From hubs of Colonial history to picture-perfect beaches and boardwalks, Maryland tells the American story.
The state was the seventh to join the Union, and its distinct shape — curled around the nation’s capital and divided by Chesapeake Bay — comprises varied terrain that earned its nickname, “America in Miniature.” From mountainous regions on the western panhandle with plenty of outdoor recreation to capital-adjacent shopping and entertainment districts to wholesome and serene coastal settings, Maryland has it all. Groups can wind their way from one end of the state to the other to see its varied charms.
Frederick
Frederick is both the name of a city and a county in Eastern Maryland. Because the city was founded in 1745, and because the surrounding area has been occupied even longer, both the city and the county have a few interesting historical niches, including several religious sites of significance. The National Shrine of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton is located in Frederick County and honors the first American-born saint, canonized for her contributions to the foundation of Catholic schools and the Sisters of Charity. The county is also home to The National Shrine Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes, a mountainside shrine mimicking one in France.
Frederick County also has significant Civil War history. It’s part of the Maryland Civil War Trails program, which lets visitors explore the many sites throughout the state that were integral to the country’s bloodiest conflict. The dozens of trail sites in Frederick County include South Mountain State Battlefield and Monocacy National Battlefield. Frederick is also home to the National Museum of Civil War Medicine, which offers group tours for up to 40 and explores the fascinating (and often horrifying) medical practices common in the late 19th century and during the war.
In addition to its historical sites, the outdoorsy Frederick has plenty of state parks and hiking trails for active groups to explore. But it also combines outdoor recreation and agritourism to cultivate a rich culinary scene. Fox Haven Organic Farm & Learning Center offers an edible herb walking tour, and South Mountain Creamery lets groups tour and then sample some of its delicious handmade ice cream. Catoctin Mountain Orchard has a market, you-pick flowers and fresh-baked pies, while Springfield Manor Winery Distillery Brewery can serve a farm-to-table lunch, complete with handcrafted spirits.
Prince George’s County
Just on the other side of Washington D.C., Prince George’s County is the less-crowded, budget-friendly alternative to the nation’s capital. It’s close enough that visitors can go in and out of the city to experience some of the main attractions, while it also has plenty to offer on its own.
National Harbor is one of the biggest attractions in Prince George’s County and sits just across the river from D.C. This resort destination’s iconic skyline includes The Capital Wheel, a large Ferris wheel, and the seasonal, celebratory fireworks often light up the evening sky. In the summer, groups can spend their time on the waterfront, dine at one of the numerous restaurants and bars, or even have some fun on the water on board a water taxi or yacht. Shopping is a great year-round way to pass time in National Harbor because it’s home to Tanger National Harbor outlets, featuring about 85 retail shops.
Set on 13,000 acres in Prince George’s County, Patuxent Research Refuge is another one of the county’s top attractions. Designed to educate visitors about wildlife and the preservation of their habitat, the refuge is home to many species of birds, mammals, amphibians and pollinators. Groups can participate in ranger-led programs and visit the National Wildlife Visitor Center to learn more about the refuge’s wild residents.
Prince George’s County has many communities within, each home to local shops and restaurants that can cater to groups. Chicken Loco, SoBe Restaurant & Lounge and Flaming Grill & Buffet are each guaranteed to provide a group with a delicious meal at the end of their day.
Annapolis
Located on Chesapeake Bay, Annapolis and surrounding Anne Arundel County have a lot to offer groups. Downtown Annapolis is the city’s heart, featuring historic architecture and a gorgeous waterfront for visitors to explore via walking tours. In addition to the Colonial buildings and landmarks like St. Anne’s Episcopal Church, groups can learn about the city’s history as “America’s Sailing Capital.” The William Paca House, a Georgian mansion built in the 18th century for founding father William Paca, is another great example of Colonial architecture; the National Historic Landmark is open for tours, which provide insight on Colonial life.
The Banneker-Douglass-Tubman Museum, the state of Maryland’s official museum of African American history, can be found in downtown Annapolis. The museum is dedicated to preserving Black history in the state of Maryland. .
Annapolis is also home to the U.S. Naval Academy Museum. Groups can take guided or self-guided tours to see several iconic monuments dedicated to events in American history and learn about the role the academy plays in the country’s armed forces. Guided walking tours are open to the public and offered daily, though groups of 20 or more should call ahead to schedule private tours.
Groups can enjoy fresh seafood on Annapolis’ waterfront at one of its many group-friendly restaurants, like Carrol’s Creek Cafe, which has harbor views and famous Maryland crabcakes.
Baltimore
Baltimore is Maryland’s most populous city and the 30th most populous in the U.S., home to an estimated 585,000 people. This buzzing city is a cultural mecca with an emerging culinary scene, art from the past and present, and several eras worth of history to share.
Perhaps some of the city’s most notable history is its connection to the national anthem, thanks to the role it played in the War of 1812. That’s because it’s the site of Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine where, in 1814, the Americans successfully defended the fort against British ships and effectively won the war. This event inspired American lawyer Francis Scott Key to write “The Star-Spangled Banner” based on what he saw as he watched the attack from a British warship where he was being held prisoner. Groups can visit and tour Fort McHenry, or they can visit the Star-Spangled Banner Flag House, the former home of one of the women who sewed the impressive 30-by-42-foot flag that inspired the anthem.
The city is also rich in African American history, playing a key role in the lives of inspirational figures like Harriet Tubman and Frederick Douglass. To learn more about this history, groups can tour the Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History & Culture. Other noteworthy museums to add to the itinerary include the Baltimore Museum of Art, the American Visionary Art Museum and The Walters Art Museum.
To explore the diverse local culinary scene, groups can head to Cross Street Market for international cuisine, visit Phillips Seafood for fresh seafood in a sit-down setting, or even stop by one of the city’s many craft breweries.
Ocean City
Nothing feels as classically American as a stroll along a vintage boardwalk, and Ocean City will happily oblige. With a year-round population of less than 7,000, this small coastal Maryland town can be found on a narrow stretch of land between the Isle of Wight Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. But its family-friendly charm and proximity to major metros make it the choice getaway for as many as 8 million visitors each year.
The Ocean City Boardwalk is a huge draw, as it features 3 miles of shops, arcades and eateries for travelers to explore. It’s known for its family-friendly feel, which makes it a perfect stop for groups of all ages. Group leaders can set their travelers loose for an afternoon of shopping, gaming and snacking on carnival food, or they can pay a visit to the boardwalk’s amusement park, Trimper Rides of Ocean City, home to classic amusement rides and thrilling new roller coasters. Beyond the boardwalk, Ocean City has 10 miles of pristine beaches, perfect for groups that want to spend their day soaking up the sun and dipping their toes in the surf.
Other ways to get outdoors include chartered sightseeing or eco cruises, which take groups through the city’s waterways and can teach them about the many species of birds that live there. Go With the Flow Cruises offers cruises for groups of up to 22, and OC Bay Hopper has several boats that accommodate up to 16 passengers. Many of these chartered cruises can take groups to Assateague Island, the protected nature sanctuary on a nearby barrier island that’s known for being home to wild horses and plenty of bird species.
