Maryland Official Visitors Guide - 2026 Maryland Official Visitors Guide
Maryland Byways Road Trips
Jackie Duda 2025-11-04 05:02:26
Each of our 18 scenic byways have the makings of a perfect road trip. And with nearly 2,500 miles of scenery — from bridges soaring over waving wetland grasses to rolling mountain vistas — they’re easy on the eyes, too. They’re also packed with things to do along the way (and on side trips). You’ll encounter cosmopolitan cities, charming small towns, Underground Railroad sites, intimate art and history museums, historic battlegrounds and more.
This flag denotes one of our six federally designated America’s Byways®.
Byway Accessibility
See this icon? It indicates that a stop has accessibility options. Contact the actual attraction, lodging or restaurant to learn what they offer.
Explore all 18 of Maryland’s road-trip-ready byways.
Star-Spangled Banner
The Star-Spangled Banner byway is a 106-mile journey that traces the battle sites and stories of the War of 1812. From the metropolitan excitement of Baltimore to the Capital Region to quaint Southern Maryland towns, stops along this route are perfect for history buffs, families and outdoor enthusiasts.
North Point State Park
Edgemere
Bring beach chairs and fishing rods to this slice of Chesapeake Bay heaven, where soldiers from the War of 1812 once marched. Hike numerous trails, or spy local birds and wildlife in Black Marsh Natural Area.
Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine
Baltimore
Experience Fort McHenry, the place that inspired America’s National Anthem. Specially trained rangers and volunteers bring history to life through guided tours and programs, including fife and drum demonstrations. The twice-daily flag-change ceremony is a visitor favorite.
Star-Spangled Banner Flag House
Baltimore
Take a self-guided tour of the home where Mary Pickersgill and others sewed the original 30-by-42-foot Star-Spangled Banner. Videos, exhibits and artifacts tell the story behind the garrison flag that signaled U.S. victory in the Battle of Baltimore.
Maryland Center for History and Culture
Baltimore
Find more than 350,000 objects, 7 million books and documents, and artifacts dating back to 5,000 B.C. Collections include the original manuscript of “The Star-Spangled Banner,” and provide an in-depth look at the people and events that shaped the Maryland we know today.
Calvert Marine Museum
Solomons
Take in Maryland’s maritime history and marine life with interactive exhibits, a lighthouse tour and a cruise on a converted oyster boat at one of Solomons’ most celebrated attractions. In summer, enjoy the Waterside Music Series.
Riversdale House Museum Historic Site
Riverdale
Delve into the state’s past at this former plantation home. The Underground Railroad Network to Freedom site is dedicated to interpreting all aspects of life in 19thcentury America, including honoring Black Americans who were enslaved workers and their descendants.
Historic Sotterley
Hollywood
Discover what it was like to live and labor at this UNESCO Site of Memory while visiting the plantation house, living quarters of enslaved people, outbuildings and Colonial Revival Garden. Also an Underground Railroad Network to Freedom site, Sotterley offers guided tours on weekends from May through October.
Calvert Cliffs State Park
Lusby
Recognizable by its butter-yellow cliffs, the park is known for fossils — particularly Miocene-era oyster shells and sharks’ teeth. Try to find them on the beach or take a guided fossilhunting tour of nearby areas. ATV service to the beach is available upon request for people with disabilities.
STAY ALONG THE WAY
Solomons Victorian Inn
Hennessy Creek, Brandywine
Sagamore Pendry Baltimore
FUEL UP
The Lighthouse Restaurant & Dock Bar, Solomons
Cedars of Lebanon, Greenbelt
Thames Street Oyster House, Baltimore
Scan for our Spotify road-trip playlist.
Antietam Campaign
Trace the footsteps of Union and Confederate soldiers as they engaged in pivotal battles that changed the course of the Civil War and helped form our nation. But there’s more than battlefields here: Rolling hills and sparkling waterways lining the route provide plenty of opportunities for outdoor excitement.
