Maryland may be one of the smallest states in the union but it is one of the most interesting. Many Civil War battles were staged here, the Underground Railroad that helped slaves escape to the free states ran through Maryland, it was here that John Wilkes Booth fled after assassinating Abraham Lincoln and, in Mallows Bay along the banks of the Potomac, the rotting hulls of over 200 shipwrecked vessels lie at rest. With a hotel in Maryland you’ll be in something of a foodie paradise, where you can sample seafood fresh off the boat - the crab is especially famous.
Top Maryland Hotel Locations
Annapolis - The streets of the state capital, Annapolis, are lined with beautiful 18th century buildings, some of the finest in the country. Be sure and explore the historic district, with its lively theatre scene, art galleries and boutique shops. The city dock is a popular starting point for many visits, where you can catch a sailing cruise or stop to eat in dozens of great restaurants. All this can be yours with an Annapolis hotel.
Chesapeake Bay - This gorgeous estuary is full of activities and sights to enjoy. You can visit Fort McHenry, famed for withstanding a heavy siege by a British fleet, or discover traces of settlement by English colonialists on Smith Island. On the beaches around Calvert Cliffs kids will love searching for fossils of ancient whales and sharks, or for a more relaxed pace, why not spend a few days cruising between Chesapeake’s many dock bars.
Ocean City - A popular seaside resort, Ocean City really comes alive in the evenings. Book a hotel here and you can take a stroll along a three-mile wooden boardwalk as it’s lit up by amusement arcades and fairground rides, or treat yourself to some delicious Maryland crab cakes and saltwater taffy while watching a spectacular sunset.
Oakland - Book a hotel in Oakland during Autumn for the Autumn Glory Festival, when the golden shades of the trees take the breath away. It also makes a great holiday destination during the Christmas season, with a variety of traditional winter activities on offer from skiing to ice carving events.
How to Make the Most of Your Hotel in Maryland
Assateague Island in Maryland is one of the few places in the USA that you can see wild horses, thought to have once arrived on land by shipwreck. Baltimore is home to the country’s oldest Catholic cathedral, and also one of its oldest synagogues, as well as many other fine examples of 18th century architecture. Oakland’s Autumn Glory attracts thousands of visitors every year to see Fall scenery at its finest.
In Annapolis you can see the sights and do your bit for the environment at the same time, by taking a guided tour in an electric eCruiser. The city dock and historic district are must-dos. History tours of battlefield sites, world-class museums and war memorials are also immensely-popular, in a state that’s anchored in the past while retaining a modern outlook.