Top 15 Maryland Attractions

[eibuddy]

1. Eastern Shore

The "Eastern Shore", the eastern side of the Chesapeake Bay, is Maryland's most popular attraction. The region is characterized by historic towns, beaches and beautiful natural areas that draw a crowd during the summer months. Visit Chestertown, St. Michaels, Cambridge, Ocean City or Assateague Island.

2. Baltimore Inner Harbor

Baltimore is a fun place to spend the day - walk along the docks, shop, eat and watch people. Top attractions include the National Aquarium, Camden Yards, Port Discovery, Baltimore's Historic Ships, Maryland Science Center and Pier Six Pavilion.

3. Annapolis City Dock

Enjoy shopping, dining and the beautiful scenery of the state capital of Maryland and the sailing capital of America. Take a sightseeing cruise or walking tour and learn about the history of this beautiful seaport. Annapolis is the home of the United States Naval Academy and St. John's College, the third oldest institution of higher education in the United States.

4. C & O Canal National Historic Park

The Chesapeake & Ohio Canal (C & O Canal) is a national historic park that dates back to the 18th and 19th centuries. The 184.5-mile towpath extends from Georgetown in Washington, DC to Cumberland, Maryland. Walking or bicycling along the towpath, you can view original structures including locks, lockhouses and aqueducts.

5. Maryland Parks

Maryland has wonderful variety of parks that offer endless opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors. Enjoy activities such as hiking, bicycling, picnicking, boating, fishing, camping, rock climbing, horseback riding and much more.

6. Deep Creek Lake

Mountains, rivers and lakes offer a wide selection of activities from active outdoor adventures to just plain relaxing. Enjoy hiking, bicycling, picnicking, boating, fishing, camping, swimming, and horseback riding in warmer weather and skiing, snowboarding, snowtubing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling during the winter months.

7. Six Flags America

Six Flags America features more than 100 rides, shows and the area's largest water park. The amusement park is a big attraction for kids of all ages with 8 roller coasters with names like Wild One, Joker’s Jinx and Superman Ride of Steel. The Batman stunt show is entertaining for all and younger kids enjoy the Looney Tunes Movie Town, where they can meet Bugs Bunny. The park is open April through October.

8. Strathmore Music Center

The 2,000 seat state-of-the-art concert hall, brings world-class performances and arts education to Montgomery County, Maryland. Strathmore holds performances by major national artists including folk, blues, pop, jazz, show tunes, and classical music. Concerts and children's performances are held outdoors on the lawn during the summer months.

9. Brookside Gardens

The 50-acre award winning garden includes an aquatic garden, azalea garden, butterfly garden, rose garden, children's garden, formal garden, fragrance garden, Japanese style garden and trial garden. Brookside Gardens offers a variety of educational programs for adults and children.

10. Merriweather Post Pavilion

The outdoor concert venue is nestled within the 40 preserved acres known as Symphony Woods in Columbia, Maryland conveniently located between Baltimore and Washington, DC. A wide range of musical performances are held April through September.

11. Historic Ellicott City

During the late 1700s, Ellicott's Mills was the largest flour milling center in the region. Today, the quaint town in Howard County, Maryland is known for its historic charm and a nice selection of antique and specialty shops and unique restaurants and cafes.

12. AFI Silver Theater and Cultural Center

The American Film Institute (AFI), located in downtown Silver Spring, Maryland, is America's national arts organization dedicated to advancing and preserving the art of film, television, and digital media. Events include filmmaker interviews, panels, discussions, musical performances and more.

13. Patuxent Wildlife Research Refuge

Tucked away in Laurel, Maryland, this national science and environmental education center offers educational programs, guided tours and opportunities for wildlife observation. Special programs include children’s games, crafts, trail walks, wildlife demonstrations and more.

14. NASA Goddard Visitor Center

The Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland offers many unique programs, special events and presentations that highlight Goddard's Earth and Space Science, engineering and technology work. Exhibits include interactive displays and models, as well as real examples of satellites and rocket flight hardware. Closed Sunday and Monday.

15. National Harbor

The new 300-acre waterfront destination along the Potomac River hopes to be the next biggest attraction in the Washington, DC area. Opening in the spring of 2008, the $2.1 billion mixed-use community in Prince George's County, Maryland, includes hotels, restaurants, retail stores, condominiums, a full-service marina, a convention center, and commercial office space. The marina will launch cruises along the Potomac River and boating, fishing, and jet skiing will be available. Plans are also underway to build the National Children's Museum on this site.