The Old Line State is a delightful place to discover with car rental. Nicknamed Little America, Maryland mixes the very best of the US in a compact package. You’ll find beaches next to thriving ports, the buzz of the city as well as quaint towns, rugged mountains and serene stretches of unchanged America. With just 540km separating its eastern coast from western edge, you can easily fit it all in during a single vacation.
Baltimore’s hidden beauty
For many years, Baltimore was defined by its port - but it has diversified in recent years. The museums are brilliant and often surprising, the food scene has been boomed, and there’s a vibrant sports following as well.
For family fun, look no further than the National Aquarium, regarded as the country’s best. It’s a stunning building with a glass pyramid atop seven floors and is home to thousands of creatures. The shark tank is a huge part of the attraction taking up several stories, while the indoor waterfall and reef are filled with varied species from around the world.
Museums tend towards the eclectic here - the Walters Art Museum has medieval armour and weaponry, while the American Visionary Art Museum includes spectacular exhibits of art outside. Look for the huge matchsticks model ships here, before heading to see the real deal. There are four historically important ships to tour, including the impressive USS Constellation.
All at sea
Beyond Baltimore, you can see the importance of the sea to Maryland all along its varied coastline. The US Naval Academy HQ is in Annapolis, where students fill the town and boats decorate the harbour. The town itself is attractive, with gorgeous colonial buildings and the lip-smacking tang of the sea in every mouthful of fresh crab at one of the many shacks.
Head for the barrier islands like Assateague, where wild horses roam. It’s home to numerous outdoor pursuits, such as kayaking, hiking and cycling. Cross the Chesapeake Bay Bridge to Kent Island, studded with marinas, beaches, woodland trails, romantic lighthouses and seafood restaurants.
History in the making
This corner of America has a history of tumultuous events and Maryland car rental will let you criss-cross the state to tease out the links.
The Antietam battlefield was the scene of the American Civil War’s biggest battle, while bugle signs alert you to Civil War exhibits.
Maryland is also home to parts of the Underground Railroad, a pipeline that helped slaves escape from the south to freedom. Drive to Church Creek for the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historic Park to get real insight into the era, its characters and the deadly risks they ran.
As a state, Maryland adds to the rich tapestry of US culture and history, and you can see it all with Hertz car rental. Book online now to start your adventure.
