Central Maryland Region
Eight remarkable counties make up this region of Maryland, offering endless opportunities to enjoy our beautiful state. It is a timeless region, mixing the joys of land and water, which has drawn visitors since the 1600s. This is an area where you can tour lighthouses and stately homes on your way to visit the capital of our State or our Country (which was built on land donated by Maryland). The rolling hills of horse country ebb and flow until they lead you to the shores of the Chesapeake Bay and beyond. Nowhere else in Maryland can you experience the excitement of big city life so closely entwined with the magic of country charm. Hike, bike, picnic, visit a museum by day, and see world-class sports by night. Follow heritage trails, museum guides, or sit back and watch the world go by.
Select a Central Maryland County to Explore
Anne Arundel County
Annapolis, the U.S. Naval Academy, and so much more!
Capital city.
Maryland’s capital city greets you with open arms and a host of possibilities. A ‘museum without walls’, Annapolis is a lively, upbeat, contemporary city where four centuries of architecture embrace 21st-century living. Here all roads lead to the water and a nautical heritage intrinsically linked to the Chesapeake Bay.
Seafood.
If you’re craving great seafood, Annapolis and Anne Arundel County have you covered. From fine dining restaurants with award-winning coastal cuisine and full-fledged raw bars, to waterfront crab houses and fresh seafood markets offering Maryland’s famous blue crabs and rockfish, there’s a multitude of diverse dining destinations where you can enjoy the fresh-caught bounty of the Chesapeake Bay. And wherever you go, don’t forget to taste something with Old Bay!
Parks & gardens.
The parks and gardens sprinkled through Annapolis and the Chesapeake Bay are an enormous source of pride to Anne Arundel County. Many of our parks allow you to launch a boat in the summer. One lets you glide around on ice skates in the winter. In some, you can fish off a pier or laze in the sun on a sandy beach. Many welcome, and even cater to, dogs.
Hiking & trails.
Get outdoors and enjoy Anne Arundel County’s over 87 miles of trail. Explore by foot, by bike or even rollerblade. Many of our trails eventually connect to an even broader, national networks of trails. So, there’s plenty of terrain to cover!
Concerts & live music.
If your idea of a night out involves great live music, Annapolis & Anne Arundel County has what you’re looking for. From nationally-recognized names to the many local musicians performing around town on a nightly basis, our small town offers a thriving music scene. Catch a national or local act every single night at Rams Head On Stage or one of the area’s talented local performers at one of our town’s smaller establishments. With every stop such a short walk away from one another, it’s easy to find a show that speaks to you.
This is Anne Arundel County … lively, upbeat, contemporary.
Baltimore County
Local flavor, festive nature, sense
of adventure.
Play.
Located in the heart of Maryland,
Baltimore County is a vibrant, diverse community that truly
offers something for everyone. Home to historic
neighborhoods, 21,000 equine-related acres, over 200 miles
of beautiful waterfront along the tributaries of the
Chesapeake Bay, and six family-owned wineries along the
Piedmont Trail, and six local craft breweries – Baltimore
County is waiting to be explored!
Eat.
Indulge your palate at one of the many
Baltimore County restaurants, cafes, bistros, and diners -
many family-owned and featuring local flavor and great
customer service. From waterfront restaurants and crab
houses to fine dining restaurants and classic American
diners, you’ll find something to fit every taste and budget.
Enjoy and explore.
The events in Baltimore
County are nearly endless. They include arts & culture,
dance, fairs & festivals, film, history, music, sports,
theater, multi-cultural events, and events set in nature and
the outdoors. Most are family-friendly, and some are even
free!
Calvert County
There is so much to see and do in Calvert County, it can be hard knowing where to start.
North county.
Nestled on the Chesapeake Bay’s western shore, the neighboring towns of North Beach and Chesapeake Beach epitomize the “land of pleasant living.” There is a seven-block waterfront in North Beach offering a public fishing pier, boardwalk and bike path. At the Bayside History Museum, learn about the bayside communities through vintage signs, restaurant menus and objects found along the shoreline. Take a leisurely stroll down the boardwalk, browse gift shops, art galleries and antiques.
