Chesapeake Bay and a State of Water
Maryland is a Mid-Atlantic state in the eastern United States, known for the Chesapeake Bay, blue crabs, historic Annapolis and Baltimore. Water shapes everything: the bay's shoreline stretches for thousands of miles of coves and creeks, and the state reaches from the Appalachian ridges in the west to Atlantic beaches in the east. Its compact size means harbour cities, farmland, mountains and surf beaches all lie within a few hours of each other, a combination that suits short breaks and longer road trips alike.
Annapolis, the capital, is a Georgian-era waterfront town and home of the United States Naval Academy, often called the sailing capital of America. Its brick streets lead down to City Dock, where boats and ice cream stands share the quay. Across the bay, the Eastern Shore town of St Michaels offers a nautical museum, boutique stays and some of the region's best seafood. A tourist board could build entire campaigns around the bay alone.
Baltimore Harbour, Crab Feasts and Wild Ponies
Baltimore, the state's largest city, gives Maryland its urban edge. The Inner Harbor is the focal point, with the National Aquarium, tall ships and a promenade, while Fort McHenry, where the defence of 1814 inspired The Star-Spangled Banner, tells a central American story. Neighbourhoods such as Fells Point and Hampden add cobbled streets, independent shops and lively dining rooms. Steamed blue crabs seasoned with Old Bay are the signature feast, and Smith Island cake is the traditional sweet finish.
On the Atlantic coast, Ocean City offers a classic boardwalk and a long beach, while nearby Assateague Island National Seashore is home to wild horses that wander the dunes. Inland, Deep Creek Lake and the Appalachian foothills give a cooler, forested counterpoint. A hotel group can offer harbour, bay and beach stays within one state. Neighbouring Washington DC and Virginia are easy additions to any itinerary.
Read the full Maryland guide on Visit Travel Group, or see VisitMaryland.co.uk on Visit Travel Group.