Vacation rentals in Maryland

1. National Aquarium

A Maryland family vacation means plenty of fun activities to enjoy with the kids. Baltimore's National Aquarium, boasting around 8,000 species of animals including fish, birds, amphibians, and sharks, is sure to captivate them. Highlights include the Dolphin Discovery area, the aquarium's largest exhibit, and Pacific and Atlantic coral reefs.

2. Plumpton Park Zoo

Observe magnificent animals like tigers, giraffes, foxes, peacocks, and bears at the Plumpton Park Zoo in the town of Rising Sun. Half of the animals are rescue animals, who are given care to restimulate natural behaviors. The outdoor seating areas are perfect for enjoying a family picnic amidst a lush, tranquil environment.

3. Maryland Science Center

For an entertaining and educational experience, head to the Maryland Science Center in Baltimore. There are six labs where trained teams perform various science experiments to amaze and inform. The center also has a state-of-the-art planetarium and an IMAX 3D movie theater showing a variety of fun and stimulating productions.

4. Adventure Park USA

Adventure Park USA in Monrovia is a 17.5-acre Western-styled theme park where your family can enjoy both indoor and outdoor activities. Choose from the mini-golf courses and roller coasters, or head to the laser tag section. Clark's Elioak Farm in Ellicott City is another fun option, with its petting zoo. The Pine Tree Maze on the farm features exhibit pieces from the former Enchanted Forest theme park in a large tract of pine tree forest.

23,000 men were wounded, killed, or went missing on September 17th, 1862 in the bloodiest battle of Civil War which only lasted for a single day. The site of this historical battle is called the Antietam National Battlefield. To learn more about the battle, pay a visit to the visitor center.

The Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Museum gives you a glimpse of the important railroad history of the United States. Designated as a National Historic Landmark, this museum gives you a chance to see, touch and explore some of America’s most important railroad collections. It is located in the old Mount Clare Station as well as the roundhouse next to it.

1. The Graffiti Alley

This creative space is a wonderful riot of art and colors, and a photographer’s delight. The only legal graffiti art space in Baltimore, the alley features changing work by street artists.

2. Sugarloaf Mountain

This landform in Barnesville makes the perfect backdrop for hiking or romantic pictures. There is a beautiful vineyard at the base, yet another Instagram-worthy location.

3. Sandy State Point Park

Visit the Sandy State Point Park armed with your camera for the scenic beach areas and spectacular views of the Chesapeake Bay. The Bay Bridge also makes for lovely pictures.

4. Rawlings Conservatory

Go for a photo shoot at the Rawlings Conservatory, which boasts a stunning glass façade on the exterior, a sprawling garden with colorful tulips, and greenhouses full of blooming plants.

5. Assateague Island

Magnificent wild ponies run free on the pristine beach and play in the blue waters at Assateague Island in Berlin, which makes for a breathtaking sight to be captured.

6. Visionary Art Museum

If quirky and colorful is your style, the American Visionary Art Museum is just the place to be. This popular spot is full of sculptures and eclectic artworks.

7. Cylburn Arboretum

Instagram pictures of Japanese maples at the Cylburn Arboretum, and watch the number of ‘likes’ multiply. No wonder that these trees are a favorite for wedding pictures.

8. Swallow Falls State Park

You will be spoilt for choice at the Swallow Falls State Park. From Muddy Creek Falls (the state’s highest waterfall) to beautiful trails, there are several Instagrammable spots here.

9. Annapolis Rock

There are many scenic locations along the Appalachian Trail, but Annapolis Rock is particularly popular. An easy hike up the rock is rewarded with remarkable views all around.

10. Ocean City Maryland Boardwalk

The vibrant Ocean City Maryland Boardwalk has soothing vistas of the beach and sea on one side, while the walkway is full of kite fliers, street performers, and a giant Ferris wheel.

Situated approximately 12 miles south of Cambridge, the Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge is very popular with bird watchers. These 26,000 plus acres of forest, ponds and marshes serve as a perfect habitat for a huge number of migratory birds. The best time to visit this refuge to see these birds is in spring.

Rock State Park covers approximately 855 acres and is home to streams, huge boulders and forests as well as waterfalls. It is located close to Jarrettsville and is the perfect location for fishing, rock climbing, canoeing and hiking. One of the highlights of this scenic park is the large rocky outcrop known as the King and Queen Seat.