Best Things to Do in Maryland When Moving to the State
In this article, you will explore the best and most fun things to do in Maryland. Whether you're a local or a tourist, or planning on moving Maryland offers a wealth of exciting activities that are sure to keep you entertained.
Enjoying Maryland's Beaches
Maryland's Eastern Shore is a popular summer destination thanks to its beautiful beaches, warm weather, and charming beach towns. Here are some of the best beaches to visit in Maryland:
Visiting Ocean City
You can find a lot to do when moving to Ocean City, Maryland. Ocean City is most famous for its beach resort in town, and known for its 10-mile long boardwalk, amusement park, and stunning beach. The boardwalk is lined with restaurants, shops, and attractions, making it a great place to spend a day in the sun. Visitors can rent bikes, take a boat tour, or try their luck at mini-golf. For those who want to get out on the water, Ocean City also offers fishing charters, parasailing, and jet ski rentals.
Exploring Assateague Island
Assateague Island is a unique barrier island located off the coast of Maryland and Virginia. It's home to a herd of wild horses that roam the beach and marshes, as well as a variety of other wildlife, including deer, foxes, and migratory birds. Visitors can enjoy hiking, birdwatching, and camping on the island. The beaches at Assateague Island are also popular with surfers and kiteboarders, as the waves can be quite strong.
Enjoying Quiet Waters Park Beach
Quiet Waters Park Beach is a hidden gem located in Anne Arundel County, Maryland. You can be moving near the park features and by a beach on the shores of the South River, as well as a variety of other outdoor activities, including hiking, kayaking, and picnicking. Visitors can rent paddle boats, canoes, and kayaks, or take a walk on one of the park's many trails.
Indulging in Maryland's Cuisine
Maryland is known for its delicious seafood and unique regional cuisine. Here are some must-try dishes:
Maryland Blue Crabs
Maryland blue crabs are a local delicacy and one of the most popular dishes in the state. They're typically steamed and seasoned with Old Bay seasoning, a spice blend that's a Maryland staple. Visitors can enjoy them at a seafood restaurant or pick them up fresh from a local seafood market it will make you move to maryland sooner. In addition to blue crabs, Maryland is also known for its oysters, rockfish, and soft-shell crabs.
Smith Island Cake
Smith Island Cake is the official dessert of Maryland and a must-try for anyone with a sweet tooth. The cake is a multi-layered cake made with thin layers of yellow cake and chocolate frosting. It's incredibly delicious and perfect for special occasions or just as a treat.
Berger Cookies
Berger Cookies are a Baltimore tradition and one of the state's most popular sweet treats. They're a soft, cake-like cookie topped with a thick layer of fudge icing. They're sold at bakeries throughout the state, but you can find them at their original location in Baltimore.
Shopping in Maryland
Maryland has plenty of shopping opportunities, from charming boutiques to outlet malls. Here are some of the best places to shop in the state:
Visiting Annapolis
Annapolis is Maryland's capital city and a great place to shop. Its historic downtown area is home to numerous boutiques, art galleries, and specialty stores. Visitors can find everything from handmade jewelry to vintage clothing. The city also has several shopping centers and malls, including Annapolis Mall and Westfield Annapolis.
Shopping at Arundel Mills
Arundel Mills also has a variety of dining and entertainment options, including a movie theater, Dave & Buster's, and Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament.
Arundel Mills is Maryland's largest outlet mall, with over 200 stores. It's a great place to find deals on everything from designer clothing to electronics. The mall features a mix of high-end and affordable stores, including Coach, Michael Kors
Exploring Bethesda Row
Bethesda Row is a trendy shopping and dining destination located in Bethesda, Maryland. The area features a mix of high-end and independent stores, as well as several restaurants and cafes. Visitors can find everything from designer clothing to artisanal chocolates. Bethesda Row also hosts several events throughout the year, including the Taste of Bethesda food festival and the Bethesda Film Festival.
Enjoying Maryland's National Parks
Maryland is home to several national parks and historic sites, offering visitors the opportunity to explore the state's natural beauty and rich history. Here are some of the must-visit national parks in Maryland:
Assateague Island National Seashore
Assateague Island National Seashore is located on the barrier island of the same name, which stretches across Maryland and Virginia. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including wild horses, deer, and migratory birds. Visitors can enjoy hiking, birdwatching, and camping on the island's pristine beaches. The park also offers opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and surfing.
