Pack a bag, we're going on a trip!
The weather is warming up, it's time to hit the road and explore our great state of Maryland!
Ocean City, Maryland
If your perfect weekend getaway includes sand and fun in the sun, Ocean City is a destination for you. This beach town, nestled on the Atlantic Ocean and home to one of the best beaches in Maryland, is the summer playground for many Maryland, Virginia, and D.C. families.
This bustling town hosts over eight million visitors annually. Off-season, you can expect a quieter experience, and fall is a great time to soak up the breathtaking views of the Atlantic while enjoying great deals on hotels without the crowds of tourists.
Frederick, Maryland
Nestled at the foot of the mountains and known as the gateway to western Maryland, Frederick has a rich history, which shines brightly in its 40-block historic district, filled with shops, galleries, and restaurants. It's easy to see why this is a popular weekend getaway for those living in Baltimore and Washington D.C.
For a history lesson of Frederick, take a tour of Monocacy National Battlefield and stop by the visitor center, where you will learn about the 1864 battle of Monocacy Junction, which took place here. Afterwards, visit one of Frederick's many historic attractions, like the National Museum of Civil War Medicine or the Schifferstadt Architectural Museum.
Kids will love the Rose Hill Manor Park and Children's Museum, which gives them a glimpse into early American life. Another fun family-friendly activity is a vintage train ride on the Walkersville Southern Railroad.
Deep Creek Lake, Maryland
If you are looking for a weekend getaway at the lake, Deep Creek Lake is a great choice. Located in Western Maryland, Deep Creek Lake is a busy summertime destination for city dwellers looking to escape the concrete jungle.
Water sports, spas, restaurants, shops, and more make this a perfect getaway for families. Kids will love the Discovery Center at Deep Creek State Park, where they will learn about the area's wildlife and history with interactive exhibits and an on-site aviary. For those seeking adventure, try the Monkey Business Aerial Adventure Park for climbing and ziplining.
Assateague Island, Maryland
Only nine miles south of Ocean City, Maryland, but a world away, is the Assateague Island National Seashore. This national park is home to wild horses, which roam along the beaches. This unspoiled island offers breathtaking views and a chance to get up close and personal with nature in all its glory. You can rest and recharge on the beach, take a swim in the ocean, or take advantage of one of their ranger-guided tours.
Biking is a great way to see the island. There are a few trails to choose from that will take you from the marsh to the sandy beaches. Because the island is part of the National Seashore, the closest accommodations will be in Ocean City, Maryland.
Walking or Cycling along the C&O Canal
A project strongly advocated by George Washington, who was at the time commander of Fort Cumberland, the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal reaches from Washington, DC, to Cumberland and was built between 1828 and 1850.
It borders the Potomac River through central Maryland, a corridor for recreation and a historic link that ties together the two cities of Cumberland and Hagerstown. Either of these makes a good base for excursions on foot, by bicycle, or by canoe or kayak on the Potomac River, which borders the canal.
The Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historic Park is a rare linear park, preserving the canal route, maintaining its towpath and the historic buildings. A surprising number of the canal's features are intact, including locks, tunnels, and 10 of the 11 aqueducts that carried the canal over streams and rivers. Perhaps the most impressive of the remains is the 3,118-foot-long Paw Paw Tunnel, which you can walk through.
Canal access points are well marked on the free national park map, along with campsites, Potomac boat launches, picnic sites, and points of interest. You can rent bicycles, kayaks, and canoes at several points.
Visit: https://www.planetware.com/maryland/top-rated-weekend-getaways-in-maryland-us-md-24.htm for more great spots.