There are so many underrated attractions in Maryland, it can be difficult to narrow down where to go first. These 11 spots don’t disappoint and they have something for everyone, whether you’re into history or nature. Here are some of the coolest attractions in Maryland that not enough people visit. Show them some love!
- Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge
Flickr / scott1346 Experience wetland views as far as the eye can see, as well migratory birds, sometimes in the thousands. This spot is perfect to bring your kayak or canoe.
Address: 2185 T Wallace Drive, Route 1, Cambridge, MD 21613
- Monocacy Battlefield
Flickr / Forsaken Fotos While Antietam Battlefield tends to be the most well known battlefield in Maryland, Monocacy is just as beautiful. There are historic farmhouses and barns throughout the area, as well as scenic hiking trails. Spend a day here among history.
Address: 5201 Urbana Pike, Frederick, MD 21704
- Historic St. Mary’s City
Facebook / Historic St. Mary’s City Maryland’s first colonial settlement can be explored today. Check out this spot for reenactments, old farming techniques, and even see the antique ships test out their cannons. This spot is perfect for families.
Address: 18751 Hogaboom Lane, Saint Mary’s City, MD 20686
- Mallows Bay
Flickr / F Delventhal Defunct ships from World War I rest at the bottom of this bay. Today, you can kayak over the ruins, making for a unique experience. What a cool adventure!
Address: 1440 Wilson Landing Rd Nanjemoy, MD 20662
- Oldtown
Flickr / Jasperdo This historic town is nestled next to the C & O Canal. Spend a day walking among the charming scenery, complete with rustic bridges and old homes.
- Spocott Windmill
TripAdvisor / TryppAdams Take a self-guided tour among the grounds at this historic farm, compete with a one room schoolhouse and this unusual windmill. This place looks like it belongs in another country, but it’s right here in Maryland, just waiting to be explored.
Address: Rte 343, Cambridge, MD 21613
- Plumpton Park Zoo
Facebook / Plumpton Park Zoo This underrated zoo is a hidden gem. Come see bears, tigers, monkeys and more. The animals are very well cared for, and it shows.
Address: 1416 Telegraph Rd, Rising Sun, MD 21911
- St. Clement’s Island
Flickr / worldislandinfo.com Maryland’s first colonists landed here in 1634 and today you can check out this spot for yourself. It’s only reachable to by boat, or there’s also a ferry that will take you here from Colton’s Point. This is a must-see at least once.
Address: Coltons Point, MD 20626
- Washington Monument State Park
Flickr / Jimmy Emerson, DVM When most think of the Washington Monument, the famous structure in Washington DC comes to mind. However, there’s also this spot in Boonsboro that was built before that. You can even step inside and climb the stairs to the top. The view down below is pretty amazing.
Address: 6620 Zittlestown Rd, Middletown, MD 21769
- Ladew Topiary Gardens
Flickr / Amaury Laporte When the weather is warm, head to Ladew Topiary Gardens. See whimsical plants trimmed into fairy tale shapes, perfect for taking photos. This makes for a unique day trip, indeed.
Address: 3535 Jarrettsville Pike, Monkton, MD 21111
- Flag Ponds Nature Park
TripAdvisor / JSinDC Hunt for fossils at this unique nature preserve or simply head here on a summer day to soak up the sun and the sights. The shallow ponds are perfect for children to safely splash around.
Address: 1525 Flag Pond Parkway, Lusby, MD 20657
What do you consider the most underrated, yet coolest attractions in Maryland? Feel free to share below.
Flickr / scott1346
Experience wetland views as far as the eye can see, as well migratory birds, sometimes in the thousands. This spot is perfect to bring your kayak or canoe.
Address: 2185 T Wallace Drive, Route 1, Cambridge, MD 21613
Flickr / Forsaken Fotos
While Antietam Battlefield tends to be the most well known battlefield in Maryland, Monocacy is just as beautiful. There are historic farmhouses and barns throughout the area, as well as scenic hiking trails. Spend a day here among history.
Address: 5201 Urbana Pike, Frederick, MD 21704
Facebook / Historic St. Mary’s City
Maryland’s first colonial settlement can be explored today. Check out this spot for reenactments, old farming techniques, and even see the antique ships test out their cannons. This spot is perfect for families.
Address: 18751 Hogaboom Lane, Saint Mary’s City, MD 20686
Flickr / F Delventhal
Defunct ships from World War I rest at the bottom of this bay. Today, you can kayak over the ruins, making for a unique experience. What a cool adventure!
Address: 1440 Wilson Landing Rd Nanjemoy, MD 20662
Flickr / Jasperdo
This historic town is nestled next to the C & O Canal. Spend a day walking among the charming scenery, complete with rustic bridges and old homes.
TripAdvisor / TryppAdams
Take a self-guided tour among the grounds at this historic farm, compete with a one room schoolhouse and this unusual windmill. This place looks like it belongs in another country, but it’s right here in Maryland, just waiting to be explored.
Address: Rte 343, Cambridge, MD 21613
Facebook / Plumpton Park Zoo
This underrated zoo is a hidden gem. Come see bears, tigers, monkeys and more. The animals are very well cared for, and it shows.
Address: 1416 Telegraph Rd, Rising Sun, MD 21911
Flickr / worldislandinfo.com
Maryland’s first colonists landed here in 1634 and today you can check out this spot for yourself. It’s only reachable to by boat, or there’s also a ferry that will take you here from Colton’s Point. This is a must-see at least once.
Address: Coltons Point, MD 20626
Flickr / Jimmy Emerson, DVM
When most think of the Washington Monument, the famous structure in Washington DC comes to mind. However, there’s also this spot in Boonsboro that was built before that. You can even step inside and climb the stairs to the top. The view down below is pretty amazing.
Address: 6620 Zittlestown Rd, Middletown, MD 21769
Flickr / Amaury Laporte
When the weather is warm, head to Ladew Topiary Gardens. See whimsical plants trimmed into fairy tale shapes, perfect for taking photos. This makes for a unique day trip, indeed.
Address: 3535 Jarrettsville Pike, Monkton, MD 21111
TripAdvisor / JSinDC
Hunt for fossils at this unique nature preserve or simply head here on a summer day to soak up the sun and the sights. The shallow ponds are perfect for children to safely splash around.
Address: 1525 Flag Pond Parkway, Lusby, MD 20657
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