There’s a lot to love about the state of Maryland. While sports enthusiasts may know Maryland for the Baltimore Orioles and Baltimore Ravens, history lovers likely know it for its Civil War landmarks, including the infamous Antietam National Battlefield. From forests in the west to beaches in the east, Maryland is packed full of things to see and do.
The destination guide
Maryland
State in United States, North AmericaUpdated
- Overall7/10
- Best forBudget travelers, Families
- PeakJan–Apr
- CurrencyUSD
Antietam to Ocean City in one state — Maryland keeps surprising you the further you get from the I-95 corridor.
Travel guides for Maryland
Things to do (2)
Food & drink (1)
Destination stories (1)
More guides featuring Maryland (5)
At a glance
Currency$ USDCode: USD
Time zoneEastern Time (ET)
Languages
- English
Setting
- Chesapeake Bay
- Atlantic coast
- Piedmont hills
- Historic towns
Known for
- Maritime History
- Coastal Beaches
- Family Road Trips
- Seafood.
Population6.2M6,177,224 residents
VisaDocuments: For domestic U.S. air travel, travelers age 18 and older must present a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or another TSA-accepted ID such as a valid passport
How Maryland scores
7/10OverallGood
Weather7/10
Value for money7/10
Food & cuisine9/10
Culture & arts6/10
Cultural experience8/10
Nature & outdoors4/10
Adventure4/10
Nightlife6/10
Shopping6/10
Family friendly5/10
Romance1/10
Editorial scores on a 10-point scale, weighed against destinations of the same kind.
Travel safety snapshot
Overall86/100High rating
Women travellers82/100
LGBTQ+ travellers75/100
Theft70/100
Medical care88/100
Physical harm85/100
Political freedom80/100
SafePlace indicators use their source 100-point scale; higher is more favourable. Planning context, not a live travel advisory — check official government guidance before you go.
When to go
Best months to visit: April, May, June, July, August, September, October and November.
- January: -2.1 to 6.1 degrees Celsius, 84.9 millimetres of rain, best-time score 2 out of 5.
- February: 0 to 9.3 degrees Celsius, 92.8 millimetres of rain, best-time score 2 out of 5.
- March: 3 to 13.4 degrees Celsius, 101.7 millimetres of rain, best-time score 3 out of 5.
- April: 7.9 to 18.8 degrees Celsius, 110.2 millimetres of rain, best-time score 5 out of 5.
- May: 13 to 22.9 degrees Celsius, 158.6 millimetres of rain, best-time score 5 out of 5.
- June: 18 to 28.4 degrees Celsius, 148.3 millimetres of rain, best-time score 5 out of 5.
- July: 21.3 to 30.9 degrees Celsius, 208.4 millimetres of rain, best-time score 4 out of 5.
- August: 20.1 to 29 degrees Celsius, 170.2 millimetres of rain, best-time score 4 out of 5.
- September: 17.1 to 25.9 degrees Celsius, 140.5 millimetres of rain, best-time score 5 out of 5.
- October: 11.2 to 20.3 degrees Celsius, 102.5 millimetres of rain, best-time score 5 out of 5.
- November: 4.5 to 13.4 degrees Celsius, 82.3 millimetres of rain, best-time score 4 out of 5.
- December: 0.2 to 8.2 degrees Celsius, 108.5 millimetres of rain, best-time score 3 out of 5.
Month-by-month conditions and packing advice
- January
- Cold, some rain January in Maryland: deep winter cold makes broad travel less flexible. Crowds: January in Maryland is workable with normal seasonal planning; build in layers, weather checks, and a mix of indoor and outdoor activities. Pack: Pack warm layers, a coat, and comfortable shoes for cold mornings and evenings. Add a rain jacket or compact umbrella.
