Maryland Official Visitors Guide - 2020 Maryland Official Visitors Guide
On the Water
Jim Meyer 2019-12-19 23:36:51
Water Wonderland—Maryland’s Beaches, Bays, Boats and More
In Maryland, you’re never far from an H2O adventure. We’ve got the Atlantic at one end, Deep Creek Lake and mountain rivers at the other, and the Chesapeake Bay, jewel of the Americas, in the middle. Read on for amazing ways to get out on the water including lots of favorites, and some that just might surprise you!
REACH THE OCEAN BEACH
Maryland may not be the biggest state, but between the ocean, Chesapeake Bay, Deep Creek Lake and our many amazing rivers, we’ve got nearly 8,000 miles of coastline to choose from. But if you’re looking for that quintessential ocean beach experience, we’ve got you covered on both ends of the spectrum.
Pitch your tent for a long weekend at Assateague Island National Seashore, named the “#1 Best National Park Beach” by USA Today, for an unforgettable getaway. Relax under a star-filled sky caressed by the song of Atlantic waves and the rhythmic whispers of wild hoof beats on the unspoiled dunes. The famous wild horses of Assateague make this a truly magical destination, and the spectacular sunrises over the deep, blue sea make for a memory you’ll cherish the rest of your life.
If you prefer that iconic American beach experience, you know the one, boardwalks and roller coasters, saltwater taffy and sand castles, then Ocean City is the place for you. One of the nation’s “25 Best Family Beaches” according to TripAdvisor, “15 Best Family Beaches” according to US News & World Report and one of “The 9 Best Boardwalks in the US” by Condé Nast Traveler, it’s the kind of place your family will return to year after year, generation after generation.
Relax on the beach under blue skies brushed with every color of the rainbow by the famous sky display at the world renowned Kite Loft, but remember to take the occasional glance out to sea to spot passing whales and playful dolphins. Ride the gorgeous, 106-year-old merry-go-round and the towering Tidal Wave coaster at Trimper’s Rides—at the end of the boardwalk since 1890. It’s the oldest family-owned amusement park in the nation. Snack on summer musts like Fisher’s famous caramel popcorn and Thrasher’s perfect French fries (don’t spare the vinegar and Old Bay!). And at night, there’s world-class dining at hip restaurants such as Shark on the Harbor, first-rate brewpubs like Fin City and Backshore, and unmatched clubs like Seacrets, where you can hit one of the dance floors or enjoy a fresh-squeezed Orange Crush at a table in the bay!
PLAY ON THE BAY
As amazing as Maryland’s Atlantic beaches are, the Chesapeake shore shares just as much magic. Dotted with lighthouses, banked by lush forests and beautiful towns, there’s no end of ways to spend a perfect day on the bay. You can relax on great public beaches like Sandy Point State Park at the western end of the Bay Bridge; Betterton Beach, a former steamboat resort on the upper Eastern Shore; Rocky Point Beach and Gunpowder Falls State Park, both just minutes from downtown Baltimore; and Calvert Cliffs State Park, which not only offers up a great, sandy beach, but some of the best fossil hunting anywhere. Go for the day on the bay and come home with a million-year-old shark’s tooth souvenir! Of course, these are just the tip of the beach-berg.
GO JUMP IN A LAKE
You’ve hung ten in O.C. and taken the plunge in the Chesapeake—well, water-loving completists have a lot more to experience in Maryland. Deep Creek Lake in Garrett County is famous as a ski destination, but in the summer, things really heat up. With 69 miles of coastline to explore, it’s great for swimming, fishing, paddling and boating. Lake Habeeb in Rocky Gap State Park is a rare double threat—you can get back to nature at the lakefront campground, or do it luxe style at Rocky Gap Casino with table games, a world-class spa and fantastic lake vistas. If you want to see some spectacular scenery, make the hike to majestic Cunningham Falls State Park. But pack your swim suit, Hunting Creek Lake is a great swimming spot for the family and an easy drive from Washington, D.C.
WET AND WILD WATERPARK FUN
What’s next? How about a lazy river or a looping waterslide? Six Flags America’s Hurricane Harbor is home to a million-gallon wave pool, mellow Buccaneer Beach and the thrilling Bonzai Pipelines, a series of massive six-story super-speed waterslides. In Ocean City, Jolly Roger’s Splash Mountain is one of the Travel Channel’s “Top Five Water Parks in the Country,” and it’s no wonder, this place is a tidal wave of fun. Ride the terrifying 360-degree Aqua Loop or the Master Blaster water coaster, and even meet the beautiful Splash Mountain Mermaids lounging around the Kiddie Pirate Ship. Broher Park in Gaithersburg also has an awesome waterpark featuring a massive 250-foot-long double slide. Chesapeake Beach Waterpark, with its cozy cabanas, slides and giant lazy river, is great family fun in Southern Maryland, and Frontier Town Water Park and Mini-Golf, not far from Assateague Island State Park and National Seashore in Berlin, puts an Old West spin on a summer favorite with cactus fountains, tube slides and even a covered wagon wading pool.
FISH ON!
No place on Earth can top Maryland’s fantastic range of fishing opportunities. In Ocean City and Assateague Island State Park and National Seashore, you can set up a beach chair and spend a pleasant evening surf casting for flounder, bluefish, stripers and drum. Hop on a head boat and drop a line over an inshore wreck. Or go all in on a fishing charter and head out to Baltimore Canyon where the ocean floor drops away to 1,500 feet and the big fish roam. There’s a reason Ocean City is the “White Marlin Capital of the World” and home to the annual White Marlin Open, the largest and most prestigious billfishing tournament in the world where top anglers vie for more than $5 million in prizes.
