When planning a visit to the state of Maryland, you’re likely familiar with the top activities and locations to check out.
This includes the Ocean City Beach and Boardwalk, the Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine, a Baltimore Orioles or Baltimore Ravens game, the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum and so much more.
But there are many hidden gems located around the state that should be atop your to-see list during your vacation to Maryland. These places don’t get as much attention as other well-known Maryland sites and attractions, but they’re definitely worth exploring if timing permits.
CFG Arena
One of the oldest American arenas still in use, the CFG Arena is located in Baltimore. It’s used for concerts, a variety of sporting contests, and public events. It was once the home of the NBA’s Baltimore Bullets, now the Washington Wizards.
Speaking of sports, the state of Maryland officially launched legalized sports betting last November. The Caesars sportsbook has a special Maryland promo code in which you’ll get a bonus bet of up to $1,250 plus 1,000 in reward and tier credits.
WWE’s “Monday Night Raw” program will be here on July 3rd. Other notable shows set to take place here include a performance from rapper LL Cool J on Aug. 11, a 50 Cent show on Sept. 19, and a Jonas Brothers concert on Sept. 22.
Cunningham Falls State Park
The Cunningham Falls State Park is located in Thurmont and offers countless recreational activities for keen travelers. Any outdoorsy person will want to place this location near the top of their Maryland vacation to-do list.
Cunningham Falls is home to a 78-foot cascading waterfall and beautiful camping areas, convenient for those who want to spend several days here. Swimming, hiking, boating, and fishing are just some of the many recreational activities available around the park.
The Babe Ruth Birthplace & Museum
Located in Baltimore, this venue is a must-see place for baseball fans.
The Babe Ruth Birthplace & Museum is located right near the Baltimore Orioles’ home venue of Oriole Park at Camden Yards. This place honors the life and illustrious baseball career of George Herman “Babe” Ruth, whom many regards as the greatest baseball player ever.
The New York Yankees’ icon was born at 216 Emory Street, which is now open to the public as the museum. It is open Tuesdays to Sundays from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. local time.
Some of the exhibits featured at the Babe Ruth Birthplace & Museum include “The Ruthian Record” (which looks at some of the records he set), “The Historic House” (displaying the room where Ruth was born), and “Playing The Babe” (a focus on people who portrayed Ruth in film and television).
Without a doubt, this is a place for baseball fans to check out during their visit to Maryland.
The Walters Art Museum
2024 will mark the 90-year anniversary since the Walters Art Museum in Baltimore opened its doors.
The museum holds more than 36,000 objects along with many beautiful drawings and artworks. William Thompson Walters and his son, Henry Walters, were the art collectors and driving forces behind the establishment of this museum.
Keep in mind that the museum is open from Wednesdays to Sundays but closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Leidos Field at Ripken Stadium
Located in Aberdeen, Leidos Field at Ripken Stadium is the home ballpark for the Aberdeen IronBirds. This franchise, owned by Baseball Hall of Famer legend Cal Ripken Jr., plays in the High-A league — serving as an affiliate to the Orioles.
The IronBirds’ team name is a tribute to Ripken Jr. — the Orioles legend who earned “The Iron Man” nickname since he holds the record for the most consecutive MLB games played by a wide margin (2,632).
Aberdeen moved into Leidos Field at Ripken Stadium in 2002. The team will continue to play regular season games in 2023 through Sept. 10.
Black Walnut Point Inn
If you want to get away from the big city look and enjoy a luxurious vacation spot around the water, Black Walnut Point Inn is just for you.
Billed as “A Secret Place Of Peace”, this inn is located on Tilghman Island — about two hours south of Baltimore. The Black Walnut Point Inn is on a private island and home to many birds, including eagles and osprey.
Assateague State Park
Those who love the outdoors and nature will enjoy a visit to this hidden gem, located in Worcester County.
The park, established in 1956 sits on Assateague Island. It features an inviting beach where you can enjoy a relaxing swim and camping areas if you wish to spend multiple days here. There are many critically-acclaimed restaurants in the area as well, including the Ruth’s Chris Steak House and the Assateague Crab House.