Kennedy Farm
Sharpsburg
Make an appointment to tour this restored farmhouse, which was ground zero for abolitionist John Brown’s raid on Harpers Ferry. In the 1950s, it became a venue for music stars including Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, Marvin Gaye, Chuck Berry and dozens more.
Tolson’s Chapel
Sharpsburg
This historic African-American church near Antietam National Battlefield was built in 1866 by local African Americans on land from Samuel Craig, a free Black man. The building served multiple community purposes, including as a schoolhouse and political meeting space.
Antietam National Battlefield
Sharpsburg
Monuments and gravesites commemorate the lives lost during “The Bloodiest Single Day of the War,” a turning point that emboldened President Lincoln to deliver the preliminary Emancipation Proclamation. Key points of interest include Burnside Bridge and Dunker Church.
Pry House Field Hospital Museum
Keedysville
Visit this home-turned-hospital that served as the U.S. Army’s medical headquarters during the Battle of Antietam. Exhibits such as a recreation of an operating theater detail how battlefield medicine saved lives under extreme circumstances.
Boonsborough Museum of History
Boonsboro
Often called a “miniature Smithsonian,” this museum features a collection of artifacts and objects from Civil War sites and around the world. Rare finds include a Confederate land mine, Roman-pottery oil lamps and Egyptian animal mummies.
South Mountain State Battlefield
near Middletown
Nestled within the gaps of South Mountain, this was the site of Maryland’s first Civil War battle. Diverse terrain, from rolling farmland to the Appalachian Trail, is ideal for hiking and birding.
National Museum of Civil War Medicine
Frederick
Follow the evolution of modern medicine that emerged from treating the casualties of battle. The three-story building provides five immersive exhibits re-creating focal points of Civil War medicine.
Monocacy National Battlefield
Frederick
At the home of “The Battle that Saved Washington,” absorb the beauty of the Monocacy River. Drive through acres of farmland dotted with historic buildings and informational markers or walk one of six trails. Check the events calendar for re-enactments, tours and programs.
FUEL UP
Comus Restaurant & Beer Garden, Dickerson
JoJo’s Restaurant & Tap House, Frederick
Captain Bender’s Tavern, Sharpsburg
STAY ALONG THE WAY
Jacob Rohrbach Inn, Sharpsburg
Visitation Hotel, Frederick
Inn BoonsBoro, Boonsboro
Chesapeake & Ohio Canal
More than 200 miles of adventure and history await along the C&O Canal byway. Though you may feel tucked away in nature, you’re never far from a good meal, a cozy bed and breakfast or even a white-water-rafting guide.
C&O Canal National Historical Park and Visitor Centers
Great Falls Tavern, Williamsport, Hancock, Cumberland and Brunswick
Numerous visitor centers sit along historical points of the trail, offering travelers a glimpse of life on the canal. Stop in for unique experiences ranging from mule-drawn boat rides in Great Falls Tavern to self-guided walking tours in the canal town of Williamsport. More on p. 82
Glen Echo Park
Glen Echo
Year-round excitement awaits at this delightfully woodsy retreat. Take a spin on the ornately carved carousel, square dance or salsa at one of three venues, and enjoy live music and theatrical performances. You can also enroll in a variety of classes, camps and workshops at this national park.
Brunswick Heritage Museum
Brunswick
Train enthusiasts will love this museum dedicated to local history, transportation and the railroads that put Brunswick on the map. It features an intricate 1,700-square-foot model railroad depicting the B&O Railroad’s Metropolitan Subdivision.
River & Trail Outfitters
Knoxville
Conquer the rapids on exhilarating white water that traverses the sparkling Shenandoah and Potomac rivers on guided outings. As you go, look for hikers reaching the ridge of Maryland Heights above. With advance notice, additional guides can be provided for adventurers with disabilities. More on p. 54
Maryland Heights Trail
Washington County
Almost 7 miles of challenging trail reward hikers with one of the state’s most extraordinary vistas. Gaze down on the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers as the rolling Blue Ridge Mountains rise around the historic town of Harpers Ferry.
