Clear Meadows Farm in White Hall planted 300 acres of sunflowers that make for quite a view when they bloom. Blooming starts in early summer and peaks in late August or early September. — Nicole Martyn / Baltimore Sun Media Group
Clear Meadows Farm in White Hall planted 300 acres of sunflowers that make for quite a view when they bloom. Blooming starts in early summer and peaks in late August or early September.

50 most beautiful places in Maryland

By Baltimore Sun

PUBLISHED: June 14, 2019 at 10:44 a.m. | UPDATED: February 23, 2021 at 5:15 p.m.

Clear Meadows Farm in White Hall planted 300 acres of sunflowers that make for quite a view when they bloom. Blooming starts in early summer and peaks in late August or early September.

This popular wedding venue sits on the campus of a preparatory school in Lutherville. It was built in 1916 and modeled after Warwick Castle in England.

The Appalachian Trail winds through 41 miles of Maryland state parks, but for just a taste, you can head to Weverton Cliffs. For an easier excursion, follow the trailhead from Weverton Road and climb up for a spectacular view.

<img loading="" class="lazyload size-article_feature" data-sizes="auto" alt="The Howard County-owned mansion sits on picturesque grounds that feature lush gardens, historic outbuildings and a nature center in the carriage house. It's open for scheduled events only, so rent it out or keep an eye on the calendar for a chance to visit.” title=”The Howard County-owned mansion sits on picturesque grounds that feature lush gardens, historic outbuildings and a nature center in the carriage house. It’s open for scheduled events only, so rent it out or keep an eye on the calendar for a chance to visit.” data-src=”/wp-content/uploads/migration/2019/06/14/SPSNUWPVJ5EITH2BHKP7TYJV7A.jpg”>

The Howard County-owned mansion sits on picturesque grounds that feature lush gardens, historic outbuildings and a nature center in the carriage house. It’s open for scheduled events only, so rent it out or keep an eye on the calendar for a chance to visit.

The five-pointed fort famous for its role as the inspiration for the national anthem offers some pretty inspiring views of the Inner Harbor. Plus, the fort's grassy hills topped with cannons provide a lovely backdrop for its historic brick buildings. — The five-pointed fort famous for its role as the inspiration for the national anthem offers some pretty inspiring views of the Inner Harbor. Plus, the fort’s grassy hills topped with cannons provide a lovely backdrop for its historic brick buildings.

The city itself isn't always the prettiest, but with these views, it doesn't matter. Whether you're down on the beach or soaking in the sunset from a highrise, you'll start to understand what makes Ocean City such a popular destination. — The city itself isn’t always the prettiest, but with these views, it doesn’t matter. Whether you’re down on the beach or soaking in the sunset from a highrise, you’ll start to understand what makes Ocean City such a popular destination.

The 18th-century Georgian mansion in Towson was home to the Ridgely family for several generations. It's now part of the National Park Service, and access is free for visitors. — The 18th-century Georgian mansion in Towson was home to the Ridgely family for several generations. It’s now part of the National Park Service, and access is free for visitors.

Since 1917, Lilypons has provided Frederick County with water gardening supplies and a beautiful, blooming day trip. Its 250 acres of greenery offer ample space for picnics, strolls and garden sightseeing.

Originally called “The Observatory,” the Pagoda was designed in 1890 as an observation tower for city sights. Climb the winding staircase all the way to the top for views of Key Bridge, Fort McHenry and the Patapsco River.

<img loading="" class="lazyload size-article_feature" data-sizes="auto" alt="The 18th-century Palladian mansion opened to the public for tours this spring. Its carefully restored rooms are decorated to be accurate to the time period, and the home sits on 115 waterfront acres outside Annapolis.” title=”The 18th-century Palladian mansion opened to the public for tours this spring. Its carefully restored rooms are decorated to be accurate to the time period, and the home sits on 115 waterfront acres outside Annapolis.” data-src=”/wp-content/uploads/migration/2019/06/14/E2WXK7A7QVHSBJETJ3JTAEQAJM.jpg”>

The 18th-century Palladian mansion opened to the public for tours this spring. Its carefully restored rooms are decorated to be accurate to the time period, and the home sits on 115 waterfront acres outside Annapolis.