Catoctin Mountain Park
Catoctin Mountain Park is located in northern Maryland, near the Pennsylvania border. The park is home to the presidential retreat of Camp David, as well as several hiking trails, campgrounds, and historic sites. Visitors can explore the park's scenic overlooks, waterfalls, and wildlife, including black bears and migratory birds.
Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park
Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park is a 184-mile long park that stretches along the Potomac River from Washington, D.C. to Cumberland, Maryland. The park features hiking and biking trails, as well as opportunities for fishing and kayaking. Visitors can explore historic canal locks and lockhouses, as well as the park's many natural attractions, including Great Falls and the Paw Paw Tunnel.
Visiting the National Aquarium
When your final done unpacking from your move to Baltimore Maryland go visit The National Aquarium in Baltimore is a world-renowned destination for visitors of all ages. With over 20,000 animals from more than 800 species, it's no surprise that the aquarium is considered one of the best in the world. Visitors can explore a variety of exhibits, including the Atlantic Coral Reef, the Jellies Invasion, and the Amazon River Forest.
One of the highlights of the aquarium is the immersive 4D theater experience. Visitors can watch films on a large screen while feeling the wind, mist, and other sensory effects. The outdoor dolphin show is also a popular attraction, allowing visitors to watch these intelligent and graceful animals perform amazing feats.
In addition to the exhibits and shows, the National Aquarium offers a variety of programs and events. Visitors can participate in behind-the-scenes tours, animal encounters, and even sleepovers. There are also educational programs for school groups, including field trips and summer camps.
Overall, the National Aquarium is a must-visit attraction for anyone visiting Baltimore. It's a great way to learn about marine life and conservation while having fun and making memories.
One of the highlights of the aquarium is the immersive 4D theater experience. Visitors can watch films on a large screen while feeling the wind, mist, and other sensory effects. The outdoor dolphin show is also a popular attraction, allowing visitors to watch these intelligent and graceful animals perform amazing feats.
In addition to the exhibits and shows, the National Aquarium offers a variety of programs and events. Visitors can participate in behind-the-scenes tours, animal encounters, and even sleepovers. There are also educational programs for school groups, including field trips and summer camps.
Overall, the National Aquarium is a must-visit attraction for anyone visiting Baltimore. It's a great way to learn about marine life and conservation while having fun and making memories.
Strolling through Inner Harbor
The Inner Harbor is a vibrant and bustling waterfront area in the heart of downtown Baltimore. It's a popular destination for both locals and tourists, with plenty of attractions, restaurants, and shops to explore.
One of the most iconic attractions in the Inner Harbor is the USS Constellation, a historic naval ship that served during the Civil War. Visitors can take a guided tour of the ship and learn about its history and the life of sailors in the 1800s.
The Maryland Science Center is another popular attraction in the Inner Harbor. It features interactive exhibits and hands-on activities for visitors of all ages. There's also an IMAX theater and planetarium for those interested in astronomy and space exploration.
For those looking to shop and dine, the Inner Harbor offers a variety of options. From seafood restaurants to upscale boutiques, there's something for everyone. Visitors can also enjoy street performances and live music throughout the year.
Overall, the Inner Harbor is a great place to spend a day or an evening. It's a lively and entertaining area with plenty of attractions and activities to keep visitors busy.
One of the most iconic attractions in the Inner Harbor is the USS Constellation, a historic naval ship that served during the Civil War. Visitors can take a guided tour of the ship and learn about its history and the life of sailors in the 1800s.
The Maryland Science Center is another popular attraction in the Inner Harbor. It features interactive exhibits and hands-on activities for visitors of all ages. There's also an IMAX theater and planetarium for those interested in astronomy and space exploration.
For those looking to shop and dine, the Inner Harbor offers a variety of options. From seafood restaurants to upscale boutiques, there's something for everyone. Visitors can also enjoy street performances and live music throughout the year.
Overall, the Inner Harbor is a great place to spend a day or an evening. It's a lively and entertaining area with plenty of attractions and activities to keep visitors busy.
Enjoying the Great Outdoors
Maryland is known for its natural beauty, and there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors throughout the state. Whether you're interested in hiking, fishing, or boating, Maryland has something to offer.