Fort Frederick State Park
near Big Pool
Fort Frederick is the only stone fort built by a British colony during the French and Indian War. Experience living-history demonstrations, then bask in the beauty of the Potomac River as you paddle canoes or kayaks, hike, or camp for the night.
FUEL UP
Old Angler’s Inn, Potomac
Bonnie’s at the Red Byrd, Keedysville
BuddyLou’s Eats, Drinks & Antiques, Hancock
STAY ALONG THE WAY
Inn at Antietam, Sharpsburg
1828 Trail Inn Bed and Breakfast, Hancock
Elmwood Farm Bed & Breakfast, Williamsport
Mountain Maryland
Embrace all four seasons as you revel in fishing, kayaking, hiking and snowshoeing through wooded state parks and forests. Winter skiing at Wisp Resort and summer splashing at Deep Creek Lake are treasured pastimes worth pausing for on this route.
Tracks and Yaks
Frostburg
Don’t miss an outing with Tracks and Yaks, one of a few railbike-trail tour operators in the U.S. Pedal along the tracks on a railbike car for a truly novel way to experience the state.
Lonaconing Iron Furnace and Park and Dans Mountain State Park
near Lonaconing
Stretch your legs in Lonaconing, where you can walk right into mining history at a massive stone furnace surrounded by a small park and playground. Nearby Dans Mountain State Park offers a refreshing stop with a swimming pool, water slide and picnic areas.
Big Run State Park
near Swanton
Go off-grid with no-frills camping at Big Run. Fall asleep under glittering stars and wake to days filled with kayaking, canoeing, fishing and hunting along the Savage River Reservoir. With the abundance of natural beauty, we bet you might not notice you don’t have cell service.
FireFly Farms Market
Accident
Sourced from family farms and made using solar power, the cheese here is worth a stop. Nibble goat and cow queso to find your favorite, preferably in a sandwich from their café, or book a spot at regular wine-and-cheese pairings. More on p. 24
Adventure Sports Center International
McHenry
Test your skills at the world’s only mountaintop course for white-water rafting and kayak slaloming, located above Wisp Resort. Whether you book a guided excursion or BYOBoat, this summer activity promises wet-and-wild thrills.
The Discovery Center at Deep Creek Lake State Park
Swanton
For fun the whole family can get into, head to The Discovery Center for hands-on learning — we’re talking touching fossils and bear pawprints. Interactive programs, self-guided snaketrail tours and special events are easy ways to make vacation memories.
Simon Pearce Factory Store and Glassblowing Workshop
Mountain Lake Park
Prepare to be mesmerized as you watch expert glassblowers craft oneof- a-kind pieces from molten glass. The attached store sells an array of artwork, including home decor, barware, servingware and gifts.
Oakland B&O Museum
Oakland
This renovated 1884 B&O railroad station is a must-visit for train enthusiasts. Outdoor exhibits like a full-size locomotive and caboose are sure to please the whole family, and special events like history talks and holiday celebrations mean there’s always something cool going on.
FUEL UP
Firewater Kitchen + Bar, Oakland
Clatter Café, Frostburg
MoonShadow Restaurant & Bar, McHenry
STAY ALONG THE WAY
Hotel Gunter, Frostburg
New Germany State Park cabins, Grantsville
Blue Moon Rising cabins, McHenry
Chesapeake Country
History, heritage, shopping, wildlife and succulent seafood dinners await on this shore-hugging adventure. Make your way down country roads, through small watermen’s villages and along routes that skim the edge of the Chesapeake Bay. This byway also contains 11 nautical miles, making it all the more unique.
C&D Canal Museum and Ben Cardin C&D Canal Trail
Chesapeake City
Tour this museum to learn about the Chesapeake & Delaware Canal before taking a walk or bike ride along the route that saved shippers 286 miles of travel.
Mount Harmon Plantation
Earleville
The buildings at this tidewater plantation home have been painstakingly preserved to promote education on life during the late 1700s to early 1900s. Once a profitable tobacco exporter, Mount Harmon’s prosperity was possible due to the forced labor of enslaved people. Learn about their stories, working conditions and more on a historical tour of the property May through October.
