Maryland vacation rentals

Experience Maryland in vacation home rentals

There couldn't be a better nickname for Maryland than "America in Miniature". Other than lacking a desert, the state has a slice of pretty much everything the U.S. has to offer – East Coast beaches, sections of the Appalachian Mountains, buzzy cities and rural retreats. It's a progressive state and was instrumental in shaping the country as we know it today. The gorgeous waterside capital, Annapolis, is well worth visiting, but for the perfect introduction to the state, nab a Maryland vacation rental in the largest city, Baltimore.

Historic attractions near Maryland vacation homes

Maryland boasts numerous historic sites to explore on your trip. Vacation rentals are available near places like Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine, a fort from the War of 1812 with connections to the national anthem, and Antietam National Battlefield, a park and historic site from the Civil War battle that features tours and interpretive programs. You'll also like B&O Railroad Museum, a national landmark with hundreds of locomotives, a model train, and scenic train rides.

Attractions near Maryland vacation rentals

Out of all the states, Maryland is one of the most kid-friendly. If you're bringing the family to stay at a Maryland vacation rental, be sure to take them for ice cream and amusement rides along Ocean City Boardwalk. If you drop by the NASA Goddard Visitor Center, the staff and exhibits make rocket science and the solar systems easy and fun for the little ones to understand. If all that fails, you can drive down to the Six Flags America, a park that's packed to the rafters with adrenaline-inducing coasters and water rides.

Things to do near Maryland vacation homes

Maryland's diverse landscape lends itself to countless outdoor activities. Up in Patapsco Valley State Park, one of the oldest in Maryland, you can ride across the hilly terrain on mountain bikes, passing waterfalls and streams. Alternatively, you can powder up to scale the cliffs at Rocks State Park. If you've booked one of the Maryland vacation rentals that line the pretty coastline, you can hop on kayaks to paddle around James Island State Park, or rent a yacht and skipper to spend a day out on the water, casting your line in to hook a big one.

Climate for your stay in Maryland vacation homes

Maryland is arguably best enjoyed at the height of summer, when the ocean breeze cools the bright skies and hot midday sun. This is family vacation season, so get in quick if you plan to visit between July and August. That said, if you don't mind slightly milder weather, try to visit in the shoulder months, when the prices of rentals have dipped. The spring brings with it a landscape carpeted in wildflowers, whereas watching the changing of the leaves in fall couldn't be more scenic. Winters are cold, but the snowy wonderland has many outdoor activities to offer.

See Maryland's wild horses on Assateague

If you've booked up a Maryland vacation rental along Ocean City, be sure to spend some time on Assateague Island. Away from the bustle of the boardwalk, this scenic little spot is known for its herd of wild horses which roam freely. Watch as they gallop across the beach and water's edge, or find them grazing inland. The rest of the state would surely get a nod of approval from any wildlife enthusiast. Almost 100 mammals roam the mountains and shoreline, as do the dozens of reptiles and amphibians. Arguably the best wildlife encounters come from the 400 species of bird found in the state.

Transportation options to and around Maryland

Fly into Baltimore Washington Intl. Airport (BWI), the closest airport, located 16.8 mi (27 km) from the city center. If you can't find a flight that's convenient for your trip, you could book a flight to Fort Meade, MD (FME-Tipton), which is 16.2 mi (26.1 km) away.

If you're traveling by train, Odenton Station, Bowie State Station and Baltimore-Washington International Airport Station are the main stations in the area. You can see more of Maryland by jumping on the metro at Cromwell-Glen Burnie Station, Ferndale Station or BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport Metro Station.