Things To Do and See In Central Maryland

If you crave fabulous things to do in central Maryland, look no further. Home to Maryland’s biggest cities, small towns with wide-open green spaces, sailing routes that go straight into the harbor and uncompromising style amplified in memorable local cuisines and bay culture, the Central Region of Maryland is simply an amazing destination! 

If you are looking for things to do in Maryland, check out these top ideas to make your visit a memorable one.

Sail into the Sunset in Annapolis

Whether you simply want a fun cruise or are craving a romantic sunset sail, you can find it all here. Take a day’s charter cruise on a classic sailing yacht like the Schooner Woodwind, departing daily from the Annapolis docks and you’ll be in for a memorable day.

Eat Crab Like a Local

You’ve had steamed crabs, crab cakes, but crab fluff? It’s a crab cake dipped in rich batter and deep fried. Or try fried hard crab—steamed, then stuffed with Crab Imperial and fried golden brown.

According to Visit Maryland, spots like Kahler’s Crab House in Rosedale, Cantler’s Riverside Inn in Annapolis, Faidley Seafood in Baltimore, Mr. Bill’s Terrace Inn in Dundalk and Captain Dan’s Crabhouse in Eldersburg serve crab the traditional Maryland way and are worth checking out.

Wine Along the Trails and Vineyards

I love a good wine tour. With a mild climate, rich piedmont soil and a varying topography that makes a rich diversity of styles possible, it’s no wonder five Maryland Wine Trails cross this region.

Take the Carroll Wine Trail through Carroll County or travel the Piedmont Trail with eight wineries in the region. Spring, summer, and fall weekends mean concerts and gatherings at idyllic local vineyards and exceptional tastings year-round.

Visit the U.S. Naval Academy

A great place to take the kids, or simply enjoy a day full of history for yourself. Take a walking tour on the historic grounds of the United States Naval Academy, where the next generation of Navy leaders are made.

Visiting the beautiful crypt of John Paul Jones, father of the American Navy, is a transformative experience.

Oh Say, Have You Seen the Ramparts at Fort McHenry?

Another great stop for a history buff, Fort McHenry is open to visitors daily. Fort McHenry is built on a beautiful peninsula at the head of Baltimore Harbor, located at 2400 E Fort Ave, Baltimore, MD it’s an easy drive from anywhere in the Baltimore or D.C. area.

Hours are daily, 9am-5pm; Summer: 9am-6pm; closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years Day.

Fort McHenry and its brave defenders saved the city during the War of 1812 and gave America its National Anthem. The fort’s flag inspired Francis Scott Key to pen “The Star-Spangled Banner,” and the 15 brilliant stars of its enormous flag continue to inspire to this day. 

For Rail Riding Fun, Choo-Choo-Choose to Visit the B&O Railroad Museum

My kids love trains and the B&O railroad museum lets you touch—and even ride—the amazing collection of historical iron at this one-of-a-kind museum.

For kids, the rides, games and occasional visits from Thomas make this museum a must. Plus, how often do you get to visit a site from the Monopoly board? 

Fully Experience Baltimore Arts

I’ve been trying to get my kids into art appreciation and experience different styles and techniques when it comes to art. The art scene in Baltimore is a great way to experience so many great artists and works.

The Baltimore Museum of Art hosts a phenomenal display of 19th-century and contemporary art, including the world’s largest collection of works by Matisse, while Walters Art Museum holds works from different ages and places across the globe. The American Visionary Art Museum only adds flavor to the mix with an unusual, imaginative and eclectic side to its galleries. 

Encounter African-American Roots

Explore an extensive collection at the African Art Museum of Maryland in Fulton. Come face to face with American heroes like Frederick Douglass and Harriet Tubman at the National Great Blacks in Wax Museum and discover the breadth of the African-American experience at the Reginald F. Lewis Museum and the Maryland Historical Society in Baltimore. Or get in touch with history at the Howard County Center of African American Culture and The Benjamin Banneker Historical Park and Museum in Oella.

Fly High & Dive Deep at the Aquarium

Aquariums are always a big hit with my kids, and I could sit and stare at swimming fish all day long — it’s so relaxing!

Everyone must see the National Aquarium, with its soaring glass pyramids rising above the harbor like shark fins.

Try a “Fly & Dive Package” by Charm City Helicopters for an unforgettable journey that combines an aerial tour of Baltimore with a rare chance to scuba dive with sharks, rays and more in the aquarium’s 335,000-gallon Atlantic Coral Reef tank. 

America’s Oldest Sport The U.S.

In Wisconsin, where I’m from, I know all about Lacrosse — I live near a city named after the sport, after all!

The National Lacrosse Hall of Fame and Museum in Baltimore County tells the story of lacrosse, America’s oldest sport, and honors notable men and women for their contributions.

Follow along with a field and exhibits that recollect the history of this popular pastime originating with the Native Americans.

A Kid’s Day at the Museum

No trip is complete without taking the kids for a visit to a fantastic museum.

Baltimore offers a world of scientific exploration for kids at Port Discovery Children’s Museum with multiple floors of adventurous hands-on activities, while the Maryland Science Center hosts ten full-sized dinosaurs for aspiring paleontologists.

Kids also love the interactive exhibits and old antiques and relics of firefighting past at the Fire Museum in the Lutherville,  the third-largest of its kind in the world.

MaxxDrive Auto, located in Glen Burnie, MD, helped with these fantastic ideas for things to do in Central Maryland.