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
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What to do and see in Maryland, United States: The Best Monuments & Statues
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. Confederate Soldiers and Sailors Monument
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
A dramatic outdoor sculpture that commemorates the Confederacy during the Civil War.
2. Our Lady of the Mountain
3. National Shrine Grotto of Lourdes
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 165 reviews
The National Shrine Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes, a Catholic shrine devoted to Our Blessed Mother Mary, is a place of worship, pilgrimage, evangelization and reconciliation. This beautiful mountain shrine features one of the oldest American replicas of the Lourdes shrine in France, built about two decades after the apparition of Mary at Lourdes in 1858, and attracts hundreds of thousands of pilgrims each year from all over the world. It offers the occasion for a deepening conversion, a step forward in the journey to God, with Mary as the model for that journey.
Reviewed By Maria52509 - Downingtown, United States
Wow what a wonderful experience. So much to take in. I got there on the last 2 hours it was opened on a Sunday. You could really spend here all day. Especially since are so many places for Prayer and contemplation along the paths. There is so much to see and walkways are wide enough so not to be too crowded. I wasn't able to see the church that is on the lower of the grounds from where the grotto is. The gift shop is small though beautiful religious items such as official Lourdes water as well as various beautiful paintings of Mary Our Divine Mother. I noticed there was a shuttle during busy times from the parking lot. I'll definetly return again and allow more time. This was a 2 hour drive for me though well worth it.
4. National Fallen Firefighters Memorial
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 81 reviews
Monument honoring firefighters who have died in the line of duty.
5. 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!
6. Pope John Paul II Prayer Garden
7. Lefty Grove Park
8. Bromo Seltzer Tower
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 79 reviews
Baltimore's unique landmark tower erected by the inventor of Bromo Seltzer.
Reviewed By lpMaggi713 - Baltimore, United States
We were so excited for our tour of the Bromo Seltzer Tower with Baltimore Heritage. Our tour guide was Betsy and her enthusiasm and knowledge of the tower made it come alive for us. She gave a 45 minute presentation. This most unusual tower was built in 1911 by Captain Isaac Emerson, the inventor of the headache remedy Bromo Seltzer and was the tallest building in Baltimore at the time. If you have traveled to Florence, Italy, then you know that this tower is modeled after the Palazzo Vecchio. When it was built, it featured the largest four dial, gravity driven clock in the world. We were able to climb very steep steps (ships steps) and stand inside the clock. It was fascinating to see the inner workings of the clock. Take a close look up at the tower and notice that Captain Emerson was a master at marketing. He used the letters of Bromo Seltzer in addition to, and larger than, the Roman numerals. This enormous clock was made by Seth Thomas. In the tower, there is also the Emerson/Maryland Glass Museum. We were delighted to have the opportunity to meet Ernie Dimler. He collected the cobalt blue Bromo Seltzer bottles and about 800 of them are on display. It was a real walk down memory lane. After extensive renovations, the tower is now called the Bromo Seltzer Arts Tower with 15 floors of artist studios, gallery spaces, the history museum and, of course, the clock. The tower is open from 11 to 4 on Saturday – admission is free. If you would like a guided tour, the cost is $8.00 and the tours are also on Saturday at 11:30 – 12:30 – 1:30 – 2:30. The clock tower itself is not handicap accessible.
9. Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,361 reviews
A unit of the National Park Service. Site of the Battle of Baltimore during the War of 1812, where Francis Scott Key was inspired to pen "The Star-Spangled Banner" in September of 1814.
Reviewed By Y1591GWamyl - Simpsonville, United States
Great trip for students of any age. Mr. Raymond wats very helpful as we made plans for our trip. He got us the paperwork needed for the Dept. of Interior to apply for a Fee Waiver, making the trip free to our 100 students and 12 chaperones. He sent schedules for activities and talks on the grounds, information for teachers to use prior to trip, and maps of the fort to plan. And despite the extreme heat wave we experienced during our trip, this was a great opportunity to share the history of the War of 1812 with our kids and the penning of the National Anthem by Francis Scott Key!!
10. Washington Monument and Mount Vernon Place
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 274 reviews
The centerpiece of this National Historic Landmark District is the Washington Monument, the first major monument to honor George Washington, the first president of the United States of America. The Monument has been restored by the Mount Vernon Place Conservancy, and was rededicated and reopened on its bicentennial, July 4, 2015. Visit our website to learn more about hours and reserving a climb time. Surrounding the Monument are the park squares of Mount Vernon Place, described as one of the most beautiful urban spaces in America. The parks are open dawn to dusk.
Reviewed By jennysE7155BO - Albuquerque, United States
This is the first monument to Washington built in 1815, they have a small visitor center at the base of the monument and for a small fee of $6 you can climb the 277 stairs to the top. Spend the $6 for the experience of climbing up the well-worn stone steps to amazing 360 degree views of the Mount Vernon neighborhood. The monument is flanked on all 4 directions with slightly different neighborhood parks.