Nestled in the mountains of Garrett County, this resort offers winter sport opportunities, in addition to golf and fishing, with beautiful views.

The tip of Deal Island holds Wenona, a small town like many on the Eastern Shore, with plentiful harbors and, of course, crabbing.

For a relatively small college campus, the U.S. Naval Academy packs a lot of beauty. Highlights include Bancroft Hall, the chapel and water views of downtown Annapolis and the City Dock.

Though the lighthouse was decomissioned by the U.S. Coast Guard in 2000, a nonprofit group raised the funds to relight Turkey Point in 2002. Throughout the changes, it's remained a beautiful vista at the mouth of the Elk River in North East. — Though the lighthouse was decomissioned by the U.S. Coast Guard in 2000, a nonprofit group raised the funds to relight Turkey Point in 2002. Throughout the changes, it’s remained a beautiful vista at the mouth of the Elk River in North East.

After a day of hiking in Catoctin and exploring nature, it's refreshing to stop in Thurmont for some food and rest. The town is overlooked by the mountain range and ambience abounds. — After a day of hiking in Catoctin and exploring nature, it’s refreshing to stop in Thurmont for some food and rest. The town is overlooked by the mountain range and ambience abounds.

Thirty-six acres of trees and greenery surround Merriweather Post Pavilion in the heart of downtown Columbia. Visit for a festival like Wine in the Woods, or just take a stroll during a Merriweather concert, when the tunes waft through the branches.

The state-of-the-art concert hall that opened in 2005 seats 2,000 and brings world-class performances to North Bethesda.

This historic town rests on the shore of the Chesapeake Bay, rewarding visitors with plentiful seafood and boating activities.

It's a miracle that students at St. Mary's in Southern Maryland get any studying done in their beautiful surroundings: hills, water, docks and nature. — It’s a miracle that students at St. Mary’s in Southern Maryland get any studying done in their beautiful surroundings: hills, water, docks and nature.

Accessible only by boat, Smith Island offers a unique getaway -- just not by car. While you're there, be sure to grab a slice of Smith Island cake, the official state dessert of Maryland. — Accessible only by boat, Smith Island offers a unique getaway — just not by car. While you’re there, be sure to grab a slice of Smith Island cake, the official state dessert of Maryland.

Once home to a cotton mill, Savage Mill is now a shopping complex with specialty stores, gift shops and restaurants. At one time, the location was “Santa’s Novelties,” a destination store that manufactured Christmas ornaments and featured live reindeer and a miniature train.

An oasis in the city, Sherwood Gardens' six acres provide a picture-perfect picnic setting just off of St. Paul Street in Baltimore. — An oasis in the city, Sherwood Gardens’ six acres provide a picture-perfect picnic setting just off of St. Paul Street in Baltimore.

With mountains, a lake and a river that feeds into it, Rocky Gap State Park in Allegany County offers the gamut of outdoor activities. Evitt's Mountain, which overlooks the lake, is named after an early European settler in the area. — With mountains, a lake and a river that feeds into it, Rocky Gap State Park in Allegany County offers the gamut of outdoor activities. Evitt’s Mountain, which overlooks the lake, is named after an early European settler in the area.

Within the Peabody Institute of Music in Baltimore lies a research library that also serves as an event venue (weddings, for those lucky enough to snag a booking). The library contains more than 300,000 titles -- none of which are related to music, surprisingly. The collection is open to the public for perusal, but you probably won't be gawking at only the books. — Within the Peabody Institute of Music in Baltimore lies a research library that also serves as an event venue (weddings, for those lucky enough to snag a booking). The library contains more than 300,000 titles — none of which are related to music, surprisingly. The collection is open to the public for perusal, but you probably won’t be gawking at only the books.

