For a smaller state, Maryland sure does have a lot of outdoorsy spots. Today, we’re focusing on outdoor attractions that anyone can do. From the young, to the young at heart, these family-friendly spots are both scenic and fun.
- Cross the swinging bridge at Patapsco Valley State Park.
Flickr / Chesapeake Bay Program Located in the Orange Grove area of the park, this unique bridge spans across the Patapsco River. The views along the way are incredible but be aware that the bridge does shake a bit.
Address: 5120 South Street, Halethorpe, MD 21227
- Stroll along the C & O Canal towpath.
Flickr / John Williams From Washington DC to Cumberland, the canal offers enchanting views year-round. The mostly-flat surface of the towpath makes this Maryland gem perfect for all ages and abilities.
- Take in the views at Assateague Island.
Flickr / Mrs. Gemstone Wild horses roam free at this magical state park that appears to be straight out of a fairy tale. You can spend a day taking in the views or reserve a camping spot and stay the night.
Address: 7307 Stephen Decatur Highway, Berlin, MD 21811
- Watch the bald eagles at Conowingo Dam.
Flickr / Steven Kersting On any given day, you’ll spot photographers lined up along the fence, waiting to catch a shot of bald eagles in action. As the water flows in the from the dam, so do the fish. Witnessing these regal creatures fight over food is an experience like no other.
Address: 4960 W City Ave, Darlington, MD 21034
- Walk among history at Antietam Battlefield.
Flickr / Jerry and Pat Donaho Most Marylanders grew up taking field trips to this infamous battlefield. If you need a reminder of how inspiring this spot can be, plan a visit. While the scenery is gorgeous year-round, there’s something especially delightful during autumn and spring.
Address: 5831 Dunker Church Road, Sharpsburg, MD 21782
- Ride the scenic lift at Wisp Resort.
Facebook / Wisp Resort While Wisp Resort is known for its winter sports such as skiing, snowboarding and tubing, it also offers lift rides during the “off season.” Witness the fall foliage of Western Maryland from this high-in-the-sky ride. It’s sensational.
Address: 296 Marsh Hill Rd, McHenry, MD 21541
- Peruse whimsical hedges at Ladew Topiary Gardens.
Flickr / Fred Schroeder There are plenty of gardens in the Old Line State worth exploring, but these particular gardens are reminiscent of Alice in Wonderland. This quirky spot will make you feel like you’re in a storybook. Trust me, you’ll want to bring your camera.
Address: 3535 Jarrettsville Pike, Monkton, MD 21111
- Visit Maryland’s remaining covered bridges.
Flickr / Mike Procario In the past, Maryland had dozens of covered bridges lining historic roads all over the state. Now, you can visit the remaining few on our very own covered bridge road trip. All you’ll need is a few hours and a thirst for adventure.
- Witness works of art at Annmarie Sculpture Garden & Art Center.
Flickr / Harold Neal If you want to witness art like never before, check out this unique sculpture garden hiding in Southern Maryland. This spot also has an annual fairy garden exhibit that’s worth seeing.
Address: 13480 Dowell Rd, Dowell, MD 20629
- Explore the Ocean City boardwalk.
Flickr / Lee Cannon Feel the ocean breeze without getting sand in your shorts while strolling the Ocean City boardwalk. Restaurants, shops, arcades and more line this extensive boardwalk, offering a multitude of things to see and do. Bonus points if you order Thrashers fries.
- Spend a warm-weathered day at Deep Creek Lake.
Flickr / Chase Lewis Did you know that all of Maryland’s lakes are man-made? However, that doesn’t make them any less beautiful or impressive. Deep Creek Lake is the state’s largest inland body of water and spending at few days at this spot is sure to relax and renew your soul.
- Experience the surreal wonder of Crystal Grottoes Caverns.
Wikimedia Commons / Jklispie This little known cave has more natural formations per square foot than any other cave in the world. Really! This natural wonder is also a crisp 54 degrees year-round so plan accordingly. Those who get chilly may want to bring a sweater.
Address: 19821 Shepherdstown Pike, Boonsboro, MD 21713
- See Maryland’s most wondrous waterfall at Swallow Falls State Park.
Flickr / Paul Waldo Swallow Falls State Park is home to a couple of waterfalls, but the most impressive is the pictured Muddy Creek Falls. The walk to this magnificent spot is short and sweet. Once you take in the beauty of the site, you may never want to leave.
Address: 2470 Maple Glade Rd, Oakland, MD 21550
- Learn about Maryland’s beginnings at historic St. Mary’s City.
Facebook / Historic St. Mary’s City Maryland’s oldest town offers up loads of history in a scenic outdoor setting. Interactive activities keep things fun and you can even witness ship battles on the water! A Marylander must.
