SOUTHERN MARYLAND — There are plenty of wonderful activities to enjoy in Southern Maryland, but sometimes you want to try something outside your comfort zone. With dozens of fun locales to visit in Northern Maryland and Washington, D.C., we’re bringing you a few of the best places to go for a day away from home.
Attend the National Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, D.C.
Celebrate the turning of the season with festive music and delicious food. The pink trees are in full force throughout Washington, D.C., so the Cherry Blossom Festival has officially commenced. Held between March 20 and April 13, the colorful celebration is better than ever in 2025. Visit on April 12 to attend the Cherry Blossom Parade or check out the festival’s calendar to find a unique activity every day. The cherry blossoms are only in bloom for a few weeks, so it’s best to visit early.
To get to the cherry blossoms at the Tidal Basin, follow the online guide.
Journey to St. Michaels
St. Michaels is one of the most charming towns surrounding the Chesapeake Bay. Stroll the streets on this peninsula to discover a selection of unique shops. Stop by Foxy’s Harbor Grille for a bite to eat, then relax in your comfy room at the Old Brick Inn. If the town of St. Michaels doesn’t catch your attention, then the scenic water views certainly will. Depending on the season, visitors can even rent kayaks to explore the bay!
Take a Stroll Down Main Street in Annapolis
Annapolis is one of the best day trip destinations near Southern Maryland. If you’re going to visit, be sure to check out Main Street. Here, you’ll find an assortment of cute stores and ice cream shops. Enjoy a fancy dinner at Luna Blu Ristorante Italiano, then follow it up with a spooky ghost tour through the capital. Travel to the end of Main Street to find the Annapolis waterfront, a truly breathtaking spectacle.
Visit an Aquatic Wonderland at the National Aquarium
Visiting the National Aquarium is a rite of passage for Marylanders. Along with the usual fish and exotic sharks, the aquarium regularly hosts dolphin shows to give visitors a glimpse into the aquatic animals’ daily lives. Explore the schedule to find exciting new activities, like a 4D shark show that’ll leave your whole family mesmerized. The National Aquarium is next to the Inner Harbor, so you can also enjoy a collection of shops and restaurants directly in the heart of Baltimore.
Address: 501 E. Pratt St., Baltimore, MD 21202
Cruise the Chesapeake Bay
There are numerous nautical activities on the Chesapeake Bay. If you want to surf the historic waters for a day of adventure, consider any of the cruises listed on VisitMaryland.com. Whether you’re interested in cruising around the Chesapeake Bay, sightseeing in Annapolis, or exploring the riveting tales of Baltimore‘s past, there’s a boating experience for you in Maryland.
Travel to Mount Vernon for a Historic Adventure
If you live near D.C., then a stop at George Washington’s home should be on your bucket list. Mount Vernon is a beautiful spot for a day trip, plus you can tour Washington’s estate. The property includes four distinct gardens, a rustic interior, and two historic museums. There’s more than enough at Mount Vernon Estate to occupy an entire day with the family, so buy tickets online to reserve your date with history.
Tour the Museums in Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C., is full of unique architecture and beautiful scenic spots, making it the perfect place to spend an entire day. You can see the White House, visit the Washington Monument, and, of course, learn something new in one of D.C.’s many museums. The National Gallery of Art is a must-visit for art lovers, while the Museum of American History is a fantastic pick for teaching children about our nation. Many museums have built-in restaurants, and the National Zoo provides another fantastic activity for children and adults alike.
Here’s a list of the most entertaining museums you can visit today:
- National Museum of African American History and Culture
- National Gallery of Art
- Smithsonian American Art Museum
- Smithsonian National Museum of American History
- Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum
- Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
- United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
- Smithsonian’s National Postal Museum
- Museum of Illusions Washington, D.C.
- International Spy Museum
- National Museum of the American Indian
- Smithsonian National Zoological Park
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