COLLEGE PARK, Maryland — As Maryland’s unpredictable weather begins to get warmer, many people are starting to plan trips to take advantage of the state’s various exciting vacation spots. From college students going on spring break trips, to families looking for a more tame experience, Maryland offers a unique variety of destinations for those seeking a leisurely getaway.
The tourism industry is an important one for the state of Maryland. According to a report produced by the Maryland Tourism Development Board, visitation to the state continues to grow annually, with data showing consistent tourism increases from 2012 to 2015.
In 2015, Maryland hosted roughly 40 million visitors. According to a national survey of U.S. travelers cited by the board’s report, about 33 million (81 percent) of these visitors noted leisure as their purpose.
This tourism is vital for bringing in tax revenue for the state; in 2015, Maryland’s tourism economy generated $16.8 million according to the report. To put that figure into perspective, each household in Maryland would need to be taxed an additional $1,040 to replace the tourism tax revenue received by state and local governments, according to the report.
Visit Maryland, the official website for tourism in the state, produced a list of the top places to visit in the state, including the National Harbor, Eastern Shore, Ocean City, Frederick, and more. Many of these locations are marketing themselves as true tourist destinations on their social media accounts.
National Harbor (Prince George’s County)
Eastern Shore
“Maryland’s Eastern shore proves an idyllic spot for your next vacation.”@Southern_Living has 12 Last-Minute Spring Break Trips to Book. Spoiler Alert: Easton is one of them! #DiscoverEastonhttps://t.co/oRwPJNFEQM
— Discover Easton (@discovereaston) March 5, 2019
Frederick (Frederick County)
Mario Kart is back in the tasting room this weekend. Our staff is highly-competitive (and frankly a little too cocky), so we’re offering drink deals to anyone who beats their bartender. Stop in, order a specialty flight, and knock these jokers down a few pegs, won’t you? pic.twitter.com/C1ICSasV2O
— Flying Dog Brewery (@FlyingDog) March 23, 2019
Ocean City (Worcester County)
The vacation countdown is on! When will we be seeing you in #OCMD this year?! pic.twitter.com/OSjkPBKmoM
— Ocean City, Maryland (@OCMaryland) March 7, 2019
Annapolis (Anne Arundel County)
Celebrate the spring equinox and the beginning of boating season each March by burning those nasty winter socks at the Annapolis Oyster Roast & Sock Burning on March 23.https://t.co/LH5BPD8KAP
— VisitAnnapolis (@VisitAnnapolis) March 7, 2019
Chesapeake Bay
Whether you’re looking for a fun day with the kids, a romantic getaway, or just some cool new scenery to take in, there are plenty of places right here in Maryland to explore!
Tell us about your favorite place to visit in Maryland! Tweet us @CNSMd.