8 great day trips to take to Maryland, from Assateague Island to the Salisbury Zoo

Justin Robertson, Delaware News Journal
Updated ·4 min read

It's tough to beat a vacation, but in a pinch, but short of that, a day trip is a great backup.

Whether you need to escape work for a day or want to spend some quality time with family and friends, there are plenty of great day-trip options in Maryland. From oceanside beaches to theme parks, the Old Line State has something for everyone.

As the summer winds down, here are some of Maryland's best destinations:

Assateague Island

Home to sandy beaches, salt marshes, maritime forests and coastal bays, Assateague Island is located just south of Ocean City. With its beautiful views of the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, this island is perfect for a nice, relaxing beach day. And if you're lucky, you might even see one or more of the 100-plus wild horses that live on the island.

7206 National Seashore Lane, Berlin, Maryland 

Downtown Annapolis

No. 33: Annapolis, Maryland.
No. 33: Annapolis, Maryland.

Maryland's capital is home to dozens of restaurants and shops. Along with the Maryland State House, Annapolis has scenic views of the Chesapeake Bay and is rich in history, as the waterfront town dates back to the mid-17th century. Whether you are looking for a romantic dinner on the water or want to shop at one of the many boutiques, Annapolis gives you a little taste of everything.

Main Street, Annapolis

U.S. Naval Academy

May 26, 2023: Graduating Midshipmen toss their hats in the air at the conclusion of the U.S. Naval Academy Graduation and Commissioning Ceremony at the Naval Academy May 26, 2023 in Annapolis, Maryland. The 2023 graduating class of 1,018 Midshipmen will be commissioned as ensigns in the Navy or second lieutenants in the Marine Corps.
May 26, 2023: Graduating Midshipmen toss their hats in the air at the conclusion of the U.S. Naval Academy Graduation and Commissioning Ceremony at the Naval Academy May 26, 2023 in Annapolis, Maryland. The 2023 graduating class of 1,018 Midshipmen will be commissioned as ensigns in the Navy or second lieutenants in the Marine Corps.

Only blocks away from Main Street, the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis has played a vital role in this country's history since it was founded in 1845. Since then, it has graduated thousands of U.S. Navy servicemen and servicewomen to make up one of the most powerful fighting forces in the world. Whether you want to book a tour of the academy or walk around the scenic campus, a visit to the birthplace of the U.S. Navy makes for a worthwhile trip.

121 Blake Road, Annapolis

Ocean City Boardwalk

In the mood for some fried treats, carnival games and rides? Look no further than the Ocean City Boardwalk. The three-mile strip hosts ice cream stores, a fishing pier, a Jolly Roger theme park, and many more attractions, making it a perfect one-day getaway.

698 N. Atlantic Ave., Ocean City, Maryland

Sunset Marina and Teaser's Restaurant

Sunset Marina hosts fishing tournaments every year, including the three-day OC Tuna Tournament in July.
Sunset Marina hosts fishing tournaments every year, including the three-day OC Tuna Tournament in July.

If you love boating, fishing or enjoying a drink on the water, Sunset Marina can satisfy all of your needs. Located in West Ocean City, Sunset and the accompanying Teaser's Bar and Grille is a great place to take a load off and enjoy live music while sipping on an orange crush or the drink of your choice. And if there is a fishing tournament going on, visitors can watch tuna, marlin and other fish get weighed at the scales.

12911 Sunset Ave., Ocean City, Maryland

National Aquarium

Children observe one of 20 sleek, fast-moving blacktip reef sharks that were introduced to National Aquarium's new Blacktip Reef exhibit in Baltimore. (Steve Ruark/AP)
Children observe one of 20 sleek, fast-moving blacktip reef sharks that were introduced to National Aquarium's new Blacktip Reef exhibit in Baltimore. (Steve Ruark/AP)

The Baltimore National Aquarium is a perfect day-trip location for people of all ages. The world-renowned aquarium has dozens of exhibits and thousands of different animals. From Johnston's crocodiles to electric eels to the Linne's two-toad sloth, visitors can experience and learn about nature like never before. Not only are you able to see these creatures behind glass, but you can also attend live bottlenose dolphin training sessions that give an up-close look at the dolphins.

501 E. Pratt St., Baltimore, Maryland

Salisbury Zoological Park

Brinkley Rayne, zookeeper, feed the alpacas lettuce as a treat Wednesday, July 7, 2021, at the Salisbury Zoo in Salisbury, Maryland.
Brinkley Rayne, zookeeper, feed the alpacas lettuce as a treat Wednesday, July 7, 2021, at the Salisbury Zoo in Salisbury, Maryland.

With free admission, the Salisbury Zoological Park is a cost-friendly choice for a day trip. Located just south of the Maryland-Delaware border, the 12-acre park is home to all sorts of birds, mammals and reptiles. Like the National Aquarium, the Salisbury Zoo is a family-friendly place that can provide learning experiences and hours of fun.

755 S. Park Drive, Salisbury, Maryland

Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum

The SkipJack Rosie Parks is shown at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum.
The SkipJack Rosie Parks is shown at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum.

Located in St. Michaels, the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum has all the information you will want to know about the Chesapeake Bay and the surrounding region. With great views of the water and sailboats galore, the museum is perfect for any boating or fishing connoisseurs.

213 N. Talbot St., St Michaels, Maryland

Also in Maryland: Things to do near the new Great Wolf Lodge opening near Delaware

More Maryland Zoos: Where the wild things are: 4 Maryland zoos to explore

This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: 8 day trips to places in Maryland well worth a visit