Ocean City, which specializes in the traditional American beach holiday, is both inexpensive and family-friendly. You can find extensive expanses of powdery beach, mouthwatering blue crabs, thrilling amusement park attractions, and a ton of gift stores if you stroll along the Boardwalk. As families enjoy the beach, adventurous sunbathers parasail across the water, and kids play in the arcades at Ripley's Ocean City, bright carnival ride lights glitter. However, Ocean City also allows for powering down. There are plenty of bait and tackle stores, and a 20-mile journey down the coast will take you to the tranquil Assateague Island National Seashore. There are many golf courses in the area for players to choose from.

Be ready for average highs in the mid-80s and a little humidity during the ideal travel window for Ocean City, which is from late May to early September. Booking well in advance is advised because there will be a lot of crowds and accommodation rates that are twice as expensive as in the spring. Budget tourists may want to take the winters into account: Low room rates are maintained by average low temperatures in the lower 30s. However, many of the neighborhood hotels and inns close down during the off-season.

Rankings:

• #1 in Best Places to Visit in Maryland
  
• #1 in Best Beaches in Maryland
  
• #7 in Best Places to Visit in July
  
• #13 in Best Cheap Family Vacations
  
• #18 in Best Weekend Getaways in the South

Location: Maryland

Life appears to slow down the instant you approach Historic Annapolis. You can halt and take in the past if you feel that history is pulling at your heels and slowing you down. It's true that Queen Anne gave the city her name at the beginning of the 18th century, and it has maintained its regal reputation for more than 300 years, luring tourists with its Colonial architecture and cobblestone walkways.

Annapolis, formerly referred to as the "Athens of America," has long been a city steeped in culture and history. In its cozy port city environment, which includes the Maryland State House and the Frederick Douglass Museum and Cultural Center, more than 4 million people are welcomed each year.

Historic sites and water-based activities coexist in Annapolis. For instance, you could see the 19th-century St. Anne's Church, go sailing, compare boats on Ego Alley, and have steamed crabs at a variety of nearby eateries all on the same day. Another well-liked activity is simply wandering through the beautifully preserved Historic Annapolis.

Annapolis is most beautiful in the spring, when the sailing season is just getting started and the city is awash in blossoms. However, every season has its attractions. The harbor is bustling with boats and restaurant patios are packed with diners in the summer. The autumnal trees set against the old houses make for lovely photos. In the winter, Annapolis still has charm thanks to its illuminated storefronts and inviting eateries, even when a bitter cold grips the city.

Rankings:

• #2 in Best Places to Visit in Maryland

Location: Maryland

Baltimore, one of the Best Places to Visit in Maryland, has a new shine as it reinvents itself as a dynamic, cultural-rich East Coast stalwart. Once characterized as a blue-collar town with a high crime rate and seedy underbelly, exaggerated by pop culture portrayals in shows like "The Wire" and "Serial," Baltimore now has a new sheen. While maintaining its working-class roots, Baltimore, or "Balmer" as some locals refer to it, also has modern museums, a chic eating scene, and a rebuilt Inner Harbor that attracts people who enjoy the arts, the outdoors, and history. This Charm City has been revitalized, and it now has Yankee-Southern fusion architecture, a thriving theatrical scene, hip art galleries, and world-class art collections at the Walters Art Museum and the Baltimore Museum of Art.

You can choose to have a more traditional Baltimore experience, which includes visits to historical sites like the Fort McHenry National Monument, leisurely walks through Federal Hill Park and the Inner Harbor, and, of course, freshly caught blue crabs that are steamed and generously seasoned with Old Bay. Or, if you've been to Charm City before, visit the Edgar Allan Poe House and Museum to get a taste of the city's literary side before joining the crowds of baseball fans at Camden Yards to support the Orioles.

And there is no better time to experience Baltimore's eccentric culture than at HonFest in June, when throngs of women show their support for the city's hard-working women by donning animal prints and hairstyles from the 1960s. Take back a pint of locally brewed beer as the sun sets at one of the trendy gastropubs and nightlife spots dotting Fell's Point or Federal Hill. There's a strong chance Baltimore will wow you with its laid-back attitude, plenty of historical and cultural attractions, and scenic setting along the Chesapeake Bay.

