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43 million people anywhere is a huge number, and that’s the number of travelers flocking to a state that no one ever seems to talk about.
It’s no secret that Florida is the best beach vacation destination in America, while Tennessee is number one when it comes to enjoying the outdoors with the most visited National Park.
But one state combines beaches, beautiful parks, beautiful towns, and an often overlooked city that we all know by name.
The diverse state of Maryland deserves more credit than it gets, especially with more than 40 million tourists in 2023.
Here are 5 reasons why more than 40 million tourists visit this underrated US state:
From mountains to waterfalls, discover Maryland’s wild side
With such a large number of tourists crossing Maryland’s borders, there are bound to be a variety of things to do and see that will suit travelers’ diverse interests.
One of the most attractive aspects of Maryland is its geography, which gives visitors plenty of opportunities to get outdoors and take in great sights, sounds, and fresh air.
Deep Creek Lake and Swallow Falls State Park are 2 of the most popular places to immerse yourself in nature with fun activities on both water and land, like a classic Surf n’ Turf slab.
And don’t worry: we’ll get to Maryland’s food scene later.
Popular year-round, Deep Creek is ideal for skiing in the winter and a quintessential lake getaway in the spring and summer.
You can’t miss the tallest free-falling waterfall in Maryland.
On the other hand, Swallow Falls State Park is perfect for hiking, camping, and swimming with scenic waterfalls as your backdrop.
Beach Bliss & Boardwalks: Discover the Maryland coast
Maryland’s beaches can be overcrowded, yet somehow this state doesn’t come to mind when we’re busy making vacation plans.
Florida, California and many other coastal destinations come to mind, but Ocean City rivals many top beach destinations.
Nestled between the Delaware and Virginia borders lies one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline in the United States, including Ocean City and the more isolated (and top-rated) Assateague Island managed by the National Park Service.
For those who don’t like crowds, the beach town of Ocean City is the place to be, with an action-packed boardwalk, fun water activities and beautiful beaches.
Historic charm meets nautical spirit: Annapolis awaits
Named one of America’s Most Beautiful Cities by Conde Nast and Forbes, Annapolis is a must on your Maryland itinerary.
Maryland’s capital is not only a head turner at every turn, but it’s also packed with history and nautical escapades.
They say that “all roads lead to water” in Annapolis, and as home to the US Naval Academy, it’s only fitting to set sail with a boat rental or at least watch the Wednesday Night Sailboat Races.
Walking through the center, tourists will be captivated by the 17th century architecture, while enjoying the benefits of modern amenities, visiting charming cafes, historical museums and perhaps staying in one of the many cozy Bed & Breakfasts .
Baltimore’s surprising delights: Beyond the headlines
We all know Baltimore, but it’s one of those misunderstood cities with an unpalatable reputation as a crime-ridden danger zone.
Yes, there are certainly neighborhoods to avoid in Baltimore, but is there a major city where this isn’t the case?
Baltimore may not be at the top of the “Average Joe” traveler’s wish list, but that doesn’t mean it’s not worth visiting, because it wasn’t nicknamed “Charm City” for nothing, right?
Despite what you may have heard, downtown Baltimore is very beautiful and perfect for a sunset cruise after dinner at a trendy restaurant.
The center is easily accessible on foot and is filled with museums and one of its most popular attractions: the National Aquarium with more than 17,000 species of marine life.
Crab Feasts and Chesapeake Bay: Maryland’s Taste Adventure
The Chesapeake Bay has attracted visitors for centuries and is still relevant today. The beautiful water is the largest estuary in the world, teeming with wildlife, including some you’ll find on menus all over the state.
In Maryland, crabs aren’t just a menu item, they’re a way of life.
Chesapeake blue crabs alone make Maryland a highly underrated foodie destination, especially when you consider that cities like Baltimore are more cultural than festive neighborhoods like Little Italy give them credit for.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, and not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.
