Top Things to do in Maryland
Top Hotels in Maryland
- 1. Hyatt Place Ocean City / Oceanfront
- 2. Princess Royale Oceanfront Resort
- 3. Royal Sonesta Harbor Court Baltimore
- 4. Hampton Inn & Suites Baltimore Inner Harbor
- 5. Carousel Oceanfront Hotel & Condos
- 6. Graduate Annapolis
- 7. Historic Inns of Annapolis
- 8. Staybridge Suites Baltimore - Inner Harbor, an IHG Hotel
- 9. Dunes Manor Hotel, Suites & Court
- 10. Grand Hotel
Countries
The 10 Best History Museums in Maryland, United States
Maryland is known as “America in Miniature” because of its great variations in topography and culture. This makes it a perfect east coat travel destination for those who would like to experience a little bit of everything. From amusement parks, to beaches, to mountains and historical sites, there is plenty to see and do. Each region of Maryland provides its own unique and fun activities to do. If you're headed for some fun in the sun in Ocean City on its eastern coast, be sure not to miss the Ocean City Beach, the Boardwalk, or Trimper's Rides and Amusement Park for an all-ages fun experience. Central Maryland is home to a Six Flags theme park, the Annapolis Golf Club, and countless hubs of art and culture such as the African Art Museum and Annapolis Opera, Inc. Heading to western Maryland? It is perfect for lovers of nature and the outdoors, with the Washington Monument State Park, Wisp Resort ski slopes, and the spectacular Muddy Creek Falls.
Restaurants in Maryland
1. Jonathan Hager House
2. Evergreen Museum & Library
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 51 reviews
On the National Register of Historic Places, this mansion is a magnificent Italianate structure surrounded by twenty-six wooded acres and scenic formal gardens.
Reviewed By lpMaggi713 - Baltimore, United States
We were delighted to be able to take a tour of the Evergreen House with Baltimore Heritage. We had not been in the house for years. The house was decorated for Christmas and was just stunning. Unfortunately, we were not allowed to take pictures inside of the house, which was a huge disappointment. You know what they say: a picture is worth a thousand words. Our guide was Teresa, and she really made the house come alive. She was extremely knowledgeable not only about the history of the Garrett family and the house, but also of the artwork and furnishings inside. The house is set on 26 landscaped acres. Originally, the house had only 12 rooms and later expanded to 48 rooms including a theater. . The two generations of Garretts who lived in this house until 1952 were the consummate collectors. The house is filled with over 50,000 pieces of their extraordinary and eclectic things. You will enjoy seeing and hearing about each and every room. You can tour the house with a guide on Tuesday thru Friday from 11 am to 4 pm; Saturday and Sunday from noon to 4 pm. Tours begin every hour, with the last tour at 3 pm. Regular admission is $8 Adults, $7 Seniors (65+), $5 Students (with ID); Youth (6-17), and Johns Hopkins Alumni and Retirees; FREE for Members; Johns Hopkins faculty, staff and students (with ID); Children (5 and under). The property is owned by The Johns Hopkins University. If you have never visited Evergreen, you should. It is certainly one of the hidden treasures of Baltimore.
3. National Shrine of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 164 reviews
Historic site that's the home of the first American-born saint, Elizabeth Ann Seton.
Reviewed By ITRT
The shrine is a complex developed on the land where Mother Seton established the mother house of the Sisters of Charity in 1809. The site includes a beautiful Basilica, the “Stone House” where Mother Seton lived with 15 others in four rooms, and the White House where the sisters moved as their numbers increased. Begin your visit at the Visitor Center. Pick up a map and watch a free 15-minute film about Elizabeth Ann Seton before exploring the artifacts and displays and learn about the road taken to canonization. Also, you will learn about the beginnings of Catholic education in the United States as the role the nuns of Mother Seton’s ministered to the sick and wounded of both sides during the Civil War. Tours of the interior of Seton’s homes are available for a small fee. The crowning jewel of the shrine is the awe-inspiring Basilica filled with stained glass windows, mosaics and marble. Off to the right directly after entering the Basilica, there is a small side area with a carving of Christ’s agony on the Mount of Olives. There is also a rack at the bottom of the display holding many flickering candles. The walls have numerous mosaics. Everything inside the Basilica was created by craftsmen and artisans in Italy and Germany. The glass doors at the front of the Basilica are etched with different designs. The very top of the dome has a large oil painting of the Holy Family ad is surrounded by four murals. The murals are of the evangelists: Matthew, Mark, John and Luke. When I visited, the docent shared that the arch of the main altar with the 12 angels was assembled in Europe and took 2 ½ years to complete. Two artisans were sent to Emmitsburg to install it. The arch is a semi-circle over the Sanctuary and each angel has a different pose. One group of stained-glass window displays the seven works of mercy. The statue of Seton on the side altar shows her dressed in the 1809 attire of the Sisters of Charity. Under marble-enclosed altar is the casket containing Seton’s relics. The organ is in the back of the basilica on the upper level. The etched glass window doors were made in Munich, Germany. Across the street from the Basilica and Shrine are the Legacy Garden, Cemetery and the Stone and White Houses. Be sure to look at the bells that were rung when Seton was canonized. The Legacy Garden is a peaceful space and offers visitors a place to sit and reflect. As you walk the brick path, take note of the inspirational quotes from Mother Seton. On the same side, take a walk through the St. Joseph’s Cemetery. St. Elizabeth Ann Seton’s family members are buried in the cemetery as well as Sisters and Daughters of Charity. However, before her canonization, the remains were moved to the Basilica. The cemetery is the final resting place for the Sisters and Daughters of Charity. In the stone wall that surrounds St. Joseph’s Cemetery, there are images that depict the Stations of the Cross and statues representing the Lord’s death on the cross. Seton’s son William had the Mortuary Chapel in the cemetery built to honor his mother. Seton Shrine is a truly remarkable place to visit as it honors and celebrates the life of Saint Elizabeth Seton. There is a gift shop here with items such as medals, books and crucifixes for sale. Covid-19 restrictions are in force. Wear the mask and social distance!