South county.
Where the Patuxent River meets the Chesapeake Bay, you will find Solomons Island, a place of uncommon charm and unspoiled beauty. Visit the Calvert Marine Museum or Chesapeake Biological Lab Visitor Center to trace the rich maritime history and diversity of the Chesapeake Bay. Climb through the hatch at Drum Point Lighthouse or check out Cove Point Lighthouse, the oldest continuously working lighthouse on the Chesapeake Bay.
Outdoor fun.
The towering cliffs of the Chesapeake Bay at Calvert Cliffs State Park are etched with imprints of creatures from many eons ago when this area was covered by an ancient sea. Find prehistoric shark teeth on the beach!
The arts abound.
The Annmarie Sculpture Garden & Art Center is a 30 acre park with a paved path through the woods featuring sculpture on loan from the Smithsonian Institution. Art classes and art exhibits are also on-site.
Carroll County
Carroll County is a beautiful, rural area, convenient to Baltimore, Gettysburg, and Washington, D.C. In addition to its great location, Carroll County offers a peaceful day away from the hustle and bustle of more metropolitan areas. Carroll offers so much for our visitors to see. Here you will find history, antiquing, festivals, walking tours, driving tours, biking tours, and nature parks.
Farm to table.
Carroll County is home to thousands of acres of farmland. Its rolling pastures and open fields provide idyllic scenery and bring a whole new meaning to the phrase “from farm to table.” Farmers Markets throughout the county offer the best in locally grown produce, fresh eggs, meats, baked goods, flowers, crafts and more.
Tempt your taste buds.
For just a quick bite or a leisurely dinner … Carroll’s assortment of dining opportunities tempt every palate. Over-stuffed sandwiches, fresh bagels, fruit pies and gourmet delights await you in whatever style you prefer – from church supper, to micro-brew pub, to four-star cuisine.
Finest spirits & festive experiences.
It’s no wonder that the home to the Maryland Wine Festival for more than 30 years, also boasts some of its most award winning vineyards, as well as breweries and distilleries.
Low-budget family fun.
A combination of traditional values, natural beauty and welcoming people create a playground for the whole family. Whether you prefer to spend a day picking apples, biking through over 150 miles of trails, discovering the history of agriculture, exploring the unique shops of quaint Main Streets or simply driving through the countryside, there’s something for everyone in the family. And the best part … many of our attractions are free, making Carroll County the place to create priceless memories.
Grab a bike and hit the road.
Welcome to biking in Carroll County … where 10 loop tours, consisting of over 150 miles of cycling, offer varying degrees of difficulty. Our bike tours provide the recreational cyclist a unique view of scenic back roads while highlighting scenic stops and historic attractions.
Harford County
Harford County, uniquely situated at the top of the Chesapeake Bay, has an abundance of activities. If you are looking for adventure, creative dining, hiking, biking … the list is long, it can be enjoyed here. If you just want to relax, look out over the Bay, reflect on history, or enjoy a quiet stroll through one of the top 5 topiary gardens in North America, you can find it here in Harford County. Create your memories right here.
Attractions.
Looking from somewhere to visit while in Harford County? We have more than enough items to keep you busy. History? We have several museums offering up history from our early beginnings to the importance of our waterways during the historic growth of the United States. We also feature attractions dedicated to important people from Harford County, including one of the founders of Johns Hopkins. Agriculture? From dairy, to produce, a barn quilt trail, an ice cream trail, breweries and wineries using Harford County hops and grapes, we offering plenty of agricultural attractions. Did you know, a Preakness winner was trained right here in Harford County at Bonita Farms? Looking for arts and culture? Yes, we have that as well. And the music scene is alive and well. Harford County has it all!
Experiences.
We think you know best, so we have made it easy for you to choose your own experience! Our trail experiences are the perfect place to get started discovering the best our area has to offer. Start your adventure on our barn quilt trail, libation trail, or our mural trail.
Parks and trails.
Enjoy the beautiful trails throughout Harford County in our lovely local and state parks, nature centers, and gorgeous gardens. Choose from eighty-nine county parks and three state parks. Explore wooded, waterfront or sensory trails while seeing and experiencing unique features. Outdoor adventure awaits.