Rankings:

• #3 in Best Places to Visit in Maryland

Location: Maryland

For a tranquil, natural getaway, travel to Assateague Island, which is 8 miles southwest of Ocean City. The majority of this barrier island's Maryland side is held by the Assateague Island National Seashore, which offers miles of sand beaches as well as a number of hiking and biking routes. There is also Assateague State Park, which has a park by the beach and marshes teeming with wildlife. Keep a look out for Assateague Island's renowned wild horses when swimming, surfing, beachcombing, tanning, or surfcasting. But keep in mind that these magnificent animals are wild, so you should only observe them from a safe distance.

One of the few locations in the United States where visitors can view horses roaming freely. East of Washington, D.C., a barrier island shared by Maryland and Virginia is located. You can get to Assateague with the help of this insider's guide, and you can also make the most of your time there. The simplest way to travel to Assateague is by renting a car in Washington, D.C. The shortest way is to travel via Maryland to the east, across the seven-kilometer Chesapeake Bay Bridge into Delaware, and then back into Maryland to the south. While the drive is straightforward and beautiful, you should use a map or GPS to navigate and check traffic conditions.

Rankings:

• #4 in Best Places to Visit in Maryland

Location: Maryland

One of the Best Places to Visit in Maryland is Frederick. Make a beeline for Frederick, a community in western Maryland with strong roots to the Civil War, if you enjoy history. Start your journey by visiting the National Museum of Civil War Medicine and the Monocacy National Battlefield, or hire a bike and ride the 10-mile Frederick History Bicycle Loop, which makes stops at more than 20 historical sites. Once you've had your fill of history, explore Downtown Frederick's countless stores, galleries, and eateries. The Public Art Trail and the Frederick Wine Trail are both located in the city center.

There are numerous family-friendly tourist attractions, parks, recreation areas, vineyards, antique stores, dining establishments, and entertainment venues in Frederick, Maryland. The city is most renowned for its Civil War sites and beautiful 40-block historic area. It serves as the entrance to Western Maryland and has mountainous views and a skyline of clustered spires. Frederick, which is an enjoyable and simple city to explore whether you're just visiting for the day or intend to stay a while, is situated just an hour's drive from both Washington, D.C., and Baltimore.

Rankings:

• #5 in Best Places to Visit in Maryland

Location: Maryland

You can expect to never be bored when visiting National Harbor because it is home to some of Maryland's top retail establishments, dining establishments, and entertainment facilities. Visit the Tanger Outlets at National Harbor for some retail therapy, a meal at a waterfront restaurant, a ride on the Capital Wheel for a bird's-eye view of nearby Washington, D.C., or a free summer concert featuring live music. Once the sun goes down, swing into MGM National Harbor to try your luck in the casino or watch a show in its 3,000-seat theater if you're looking for a little more excitement.

Families, couples, and single people can all enjoy a trip to National Harbor. The 350-acre waterfront complex is situated along the Potomac River and features more than 160 stores, 40 restaurants, 8 hotels, as well as several entertainment options and opportunities for water-related experiences. Discover everything that National Harbor has to offer in the following paragraphs.

Rankings:

• #6 in Best Places to Visit in Maryland

Location: Maryland

The largest freshwater lake in Maryland provides a plethora of choices for outdoor enjoyment. Summertime in this region is warm and dry, making it a great time to enjoy kayaking, swimming, and fishing. Winter, on the other hand, is when the lake freezes and the beaches are blanketed in snow, allowing visitors to enjoy activities like cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and ice fishing. Arrive in spring or fall to avoid the frigid winter weather without having to mix it up with the throngs of summer visitors. These off-peak months are great for exploring the lake by bike and on foot while taking in Muddy Creek Falls in the close-by Swallow Falls State Park.

