Deep Creek Lake
#7 in Best Places to Visit in Maryland
Maryland’s largest freshwater lake offers endless opportunities for outdoor recreation. In summer, the weather here is warm and dry, making this season an excellent time to go fishing, swimming and kayaking. Meanwhile, winter is when the lake freezes and its shores get covered in snow, giving visitors the chance to go ice fishing, snowmobiling and cross-country skiing. To avoid winter’s chilly temps without rubbing elbows with hordes of summer tourists, arrive in spring or fall. These shoulder seasons are terrific times to go biking and hiking around the lake and admire Muddy Creek Falls in nearby Swallow Falls State Park.
Chesapeake Beach
#8 in Best Places to Visit in Maryland
In its heyday, Chesapeake Beach was a thriving resort destination for travelers arriving by train or steamboat. But now, this bay front locale is better known as a quiet beach town ideal for relaxing getaways. Venture to cliff-filled Bayfront Park to swim and look for fossils at its beach, or spend some time fishing or crabbing at one of the town’s marinas. Those traveling with children will also want to check out the Chesapeake Beach Water Park, which offers everything from waterslides to a lazy river to character meet-and-greets.