Rockfishing charters on the Chesapeake are a Maryland rite of passage. A good captain will put you on fish, and if you’ve never gone for rockfish (striped bass, if you’re not from around here), get ready for a heck of a fun fight! Oh, and did we mention they are delicious? Rockfish ceviche is a true Maryland delicacy. A new thrill that is catching on here in the Old Line State is bowfishing. The Potomac is a great spot for bowfishing for invasive snakehead and flathead catfish—two large, plentiful and delicious fish—and bowfishing is one of the most thrilling ways to get out on the water. If you’re not quite ready for that, find a nice pier or jetty and haul in some sunnies with the kids.
Further inland, fly fishing is a favorite. With so many swift, clean mountain rivers in Maryland, it’s not a surprise you’ll find fishing spots teeming with rainbow, cutthroat, brook, brown and golden trout. If you’re new to fishing, cut your teeth on some brookies and find a local guide to help you work up to those monster brown trout. They are wily, but we believe in you.
RENT A BOAT FOR THE DAY AND GO YOUR OWN WAY
There’s nothing like getting out on your own on the water, and we’ve got lots of different styles of boats to rent for whatever floats your boat. Renting a pontoon boat to cruise the Assawoman Bay in Ocean City is a family-fun favorite, or get jet skis to get some air over the waves. Take in the sights and sound of National Harbor via kayak or paddleboat. Annapolis, home of the U.S. Naval Academy, is the “Sailing Capital of the U.S.” and the perfect place to charter a sailboat. There’s no feeling in the world like the rush you get healed over a sailboat as the breeze brings the boat to life.
Deep Creek Lake is another boat rental favorite. You can rent by the day or even the week and pick between pontoon boats for fishing and floating, or even speedboats for water skiing. If you like things a bit quieter, try Baltimore Electric Boat Rental. Located in the hip Harbor East shopping and entertainment neighborhood, these classically styled, covered electric boats are an awesome way to explore the harbor. You can also set sail in a dragon boat or your own private pirate boat from the Inner Harbor. If you prefer to let a captain take the reins, sail on the beautiful schooner Woodwind in Annapolis.
GO WHITE-WATER WILD
When you think of Maryland waters, you might picture something peaceful and serene like the Chesapeake on a gentle spring morning, but don’t tell that to the thrilling Upper Youghiogheny, Savage, Potomac, Cheat and Big Sandy rivers. In fact, Garrett County is such a white-water mecca, the U.S. Olympic Team has trained here. Find a guide and dare rapids from Class II all the way up to towering Class V. Or for a unique adventure, try Adventure Sports Center International near Wisp Resort—it’s the world’s only mountaintop white-water course. This man-made marvel is the perfect place to learn canoeing, rafting and kayaking, but can also challenge the world’s best.
WHEN IT’S HOT, GET OLD-SCHOOL COOL AT A GENUINE SWIMMING HOLE
There’s certainly no better way to beat the summer heat than taking the plunge in a real swimming hole! Head to Harford County to the sublime Kilgore Falls and take a dip in its waterfall-fed pool. The water may be brisk, but the experience is even cooler! Or for the ultimate swimming hole experience, go to Beaver Dam Swim Club in Cockeysville. It’s an easy trip from Baltimore and is an absolute blast with its famous rope swing, leading out to a 30-acre freshwater quarry.
IT’S TUBING TIME
Grab some inflatable tubes, slip into your water shoes, pack a cooler or two and hike upriver for the float of a lifetime. Tubing is a much-loved Maryland tradition, and you’re sure to meet some friendly folk on the river as you drift the day away. The Gunpowder River in Monkton is a family-friendly favorite tubing spot with long, luxurious stretches of easy floating mixed with a few swift spots to spice up your day. There’s more great tubing on the Patapsco River through Patapsco Valley State Park. The Avalon, Glen Artney and Orange Grove Areas all offer prime spots to put in, and seeing the parks famous “Swinging Bridge” from underneath is always a hoot. Closer to D.C. and a stone’s throw from Harpers Ferry, you’ll find the spectacular Maryland Heights on the Potomac River. Consider a guide here, as the long stretches of swift but smooth water are checkered with the occasional Class II and III rapids. Turn your water-fueled outing into an overnight getaway. State parks, like Herrington Manor, offer water activities and cabin rentals for a fun family stay.
EXPLORE BLACKWATER, “THE EVERGLADES OF THE NORTH”
Rent a canoe or kayak from nearby Blackwater Adventures and explore the meandering waterways of the massive Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge. Known as “The Everglades of the North,” this massive, 28,000-acre refuge is at the heart of the Great Atlantic Flyway and is home to some of the most amazing birding in the world. Witness massive flocks of ducks and geese with more than 50,000 calling the Blackwater home. Seriously, just try and count the eagles. You’ll run out of fingers, toes and anything else you care to count on. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service maintains three marked water trails and even has interactive paddling maps for your phone.
HAVE YOU CONSIDERED PIRACY?
Maybe you’ve always thought about becoming a real live pirate, but were afraid to commit. No problem, take a day trip on a pirate ship and see if you’ve got any swash in your buckle. Pirate Adventures on the Chesapeake in Annapolis, Urban Pirates in Baltimore and the National Harbor, and The Duckaneer Pirate Ship in Ocean City guarantee they won’t make you walk the plank. Spend the day blasting bad guys with water cannons or the evening on an adults-only booze cruise. If the pirate’s life isn’t the life for you, you can always go back to your day job.
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On the Water
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