Looking for the perfect summer road trip? Visit Maryland, where you can skip the highway and take the scenic route. Cruise along the Star-Spangled Banner Byway and soak up the history and sites along the way. From epic battles to the birth of the USA's national anthem, this route's got it all. With attractions for every history buff and outdoor enthusiast, it's an unforgettable family adventure.
Lost? Don’t worry—we’re here to guide you on your journey.
Checkout these illuminating pages.
Checkout these illuminating pages.
Top Pages
Maryland’s Regions
Get Help Planning
Beaches on the Chesapeake Bay are in a class of their own. Whether you want to sunbathe, float in the refreshing waves or camp along the shores, there are an abundance of options to choose from. Chesapeake Bay beaches provide top-notch relaxation and recreation.
Plan a few days in Baltimore to explore its rich stories of bravery, culture and resilience. Dive into this three-day itinerary, which takes you from historic landmarks to celebrations of African American heritage. This journey is not just about sightseeing: It's an opportunity to connect with the city's profound legacy. Linger at spots that captivate you, and take moments to reflect and fully absorb the richness of Baltimore’s civil rights history and Black heritage. Tip[...]
Annapolis, a hidden gem in the civil rights journey, offers a unique landscape of untold stories waiting to be discovered, from influential legislation to vibrant activism and culture. Discover Annapolis' civil rights landmarks, where stories of activism and perseverance unfold at each site. Immerse yourself in the city's enduring quest for equality and rights. Every stop reveals tales of bravery and collective action that has shaped the area's history. Find ideas for exploring civil rights[...]
We invite visitors to explore sites in Maryland that were vital in the struggle for equality during The Civil Rights Movement and to reflect on the many Marylanders who contributed to the successes of the movement, both locally and on a national level. Although this list contains many well-known leaders in the Civil Rights Movement, the majority of the people included were ordinary citizens of Maryland who stepped up to accomplish extraordinary things. This list[...]
Annapolis’s history as a successful port and capital city is intertwined with the history of slavery and freedom in America. The work of free, indentured, and enslaved laborers built the economic success of this colonial town. From its earliest beginnings, enslaved Africans were brought to Annapolis to labor for wealthy gentry, planters, businessmen and landowners. The story of captive African Kunte Kinte, who arrived in 1767, was made famous through the book and movie Roots[...]
Southern Maryland’s rolling hills, gentle water-laced peninsulas and sweeping vistas are the setting for this tour through the history of slavery and freedom in Maryland. Uplifted through faith and supported by the love of family, enslaved Marylanders persevered, and some found their freedom. Working on massive tobacco plantations, farms and waterways, many enslaved men, women and children faced harsh treatment. Unique opportunities allowed some to escape oppression by joining military forces: fleeing to the British[...]
Summer road trippers, get ready to discover coastal wonders along Maryland’s Roots & Tides Byway. Explore hidden gems and maritime roots in Western Shore towns, from charming bayside communities to quaint fishing villages. Whether sailing, bird watching, museum hopping, or lounging on sandy beaches, relax and unwind on every golden Chesapeake Bay day.
Visit Maryland's Tidewater Region for the ultimate summer road trip. Travel along the Chesapeake Country Byway, and take your time exploring the pristine waterways and historic villages. Don't miss the wildlife refuges, maritime history, and sandy shorelines along the way.
For enslaved men, women and children in Southern Maryland, finding freedom through escape and flight from large tobacco plantations was almost an insurmountable obstacle. Abolitionists, Underground Railroad conductors and those who aided freedom seekers were rare, but wherever slavery existed, people yearned for freedom and some persisted in finding it. Those who were ready and able took their chances when unusual circumstances allowed unique opportunities for escape. Thousands fled to British military lines who offered[...]