7 Delightful Towns to Visit in Maryland

Maryland has a population of 6.18 million and is known for its delicious blue crabs, the battlefields that took place and changed America, The Chesapeake Bay, and the railroads. This state is nicknamed “America In Miniature” due to its vast array of climates, which makes it an easy place to pick for your next trip. Whether it's beaches, marshes, mountains, forests, or large cities, it has everything anyone could want! Its close proximity to Washington, D.C., and major cities like Pittsburgh and Philadelphia make it an ideal place to live or visit. Here are seven breathtaking towns that will be sure to steal your heart!

Westminster

Only 31 miles from the bustling city known as Baltimore and 90 minutes from Washington, D.C., this large town (with a population of 20,500) provides a walkable vacation without the overwhelming crowds. Founded in 1764, Westminster is known for being a supply base in 1863 during the Battle of Gettysburg, which was the turning point of the American Civil War. Visit the Carroll County Farm Museum to learn about the war, see some animal exhibits, and learn about farming. This museum is free to enter from January 1 through March 31, and there are frequent education events to sign up for! Travel outside the city and take a walk through Wakefield Valley Park to bird watch, hike some trails, and view some natural greenery. While there, stop by the raven tree to see the unique 22-foot sculpture created by Thomas Sterner.

Hagerstown

Known as “the Hub" due to the large number of railroads that served the surrounding areas, Hagerstown is Maryland's 6th largest city and has a population of 43,000. Start your day off at Hagerstown City Park for a beautiful stroll and to see Lower Lake. While at the park, check out the multitude of museums offered in the area. The Washington County Museum of Fine Arts contains American paintings, textiles, sculptures, oriental art, and permanent collections of old masters. Next, check out the Jonathan Hager House Museum to see a house that was built in 1739, which contains past furniture and artifacts. Lastly, walk to the Hagerstown Roundhouse Museum to learn about the past of railways and how they impacted the world.

Cumberland

Nestled around the Allegheny Mountains, which is a part of the well-known Appalachian Trails, this mountain town has brick roads, tree-lined streets, and an active art community. Cumberland was used in the 19th century as a prominent transportation center and was even the home of the United States' first federally funded national road (known now as the National Highway). The most popular attraction is the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad, which is a 3-hour excursion that takes you through breathtaking mountain views. To learn more about the town's history and transportation and to view 50,000 different artifacts, check out the Allegany Museum. To make it even better, this landmark is free to encourage education among the community and travelers.

For ambitious individuals, the Great Allegheny Passage is a 150 bike trail from Cumberland to downtown Pittsburgh with out of this world views. Travel slightly outside for some more chill hikes like Allegheny Highlands Trail or the Barnum Rail Trail.

Ocean City

This resort town will provide you with an unforgettable vacation that will leave you wanting to stay! Ocean City has 10 miles of pristine beaches, a boardwalk with endless restaurants like On The Bay Seafood and Coral Reef Restaurant and Bar, kayaking, snorkeling, surfing, and more! For thrill-seekers, check out the Jolly Roger Amusement Park for roller coasters, games, a waterpark, and other fast-paced rides. For individuals just wanting to relax, spend your days laying on the sandy shore and watching the vibrant sunset. To learn about the history of local sea rescues and the backstory of this beach town, visit the Ocean City Life-Saving Museum for only five dollars.

Oakland

Surrounded by natural beauty and stunning landscapes, this town of only 1000 people is perfect for nature lovers. Whether it's during the winter or summer, Oakland offers activities year-round. Also rated as “one of the snowiest towns in Maryland,” it receives around 127 inches of snow per year compared to the U.S. average of 28 inches per year. The most visited attraction here is Swallow Falls State Park, which contains picturesque trails and Maryland’s highest free-falling waterfall. Next, for anyone looking for water activities, check out Deep Creek Lake State Park, which has water skiing, boating, hiking trails, and swimming. Lastly, stop by the Garrett County Historical Society Museums to learn about the past since being founded in 1849

St Michaels

This charming waterfront town has a 19th-century seaport feel and sits directly on the Miles River and Broad Creek. St Michaels used to serve as a trading post, and it dates all the way back to the 1600s. In 1778, James Braddock bought 20 acres and created St. Mary’s Square, which is now the historic center. Due to the rich past, most of the buildings were built in the 1700s to 1800s, giving it a Victorian feel. As of 30 years ago, this town went from focusing on shipbuilding and seafood processing to now focusing on tourism. Visit the St Michaels Museum or the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum for hands-on learning, exhibits, and on-the-water experiences. Kayaking, sailing, biking, and participating in the free self-guided historical house walking tour are all musts! In addition, check out one of the many sailing tours, including the Chesapeake Skipjack Sailing Tours, that takes place on the Miles River.

Cambridge

Established in 1687 and with a population of 13,000, this city is most famous for being the birthplace of Harriet Tubman, who was an American abolitionist and social activist. After escaping slavery, she conducted the underground railroad systems and made around 13 trips to Maryland, saving and freeing around 70 people. To learn about this hero and how she managed to help and save lives, visit the Harriet Tubman Museum and Educational Center. Another must-see is The Choptank River Lighthouse, which stands on the Choptank River. Travel 10 minutes outside of the city to walk around Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge to spot some thriving critters in the marshy lands. On the way back, take a look at the Site Of Harriet Tubman's Childhood home to see where she grew up before she was taken against her will.

Your Ideal Maryland Escape Awaits

Whether it's a mountain getaway like Cumberland, a resort vacation like Ocean City, or a waterfront town like Cambridge, Maryland has options for all - marshlands, sandy beaches, mountains, and more! Choose to lounge at the beach all day, learn about the different battlegrounds that took place here and changed America, or challenge yourself to bike the 150-mile trail. Don't forget to plan your upcoming trip this year to one of these delightful towns!