There are some places in Maryland that are truly iconic -- places that every Marylander has been to not just once, but maybe a million times. But if you're missing a few of these places and experiences, 2025 is your year to make up for lost time. And if you've been to all of these places, give yourself a pat on the back!
1. Thrasher's Fries
Nobody makes fries quite like Thrasher's. They're an OC boardwalk staple, and they're best when simply adorned with salt and vinegar. This mainstay has been in Ocean City for nearly 100 years, so it's no surprise that generations of Marylanders have feasted on them!
2. Antietam Battlefield
If you're a history buff, a ghost hunter, or simply looking to learn more about your state, you have to make the trip to Antietam Battlefield. It's the site of some of the country's grimmest and bloodiest moments, a place to reflect on the scale and impact of the Civil War, and it deserves at least one visit.
3. Deep Creek Lake
This year-round vacation destination looks great any time of year, so no matter what time in 2025 you visit, you'll be sure to see all of the natural beauty that Maryland has to offer.
4. Edgar Allan Poe Burial Site
The acclaimed poet may have stronger ties to other cities, but Baltimore is where he died and where he was buried. Westminster Burying Ground is the place to go if you want to pay your respects to this master of the macabre and learn more about his tragic tale.
5. Oriole Park at Camden Yards
If you've never actually spent a day at the ballpark, you don't know what you're missing. Hot dogs, home runs, and John Denver all make up an unforgettable experience, and win or lose, you're sure to have fun.
6. Baltimore Aquarium
There's a reason why this specific aquarium endures in people's hearts and minds so strongly. It's not just a beautiful addition to the Baltimore harbor skyline; it's also a place where you can see thousands of strange and amazing creatures. Fish are just the beginning! You can also spot birds and even a sloth as you journey through the multiple floors of exhibits.
7. Smith Island
It's not just a place where the state's official dessert is made (though who could resist a Smith Island cake?). It's one of the strangest and coolest remnants of American history, and it's right on the way to Ocean City.
8. Peabody Library
No library in the state, let alone in the country, is as stunning as this Baltimore spot. It's not just the volume of books that makes this place special (300,000, if you're counting), but also the architecture.
9. Cunningham Falls
Maryland has no shortage of spots for you to bask in the beauty of nature, but Cunningham Falls is one of the prettiest. You can spend hours wandering, hiking, and bird-watching by the falls and in the surrounding park.
10. Ouija 7-Eleven
The first Ouija board, it's said, was used in Baltimore to communicate with spirits. The site of that first use is now a 7-Eleven, but don't let that bother you. After all, it's pretty cool that you can learn about some spooky local history and get a soft drink all in the same place!