Off The Beaten Path | Maryland

Maryland's landscape extends from the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean to the Appalachians. Visitors will find the excitement of a large city in Baltimore, and can enjoy the beautiful scenery in the rural areas. Throughout the state there are many fascinating and fun attractions for visitors to explore and enjoy. Here are a few of Maryland's excellent destinations.

Assateague Island National Seashore

Assateague Island National Seashore is a amazingly beautiful spot in Maryland. Visitors to this national park will love the sandy beaches, as well as the other natural features of the island, including salt marshes, maritime forests and more. A trip to Assateague Island should start at the visitor center, the exhibits educate visitors about the National Seashore. Visitors will find a wide variety of recreational activities to enjoy, including biking, kayaking, surf fishing and even horseback riding.

National Aquarium in Baltimore

The National Aquarium is an amazing family destination. Visitors will find a variety of exhibits, as well as thousands of animals. Exhibits include jellyfish, dolphins and an Australian animal exhibit. Visitors can see amphibians, birds, octopi, reptiles and lots of fish.

Calvert Cliffs State Park

This Maryland park was named for the cliffs found along this part of the Chesapeake Bay's shoreline. Visitors to the park can see the unique fossils from prehistoric species, revealed by the erosion of the cliffs. Calvert Cliffs is also a great place for people to enjoy a sandy beach, explore a tidal march, and hiking on the miles of trails in the area.

The Preakness at Pimlico Race Course

Each year at Pimlico Race Course the Preakness Stakes are held on the third Saturday in May. The Preakness Stakes are one of the three races that are part of the Triple Crown Series. Attendance at this event is second only to the Kentucky Derby. Maryland residents and visitors should plan ahead to attend this event. The race is filled with excitement and each year the winner is draped with a blanket of Black-eyed Susan, the state flower of Maryland.

Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park

The Chesapeak & Ohio Canal was essential to the communities on the Potomac River. Goods such as coal, lumber, grain and other important items were transported on this canal. Today, this park preserves this important aspect of America's transportation history. In the over 180 miles, visitors will find a wide variety of recreational activities to enjoy, including hiking, biking, boating, cross country skiing, wildlife viewing, and event boat tours.

Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Museum

Visitors to the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Museum can learn all about the creation of the B&O Railroad, at the same location where the railroad actually began. The Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Museum has an amazing collection of American Railroad history. Visitors can learn about the history of railroading, while seeing exhibits that include tools, furniture, scale models, and many historic structures.

Brookside Gardens

These beautiful gardens cover over 50 acres in Maryland's Montgomery County. Visitors to the Brookside Gardens will enjoy a variety of different types of gardens. There are a a variety of districts within the gardens, including, Azalea Garden, Rose Garden, Rain Garden, Aquatic Garden and more. Throughout the different areas of the gardens there are many amazing sights and species of plants to enjoy.