The state park's land follows 32 miles of the Patapsco River as it travels through Central Maryland. For a special view and a place to take a dip, try out Daniels Area and Daniels Dam. Or, for a taste of history, hike to Elkridge Landing or the Thomas Viaduct. — The state park’s land follows 32 miles of the Patapsco River as it travels through Central Maryland. For a special view and a place to take a dip, try out Daniels Area and Daniels Dam. Or, for a taste of history, hike to Elkridge Landing or the Thomas Viaduct.

For a true Marylander, there's no place more beautiful than Camden Yards when the O's are in town. Grab a Natty Boh, don your best orange-and-black gear, munch on Boog's Barbecue and meander along Eutaw Street -- but watch out for Manny Machado's homeruns! — For a true Marylander, there’s no place more beautiful than Camden Yards when the O’s are in town. Grab a Natty Boh, don your best orange-and-black gear, munch on Boog’s Barbecue and meander along Eutaw Street — but watch out for Manny Machado’s homeruns!

In addition to providing the drinking water for most of Baltimore County, this beautiful body of water gives its visitors ample opportunity for fishing, hiking or boating enjoyment.

The waterfront property on the banks of the Potomac River in Prince George's County gives visitors their choice of dining, entertainment and fun -- even a ferris wheel! — The waterfront property on the banks of the Potomac River in Prince George’s County gives visitors their choice of dining, entertainment and fun — even a ferris wheel!

Perched atop 70 acres of park land in Laurel, the 1780s mansion provides a fine example of Georgian architecture and a chance to be fancy for a day.

Any University of Maryland student will tell you that when the weather gets warm, McKeldin Mall is the place to be in College Park. Whether you're lounging on a bench in the sun or tossing a frisbee, there's no better place in the state for a carefree (or procrastinating) college kid. — Any University of Maryland student will tell you that when the weather gets warm, McKeldin Mall is the place to be in College Park. Whether you’re lounging on a bench in the sun or tossing a frisbee, there’s no better place in the state for a carefree (or procrastinating) college kid.

For a steep, 4.5 mile roundtrip hike, head to the Maryland Heights Overlook in Harper's Ferry National Park. After your two hour climb, take in the scenery, views and Civil War history. Don't walk too far, though, or you'll end up in the river. — For a steep, 4.5 mile roundtrip hike, head to the Maryland Heights Overlook in Harper’s Ferry National Park. After your two hour climb, take in the scenery, views and Civil War history. Don’t walk too far, though, or you’ll end up in the river.

North of Thurmont, bridging the expanse of Owens Creek, lies Roddy Road covered bridge -- one of three such bridges in Frederick County. Make a day trip of it with a visit to Utica Mills and Loy's Station. — North of Thurmont, bridging the expanse of Owens Creek, lies Roddy Road covered bridge — one of three such bridges in Frederick County. Make a day trip of it with a visit to Utica Mills and Loy’s Station.

With no training and little help, Harvey S. Ladew transformed his Monkton property into a series of 15 “garden rooms.” Explore at your leisure, or attend an event in the expansive gardens. Maybe grab a blanket and settle in for a Summer Series music performance.

Lacrosse and medicine: that's what Hopkins does! Oh, and pretty views. Grab a bite in what is regularly rated one of the best college dining halls in the country, then lounge on the grass or the shade of a tree. It's enough to make you think you're back in your glory days. — Lacrosse and medicine: that’s what Hopkins does! Oh, and pretty views. Grab a bite in what is regularly rated one of the best college dining halls in the country, then lounge on the grass or the shade of a tree. It’s enough to make you think you’re back in your glory days.

Near Crisfield, on Maryland's Eastern Shore, sits Janes Island: a state park filled with undisturbed beaches, water trails and a salt marsh for the ultimate camping or kayaking vacation. — Near Crisfield, on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, sits Janes Island: a state park filled with undisturbed beaches, water trails and a salt marsh for the ultimate camping or kayaking vacation.

At once a surviving sea port and tourist attraction, the Inner Harbor offers a multitude of activities. Ride a dragon paddle boat, hang out with fish in the National Aquarium or take in the city skyline from Federal Hill Park. For the true experience, hop on a water taxi and get the insider's view. — At once a surviving sea port and tourist attraction, the Inner Harbor offers a multitude of activities. Ride a dragon paddle boat, hang out with fish in the National Aquarium or take in the city skyline from Federal Hill Park. For the true experience, hop on a water taxi and get the insider’s view.

