Maryland

Maryland is one of the most geographically diverse states in the nation despite its compact size. Stretching from the Atlantic Ocean barrier islands on the east to the Appalachian ridges and highlands of Garrett County in the west, the state encompasses multiple distinct physiographic regions. Bordering Pennsylvania to the north, Virginia and West Virginia to the south and west, and Delaware to the east, Maryland sits at the crossroads of the Mid-Atlantic region and serves as a natural gateway between the Northeast and the South.

The defining geographic feature of Maryland is the Chesapeake Bay, the largest estuary in the United States, which separates the Eastern Shore from the mainland. The bay shapes the culture, economy, and outdoor recreation of the entire region, offering world-class fishing, sailing, kayaking, and wildlife watching. Blue crabs, osprey, and migratory waterfowl are among the bay’s most celebrated residents, and dozens of state parks and public lands line its shores.

On the Atlantic coast, Assateague Island National Seashore stretches across the Maryland and Virginia border as a pristine barrier island famous for its wild ponies, undeveloped beaches, and diverse coastal ecosystems. The Eastern Shore beyond Assateague is a mosaic of farmland, marshes, and small waterfront towns that draw visitors seeking a quieter, slower-paced experience. Western Maryland, by contrast, offers an entirely different character, with Garrett County’s deep forests, whitewater rivers, and Deep Creek Lake providing a four-season mountain retreat.

Maryland’s major travel regions include the Eastern Shore, Southern Maryland, Central Maryland anchored by Baltimore and Annapolis, the Capital Region near Washington D.C., and Western Maryland. The state is home to 18 National Park Service units, including Antietam National Battlefield, the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park, and Catoctin Mountain Park. With 54 state parks, 19 scenic byways, and 2,487 miles of designated scenic routes, outdoor recreation options are rich and varied throughout the year.

The best times to visit Maryland are late spring and early fall, when temperatures are mild, wildflowers and foliage are at their peak, and crowds at popular destinations are manageable. Summer is ideal for beach and bay activities along the Atlantic coast and Chesapeake shores. Fall draws hikers and leaf-peepers to the Appalachian ridges of Western Maryland, while mild winters allow year-round access to many lowland and coastal parks.

Featured State Parks in Maryland

See all Maryland state parks →