- February
- Cold, some rain February in Maryland: deep winter cold makes broad travel less flexible. Crowds: February in Maryland is workable with normal seasonal planning; build in layers, weather checks, and a mix of indoor and outdoor activities. Pack: Pack warm layers, a coat, and comfortable shoes for cold mornings and evenings. Add a rain jacket or compact umbrella.
- March
- Cool to mild, some rain March in Maryland: early spring or early winter makes outdoor plans more weather dependent. Crowds: March in Maryland is workable with normal seasonal planning; build in layers, weather checks, and a mix of indoor and outdoor activities. Pack: Pack warm layers, a coat, and comfortable shoes for cold mornings and evenings. Add a rain jacket or compact umbrella.
- April
- Cool to mild, some rain April in Maryland: Chesapeake towns, Baltimore, parks, seafood, beaches, gardens, and fall color balance mild weather and activity. Crowds: April in Maryland is workable with normal seasonal planning; build in layers, weather checks, and a mix of indoor and outdoor activities. Pack: Pack layered clothing and comfortable walking shoes. Add a rain jacket or compact umbrella.
- May
- Mild to warm, rainy May in Maryland: Chesapeake towns, Baltimore, parks, seafood, beaches, gardens, and fall color balance mild weather and activity. Crowds: May in Maryland is one of the wetter periods, so museums, food stops, flexible reservations, and backup indoor plans make the trip easier. Pack: Pack layered clothing and comfortable walking shoes. Add a rain jacket or compact umbrella.
- June
- Warm to hot, rainy June in Maryland: Chesapeake towns, Baltimore, parks, seafood, beaches, gardens, and fall color balance mild weather and activity. Crowds: June in Maryland is one of the wetter periods, so museums, food stops, flexible reservations, and backup indoor plans make the trip easier. Pack: Pack light clothing, sun protection, and comfortable walking shoes. Add a rain jacket or compact umbrella.
- July
- Warm to hot, rainy July in Maryland: summer or late autumn can work with heat, humidity, or chill planned around. Crowds: July in Maryland is one of the wetter periods, so museums, food stops, flexible reservations, and backup indoor plans make the trip easier. Pack: Pack light clothing, sun protection, and comfortable walking shoes. Add a rain jacket or compact umbrella.
- August
- Warm to hot, rainy August in Maryland: summer or late autumn can work with heat, humidity, or chill planned around. Crowds: August in Maryland is one of the wetter periods, so museums, food stops, flexible reservations, and backup indoor plans make the trip easier. Pack: Pack light clothing, sun protection, and comfortable walking shoes. Add a rain jacket or compact umbrella.
- September
- Mild to warm, rainy September in Maryland: Chesapeake towns, Baltimore, parks, seafood, beaches, gardens, and fall color balance mild weather and activity. Crowds: September in Maryland is one of the wetter periods, so museums, food stops, flexible reservations, and backup indoor plans make the trip easier. Pack: Pack light clothing, sun protection, and comfortable walking shoes. Add a rain jacket or compact umbrella.
- October
- Mild to warm, some rain October in Maryland: Chesapeake towns, Baltimore, parks, seafood, beaches, gardens, and fall color balance mild weather and activity. Crowds: October in Maryland is workable with normal seasonal planning; build in layers, weather checks, and a mix of indoor and outdoor activities. Pack: Pack layered clothing and comfortable walking shoes. Add a rain jacket or compact umbrella.
- November
- Cool to mild, some rain November in Maryland: summer or late autumn can work with heat, humidity, or chill planned around. Crowds: November in Maryland is workable with normal seasonal planning; build in layers, weather checks, and a mix of indoor and outdoor activities. Pack: Pack layered clothing and comfortable walking shoes. Add a rain jacket or compact umbrella.
- December
- Cold, some rain December in Maryland: early spring or early winter makes outdoor plans more weather dependent. Crowds: December in Maryland is workable with normal seasonal planning; build in layers, weather checks, and a mix of indoor and outdoor activities. Pack: Pack warm layers, a coat, and comfortable shoes for cold mornings and evenings. Add a rain jacket or compact umbrella.