Easy, breezy, beautiful. The promenade offers a leisurely stroll on the banks of the Susquehanna River where it meets the Chesapeake Bay. Bundle up in winter or soak up summer sun; it's beautiful any time of year. — Easy, breezy, beautiful. The promenade offers a leisurely stroll on the banks of the Susquehanna River where it meets the Chesapeake Bay. Bundle up in winter or soak up summer sun; it’s beautiful any time of year.

Ellicott City was founded in 1772, and much of its old-world charm has been preserved. Blow bubbles with the Bubbleman, grab a fresh-roasted coffee from Bean Hollow and peruse Main Street's charming shops. — Ellicott City was founded in 1772, and much of its old-world charm has been preserved. Blow bubbles with the Bubbleman, grab a fresh-roasted coffee from Bean Hollow and peruse Main Street’s charming shops.

With 15 miles of continuous trail for hiking, biking or strolling, Gwynns Falls is a welcome escape from Baltimore -- and with numerous trailheads and connecting routes, it'll be hard to get bored. — With 15 miles of continuous trail for hiking, biking or strolling, Gwynns Falls is a welcome escape from Baltimore — and with numerous trailheads and connecting routes, it’ll be hard to get bored.

If you're desperate for a break from the bustle of city life, slow down in Druid Hill Park, or make your way to the Rawlings Conservatory & Botanic Gardens for rejuvenation among the flowers. The Lakeside Loop Trail offers a place for Baltimore's runners and joggers to stretch their legs away from the cars and conjestion of the city. — If you’re desperate for a break from the bustle of city life, slow down in Druid Hill Park, or make your way to the Rawlings Conservatory & Botanic Gardens for rejuvenation among the flowers. The Lakeside Loop Trail offers a place for Baltimore’s runners and joggers to stretch their legs away from the cars and conjestion of the city.

The state park, named for the Gunpowder River and Big and Little Gunpowder valleys it protects, makes up 120 miles of historic sights, trails and water fun in Baltimore County.

Even if exploring cemeteries isn't your cup of tea, it's hard to ignore the beauty of Green Mount's sprawling expanse northeast of downtown Baltimore. It holds a variety of famous figures, impressive statues and even includes the resting place of the Baltimore man who mass-marketed the Ouija board. — Even if exploring cemeteries isn’t your cup of tea, it’s hard to ignore the beauty of Green Mount’s sprawling expanse northeast of downtown Baltimore. It holds a variety of famous figures, impressive statues and even includes the resting place of the Baltimore man who mass-marketed the Ouija board.

Just south of downtown Baltimore, Federal Hill Park offers one of the most iconic Charm City views, complete with the Inner Harbor and the Domino Sugars sign. Lounge on a bench, walk around its perimeter -- or attend one of the American Visionary Art Museum's Flicks from the Hill movie showings. — Just south of downtown Baltimore, Federal Hill Park offers one of the most iconic Charm City views, complete with the Inner Harbor and the Domino Sugars sign. Lounge on a bench, walk around its perimeter — or attend one of the American Visionary Art Museum’s Flicks from the Hill movie showings.

The falls are only the second highest in the state, but that doesn't make them any less picturesque. Hike the 1.2-mile Falling Branch Trail in Harford County and just wait until you hit the end. — The falls are only the second highest in the state, but that doesn’t make them any less picturesque. Hike the 1.2-mile Falling Branch Trail in Harford County and just wait until you hit the end.

The Washington County park features 10 maintained trails, all of which are open to hikers and most of which are open to mountain bikers. In the summer, take a dip in the lake or test your fishing skills.

The largest inland body of water in the state may also be one of the prettiest. Fish, boat or sunbathe on the shores of the Garrett County water. In the winter, ski or snowboard at nearby Wisp Resort.

