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 Nature & Wildlife Areas 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. Patapsco Valley State Park McKeldin Area
2. Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 18 reviews
Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary, operated by Anne Arundel County Department of Recreation and Parks, consists of 1,700 acres of open water, tidal freshwater marshes, forested wetlands, upland and riparian forest, creeks, meadows, pine and sand barrens, and fields along the Patuxent River. Located in southern Anne Arundel County, 20 miles east of Washington, DC, and 18 miles south of Annapolis, the Sanctuary is a designated site on the Patuxent Water Trail. The Sanctuary is located in the tidal reaches of the Patuxent River, and its network of habitats, including its extensive tidal freshwater wetlands, provides a safe environment to a high diversity of plants, invertebrates, birds, fish, reptiles, and mammal species. The National Audubon Society has designated the Sanctuary as a Nationally Important Bird Area.
Reviewed By PhyllisFP - Baltimore, United States
Well-maintained, interesting hikes. We drove down from Baltimore (about an hour). There's a good variety of light trail types, from boardwalk to stairs. Saw many varieties of mushrooms, a couple kinds of frogs, eagle, salamander, and wildflowers. On the trails that we explored near the Jug Bay visitors center, there are a couple of blinds for bird watching, interesting wetlands, and an old beaver pond where you can see the dam and at least one clearly beaver-felled tree. It's worth walking behind the visitors center to see their experiments and turtle area. Plenty of shade. We saw a fair number of people (almost all with masks), but spaced out enough that it was quiet. $6 per car. We'll be back.
3. Anita C. Leight Estuary Center
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 12 reviews
Reviewed By 703BillB703 - Bel Air, United States
The Leight Estuary educational center is a peaceful waterfront property right off busy highways. Although the actual building is closed due to COVID-19, the grounds are open until dusk. There are numerous educational plaques providing information on plants, wildlife and the Chesapeake Bay system. The paths and walks out front had been shoveled, but the board walks on the side and down to the river overlook had not. I preceeded cautiously after slipping, and was rewarded with a beautiful view of Otter Point Creek.
4. Assateague Island National Seashore
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,112 reviews
One of America's last fully functioning barrier island ecosystems.
Reviewed By Sbyman - Salisbury, United States
I come here a lot as it’s one of my favorite places to visit. It’s a great place to bring your family as you can see wildlife here. Remember to use your bug repellent May through late September as the mosquitoes and biting flies are vicious and even if you are going to come early in the morning to get sunrise pictures. They have several trails that you can walk on. Life of the dunes Trail, and life of the forest trail and also life of the marsh Trail. It’s also a great place for stargazing or taking pictures of the night sky.
5. Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 500 reviews
A good place to observe avariety of migrating birds.
Reviewed By PaleoGypsy - Philadelphia, United States
What to Bring Bicycle Binoculars Zoom lens Bug spray Water and snacks A bag to pack out your trash Comfortable shoes Bird book Amble fuel Sunglasses If you love nature and wildlife, this is the place to be. There are outdoor trails and a wildlife Road. The Visitor’s Center is gorgeous.
6. Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge
7. Audubon Naturalist Society Woodend Sanctuary
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 37 reviews
Reviewed By BettyAdler - Chevy Chase, United States
The Audubon Naturalist Society Woodend Sanctuary has managed to maintain a completely natural and exquistely private retreat near a busy commercialized area. You'll never know that you are so near stores and residential homes! Go for a walk at dusk and you'll see lots of animals! I love the peace and quiet there. The Woodend Mansion is a delightful site for weddings and other happy events.
8. Phillips Wharf Environmental Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 39 reviews
Encounter the critters of the Chesapeake Bay at Phillips Wharf Environmental Center. We offer hands on educational experiences for all ages. See and touch the animals that live in the Chesapeake Bay. Learn how you can do your part to help clean up the Chesapeake Bay.
9. Battle Creek Cypress Swamp Sanctuary
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 19 reviews
Reviewed By kennethbR2573ZE
Visited the Battle Creek Cypress Swamp preserve today. It is free, has a nice visitors center with an attentive ranger on staff, and is well maintained. A tree fell across the boardwalk and the trail is under repair. We downloaded the audio tour from the Nature Conservancy website, and learned a great deal about the cypress trees. Another highlight are the rescued red tailed hawk and barred owl.
10. Terrapin Nature Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 114 reviews
This award-winning 276-acre nature park features a 3.25-mile oyster chaff walking trail, which meanders through wildflower meadows, wetlands, tidal ponds, woodlands and sandy beaches. The trail provides a unique vantage point for viewing an incredible variety of waterfowl, wildlife and plant species. A gazebo and wheelchair-accessible boardwalk, located along the beach afford a spectacular view of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge, and park benches located along the trail provides a brief respite for the weary. The trail, which wanders over several ridges, across marshlands and through woodlands, features two observation blinds overlooking the tidal ponds. The trail connects to the County’s Cross Island Trail system. Nearby free parking for the Cross Island Trail system is available at Old Love Point Park. Portable toilets are available year round. Hours: Sunrise to Sunset
Reviewed By gravyman57 - Stevensville, United States
This park is a fantastic place to take friends and family when visiting Kent Island. Great view of the bridge, sunsets, and a very natural beach with trails. Nice place to relax in nature
