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Chesapeake Bay -

The largest estuary in the United States and the third largest bay in the world, Chesapeake Bay stretches for some 200 miles (322 km), from Havre de Grace in Maryland to Virginia Beach in Virginia. Baltimore brings big city life to a bay that retains an adventurous buccaneer spirit.

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Annapolis City Dock -

Maryland's state capital and political center, Annapolis is awash with opportunities for shopping and sightseeing. At City Dock, the waters spill out to Chesapeake Bay, and visitors soak up the atmosphere at waterside inns and restaurants or admire impressive boat shows.

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Baltimore restaurants -

Nicknamed "Charm City" on account of its friendly vibe, Baltimore's foodie scene is internationally renowned. The historic port city thrives on fresh seafood, but the lively independent cafés, street food scene, and upscale restaurants cater to every taste and budget.

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Maryland crabs -

During the summer, Maryland's coastal towns and cities are packed with hungry visitors keen to crack open the famous blue crabs. Along with oysters and rockfish, the crustacean has secured Maryland's reputation as a paradise for seafood lovers.

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National Aquarium -

Visitors who prefer their sea life to look a bit more lively should make a beeline for the National Aquarium, in Baltimore's Inner Harbor. Consistently ranked among the top aquariums in the US, its well-kept habitats house sharks, dolphins, and thousands of species of colorful fish.

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Baltimore Inner Harbor -

The centerpiece of Baltimore sightseeing, Inner Harbor packs a whole host of museums, galleries, hotels, and restaurants into a glitzy waterfront space. Baltimore Convention Center is also located here, and water taxis ferry tourists and business visitors from one must-see spot to another.

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American Visionary Art Museum -

If you like your art with a touch of the avant-garde, this Baltimore museum is the place. Filled with quirky exhibits demonstrating an outsider spirit, 'AVAM,' as locals know it, features thought-provoking permanent and visiting exhibitions.

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Baltimore Museum of Art -

More traditional artworks can be found at this 1914-founded museum. Its 95,000 objects include more than a thousand works by renowned French artist Henri Matisse, as well as paintings and sculptures from around the world.

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Six Flags America -

If all that cultural activity has you hankering for some unfettered fun, the Six Flags America theme park has it in spades. Located in Woodmore in Prince George's County, it's a family-friendly attraction packed with kid-pleasing rides and attractions.

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Muddy Creek Falls -

If Maryland's urban life is impressive, its wild nature is magnificent. The state is home to 53 State Parks, of which Swallow Falls State Park is among the most spectacular. Nine miles (14.4 km) north of Oakland, the mountainous park sees the powerful Youghiogheny River flow into a crashing waterfall at Muddy Creek.

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Swallow Falls National Park -

The rapids of the Youghiogheny River and well-marked trails through the park make Swallow Falls a popular spot for an adventurous day out. There are plenty of places to camp, and you can even fish for your own meal!

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Rocky Gap State Park -

In Allegany County, Western Maryland, Rocky Gap State Park is an outdoors lover's dream destination. The beautiful Lake Habeeb, famous for its blue waters, is surrounded by rocky cliffs that lend themselves well to camping and climbing.

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Deep Creek Lake -

Surrounded by the mountains of Western Maryland, this man-made stretch of water is busy with boats during the summer months. Hiking, camping, and picnicking around the banks are hugely popular, too.

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Wisp Resort -

In the winter months, Deep Creek's mountains  are thick with snow, making for top ski conditions at Wisp Resort. In summer, ziplines and all-terrain buggies ensure the outdoor fun doesn't stop.

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Fort McHenry -

Patriotic visitors won't want to miss a trip to Fort McHenry. In the Locust Point neighborhood of Baltimore, it's known as the point where the invading British were defeated, and where the original 'Star-Spangled Banner' flag was raised in victory.

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Boat trips -

Taking to the water is key to enjoying any trip to Maryland. From fishing trips around Chesapeake Bay (pictured) to sunset cruises, you're never far away from an opportunity to throw on your life jacket and take in the view.

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Ocean City Boardwalk -

With the wild Atlantic Ocean on one side and Chesapeake Bay on the other, Ocean City is a resort town famous for its family-friendly spirit, excellent seafood restaurants, and scenic boardwalk strolls.

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Assateague Island -

Famous for its wild horses, this 37-mile (59.5 km) barrier island is a short drive from Ocean City, but feels like another world. Camping, canoeing, and walking through wild nature make it a wonderful place to unwind.

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Historic Saint Mary's City -

Take a step back in time at this pretty waterfront hamlet. Now a museum, it's a former colonial town that was Maryland's first state capital. At the southernmost tip of Maryland, it features reconstructions of the original settlement.

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Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park -

Dubbed "The Grand Old Ditch" at the time of its construction, this impressive feat of 19th-century engineering is now a popular spot for canal-side strolls. Stretching from Maryland to the District of Columbia, it was established as a national park by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1961.

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Baltimore nightlife -

If you want to party in Maryland, Baltimore is the place to do it. From harbor-front pubs and craft beer dens to cutting-edge clubs and chic rooftop bars, you'll find it in this trendy city.

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New Germany State Park -

Another must-visit destination for lovers of the great outdoors, New Germany State Park is stunning at any time of year. Within the boundaries of the Savage River State Forest, its vast lake is surrounded by hiking trails and camping sites.

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Smith Island -

The last inhabited island off the shore of Maryland, Smith Island can be visited by ferry from the eastern and western shores of Chesapeake. It's a top spot for kayaking and exploring, all of which helps build an appetite for the famous Smith Island cake.

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Get your golf on -

Golfers will be in their element in Maryland. The state has some 160 courses to choose from, many of which have incredibly scenic backdrops. You can tee up with an ocean backdrop, or enjoy rounds among rolling farmland at Turf Valley Resort (pictured).

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Youghiogheny River rafting -

Thrill-seekers delight in Maryland's many opportunities for outdoor adventures. Not for the faint of heart, the wild waters of Youghiogheny River are popular for rafting, but be sure to go with an experienced guide!

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Gunpowder Falls State Park -

Established in 1959, Gunpowder State Park is home to the stunning Gunpowder River as well as the Big and Little Gunpowder Falls. With sections in Harford and Baltimore counties, it's one of Maryland’s largest state parks, with more than 120 miles (193 km) of hiking and biking trails, protected wildlands, fishing spots, and calm beaches for swimming.

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Calvert Cliffs State Park -

Fancy some fossil hunting? This is the place to do it. The massive cliffs date back millions of years, and dominate the Chesapeake Bay shoreline in Calvert County. Hiking trails make it a fun, scenic place to explore.

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Explore Frederick -

Hip meets historic in Frederick, Maryland. With museums, cocktail bars, contemporary dining, and Civil War-era architecture, the city in western Maryland is an exciting place for urban adventurers, while the surrounding region provides outdoorsy thrills.

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Climb the Sugarloaf -

You don't have to head to Rio de Janeiro to scale Sugarloaf mountain. Just outside Frederick, Maryland's own Sugarloaf is a relatively easy hike, with steps for entry-level hikers, and offers great views from the top.

Sources: (Visit Maryland)

See also: Making the most of Massachusetts

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