My Favorite Places to Visit in Maryland Before Summer Ends

Looking for a family weekend getaway that’s SUPER local to Howard County, MD? Check out my recent blog on my visit to Turf Valley Resort: Family Staycation at Turf Valley Resort: The Best Weekend Getaway in Maryland

Is it just me, or is summer sprinting by? Between swim lessons, sticky popsicle fingers, and endless sunscreen battles, I blinked and it’s somehow already more than halfway over… If you're like me, juggling work, wrangling kids, and trying to squeeze in a few memory-making adventures before the school bell rings again, you might be looking for that perfect day trip or weekend escape that feels worth the energy (and the packing).

So I’ve rounded up my top favorite Maryland spots to explore before summer ends. All mom-approved, memory-filled, and (mostly) easy to do with little ones in tow. Whether you’re a beach lover, a nature seeker, or a small-town wanderer, there’s something here for your family.

Assateague Island: Where Wild Horses Roam

This is the one trip every Maryland family has to do at least once, and honestly, it gets more magical each time. Assateague Island is famous for its wild ponies (yes, real-life ponies, just roaming the beach like they own it, which, let’s be honest, they kind of do).

So pack up the kids, load up the minivan with snacks, bug spray and sand toys and get ready for such a fun day! The trip is definitely worth it. The beaches are less crowded than Ocean City, the water is beautiful, and the wildlife feels like something out of a storybook.

Mom tips:

• Bring your own food and drinks (there aren’t a lot of concessions).

• Portable potties are available, but I highly recommend bringing wipes and sanitizer.

• Watch the ponies from a distance, they’re adorable but definitely not tame and they are wild animals.

Ocean City: Classic Summer Vibes

If your looking for a more chill, kid-friendly vibe, then I would take a look at hotels with private beach access such as Ashore Resort & Beach Club and Princess Royale Oceanfront Resort. If you’re ready to hit the busy-ness of the boardwalk, it’s just a short drive away!

Mom tips:

• Get there early for parking or book a hotel within walking distance of the beach.

• Pack a foldable beach wagon, it’ll save your back.

• Sunscreen, sunscreen, sunscreen.

Annapolis: Boats, Boutiques, and Blue Crabs

Annapolis is that rare unicorn of a town where I feel like I’m getting a day out while the kids still have fun. It’s so charming, with brick-lined streets, waterfront views, and just the right mix of casual and classy. We usually start with a stroll around Ego Alley to see the sailboats, pop into some shops (The Lilac Bijoux has the cutest gifts), and then grab lunch at Chick & Ruth’s. You can even hop on a short boat tour for a breezy break from walking.

Mom tips:

• Bring strollers with solid wheels (cobblestone can be tricky).

• Downtown parking fills up fast, Garage at Gotts Court is a solid bet.

• Keep wet wipes on hand!

Deep Creek Lake: Your Mountain Getaway

If your family’s been craving a change of scenery, but without the stress of a long road trip, Deep Creek Lake is your golden ticket. Just about 2.5 hours from Columbia, it feels like a full-blown mountain getaway, without the six-hour drive or plane ride. The air is cooler, the lake is calm, and the pace slows way down, in the best possible way.

If your kiddos are into fishing, hiking or boating then Deep Creek has to be your next trip before the summer is over. The outdoor activities are unstoppable here. Deep Creek Lake State Park is the perfect place to go hiking and fishing. If your not as into those activites, don’t worry because who doesn’t love a good boat day? There are many different places where you can rent a boat for hours on end and you can rent tubes for tubing, or just cruise around the lake and have a laid back kind of day. There are so many options its overwhelming (in a good way). Whether you rent a cozy cabin, stay in a lakefront Airbnb, or just drive out for the day, it’s the kind of place that resets your whole family’s energy.

Mom tips:

• Pack layers, it can be 10 degrees cooler than Columbia even in July.

• Don’t miss Swallow Falls State Park, it’s stroller-friendly in some areas and the waterfalls are breathtaking.

• Bring board games and snacks for chill evenings at your rental, there’s something magical about family game night in the mountains.

North Beach: A Hidden Gem Close to Home

This little town is such a sweet surprise, and only about an hour from Columbia! North Beach is ideal for a spontaneous day trip when you don’t want the drama of packing up for a full beach weekend. There’s a small sandy beach, a scenic boardwalk, a playground, and more! It’s not as busy as Ocean City, which sometimes feels like an Olympic sport with kids (this is more like a relaxing hug of a day).

Mom tips:

• There’s a small fee to get on the beach for non-residents, bring cash.

• Street parking is doable but come early!

• Pack a picnic or grab fish tacos at Neptune’s, they’re worth the wait.

Baltimore: Big City Fun with a Family Twist

Baltimore is packed with amazing spots for families to explore, and it’s closer (and more kid-friendly) than you might think! Whether you’re heading to the Maryland Zoo, the Science Center, the National Aquarium, or Port Discovery, there’s something for every age and energy level.

Add in a walk along the Inner Harbor, lunch at Miss Shirley’s Cafe, and a scoop (or two) from Bmore Licks, and you’ve got the perfect mix of learning, play, and laid-back fun—all in one city.

St. Michaels: Coastal Charm in Every Corner

St. Michaels is like the Hallmark movie version of a Maryland town, and it’s perfect for when you want a change of pace that still feels totally kid-friendly. The drive is scenic (hello Bay Bridge views), and once you arrive, everything slows down.

We love starting the day at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum… Super hands-on for kids, and honestly fascinating for adults too. Then, we’ll grab lunch at Ava’s Pizzeria and walk around the adorable shops. Ice cream at Justine’s is non-negotiable, and if your crew is up for it, you can even book a short boat tour.

Mom tips:

• Bring a stroller or wagon (those brick sidewalks are bumpy but doable).

• Make lunch reservations if it’s a weekend (things get busy quick).

• Don’t forget hats and sunscreen… Lots of walking + waterfront time.

Make Maryland Memories this Summer!

So whether you’re up for a road trip or craving something closer to home, there’s still so much summer left to soak up here in Maryland. I know how easy it is to let the season blur by in a haze of camp drop-offs and dinner meltdowns, but even one little day trip can spark the kind of joy that carries a family through the chaos. Here’s to salty air, muddy feet, magical summer moments, and memories that will last a lifetime! Let me know which part of Maryland you’re traveling to this summer!