Peak season
- March
- February
- January
- April
Off-peak
- September
- August
- July
- June
Know before you go
About
Maryland, a compact Mid-Atlantic state, packs striking variety into its borders, from Atlantic beaches to Appalachian mountains, with the vast Chesapeake Bay at its heart. The seventh state to ratify the Constitution, on April 28, 1788, it is home to about 6.26 million residents (2024) and the state capital of Annapolis, a historic sailing town that houses the U.S. Naval Academy. The Chesapeake, the largest estuary in the United States, defines Maryland’s identity and its celebrated cuisine of blue crabs and oysters. Baltimore, the largest city, offers the revitalized Inner Harbor, world-class museums, and gritty maritime character, while the state’s western reaches climb into forested mountains and its eastern shore unwinds toward Ocean City and Assateague Island’s wild ponies. Nicknamed the Old Line State, Maryland borders Washington, D.C., placing the nation’s capital and centuries of American history within easy reach. Its mix of coast, city, and countryside makes it a rewarding small-state escape.
Best time to visit
April to October
Season by season
Summer is the peak season for Ocean City and Assateague; Spring and Fall offer beautiful mild weather perfect for exploring historic towns like Annapolis or hiking in western Maryland.
Crowds
Moderate
Getting there and around
Getting there
Maryland is accessed through Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI), with Reagan National (DCA) and Dulles (IAD) serving the DC suburbs. Interstate highways I-95 (northeast corridor), I-70, I-83, and I-270 provide road access. The Capital Beltway (I-495) circles DC through Maryland suburbs. Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor serves Baltimore, BWI, and New Carrollton with Acela high-speed service. MARC commuter rail connects to Washington DC. The Port of Baltimore handles cruise ships and cargo. The Chesapeake Bay Bridge connects the Eastern Shore. Bay Bridge traffic can cause major delays on summer weekends.
Getting around
Maryland has robust public transit in the Baltimore-Washington corridor. Baltimore’s MTA operates Metro SubwayLink, Light RailLink, and extensive bus networks. The Purple Line (under construction) will connect Maryland suburbs. MARC trains provide weekday commuter service to DC with limited weekend schedules. DC’s Metro extends into Montgomery and Prince George’s counties. CharmCard works across Baltimore transit. Outside the central corridor, a car is necessary. The Eastern Shore, Western Maryland, and Southern Maryland have no public transit. Uber and Lyft operate in urban and suburban areas. Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, Fells Point, and Federal Hill are walkable. Annapolis historic district is pedestrian-friendly. Water taxis operate in Baltimore and Annapolis. Bay Bridge traffic requires planning.
Top experiences in Maryland
Baltimore Inner Harbor
The iconic image of the Azores. Two lakes (one blue, one green) in a massive volcanic crater. The view from Vista do Rei is famous. You can kayak on the lakes or hike the rim.
Assateague Island National Seashore
A living volcanic laboratory. There are fumaroles, hot springs, and mud pools. The ‘Cozido’ stew is cooked underground here. The Terra Nostra park has a massive thermal swimming pool.
U.S. Naval Academy (Annapolis)
Portugal’s highest mountain (2351m) located on Pico island. It is a perfect stratovolcano. Climbing it is a challenge but offers views of the neighboring islands. It dominates the skyline.
Landscape of the Pico Island Vineyard Culture
A UNESCO World Heritage site on Pico. Vines are grown in black lava stone corrals (currais) to protect them from the wind. It is a unique man-made landscape. The wine is crisp and saline.
Algar do Carvão
An empty volcano vent on Terceira island. You can walk inside the magma chamber. It is 90m deep and has a lake at the bottom. It is one of the few places on earth where you can enter a volcano.
Editor-curated picks carried over from our original guide. Where a full place guide exists, the card links to it.
