hotels, shops, and restaurants. Walk the boardwalk, take your kids to the nearby Jolly Roger Amusement Park, play a round of Putt-Putt, and more.
Assateague Island. Just south of Ocean City is Assateague Island, a 37-mile long barrier island. Relax on sandy beaches, explore coastal bays and marshes, and watch the herds of wild horses that frequent the beach.
Antietam National Battlefield. This national battlefield commemorates the Battle of Antietam, the bloodiest single-day engagement of the American Civil War. The battlefield is well-preserved and is well worth a visit.
Deep Creek Lake. Maryland’s largest man-made lake, Deep Creek Lake, offers outdoor activities throughout the year. In the summer head to Deep Creek Lake State Park for swimming, boating, hiking, and more. In the winter head to Wisp Resort for fun on snow, such as skiing, tubing, etc.
Harpers Ferry. While technically not in Maryland, this historic town is the meeting point between Virginia, West Virginia, and Maryland. Enjoy the natural beauty of Harpers Ferry, learn about its Civil War history, and visit the many shops and museums in town. To get the best view of Harpers Ferry, hike the Maryland Heights Loop trail.
Best Time to Visit Maryland
Maryland is a mid-Atlantic state that experiences all four seasons, from hot and humid summers to cold winters with a chance of snow.
The summer months, June through August, are a great time to visit Maryland if your main focus is spending your days on the water. This is a popular time to visit places like Ocean City, Assateague Island, and the Chesapeake Bay.
May and September typically have slightly cooler temperatures and less humidity than the summer. These are also good months for outdoor activities, but the water is likely to be too cold in May for swimming.
The winter months, December through February, are the typical ski season in western Maryland.
Places to Visit Near Maryland
One Day Walking Tour of Washington DC (From a Local!)
Having lived in Maryland most of our lives, we are lucky to be in such close proximity to our nation’s capital. Washington DC is a place that we visit frequently. With so many museums and historical sights, this city makes an excellent travel destination in the USA. For one day, we acted like tourists, scouting out […]
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US National Parks
The Ultimate Guide to the 63 US National Parks
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