Howard County
Howard County is the perfect combination of historic and hip. Located in the center of Maryland, it’s convenient to explore both the rural and urban settings nearby. Whether you’re attending a special event, going on a shopping spree or indulging in the best cuisine, you’re sure to enjoy the picturesque scenery and freshness of the area. Howard County is the green in between, making it the ideal destination to visit!
Things to do.
Whether traveling here for business, looking for a day trip or weekend getaway, or embarking on a family adventure, Howard County is open for shopping, history, breweries, virtual events, outdoor adventure, and so much more! There’s no shortage of unique and exciting HoCo things to do, no matter what your interests.
Places to eat.
Howard County has a thriving culinary scene and is home to an abundance of restaurants ranging from gastro pubs, Korean BBQ, bay area seafood, farm to table dining, bakeries and more. Explore all of the incredible eats Howard County has to offer.
Montgomery County
Endless art, entertainment, attractions, and some of the country’s most beloved historical sites are right at your fingertips.
Your place to discover.
On the water or in the woods, a date night downtown or on a brewery tour, travelers will find a broad scope of America’s favorite pastimes. Explore the great outdoors, soak up history and culture at one of the countless museums and galleries, and indulge in some of the country’s best shopping and finest restaurants. With new and exciting culinary crossroads, rich history and outdoor adventures, Montgomery County is an iconic and unparalleled gateway to the nation’s capital. Bustling with busy kids and happy parents, date nighters and culture vultures, thrill seekers and comfort creatures, Montgomery County has something for everyone — with classic Maryland flavor.
Explore nature and history at three National Parks.
Featuring three National Parks, Montgomery County is the perfect place connect with nature and history in the same visit. The C&O Canal National Historical Park, Clara Barton National Historic Site and Glen Echo Park offer several days’ worth of exploration – all within a short drive from Washington, DC.
Let’s eat.
Montgomery County, Maryland’s claim to fame is an authentic dining experience ranging in flavors from around the world, a community of hidden gems and tasty treasures. With over 1,000 restaurants across the county, there’s an outstanding dining option for every day of the week.
Prince George’s County
Prince George’s County is ideal for fulfilling the ultimate road trip you’ve been seeking, or creating the perfect mix of fun and adventure in our lush outdoor spaces.
The Capital Wheel and National Harbor.
Set along the outskirts of the Nation’s Capital lays the National Harbor; an expansive 300-acre waterfront destination perched along a 1.5-mile panoramic stretch of the Potomac River. Designed with modern and contemporary aesthetics, this harbor retreat lures visitors to its popular restaurants, quaint shops, lively events, and engaging activities. You’ll feel like you’re sitting on top of the world when you experience National Harbor’s newest iconic attraction, The Capital Wheel! As you soar 175 feet above the Potomac River waterfront, you will marvel at the incomparable views. Sights visible include the White House and Capitol, the National Mall, Arlington Cemetery, City of Alexandria, Prince George’s County and the lush parklands throughout the DC-Maryland-Virginia region. With its 42-closed, climate-controlled gondolas each seating eight, The Capital Wheel operates year-round, so you can take in the changing seasons from a bird’s eye view!
Six Flags America.
What’s the upside to hanging upside down? Millions of people visit the park yearly and if they’re anything like us, we know it’s the best place to feel like a kid again! Prince George’s County joins only a few select American counties to feature a Six Flags America theme park and we’re the only amusement park in the state of Maryland. Residents and visitors comprise the throngs of thrill seekers clamoring to get a seat on some of the scariest, most intense rides on the east coast. We’re talking skyscraper, super hero heights with nail biting, hairpin twists and turns. Seven world-class roller coasters such as Superman: Ride of Steel, one of the tallest coasters on the East Coast; Batwing, Maryland’s first flying coaster; and the classic wooden Wild One are for the adventurous.
Golf.
When it’s time to tee off you have various distinct golf courses from which to choose in Prince George's County. Exhibit your flair and finesse on the green at some of the best and most exclusive golfing facilities in the Mid-Atlantic region. Our premier golf courses feature multiple tournaments annually.