Maryland Official Visitors Guide - 2026 Maryland Official Visitors Guide
Matchless Maryland
2025-11-04 04:43:31
We don’t like to brag, but we will. Maryland is a multiverse with a flavor all its own. One day, you could be jamming out at a mountain music fest, while the next you’re cheering on Thoroughbreds. Take a look at just a handful of the attractions that make us so cool.
Preakness Stakes and Steeplechase Races, Baltimore and Laurel
Maryland’s love for horses is so hardcore that our state sport is jousting (minus the clunky armor). Get in on our horseplay as these sleek athletes pound the dirt at the Preakness Stakes, the middle jewel of the Triple Crown. Historically held at Baltimore’s Pimlico Race Course, the Preakness makes its 2026 home in Laurel Park — known for thrilling live Thoroughbred races courtesy of the Maryland Jockey Club — before returning to a rebuilt Pimlico in 2027. You can also catch riders leaping the timbers at My Lady’s Manor Steeplechase in Monkton and the Grand National Steeplechase in Butler, where tailgate traditions and deep-rooted pride reflect Maryland’s equestrian spirit.
MORE HORSING AROUND
MARS Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill, Elkton
Experience the unparalleled rush caused by thundering hooves, cheering crowds and flashes of brightly clad jockeys at one of only seven Concours Complet International 5* events in the world.
Horse Discovery Centers, Statewide
Forty-plus stables offer horse lovers of all ages opportunities to saddle up for therapeutic rides, jumping instruction and more.
Valley Meadow Farms Farmhouse Bed & Barn Stay, Hancock
Tucked near Bear Creek, this peaceful retreat offers riding trails, valley views and a quiet escape for both horses and riders.
Mallows Bay Ghost Fleet, Nanjemoy
In Nanjemoy, paddle through this watery boat graveyard of 100-plus ships — the Western Hemisphere’s largest shipwrecked fleet — to view WWI steamships from above. After the war ended, these vessels were brought into the shallow waters for salvaging and later abandoned. Their remains eerily surface at low tide — a compelling sight for all, but especially for those who love photography. Mallows Bay is now part of a national marine sanctuary for numerous species of birds and other animals. It’s also the traditional homeland of the Piscataway Conoy Tribe: Learn about their lives and culture, as well as the sanctuary’s fascinating ecosystem, during guided paddling tours, or stroll the shore to admire the area’s quiet beauty.
ADDITIONAL AQUATIC ADVENTURES
National Aquarium, Baltimore
Located in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, the aquarium’s outdoor Harbor Wetland exhibit features 32,000 native plants in a setting inspired by the brackish tidal marshes that once lined the Patapsco River.
Annapolis Maritime Museum & Park, Annapolis
A mix of interactive exhibits and educational cruises near Back Creek share stories of the capital city’s past and the ecology of the Chesapeake Bay.
Tilghman Watermen’s Museum, Tilghman
The museum displays island watermen’s stories, original paintings and prints, with exhibits that showcase tools and boat models.
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Walkersville Southern Railroad, Walkersville
Step aboard 1920s passenger cars or ride in open-air flatcars from which you can watch Maryland’s countryside unfold alongside the tracks. On clear days, you can even see the Catoctin Mountains rise in the distance. Regular excursions roll out on weekends from May through October and last just over an hour. During other parts of the year, holiday and themed rides, like the Easter and Santa trains, bring seasonal magic to select dates. Most run on weekends, though some events take place on weekdays. These rides often include gifts for children and photo-ready setups. For a twist, interactive mystery trains serve up suspense paired with meals and drinks, turning passengers into well-fed sleuths for the day. Planning a celebration? Charter a single car or the full train for up to 50 riders and turn your gathering into a one-of-a-kind ride. Onboard, spaces are lightly decorated to mark the occasion.
MORE TRACKS TO TRAINLOVING DESTINATIONS
Western Maryland Scenic Railroad, Cumberland
Look for special evening events like rides through the Allegheny Mountains with a romantic dinner for two, or sunset trips accompanied by acoustic music as the surrounding landscape glows in the fading light.
B&O Railroad Museum, Baltimore
With hands-on exhibits and a ride on America’s first commercial rail line, this museum offers a deep dive into the nation’s railroading history.
Chesapeake Beach Railway Museum, Chesapeake Beach
As the original station of the Chesapeake Beach Railway, this historical site embodies the railroad’s impact on the region.
More on pages 40 and 44
Waterfowl Festival, Easton
Join locals for this three-day festival celebrating waterfowl, nature, art and culture. Indulge in delicious Eastern Shore fare like oyster stew, listen to live street music and catch entertaining events like goose- and duck-calling contests — and yes, a world champion is named. Shop works from renowned painters, sculptors, carvers and photographers. Family-friendly fun includes art activities, the Chesapeake Mermaid sharing tales from the Bay and the Phillips Wharf Fishmobile displaying creatures like turtles and flounder. Proceeds support wildlife conservation and research, so your good time helps protect the region’s natural habitats. The festival unfolds throughout Easton’s charming, heritage-rich downtown, with streets and storefronts that join the celebration. Stick around and discover more of what Easton’s all about by staying in one of the area’s inviting inns that let you enjoy the town like those who live there.
MORE TO FLAP ABOUT
Havre de Grace Decoy Museum, Havre de Grace
Near the Susquehanna River, this museum presents Chesapeake Bay decoys once used to lure birds during hunting expeditions and now seen as art; it also highlights the region’s carving and waterfowling history.
Cranesville Swamp, Oakland
Start your search for feathered sightings near Deep Creek Lake at this Ice Age-formed wetland, with forested trails leading to wood ducks, songbirds and rare bog plants.
Ward World Championship Wildfowl Carving Competition and Art Festival, Ocean City
At the world’s largest bird-carving competition, artists from around the world present more than 1,200 wildfowl works, ranging from hunting decoys to decorative pieces.
DelFest, Cumberland
Set near the North Branch of the Potomac River, four days of festivities celebrate bluegrass legend Del McCoury and promise a toe-tapping good time. Along with world-class musicians, expect late-night jam sessions, yoga, kid zones, food and handmade arts. Little ones can jump into a virtual scavenger hunt, crafting, gardening and more in the youth area. Festivalgoers can also shop a colorful array of handcrafted clothing and artisan goods from around the world. If you’ve been known to make a fiddle wail or a banjo sing, check out the DelFest Academy for instruction from The Travelin’ McCourys and other greats. Multiday passes include on-site camping, and nearby lodgings ranging from modern hotels to cozy inns to recharge between days of excitement.
ALSO WORTH STANDING OVATIONS
Annapolis Songwriters Festival, Annapolis
This four-day event has featured artists such as Lee Brice, Blondie and LeAnn Rimes performing in intimate theater settings.
Oceans Calling Festival, Ocean City
Set along the Atlantic, the Ocean City Boardwalk anchors a weekend of more than 40 performances across three stages, with a lineup that has included artists like Green Day and Nelly, plus exclusive hotel deals.
Potomac Jazz & Seafood Festival, Leonardtown & St. Clement’s
Savor fresh dock-to-table seafood, sway to live jazz and take in views of the Potomac River — whether you’re lounging on the lawn, joining in activities or setting sail on a ticketed jazz cruise.
More on p. 14
Scan for more horse heritage, watery wonders, railroad rides, bird-watching stops and music fests.
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