Chesapeake Bay Environmental Center
Grasonville
Rent a kayak and take to the marshy waters to spot the likes of otters, water snakes and stingrays. Night paddles, stargazing events and kids’ programs add to the adventure.
Frederick Douglass Statue at the Talbot County Courthouse
Easton
Visit the 21-foot-tall bronze statue that immortalizes renowned African-American activist, orator and writer Frederick Douglass. The inspiring sculpture sits on the lawn of the Talbot County Courthouse — in which Douglass delivered his famous “Self-Made Men” speech.
Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum
St. Michaels
Explore the 1879 Hooper Strait Lighthouse, wander through a working shipyard, meet traditional craftsmen, take a guided cruise, enjoy hands-on activities and discover exhibitions about the Bay’s role throughout history.
Pemberton Historical Park
Salisbury
Tour the 18th-century plantation home and stroll 4.5 miles of nature trails and boardwalks that wind through tranquil woodlands and tidal wetlands thick with lush greenery and wildflowers.
Smith Island and Tilghman Island
Experience a different kind of Island Time at Smith and Tilghman islands — watermen’s villages teeming with Chesapeake Bay heritage and personality. Dine on the freshest of seafood; take in the streaky reds, oranges and purples of bay sunsets; kayak area water trails and make sure you sample the famous many-layered Smith Island Cake — our state dessert. (Note: Smith Island is only accessible by boat.) More on p. 65
FUEL UP
The Red Roost Crabhouse & Restaurant, Quantico
Limoncello Italian Restaurant and Wine Bar, St. Michaels
Bas Rouge, Easton
STAY ALONG THE WAY
Inn at the Canal, Chesapeake City
Tilghman Island Inn
Whitehaven Hotel, Quantico
Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad
Maryland is the Most Powerful Underground Railroad Storytelling Destination in the World, so it’s only fitting that we should have a byway dedicated to the activism of Harriet Tubman. Honor her legacy at museums and historical sites as well as in the towns and natural areas in which this network of trails ran, helping freedom seekers on their journey north.
Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad State Park and Visitor Center
Church Creek
Interactive and immersive exhibits expand on Tubman’s early life and family and how her vast knowledge of the area’s landscape aided her heroic work in bringing so many to freedom.
Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge
Cambridge
Guided biking or kayaking tours with Blackwater Adventures Chesapeake Bay take you through this area in which Tubman’s father’s cabin stood and where she trapped muskrats and helped lead Black Americans to freedom.
Harriet Tubman Museum and Educational Center
Cambridge
Recognizable by a stirring mural of Tubman extending an open hand, this museum shines a light on the extent of the Underground Railroad in Maryland, as well as lesser-known details of Tubman’s life.
Linchester Mill and Webb Cabin
Preston
Set amid a network of safe houses and a place where free Black Americans worked alongside freedom seekers, the mill was likely a communication hub along the Underground Railroad. The nearby Webb Cabin is a rare surviving example of a typical home for free African Americans during this time period.
Museum of Rural Life
Denton
Discover how different Marylanders lived as you visit four historical homes, ranging from a one-room dwelling to a plantation manor, at this museum dedicated to agricultural life in rural Maryland.
Tuckahoe Neck Meeting House
Denton
This 1803 clapboard structure and Quaker meeting house was a place of worship for many abolitionists who supported and sheltered freedom seekers on the Underground Railroad.
Bucktown General Store and Brodess Farm
Cambridge
Make an appointment to tour the inside of this 19th-century country store that was likely the site of Tubman’s first activism. Down the road is the Brodess Farm, where Tubman was enslaved as a child.
FUEL UP
The Dive Club, Cambridge
Market Street Public House, Denton
Suicide Bridge Restaurant, Hurlock
Emily’s Produce, Cambridge (open seasonally)
STAY ALONG THE WAY
Riverside Lodge on Hoopers Island, Fishing Creek
Cambridge House Bed & Breakfast
Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Golf Resort, Spa and Marina, Cambridge
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