Things to Do in Maryland: A Newcomer's Guide

Updated November 2026

Maryland packs mountains, the Chesapeake Bay, ocean beaches and historic towns into a small state, and most of it is within three hours of Baltimore. These guides cover our favorite ways to get outside and explore after you move.

Our Maryland guides

Best Hiking Trails Near Baltimore, MD

The best hiking trails near Baltimore: Patapsco Valley, Gunpowder Falls, Loch Raven, Soldiers Delight, Rocks State Park and more, with where to start.

Maryland State Parks Near Baltimore and Annapolis

A guide to the Maryland state parks closest to Baltimore and Annapolis: beaches, hiking, fishing, camping and what each park is known for.

Best Beaches in Maryland: Chesapeake Bay and Ocean

Maryland beaches from Ocean City and Assateague to Chesapeake Bay beaches near Baltimore and Annapolis: Sandy Point, North Beach, Calvert Cliffs and more.

Best Bike and Rail Trails in Maryland

Maryland's best bike and rail trails: the NCR Trail, B&A Trail, BWI Trail, Gwynns Falls Trail, Columbia pathways and the C&O Canal Towpath.

Best Day Trips from Baltimore

Easy day trips from Baltimore: Annapolis, Ellicott City, Frederick, Havre de Grace, St. Michaels, Harpers Ferry, Gettysburg and Washington, D.C.

More ways to explore

Love the water? Read our coastal and beach town guide and our Deep Creek Lake guide. Comparing places to live? Start with Living in Maryland or browse our Baltimore-area ZIP code guide. For county park lists, see Baltimore County, Howard County and Anne Arundel County parks.