Cylburn has a whirlwhind history that moves from a wealthy miner's home to a home for neglected children, then from park to educational center. Today, it offers a relaxing escape among the trees and gardens. — Cylburn has a whirlwhind history that moves from a wealthy miner’s home to a home for neglected children, then from park to educational center. Today, it offers a relaxing escape among the trees and gardens.

Deep in the Catoctin Mountains of Frederick County, alongside the presidential retreat Camp David, rests Cunningham Falls State Park and its namesake waterfall. Pack a lunch and climb atop its rocks for the full experience. Fall foliage makes for a beautiful backdrop.

Once a colonial town, founded in 1776, historic Chestertown is still a sight to behold. Home to Washington College and a quirky Harry Potter festival, it proves it still has plenty to offer, even without the oversight of Mother England.

Better than your average swimming hole, Cascade Lake in Hampstead includes water slides, platforms to jump off and water volleyball courts. Lay out on the hill next to the lake, paddleboat in the outskirts or dive into the water entertainment head-first (after passing your swimming test, of course).

For about 24 miles in Southern Maryland, the Chesapeake Bay meets a shoreline of massive cliffs, formed millions of years ago when the bay was a shallow sea. When the sea receded, it left behind steep cliffs and plentiful fossils, sandy beaches and touristic opportunity.

Along the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal, discover the historic Chesapeake City, home to a number of restaurants and bed-and-breakfasts that make for the ideal escape from city life.

For nearly 100 years, the canal served as a lifeline for communities resting along its banks. Today, it's a chance for outdoor activities, historic exploration and recreation. — For nearly 100 years, the canal served as a lifeline for communities resting along its banks. Today, it’s a chance for outdoor activities, historic exploration and recreation.

Climb to the top of the staircase in this 1827 monument for a stunning view of Frederick and Washington counties, or check it out from the outside and remark on its bizarre shape. Either works.

A key stop on the Atlantic Flyway (that's for birds, not planes), the Cambridge-area wildlife refuge is a haven for waterfowl, the American bald eagle and the peregrine falcoln -- not to mention bird-watchers or nature-lovers. — A key stop on the Atlantic Flyway (that’s for birds, not planes), the Cambridge-area wildlife refuge is a haven for waterfowl, the American bald eagle and the peregrine falcoln — not to mention bird-watchers or nature-lovers.

Maryland's highest point, Backbone Mountain, is quite a trek, but it offers sweeping views of the surrounding Garrett County countryside and the knowledge that you can climb no higher in Maryland. — Maryland’s highest point, Backbone Mountain, is quite a trek, but it offers sweeping views of the surrounding Garrett County countryside and the knowledge that you can climb no higher in Maryland.

Assateague's 40,000 acres on the Eastern Shore are full of beaches, marshes, bays and coves. Its most famous attribute, though, are the wild horses. Cruise, kayak, camp or hike on the national seashore for a real taste of the wildlife. — Assateague’s 40,000 acres on the Eastern Shore are full of beaches, marshes, bays and coves. Its most famous attribute, though, are the wild horses. Cruise, kayak, camp or hike on the national seashore for a real taste of the wildlife.

In 1862, the fields near the Potomac River, in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains near Sharpsburg, were the site of a bloody Civil War battle. Today, they're a step back in history, with a visitor center, national cemetery and educational paths. — In 1862, the fields near the Potomac River, in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains near Sharpsburg, were the site of a bloody Civil War battle. Today, they’re a step back in history, with a visitor center, national cemetery and educational paths.

In the heart of Annapolis, City Dock provides a refuge for boats and people alike. Explore the 18th century buildings surrounding the waterfront, or head out on the water for a day of sun.

While it may not seem pretty when you're stuck in beach-bound traffic on a Friday evening, the 4.3-mile bridge is striking. When it first opened in 1952, it was the world's longest continuous over-water steel structure. Plus, it takes you to the beach. What's more beautiful than that? — While it may not seem pretty when you’re stuck in beach-bound traffic on a Friday evening, the 4.3-mile bridge is striking. When it first opened in 1952, it was the world’s longest continuous over-water steel structure. Plus, it takes you to the beach. What’s more beautiful than that?