Maryland offers a wide variety of attractions and things to do with its landscape extending from the seashore (Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean) to the mountains (the Appalachians) to urban areas (Baltimore and the DC suburbs). In one day you can enjoy wonderful scenery and outdoor activities as well as visit museums, historic sites and cultural events. Here's a guide to the top attractions in Maryland.
11. Historic Ellicott City
© Capital Region USA
During the late 1700s, Ellicott's Mills was the largest flour milling center in the region. Today, the quaint town in Howard County, Maryland is known for its historic charm and a nice selection of antique and specialty shops and unique restaurants and cafes.
12. AFI Silver Theater and Cultural Center
© AFI
The American Film Institute (AFI), located in downtown Silver Spring, Maryland, is America's national arts organization dedicated to advancing and preserving the art of film, television, and digital media. Events include filmmaker interviews, panels, discussions, musical performances and more.
13. Patuxent Wildlife Research Refuge
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Tucked away in Laurel, Maryland, this national science and environmental education center offers educational programs, guided tours and opportunities for wildlife observation. Special programs include children’s games, crafts, trail walks, wildlife demonstrations and more.
14. NASA Goddard Visitor Center
The Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland offers many unique programs, special events and presentations that highlight Goddard's Earth and Space Science, engineering and technology work. Exhibits include interactive displays and models, as well as real examples of satellites and rocket flight hardware. Closed Sunday and Monday.15. National Harbor
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The new 300-acre waterfront destination along the Potomac River hopes to be the next biggest attraction in the Washington, DC area. Opening in the spring of 2008, the $2.1 billion mixed-use community in Prince George's County, Maryland, includes hotels, restaurants, retail stores, condominiums, a full-service marina, a convention center, and commercial office space. The marina will launch cruises along the Potomac River and boating, fishing, and jet skiing will be available. Plans are also underway to build the National Children's Museum on this site.