Address: 18751 Hogaboom Ln, St Marys City, MD 20686
- Spend the day among exotic animals at the Baltimore Zoo.
Flickr / Regan Buker The Baltimore Zoo is filled to the brim with exotic animals that are beloved by all. Giraffes, lions, goats, penguins and more call this sprawling zoo home. One of the zoo highlights is feeding the giraffes - an experience you won’t soon forget.
Address: 1 Safari Place, Baltimore, MD 21217
How many of these easy, outdoorsy things in Maryland have you done? If you’re looking for more of a challenge, check out Billy Goat Trail!
Flickr / Chesapeake Bay Program
Located in the Orange Grove area of the park, this unique bridge spans across the Patapsco River. The views along the way are incredible but be aware that the bridge does shake a bit.
Address: 5120 South Street, Halethorpe, MD 21227
Flickr / John Williams
From Washington DC to Cumberland, the canal offers enchanting views year-round. The mostly-flat surface of the towpath makes this Maryland gem perfect for all ages and abilities.
Flickr / Mrs. Gemstone
Wild horses roam free at this magical state park that appears to be straight out of a fairy tale. You can spend a day taking in the views or reserve a camping spot and stay the night.
Address: 7307 Stephen Decatur Highway, Berlin, MD 21811
Flickr / Steven Kersting
On any given day, you’ll spot photographers lined up along the fence, waiting to catch a shot of bald eagles in action. As the water flows in the from the dam, so do the fish. Witnessing these regal creatures fight over food is an experience like no other.
Address: 4960 W City Ave, Darlington, MD 21034
Flickr / Jerry and Pat Donaho
Most Marylanders grew up taking field trips to this infamous battlefield. If you need a reminder of how inspiring this spot can be, plan a visit. While the scenery is gorgeous year-round, there’s something especially delightful during autumn and spring.
Address: 5831 Dunker Church Road, Sharpsburg, MD 21782
Facebook / Wisp Resort
While Wisp Resort is known for its winter sports such as skiing, snowboarding and tubing, it also offers lift rides during the “off season.” Witness the fall foliage of Western Maryland from this high-in-the-sky ride. It’s sensational.
Address: 296 Marsh Hill Rd, McHenry, MD 21541
Flickr / Fred Schroeder
There are plenty of gardens in the Old Line State worth exploring, but these particular gardens are reminiscent of Alice in Wonderland. This quirky spot will make you feel like you’re in a storybook. Trust me, you’ll want to bring your camera.
Address: 3535 Jarrettsville Pike, Monkton, MD 21111
Flickr / Mike Procario
In the past, Maryland had dozens of covered bridges lining historic roads all over the state. Now, you can visit the remaining few on our very own covered bridge road trip. All you’ll need is a few hours and a thirst for adventure.
Flickr / Harold Neal
If you want to witness art like never before, check out this unique sculpture garden hiding in Southern Maryland. This spot also has an annual fairy garden exhibit that’s worth seeing.
Address: 13480 Dowell Rd, Dowell, MD 20629
Flickr / Lee Cannon
Feel the ocean breeze without getting sand in your shorts while strolling the Ocean City boardwalk. Restaurants, shops, arcades and more line this extensive boardwalk, offering a multitude of things to see and do. Bonus points if you order Thrashers fries.
Flickr / Chase Lewis
Did you know that all of Maryland’s lakes are man-made? However, that doesn’t make them any less beautiful or impressive. Deep Creek Lake is the state’s largest inland body of water and spending at few days at this spot is sure to relax and renew your soul.
Wikimedia Commons / Jklispie
This little known cave has more natural formations per square foot than any other cave in the world. Really! This natural wonder is also a crisp 54 degrees year-round so plan accordingly. Those who get chilly may want to bring a sweater.
Address: 19821 Shepherdstown Pike, Boonsboro, MD 21713
Flickr / Paul Waldo
Swallow Falls State Park is home to a couple of waterfalls, but the most impressive is the pictured Muddy Creek Falls. The walk to this magnificent spot is short and sweet. Once you take in the beauty of the site, you may never want to leave.
Address: 2470 Maple Glade Rd, Oakland, MD 21550
Facebook / Historic St. Mary’s City
Maryland’s oldest town offers up loads of history in a scenic outdoor setting. Interactive activities keep things fun and you can even witness ship battles on the water! A Marylander must.
Address: 18751 Hogaboom Ln, St Marys City, MD 20686
Flickr / Regan Buker
The Baltimore Zoo is filled to the brim with exotic animals that are beloved by all. Giraffes, lions, goats, penguins and more call this sprawling zoo home. One of the zoo highlights is feeding the giraffes - an experience you won’t soon forget.
Address: 1 Safari Place, Baltimore, MD 21217
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