8 days in Maryland Itinerary

A major center for tourism and travel, Baltimore is famous as the city where amateur poet Francis Scott Key wrote the lyrics for the United States' national anthem.

Escape the urban bustle at Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine and Loch Raven Reservoir. Do some cultural sightseeing at The Walters Art Museum and Baltimore Society of Model Engineers. Explore Baltimore's surroundings by going to Tidal Basin (in Washington DC), Hidden Oaks Nature Center (in Annandale) and Audubon Naturalist Society Woodend Sanctuary (in Chevy Chase). And it doesn't end there: try your luck at Horseshoe Casino, sample the fine beverages at Sagamore Spirit Distillery, pause for some serene contemplation at Saint Alphonsus Church, and have some family-friendly fun at Urban Axes Baltimore.

To find other places to visit, ratings, and other tourist information, read Baltimore trip planner.

Columbia to Baltimore is an approximately 4.5-hour flight. You can also drive; or take a train. Expect slightly colder weather when traveling from Columbia in May: highs in Baltimore hover around 75°F, while lows dip to 59°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 10th (Sun) so you can drive to Ocean City.

One of the country's favorite vacation resorts, Ocean City draws nearly 8 million visitors annually with its oceanfront boardwalk, clean beaches, and amusement parks.

On the 11th (Mon), examine the collection at Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum, then take a leisurely stroll along Ocean City Boardwalk, then kick back and relax at Ocean City Beach, and finally get in on the family fun at Jolly Roger Amusement Park. Keep things going the next day: take a leisurely stroll along Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk, kick back and relax at Rehoboth Beach Public Beach, and then enjoy the sand and surf at Dewey Beach.

For ratings, traveler tips, and tourist information, go to the Ocean City trip website.

Traveling by car from Baltimore to Ocean City takes 3 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. While traveling from Baltimore, expect little chillier days and about the same nights in Ocean City, ranging from highs of 69°F to lows of 55°F. Cap off your sightseeing on the 12th (Tue) early enough to go by car to St. Michaels.

On the 13th (Wed), see the interesting displays at Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, enjoy the sea views from 1879 Hooper Strait Lighthouse, do a tasting at Saint Michaels Winery, then brush up on your knowledge of spirits at Lyon Rum Distillery & Tasting Room, and finally shop like a local with Ouvert Gallery. Keep things going the next day: identify plant and animal life at Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, then get engrossed in the history at Harriet Tubman Museum and Educational Center, then see the interesting displays at The Oxford Museum, and finally take a tour by water with Boat Tours & Water Sports.

For other places to visit, photos, traveler tips, and more tourist information, refer to the St. Michaels online holiday maker.

Traveling by car from Ocean City to St. Michaels takes 2 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of shuttle and taxi; or do a combination of bus and taxi. Traveling from Ocean City in May, you will find days in St. Michaels are somewhat warmer (75°F), and nights are about the same (57°F). Cap off your sightseeing on the 14th (Thu) early enough to travel back home.