Where to stay
Sagamore Pendry Baltimore
1717 Thames St, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA
Located in Furnas on São Miguel. It is set within the famous Terra Nostra Botanical Garden. Guests get 24-hour access to the thermal pool. It is art deco style and deeply relaxing.
Annapolis Waterfront Hotel
Rua da Rocha Quebrada 10, 9560-420 Lagoa, Portugal
A boutique hotel on the cliffs of Lagoa. The architecture is Cycladic-white. The infinity pool blends with the Atlantic. It is chic, modern, and very romantic. The restaurant is excellent.
Inn at Perry Cabin (St. Michaels)
Estrada Regional N. 1, 1º Morro de Baixo, 9600-219 Ribeira Grande, Portugal
An eco-resort on the north coast (Ribeira Grande). The villas are made of cork and wood. It sits right on a surf beach. It has a cool, laid-back vibe with a great beach club and sushi bar.
Editor-curated stays carried over from our original guide. Where we have reviewed the hotel, the card links to the review.
Tips from the field
Highlights
- The incredible biodiversity of the Chesapeake Bay region and the historically significant colonial streets of Annapolis.
Best activities
- Exploring the National Aquarium in Baltimore's Inner Harbor, watching wild ponies on Assateague Island, and sailing in Annapolis.
Local experiences
- Cracking hot, Old Bay-seasoned Maryland blue crabs on a waterfront patio in the summer is an essential local tradition.
Practical tips
- Renting a car is the best way to see the diverse regions of the state, from the western mountains to the eastern shore beaches.
Photography tips
- For Assateague Island, telephoto lenses are needed to safely photograph the wild ponies. Sunrise over the Atlantic side of the island offers spectacular lighting.
Timing
- A road trip spanning 5-7 days allows you to experience Baltimore, Annapolis, and the Eastern Shore beaches.
Keeping it authentic
- Maryland is a diverse state often called 'America in Miniature,' featuring the Appalachian Mountains, the vibrant port city of Baltimore, and the historic maritime culture of the Chesapeake Bay.
Culture, customs and safety
Cultural heritage
Maryland’s cultural heritage is anchored in its role as one of the original thirteen colonies and as a border state during the Civil War, embodying both northern and southern traditions. Annapolis, the state capital, preserves one of the best collections of colonial architecture in the country, including the Maryland State House—the oldest U.S. state capitol still in continuous legislative use. The Chesapeake Bay shapes both ecological traditions and maritime heritage, reflected in watermen culture, skipjack fishing boats, and the annual crab feasts. Maryland is also home to significant African American history, including the legacy of Harriet Tubman and the Underground Railroad, commemorated at the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historical Park. Though the state has no UNESCO World Heritage Sites, its layered colonial, maritime, and civil rights legacies make it a microcosm of American identity formation.
Local customs & etiquette
Maryland culture combines Mid-Atlantic sensibility with Chesapeake Bay traditions. Blue crabs are sacred – proper picking technique matters. Old Bay seasoning goes on everything. The state flag (based on Lord Baltimore’s coat of arms) appears on everything from socks to beer cans. “Hon” is Baltimore’s term of endearment. Ravens football and Orioles baseball unite the state. Lacrosse is huge – Maryland is the sport’s heartland. DC bedroom communities in Montgomery and Prince George’s counties differ culturally from Baltimore and rural areas. Eastern Shore maintains watermen traditions. Western Maryland has Appalachian influences. The Mason-Dixon Line makes Maryland technically Southern, but culturally it’s mixed. Naval Academy in Annapolis shapes the capital’s character. Horse racing at Pimlico (Preakness) and jousting (state sport) reflect aristocratic history. Standard tipping is 18-20%.
Safety notes
Safety varies widely. Tourist areas like Annapolis and the Eastern Shore are very safe. In Baltimore, stick to the well-patrolled Inner Harbor/Fells Point tourist zones and avoid wandering into unfamiliar surrounding neighborhoods at night.
Travel Style
Activities
