Top 12 Family Vacation Ideas In Maryland

Every year, Maryland attracts more families who want to enjoy blue crabs, historic sites, outdoor activities year-round and diverse landscapes.

Dubbed “America in Miniature,” Maryland gives visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in the ecosystem of not only the Atlantic Ocean and rocky Appalachian Mountains but the Chesapeake Bay marshes and sizable acres of farmland as well.

Many Maryland attractions for families satisfy even the most curious wanderers. It’s easy to stay engaged in all the birthplace of "The Star-Spangled Banner" has to offer with a thrilling combination of making memories outdoors, often along the coast, digging through historical sites and hitting the city pavement for a versatile trip.

Continue reading for a list of the top family vacation spots in Maryland.

Best Vacation Spots In Maryland For Families

No matter the time of year, people take family vacations in Maryland. There’s something for everybody, whether they want to enjoy extended summer days, cozy fall scenes, winter sports or spring merriment.

Let's break them down by coastal spots, historical sites, outdoor activities and towns.

Best Maryland Coastal Spots

1. North Beach

North Beach is a part of the “Twin Beaches” area with Chesapeake Beach. Stroll along the half-mile-long boardwalk for great views of Chesapeake Bay, unplug and let yourself embrace a slower pace in a quaint town. 

The town is community-oriented, making the beach perfect for families who want to get in some swimming or other water sports. Attend an event and check out one of the museums to add some variety to your trip. 

Note that there is a fee to enter the beach for non-residents and a fee if you’d like to fish off of the pier.

● Distance from Baltimore Cruise Port: ~50 miles (about 1 hour by car). 

● Ages: All. 

2. Calvert Cliffs State Park

Mix your time in the sand with a riveting quest to find fossils at Calvert Cliffs State Park. 

Hike along the 1.8-mile-long Red Trail to the beach. There, you can collect shark teeth and other marine fossils. 

The park also has 24 miles of fantastic, ancient cliffs along the coast made of layered clay and sediment.

● Distance from Baltimore Cruise Port: ~75 miles (about 2 hours by car). 

● Ages: All. 

 3. Assateague Island National Seashore

Only a few places on the East Coast have wild horses, and Assateague Island National Seashore is one of them. 

Beachgoers flock to this 37-mile barrier island to see herds of wild horses that have roamed the land for hundreds of years. 

The island is also a birding paradise with over 300 species of birds and other wildlife.

You can also beachcomb for shells or sea glass and take home a souvenir of your time spent on the island.

● Distance from Baltimore Crusie Port: ~150 miles (about 3 hours by car).

● Ages: All. 

Best Maryland Historical Sites

 4. Fort McHenry

Participate in various educational activities at the home of “The Star-Spangled Banner.” 

Fort McHenry served as an inspiration to Francis Scott Key when he wrote what would become the national anthem of the United States. 

Now, Fort McHenry is the only park in the country to be both a National Monument and a Historic Shrine.  

● Distance from Baltimore Cruise Port: ~1.5 miles (about 10 minutes by car).

● Ages: All.

5. Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum

The Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum is a delight for those interested in sailing and the sea, with various exhibits and hands-on activities. 

At the museum, you can visit a working shipyard and see historic boats and a collection of different kinds of vessels. 

Then get an idea of what lighthouse life is like inside the Hooper Strait Lighthouse, built in 1879.

● Distance from Baltimore Cruise Port: ~80 miles(about 1.5 hours by car).

● Ages: All.

6. Historic St. Mary's City

English settlers arrived in 1634 and made Historic St. Mary's City the first permanent British settlement. It was also the first colonial capital in Maryland. 

Roam through the reconstructed colonial village, see a replica ship and learn more about the history of the indigenous Yaocomaco people, who were artisans and gifted ceramicists. 

● Distance from Baltimore Cruise Port: ~100 miles(about 2 hours by car).

● Ages: All.

Best Maryland Outdoor Activities

7. Hike In Swallow Falls State Park

Spot rushing waterfalls along the Youghiogheny River and exhilarating views at Swallow Falls State Park.

Hikers enjoy mature hemlock forests, with some trees being over 360 years old. Add on a picnic, camping or fishing for a well-rounded visit.

● Distance from Baltimore Cruise Port: ~190 miles (about  3 hr 15 minutes by car).

● Ages: All.

8. Camp at Elk Neck State Park

You can camp your way at Elk Neck State Park. The park caters to all kinds of campers, from wild and traditional tent campers to on-site cabins. 

As you’re getting to know the area, you’ll want to head to the Turkey Point Lighthouse for wonderful views of the Chesapeake Bay. 

You can also hike, fish and swim near the campgrounds.

● Distance from Baltimore Cruise Port: ~60 miles (about 1hr 15 minutes by car).

● Ages: All.

9. Partake In Water Sports At Gunpowder Falls State Park

If it involves water, chances are you can do it at Gunpowder Falls State Park. Here are a few water recreations you can get into:

● Swim.

● Stand-up paddleboard.

● Fish.

● Kayak or canoe.

● Sail

● Windsurf.

At 18,000 acres, the park is one of the largest in Maryland and has over 100 miles of trails good for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding.

● Distance from Baltimore Cruise Port: ~21 miles (about 35 minutes by car).

● Ages: All.

Best Maryland Towns for Families

 10. Baltimore

 11. Ocean City

 12. Annapolis

Plan Your Lively Maryland Family Vacation