7 Most Unconventional Towns In Maryland

Maryland has long been considered an ideal destination for foodies, history buffs, and outdoor enthusiasts. The Old Line State offers easy access to the Atlantic Ocean, the Potomac River, and the Chesapeake Bay. Award-winning seafood restaurants line the streets while places like Greenbelt Park offer the perfect respite to those looking to escape the hustle and bustle. Historic landmarks aren’t hard to come by either. But, there’s more to discover in Maryland than these obvious highlights. Travelers looking for a unique experience will want to visit one of these seven unconventional towns in Maryland.

Berlin

Often dubbed the “coolest small town in America,” Berlin is filled with fun and unusual things to see and do. Each year in June, for example, the town hosts its annual Bathtub Races where visitors, residents, and business owners come together for a friendly race in homemade bathtubs. Outside of quirky traditions, Berlin also serves as a gateway to the famous Assateague Island. Here, wild horses roam and visitors enjoy sand-covered beaches, bays, dense forests, and salt marshes.

In the heart of downtown Berlin, travelers will find another unconventional attraction—The Mermaid Museum. Explore everything mermaid, take a deeper look at mermaid mythology, learn about mermaid sightings, and enjoy plenty of mermaid-themed photo opportunities. You can also book a professional mermaid photoshoot, where you'll dress up in a mermaid tail, enjoy a private session, and receive portraits with admission for two.

Ocean City

Ocean City, Maryland is a popular resort town booming with summer tourists and energetic beach-goers. On the surface, it looks like most beach towns—plenty of sand, ocean views, and seafood restaurants on every corner. What sets Ocean City apart is the famous Ocean Gallery. Located on the boardwalk, the gallery is made with a mix of found, recycled materials and antique building parts. This mismatched construction makes the gallery one of the most recognizable attractions in the area. Inside, visitors will find three floors jam-packed with oil paintings, posters, and various other art pieces for sale.

Other fun activities available in Ocean City include fishing off the pier, wandering through the Ocean City Life Saving Station Museum, and admiring the rare and unusual artifacts at Ripley’s Believe It Or Not. Don't miss the Trimper Rides amusement park, the oldest continuously family owned and operated amusement park in the world. Those traveling to the area in April can also enjoy the annual Maryland International Kite Expo. The two-day event is free and filled with kite-flying fun.

Greenbelt

Between the beautiful parks and NASA attractions, it is clear that Greenbelt is a must-visit destination. Popular spots like Greenbelt Park and the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center draw in crowds of locals and tourists. However, the real magic of Greenbelt comes in May during the annual Green Man Festival. The multi-day festival originated in the UK and aims to celebrate nature and the mythic Green Man who serves as a symbol of rebirth.

In Greenbelt, the festival is marked with live music, craft vendors, and the spreading of environmental awareness. Festival attendees can often be spotted dressed in green outfits donning crowns of leaves and other foliage. While at the event, visitors can participate in a variety of fun activities including everything from face painting to vermiculture and composting demonstrations.

Leonardtown

Leonardtown—boasted as “the only Arts & Entertainment District in Southern Maryland,” is home to a wide array of art galleries, art workshops, and plenty of art-focused events. That said, paintings are not the only reason to visit this charming small town. One of the most unique local landmarks is Moll Dyer Rock. The rock’s history dates back to the 17th century when “suspected Witch” Moll Dyer was forced from her home and later found, frozen to death on top of a large rock. Today, locals believe you can still see Moll’s handprints on the rock which now sits in the town’s square.

Other worthwhile sites in Leonardtown include finding the “No Name Lane” street sign, wandering along the Leonardtown Wharf, diving into history at The Old Jail Museum, and indulging in German goodies at the local Brüdergarten.

Oxon Hill

Oxon Hill, Maryland has several big attractions including the MGM National Harbor Hotel & Casino and the nearby Potomac River. But one attraction that stands out is the 72-foot, J. Seward Johnson, Jr. statue called The Awakening. The statue depicts a towering man who is embedded in the sand and struggling to break free. Behind The Awakening, visitors can see clear views of the Potomac River and The Capital Wheel—a giant Ferris wheel ride.

While in town, don’t forget to stop at the Oxon Cove Park & Farm for a few hours of outdoor fun. Here, activities such as hiking the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail, becoming a junior farm ranger, and embarking on self-guided tours are all available.

Crisfield

No trip to Maryland is complete without tasting the local blue crabs the state is famous for. And when it comes to quality crab tasting, you simply can not beat Crisfield. The small town is known by many as “The Crab Capital of the World” and features a handful of well-reviewed seafood restaurants where visitors can crush their cravings.

Town locals take their passion for crab to the next level each year when they host the annual Hard Crab Derby. The derby features crab races, crab cooking and picking contests, craft vendors, live entertainment, beauty pageants, parades, and a dazzling fireworks display. Who says you can’t play with your food? In addition to the crab racing, visitors can enjoy boat cruises to Smith's Island or spend the day exploring Janes Island State Park. The state park offers activities such as hiking, swimming, fishing, boating, crabbing, and camping.

Nanjemoy

Natural beauty abounds in Nanjemoy, Maryland. Between the Nanjemoy Natural Resource Management Area, Purse State Park, and the Potomac River, enjoying the great outdoors is easy here. One of Nanjemoy’s most-frequented outdoor attractions has a little something extra to offer. Mallows Bay—part of the Potomac River National Marine Sanctuary—features the remains of over 100 historic shipwrecks from World War II. Visitors hoping for an up-close look at the wrecks will want to explore the bay by kayak. Can’t get a kayak? Don’t worry, some of the wreckage is easily visible from the shore.

Explore Maryland's Most Unique Towns

From remote beaches with wild roaming horses to centuries-old handprints left behind by convicted “witches,” Maryland has all kinds of unconventional attractions to explore. Depending on the town, travelers may find themselves swimming above hundreds of shipwrecks or dancing in the streets, covered in vibrant green foliage. Wherever your travels take you, Maryland is sure to be a memorable adventure.