Central Maryland Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Baltimore showing a skyscraper, a city and a garden
American Visionary Art Museum
Maryland State House
Baltimore
National Aquarium in Baltimore which includes night scenes and modern architecture
Explore big-city attractions in BaltimoreOpens in a new window, AnnapolisOpens in a new window and Columbia, or discover forests, wineries and small-town charm throughout this region of Maryland.

Use Central Maryland as your jumping off point to discover historic sites, natural wonders, cultural attractions and more throughout its bustling cities and friendly towns.

Explore Annapolis, the capital city of Maryland. Walk along cobblestone streets and admire the historic Colonial brick homes lining its streets. Take a tour of the U.S. Naval AcademyOpens in a new window and see the next generation of Navy leaders throughout town in their distinctive white uniforms. Learn more about the surrounding Chesapeake Bay at the Annapolis Maritime Museum.

American history and metropolitan life converge in Baltimore. Stroll along the waterfront in Inner HarborOpens in a new window or discover the historic neighborhood of Fells Point. Don’t miss the Maryland ZooOpens in a new window in Druid Hill Park, the Baltimore Museum of ArtOpens in a new window near Johns Hopkins University and the Walters Art MuseumOpens in a new window in Mount Vernon.

Just outside Baltimore, discover an important piece of American history at Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic ShrineOpens in a new window. During the War of 1812, the U.S. Army defended the star-shaped fort from a British Navy attack, inspiring Francis Scott Key to write what would later become known as The Star-Spangled Banner, the national anthem of the United States.

Stroll through Columbia, a planned community made up of 10 small villages. Relax in its many natural parks, such as Lake Kittamaqundi or Lake Elkhorn. See an outdoor concert at Merriweather Post Pavilion in Symphony Woods.

Enjoy the great outdoors in North Point State Park, located in Edgemere on a peninsula jutting out into the Chesapeake Bay. During the War of 1812, British troops passed through the park along the Defenders Trail. Follow in their footsteps as you hike, wade in the bay and try your hand at crabbing.

Take a leisurely walk through BethesdaOpens in a new window, which sits just a few miles outside Washington, D.C. Sample the affluent neighborhood’s many restaurants and check out its world-class galleries.

Although Central Maryland’s towns and cities have plenty to keep you busy, don’t forget about things to see and do that are a bit more off the beaten path. Discover rolling vineyards, miles of sandy coastline, serene forests and more, all just a short drive from the nation’s capital.

Where to stay in Central Maryland

Downtown Washington D.C. showing street scenes, night scenes and a city

Downtown Washington D.C.

4.5/5(95 area reviews)

Known for its fascinating museums and important monuments, there's plenty to explore in Downtown Washington D.C.. Check out top attractions like Capital One Arena and Smithsonian Institution, and jump on the metro at McPherson Sq. Station or Center Station to see more of the city.

Downtown Washington D.C.
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Northwest

2/5(1 area review)

Known for its fascinating museums and important monuments, there's plenty to explore in Northwest. Check out top attractions like White House and Smithsonian's National Zoo, and jump on the metro at Cleveland Park Station or Van Ness-UDC Station to see more of the city.

Northwest
Georgetown which includes street scenes, heritage architecture and a house

Georgetown

5/5(5 area reviews)

Georgetown is popular for its abundant dining options, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to Washington Harbour or Embassy Row.

Georgetown
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Inner Harbor

The captivating waterfront views and popular shops are just a few highlights of Inner Harbor. Make a stop by National Aquarium in Baltimore or Baltimore Inner Harbor Marina while you're exploring the area.

Inner Harbor
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Capitol Hill

4/5(34 area reviews)

Known for its fascinating museums and important monuments, there's plenty to explore in Capitol Hill. Check out top attractions like Folger Shakespeare Library and Library of Congress, and jump on the metro at Capitol South Station or Eastern Market Station to see more of the city.

Capitol Hill
Dupont Circle showing a statue or sculpture and a monument

Dupont Circle

4.5/5(26 area reviews)

Visitors to Dupont Circle love its fantastic nightlife, and you can check out Dupont Circle and Mansion on O Street. If you want to see more in the area, you can get around town on the metro at Dupont Circle Station.

Dupont Circle
Washington Plaza Hotel
Washington Plaza Hotel
4 out of 5
10 Thomas Circle NW, Washington, DC
The price is AU$239 per night from 3 May to 4 May
AU$239
includes taxes & fees
3 May - 4 May
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Washington. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (4,219 reviews)
"Seems dated, ready for renovations. Location is actually very good, can easily become a hot property!"

Reviewed on 23 Apr. 2025

Washington Plaza Hotel
Hilton Garden Inn Reagan National Airport
Hilton Garden Inn Reagan National Airport
3.5 out of 5
2020 Richmond Highway, Arlington, VA
The price is AU$209 per night from 10 May to 11 May
AU$209
includes taxes & fees
10 May - 11 May
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Arlington. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the bar and ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,608 reviews)
"My stay was short but pleasant"

Reviewed on 24 Apr. 2025

Hilton Garden Inn Reagan National Airport
Omni Shoreham Hotel
Omni Shoreham Hotel
4 out of 5
2500 Calvert St Nw, Washington, DC
The price is AU$289 per night from 9 May to 10 May
AU$289
includes taxes & fees
9 May - 10 May
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly hotel in Washington. Enjoy an outdoor pool, 2 bars/lounges, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the pool and the ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,813 reviews)
"We still have not received an email of our guest folio"

Reviewed on 23 Apr. 2025

Omni Shoreham Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
The Churchill Hotel near Embassy Row
The Churchill Hotel near Embassy Row
3.5 out of 5
1914 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC
Book a stay at this historic aparthotel in Washington. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,680 reviews)
"Location is good and area is safe"

Reviewed on 14 Apr. 2025

The Churchill Hotel near Embassy Row
The River Inn
The River Inn
4 out of 5
924 25th St NW, Washington, DC
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in Washington. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,658 reviews)
"The room was clean and spacious and the staff were super friendly. But I was hoping the room was quieter but you can still hear traffic and construction probably because the windows are pretty old. The blinds and windows could be cleaner too. The Internet speed was slow. Having said all above, I ..."

Reviewed on 24 Apr. 2025

The River Inn
Glover Park - Georgetown
Glover Park - Georgetown
4 out of 5
Washington
Stay at this aparthotel in Washington. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff in our ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,363 reviews)
"Safe and very quiet property."

Reviewed on 23 Apr. 2025

Glover Park - Georgetown
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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Cities near Central Maryland