Hiking in Catoctin Mountain Park
Catoctin Mountain Park is a beautiful nature reserve located in Frederick County, Maryland. It covers over 5,000 acres and offers more than 25 miles of hiking trails for visitors to explore. The park is known for its scenic views, including the stunning Cunningham Falls.
The most popular hiking trail in the park is the Cunningham Falls Trail. It's a moderate hike that leads to the 78-foot Cunningham Falls, one of the tallest waterfalls in Maryland. Visitors can also enjoy swimming and picnicking at the nearby lake.
For those looking for a more challenging hike, the Hog Rock and Blue Ridge Summit trails offer more rugged terrain and spectacular views of the surrounding mountains.
Overall, Catoctin Mountain Park is a great destination for hiking enthusiasts and nature lovers. It's a peaceful and scenic area that offers a refreshing break from city life.
The most popular hiking trail in the park is the Cunningham Falls Trail. It's a moderate hike that leads to the 78-foot Cunningham Falls, one of the tallest waterfalls in Maryland. Visitors can also enjoy swimming and picnicking at the nearby lake.
For those looking for a more challenging hike, the Hog Rock and Blue Ridge Summit trails offer more rugged terrain and spectacular views of the surrounding mountains.
Overall, Catoctin Mountain Park is a great destination for hiking enthusiasts and nature lovers. It's a peaceful and scenic area that offers a refreshing break from city life.
Kayaking on the Patuxent River
Kayaking on the Patuxent River is a great way to experience the natural beauty of Maryland. The Patuxent River is approximately 115 miles long and is one of the longest rivers in Maryland. It flows from the Piedmont region through the coastal plain, and eventually into the Chesapeake Bay. The river is surrounded by beautiful forests, wetlands, and wildlife, making it a great destination for kayaking.
Kayaking on the Patuxent River is a fun and relaxing activity that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and experience levels. The river has a calm flow, making it ideal for beginners or those looking for a more leisurely experience. There are also sections of the river with more challenging rapids for experienced kayakers.
One of the best things about kayaking on the Patuxent River is the opportunity to see wildlife up close. The river is home to a variety of birds, including ospreys, bald eagles, and herons. You may also see turtles, beavers, and other small animals along the riverbanks.
There are many different kayaking routes on the Patuxent River, ranging from short trips to longer, multi-day excursions. The river is divided into three sections: upper, middle, and lower Patuxent. Each section offers a unique kayaking experience and scenery.
The upper Patuxent is the most popular section for kayaking, with several access points and well-marked routes. This section of the river is characterized by rocky terrain, lush forests, and clear water. One of the most popular kayaking routes on the upper Patuxent is the 6-mile stretch between Brighton Dam and Triadelphia Reservoir. This route is suitable for beginners and offers beautiful views of the surrounding scenery.
The middle Patuxent is less developed and has fewer access points than the upper section. It's a great option for those looking for a more remote kayaking experience. The middle Patuxent is characterized by narrow channels, rocky rapids, and dense forests.
Kayaking on the Patuxent River is a fun and relaxing activity that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and experience levels. The river has a calm flow, making it ideal for beginners or those looking for a more leisurely experience. There are also sections of the river with more challenging rapids for experienced kayakers.
One of the best things about kayaking on the Patuxent River is the opportunity to see wildlife up close. The river is home to a variety of birds, including ospreys, bald eagles, and herons. You may also see turtles, beavers, and other small animals along the riverbanks.
There are many different kayaking routes on the Patuxent River, ranging from short trips to longer, multi-day excursions. The river is divided into three sections: upper, middle, and lower Patuxent. Each section offers a unique kayaking experience and scenery.
The upper Patuxent is the most popular section for kayaking, with several access points and well-marked routes. This section of the river is characterized by rocky terrain, lush forests, and clear water. One of the most popular kayaking routes on the upper Patuxent is the 6-mile stretch between Brighton Dam and Triadelphia Reservoir. This route is suitable for beginners and offers beautiful views of the surrounding scenery.
The middle Patuxent is less developed and has fewer access points than the upper section. It's a great option for those looking for a more remote kayaking experience. The middle Patuxent is characterized by narrow channels, rocky rapids, and dense forests.