4. Maryland Veterans Memorial Museum
5. Washington County Rural Heritage Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 16 reviews
At the Washington County Rural Heritage Museum you will learn about our region's beginnings and history; in addition to how the rural and agricultural heritage continues to play a role in Washington County today. he museum grounds consist of three 7,200 square-foot metal buildings, and an outdoor homestead and village of authentic period buildings from the 1800's. Exhibits range from those depicting early rural life prior to 1940, large pieces of farm equipment and farm implements; and in our newest building with local modes of transportation, most dating prior to 1940. Several events are held on the grounds throughout the year. One of our most popular is Spudfest, spotlighting the potato! Potatoes are harvested late summer by a horse-drawn plow and children can "get dirty" picking the crop. Other popular events are the Spring & Winter Holiday Open House, Apple Fest, and Country Breakfast Buffet. Open Saturday and Sunday 1:00pm-4:00pm
6. Howard County Historical Society Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 12 reviews
Reviewed By 291genej - Silver Spring, United States
This free museum is only open during the busy weekend afternoons so easy access is the problem. From Rt #40, we took Rogers Ave. to Court House Dr. (1.2miles) directly to the large free parking behind the Howard Co. Courthouse. Then a level 500' walk passes the 1851 jail and courthouse, to this distinctive church built in 1894. Here were scores of pictured descriptions and artifact displays about early Ellicott, its role in the Civil War, and its struggle with 17 significant floods since 1772. After watching one of the flood videos and seeing its beautiful organ-dominated sanctuary (continues as a wedding chapel), we exited to descend the new stairway. Its direct access to Main Street makes it a short walk, passing the Firehouse Museum to the free B&O City Station Museum built in 1831. We had a very informative and enjoyable visit to this historic city of pretty buildings along a narrow corridor filled with visitors and a constant parade of autos.
7. Perryville Railroad Museum
8. Historical Society of Carroll County
9. Historic St. Mary's City
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 140 reviews
Historic St. Mary's City is a museum of living history and archaeology on the site of Maryland's first capital. The living history exhibits are open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. The Visitors Center is open from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Reviewed By 895robertr - Woodbridge, United States
Took advantage of extraordinary weather in November to visit historical town in nearby Maryland, first colonial capital. Ample free parking at visitor center & museum where one can start walking tour of recreated colonial city. Lots of informative signs and good recreated structures, as well as helpful friendly docents / volunteers. Recreated city center including State House, commercial areas, and sailing ship. Fair amount of easy walking (2-3 km), physically demonstrating separation of church (Chapel) and state (government house). Nearby colonial plantation has a few animals and lots of exhibits and artisans using colonial methods to maintain farm life and crops. Good outdoors experience for families and individuals interested in colonial history.
10. 1879 Hooper Strait Lighthouse
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 159 reviews
Note: Full access to the lighthouse is limited due to COVID-19. Please visit welcome.cbmm.org for details. Ascend the steps of the Hooper Strait Lighthouse and travel back in time to learn how 19th century lighthouse keepers tended their station in the middle of the Bay. Through this hands-on exhibit, visitors can climb the sea hatch, tend the huge lens, or stand watch on the lookout for ships or fog, experiencing firsthand the solitary, often heroic lives of Hooper Strait lighthouse keepers. The 1879 Hooper Strait Lighthouse, now standing on Navy Point, was originally built in 1879 to light the way for boats passing through the shallow, dangerous shoals of Hooper Strait, a thoroughfare for boats bound from the Chesapeake Bay across Tangier Sound to Deal Island or places along the Nanticoke and Wicomico Rivers. As a “screwpile” lighthouse, it is built on special iron pilings which were tipped with a screw that could be turned into the muddy bottom for a depth of 10 feet or more.
Reviewed By zap2504
Very eye opening exhibit (on the grounds of the CBMM). This particular screw-pile lighthouse was 2 miles off shore when it was in use. Had no idea of the arduous life of watermen.
