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What's there not to like about Maryland? Picturesque mountain views, pristine sandy shorelines, captivating history, sumptuous seafood...the list of touristy delights goes on and on. The Old Line State harbors beautiful destinations curated for a laid-back weekend getaway. Beyond the bustle of big cities like Baltimore, several little backcountry locations promise an unforgettable experience.

From picturesque coastal communities to historic riverfront villages and hidden mountain enclaves, each offers an insightful respite highlighting rural allure. If you plan a tour of the East Coast in 2024, these ideal Maryland destinations deserve a spot on your itinerary. Whether you are a history lover, culture vulture, culinary connoisseur, or outdoor explorer, you can look forward to a full plate of fun activities in these charming locales.

St. Michaels

It doesn't take much to fall in love with St. Michaels! This Eastern Shore gem along the Chesapeake Bay has all the charms, from an easygoing atmosphere to stunning beaches and unique maritime heritage. This former shipbuilding and crabbing hub harbors a colorful history that comes to life in the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum. While this quaint facility focuses on the town's nautical heritage, St. Michaels Museum takes a broader view of the local history by exhibiting artifacts about its shipbuilding, seafood processing, and other major events in St. Michales' past.

Given its picturesque waterfront location, St. Michaels provides exciting opportunities to get on the open sea and experience the natural scenery from the water. Patriot Cruises is among the top local tour operators that offer easygoing narrated cruises along the Chesapeake Bay. The town's reputation as a regional seafood mecca means tourists can sample delicious Southern-style cuisine at trendy local eateries like Foxy's Harbor Grille.

Solomons Island

This adorable island destination on the confluence of the Patuxent River and the Chesapeake Bay presents the perfect escape from the chaotic scenery in neighboring Baltimore and Washington. Solomon's tiny population ensures small-town charm and plenty of room exists to explore its beautiful nature. One of the best experiences in discovering the town involves booking a tour with local outfitters like Half Shell Adventures for relaxed sightseeing boat cruises. Tourists curious about Solomon's maritime heritage will find informative archives at the Calvert Marine Museum. Not too far away, the postcard-worthy Drum Point Lighthouse is a stark reminder of the region's seafaring over the years.

Solomon has a decent arts community with several galleries offering a taste of island culture. You can tour the Annmarie Sculpture Garden & Arts Center to discover intimate pieces across a lovely property. Meanwhile, Carmen's Gallery is another notable art center that has been a local mainstay for over four decades.

Ocean City

Nothing beats a weekend escape on the pristine shoreline of the Atlantic Ocean, especially when the crowds are thin, and you have more room to yourself. This is precisely the scene in Ocean City, which offers miles of beach and family-friendly opportunities. Ocean City Boardwalk is one of the top tourist spots in the town, providing a historic wooden promenade with breathtaking water vistas. The boardwalk overlooks Ocean City Beach, where tourists can relax on sandy shores to sunbathe or dip in the toasty Atlantic waters.

Ocean City is known for its family fun centers, including the Jolly Roger Amusement Park. Here, guests can enjoy wholesome entertainment for all ages, ranging from waterslides and rollercoasters to miniature train rides. Finally, artsy tourists can get a feel for coastal art at the Art League of Ocean City.

Crisfield

This charming community of watermen in Somerset County is famous for its Chesapeake Bay views and storied seafood heritage. Crisfield has picturesque coastal scenery with exciting opportunities to venture into open water courtesy of tour agencies like Tangier Island Cruises. These are accessible at Somers Cove Marina, the local fishing, boating, and sailing hub. Crisfield's colorful history can be uncovered at the Crisfield Heritage Foundation. This quaint venue exhibits various artifacts focusing on Crisfield's seafood, maritime, and cultural history.

Speaking of culture, guests can look forward to an immersive cultural experience at Crisfield's Arts and Entertainment District. This lively community of artists, musicians, crafters, and other creatives charms with an infectious atmosphere, inviting good-nature social interactions and experiences.

Chesapeake City

This quiet shoreline village on the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal places you in the perfect position to watch ships passing through the Chesapeake. However, watching is only part of what you will be doing in Chesapeake City; there are numerous opportunities to be part of the fun. The Chesapeake Water Tours provides remarkable boating adventures that let you discover the town's beauty from the water. Vacationers can also explore local maritime heritage at the C&D Canal Museum. Interactive exhibits inside document the history of the canal linking the Chesapeake and Delaware Bays.

The Chesapeake City Bridge is a must-see for sightseers. This landmark structure serves as a vantage point from which to view boats and other sea vessels passing under it. Finally, before leaving the town, plan to sample delicious Chesapeake Bay cuisine at the Chesapeake Inn Restaurant & Marina.

Cumberland

Small-town ambiance, artsy vibes, and scenic nature blend seamlessly into one of the ideal Maryland destinations for a long weekend. This hidden gem in the foothills of the Allegheny Mountains exposes visitors to the beauty of the state's backcountry. Tourists will fancy an easygoing ride on the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad to enjoy front-seat panoramas of the Allegheny Mountain peaks. Cumberland has a storied past that you can uncover at the Allegany Museum, which houses two floors of neo-classical artifacts documenting local history.

Downtown Cumberland is a vibrant corridor with a delightful mix of attractions, some of which reveal a rich craft brewery scene. The 1812 Brewery has produced tasty local brews since the 19th century and welcomes newcomers to sample some of its award-winning creations. Also, remember to check out local arts at the Allegany Arts Council.

Mount Airy

Mount Airy is an excellent destination if you are looking for a rural escape from the urban turmoil of Baltimore or Washington, D.C. This cute community in Frederick and Carroll Counties is famous for its bustling craft brewery and winery scene and pleasant nature spots. Those who fancy a taste can visit Liquidity Aleworks for great-tasting beer or Linganore Winecellars for remarkable wine tastings. Thanks to outdoor spaces like Watkins Park, Mt. Airy has various outdoor opportunities.

This lovely park offers peaceful nature trails and recreation amenities like a playground and ball fields. Finally, vacationers can enjoy a unique trip down memory lane at the W.R. Rudy's Country Store & Drugstore Museum, whose legacy dates back to the late 19th century.

A long weekend getaway in any of the discussed ideal Maryland destinations is an opportunity to discover the charm lurking on the fringes of the state. These rural locales provide the perfect quick escape for travelers in 2024 seeking natural beauty, history, and hospitality far from large urban areas. Whether meandering through quaint downtowns, hiking scenic vistas, or sampling seafood along the coast, each destination presents a unique taste of local culture. A brief stay promises relaxation surrounded by the authentic heart of the Old Line State beyond the bustle of cities.