Maryland
In the 1920s, a reporter for National Geographic visited Maryland
and dubbed the state “America in Miniature.” We’re
proud of our nickname, and we think it sums us up quite nicely.
We have it all – from mountains to seashores – and
everything is within about a 3-hour drive of our biggest city,
Baltimore. Seize the opportunity for a complete vacation experience – one
filled with hiking, history, kayaking, culture, big-city excitement
and Main Street memories.
Drive along a network of Civil War Trails, explore the Historic
National Road, pause in Baltimore at the birthplace of “The
Star-Spangled Banner,” and indulge in the state’s rich,
multicultural heritage. Maryland is also the home of the Preakness
and other action-packed spectator sports, as well as four seasons
of recreational pursuits like sailing, golfing and skiing.
Maryland’s great outdoors beckon you to revel in four-season
fun at its finest. Here’s your chance to backpack, bike,
bird-watch, boat, canoe, and camp in unspoiled areas.
Consider that Garrett County alone has 90,000 acres of public
land, with seven lakes, seven state parks, two federal parks and
one municipal park. Even Baltimore City has more than 20 major
parks offering fishing, hiking, boating, basketball, baseball,
playgrounds, swimming pools, tennis courts, and more.
Into camping, hiking and the Great Outdoors? Try the Western Region
for Deep Creek Lake, waterfalls and a portion of the Appalachian
Trail. Maybe you'd prefer a more patriotic experience in the Capital
Region, where you can explore Washington, D.C. and learn about
space travel at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center. National Battleifelds,
such as Antietam and Monoacy, interpret the bloodiest day in the
Civil War and a battle that became the Civil War's turning point.
Historic sites honor Clara Barton, the founder of the American
Red Cross and Thomas Stone, the youngest signer of the Declaration
of Independence. But, perhaps Maryland is best known for the battle
that inspried Francis Scott Key to pen "The Star Spangled
Banner" during the defense of Baltimore from Fort McHenry,
now a National Monument and Historic Shrine.
Maryland's Southern Region boasts historical sites dating back
to prehistoric times. Take a whirl through the expansive Central
Region with a mix of intimate vineyards, immaculate public gardens
and the bustling nightlife of Baltimore's Inner Harbor. And don't
forget the Eastern Shore, with its abundance of creek to bay fishing,
quiet country roads and beach-bumming pleasures.
Maryland boasts 23 national park units, which display a collection
of the state's best scenery, nature, culture, history and recreational
opportunities.
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