For people who live in the northern region of the country, Deep Creek Lake in Maryland is a fantastic vacation spot. Large metropolises including Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Washington, D.C., and Baltimore are easily reachable by car from the area. You can spend a few hours relaxing by a lake or in the quiet woods while being surrounded by 700 acres of State Parklands.

Naturally, the location is ideal during the hot summer months when you wish to relax by the lake or on a boating excursion. But this magnificent region has much more to offer than just hot summer days! Deep Creek Lake, Maryland, is a fantastic four-season getaway with a well-known ski resort right across the street, a whitewater rafting facility, and a lot of lovely state parks and natural areas.

Rankings:

• #7 in Best Places to Visit in Maryland

Location: Maryland

In its day, Chesapeake Beach was a popular vacation spot for visitors arriving by steamboat or train. However, this bayfront location is now better recognized as a sleepy seaside town perfect for getaways. Go swimming and fossil-hunting along the beach at cliff-filled Bayfront Park, or spend some time fishing or crabbing at one of the marinas in the community. The Chesapeake Beach Water Park, which has everything from waterslides to a lazy river to character meet-and-greets, is another option for those who are traveling with kids.

This and more are available at Maryland's Chesapeake Beach. The town, which was founded in the late 19th century, aspired to become an opulent resort on the Chesapeake Bay's coastlines. The municipality of Chesapeake Beach was incorporated in 1894 after the State of Maryland issued a charter to the Washington & Chesapeake Beach Railway Company.

Since 1900, visitors from Washington, DC, which is only 28 miles away, have made Chesapeake Beach a popular tourist attraction. Only the railroad and steamboats like "The Dixie" and "The Dreamland" were used by them. The government constructed a park, a picnic area, and a boardwalk over the river as a resort. In 1930, they also opened a theme park along the coast, which they later renamed Chesapeake Beach Amusement Park.

Rankings:

• #8 in Best Places to Visit in Maryland

Location: Maryland

Patapsco Valley State Park's more than 16,000 acres are home to eight recreational areas, more than 200 miles of picturesque trails, and other amenities, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. With their playgrounds and picnic sites, the Hilton, Pickall, and Avalon areas are great for families while the Daniels and Hollofield regions are excellent fishing locations. Travelers can also benefit from the McKeldin Area's multiuse routes, which are well-liked by horseback riders and mountain bikers, or climb the Cascades Falls Trail. The walk begins beside the swinging bridge in the Orange Grove Area and provides breathtaking views of numerous waterfalls.

The region is characterized by the Patapsco River and its valley, which flows through Central Maryland to the Chesapeake Bay. To learn more about the area, visit Patapsco Valley State Park, a sizable protected area that is one of the state's oldest and extends over 32 miles along 170 miles of trails. There are 8 recreation zones in the park. A children's playground and a vista of the valley can be found in the Hollofield area.

The primary visitor center is located in a 19th-century stone cottage that appears to have been taken straight out of a CS Lewis children's book and offers information on the area's history of settlement from Native Americans to the present.

Rankings:

• #9 in Best Places to Visit in Maryland

Location: Maryland

This river, known as The Grand Old Ditch, historically carried lumber, agricultural products, and coal from the Georgetown neighborhood of Washington, D.C. to Cumberland, Maryland. It is now a must-see location while traveling to Maryland and the nation's capital. There are miles of hiking trails and a wide towpath inside the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park that are perfect for biking, horseback riding, and jogging. Additionally, you can take seasonal, fee-based mule-drawn boat trips at the park's Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center in Potomac to learn more about how canal users lived back in the 19th century.

Activities Along the Ohio and Chesapeake Canal between the Chesapeake and Ohio, national historical park One of the best places to visit is National Historical Park. There is something there for everyone, whether they enjoy superb food, beautiful architecture, fine art, history, shopping, nightlife, sightseeing, or anything else! And for a significant portion of history, Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park dominated the globe. To experience the best of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park requires days, if not weeks. Finding the right course of action might be difficult. You can tour all of these important Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park attractions in one day with the help of this post.

Rankings:

• #10 in Best Places to Visit in Maryland

Location: Maryland