If you’re heading to the east coast, Maryland is a wonderful option. Featuring an abundance of coastlines along both the Atlantic Ocean and the Chesapeake Bay, it’s hard to go wrong with the Old Line State – especially if you’re looking for a vacation destination on the water. Also known as the Free State, because it didn’t pass laws in support of Prohibition, the state is home to over forty state parks, with seven of them featuring waterfronts. If you’re headed to any stretch of Maryland’s coastline, here are some of the top places to see.
Explore Inner Harbor:
One of the best places to visit on Maryland’s coast for its sheer volume of exciting options is Inner Harbor. Popular with sightseers of all ages and interests, Inner Harbor is located in Baltimore and has a variety of dining, shopping, and tourist destinations. If history is your thing, you’ll love exploring a wide range of military ships, including the USS Constellation, the last warship built exclusively for sailing by the Navy. Inner Harbor is also home to the National Aquarium and Maryland Science Center, which showcase dolphins and other aquatic wildlife and a planetarium, respectively. You can see the city from new heights when you climb The Top of the World Observation Level and take in sweeping aerial vistas of the coastline and city. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, you’ll find plenty of options in Power Plant Live!, which offers bars, food, and events in a converted power plant.
There’s so much to do at the Inner Harbor, in fact, that it will be useful to have your phone with you, not just to navigate—but to decide what to do! You may want to keep your phone open to the Harbor’s page on the city’s website, which has a list of activities. Additionally, many of the attractions have apps designed to enhance the visitor experience. To that end, you will want to make sure your phone is in great shape. You’ll find plenty of AT&T stores in Maryland where you can make updates to your phone or purchase a new one that has more options so that you don’t get overwhelmed by all your options!
Experience History at Fort McHenry:
Were you aware that Maryland plays a key role in many pivotal moments from US history? One such moment was the composition of the “Star Spangled Banner.” America’s National Anthem was inspired by a battle during the War of 1812 at Fort McHenry in which British naval forces were successfully fended off by American troops. Now given the sole distinction of both a National Monument and a Historic Shrine, Fort McHenry is a must-see destination for history buffs taking a trip to Maryland. While you visit the Fort, you’ll have plenty of ways to engage with histories, such as interactive ranger talks during the changing of the flag, multimedia presentations that contextualize the Fort’s role in American history, and a variety of museum exhibits. With so much to offer, you can easily spend half a day at Fort McHenry, making it a great option for your itinerary.
Dine in Style at Fells Point:
Aside from history and museums, it wouldn’t be a trip to the East Coast unless you were able to enjoy delicious, fresh seafood. Maryland has plenty of seafood to offer, and one of the hippest places to dine is in Fells Point. This waterside neighborhood has dozens of restaurant options along its cobblestone streets offering fresh oysters and crab straight from the Chesapeake Bay. Popular options range from One-Eyed Mike’s, a gastropub, to Thames Street Oyster House, offering a finer take on seafood. No matter what restaurant you choose, you’re sure to enjoy the vibrant energy of Fells Point.
Known for its rich history, coastal cuisine, and wealth of museums, Maryland has plenty to offer tourists. Check out some of the sites above, and you’re sure to have a great time!
Read Also:
