Spring in Maryland
Here's a list of inspiring spring activities that include plenty of outdoor options.
Get in touch with the lives of great Americans like Harriet Tubman, Clara Barton and Thomas Stone. See historic places like Antietam and Fort McHenry where the very course of history was changed. Lose yourself in one-of-a-kind landscapes like Assateague, Sandy Point and Blackwater. History, culture, and the remarkable beauty of nature are at your fingertips in Maryland’s State and National Parks.
Travel these off-the-highway Scenic Byways offering inviting views, magical main streets, enduring history and engaging places. Check out Old Main Streets where vibrant streets invite visitors to explore history, heritage and architecture while savoring the flavor of local shops, eateries and lodging. Immerse yourself in maritime history, fishing, and sweeping river views on the Lower Susquehanna. Take your time experiencing the special beauty of Chesapeake Country. Journey back in time and explore the secret network of trails, waterways, and safe houses of the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad.
Whether your brand of pedaled pleasure is a quiet journey along a leafy bike path, an ambitious cross-country road trek, or a pulse-pounding plunge down a muddy mountain trail, Maryland has you covered. With hundreds of miles of mixed-use cycling trails, including numerous rails-to-trails conversions, you are never too far from biking bliss.
Is it really spring without a trip to Ocean City? Who can resist a stroll on the boardwalk and the white sandy beach along the refreshing waters of the Atlantic? Just a few minutes away is Assateague Island State Park—an idyllic beach retreat crisscrossed by wildlife trails and home to the famous wild horses that roam the shore. It’s no wonder National Geographic Traveler named it one of the 10 best U.S. state parks.
Situated in the geographic middle of the Atlantic Flyway, Maryland is a bird-watchers paradise. Here are some ideas for making the most of your spring birding experience.
In Maryland, you’ll find a vast variety of scenery while hiking beautiful state parks and local paths. Take a leisurely walk along the Calvert Cliffs State Park Red Trail through forested wetland—perfect for all ages. Here you’ll find access to a strip of beach on the Chesapeake Bay that offers views of the park’s namesake cliffs, as well as an abundance of ancient sharks’ teeth and other marine fossils. Maryland’s portion of the Appalachian Trail extends for nearly 40 miles along the South Mountain ridge through Washington and Frederick counties. The ascent rewards hikers with multiple vistas, including Civil War battle sites and a stunning panoramic overlook of the Potomac River.
Cast your fly in a cascading mountain stream, drop a line in a pristine lake or swift running river, go for game fish out on the open Chesapeake, and hunt for the big billfish in the famed Atlantic canyons. With an unparalleled variety of species and habitats, there’s something for every budding young angler in Maryland.
The African-American experience has been inextricably woven through the fabric of Maryland’s rich history. A trip to Baltimore isn’t complete without a visit to Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine. Follow the trail of the war through Monocacy National Battlefield and Antietam National Battlefield.
These green oases – with ornamental, heirloom or native plants, topiary, outdoor sculpture and historical roots – can easily be the colorful centerpiece for a Maryland getaway. Whether you are an avid gardener, birdwatcher, appreciator of art – or just looking to enjoy nature, stretch your legs – our gardens are wonderful way to enjoy the outdoors and celebrate the seasons.
If you’ve never ridden a horse before, don’t let that stop you! With thousands of acres dedicated to riding in Maryland, and dozens of certified barns and stables fully equipped to teach you to ride, it’s time to get out and into the saddle.
Named for the first Thoroughbred horse brought to America, Bulle Rock in Havre de Grace was designed by the legendary Pete Dye and has become one of the most popular in the Mid-Atlantic. How about a course where each hole is a replica of a famous hole from a championship course around the world - this would be Renditions in Davidsonville. If the beach scene is in the plans, you may attempt the course at Eagle's Landing Golf Club. Whether you’re looking to punch your shots over a marsh or rip drives through a dense woodland, Maryland has a golf course for you.
Attention thrill seekers! Who is up for winging through a forest dangling below a zip-line?
There are so many spa options all over Maryland. Perhaps a "diamond facial" at National Harbor or a trip to the Himalayan salt cave in Bethesda is more your cup of tea. Experiences await you throughout Maryland.
You don’t need a big budget to experience big fun in Maryland. Here are 25 top free (or nearly free) things to do—sure to keep you coming back again and again!
At the Plumpton Park Zoo in Rising Sun you can hand feed Jimmie the Giraffe. The Salisbury Zoo makes for a perfect break on the way to the beach or an adventure all its own. And don’t miss the Catoctin Wildlilfe Preserve and Zoo in Thurmont.
