Things To Do
in Maryland City
Maryland City is a residential suburban community in Anne Arundel County located between Baltimore and Washington, D.C., with easy access to Fort Meade and the Annapolis area. The neighborhood is characterized by planned subdivisions, green pockets, and proximity to major highways, commuter rail, and shopping like Arundel Mills. While it doesn't have a dense downtown of its own, its central location makes it a convenient base for exploring the Chesapeake Bay, nearby parks, and historic Annapolis.
The area blends commuter convenience with access to regional outdoor recreation and a family-oriented atmosphere.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a refreshing stroll along the National Harbor promenade, enjoying beautiful waterfront views. Stop by a local cafe to enjoy a delicious breakfast buffet filled with local specialties. Don't forget to snap a few pictures in front of the iconic Capital Wheel before diving into your day.
After breakfast, visit the MGM National Harbor for some fun entertainment options including shopping and gaming. Grab lunch at one of the many restaurants offering a variety of cuisines before heading to the nearby Tanger Outlets for some bargain hunting. Take your time to explore the shops and relax at one of the outdoor seating areas.
As the sun sets, embark on a thrilling dinner cruise on the Potomac River. Marvel at the shimmering lights of the capital as you savor a gourmet meal on board. The evening concludes with live entertainment, creating a perfect finish to your day.
Begin your day in the charming town of Annapolis, known for its historic architecture and scenic waterfront. Enjoy a breakfast at a local bistro, then take a guided walking tour of the U.S. Naval Academy. Learn about its rich traditions and admire the stunning buildings.
For lunch, savor some fresh seafood at a waterfront restaurant, followed by a visit to the Maryland State House, the oldest state capitol still in continuous use. Explore the exhibits and enjoy the beautiful gardens surrounding the building. Spend your afternoon browsing the local shops and art galleries.
As evening approaches, enjoy a leisurely sunset cruise on the Chesapeake Bay. Discover the beauty of the bay’s landscape while enjoying a delightful dinner. End your day with a stroll along the waterfront, taking in the vibrant nightlife of Annapolis.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| ☕Coffee (regular) | $3-5 |
| 🚖Local taxi / short rideshare | $8-20 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $100-180 |
| ⛽Gasoline (per gallon) | $3.00-4.00 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Convenient location between Baltimore, Annapolis, and Washington, D.C.
- Access to Chesapeake Bay recreation and historic Annapolis
- Family-friendly suburban neighborhoods with green spaces
- Good commuter links: MARC, highways, and proximity to BWI
- Limited nightlife and cultural attractions directly within Maryland City
- Rush-hour traffic congestion on major roads
- Many amenities require driving — not fully walkable
- Summer humidity and occasional severe thunderstorms
Places to Visit in Maryland City
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic vistas of the Chesapeake Bay and the Bay Bridge, great for sunrise/sunset, long exposures, and maritime scenes.
Cobblestone streets, historic brick buildings, sailboats, and reflections on the harbor — excellent for street and waterfront photography.
Woodland paths, sculptural park features, and scenic waterfront on the South River provide peaceful nature and wildlife photo opportunities.
Tree-lined trail offering seasonal colors and cycling/hiking action shots, with bridges and open sky backdrops.
Pockets of wooded trails and residential landscapes good for candid suburban life photos, birds, and local flora.
Food in Maryland City
Maryland City Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Sweet lump crab meat lightly seasoned (often with Old Bay) and pan-fried or broiled; available at local crab houses, seafood restaurants in Annapolis, and many pubs.
Must-Try!
Whole blue crabs steamed with Old Bay seasoning — a hands-on, quintessential Chesapeake experience found at waterfront shacks and crab houses.
Regional desserts — Smith Island cake is a layered cake popular in Maryland and Berger cookies are a Baltimore specialty you can often find in bakeries and grocery stores.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Local seasonal produce, baked goods, and prepared foods; great for grabbing picnic items and locally made treats on market days.
While largely chain-driven, the mall and nearby retail areas host food vendors and pop-up events where you can sample a variety of cuisines quickly.
Along the harbor in Annapolis, seasonal vendors and food trucks serve seafood, sandwiches, and snacks—good for waterfront snacking.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Casual and polite interactions are the norm—use 'please' and 'thank you,' respect personal space, and a friendly small talk is common.
Traffic can be heavy; use turn signals, merge courteously, and be patient during rush hour. Pedestrians have the right-of-way at marked crossings.
At beaches and parks, follow posted rules for swimming, crabbing, and boating, and clean up after yourself—littering is frowned upon and enforced.
Safety
Tipping in Maryland City
Ensure a smooth experience
Typical U.S. tipping: 15–20% of the pre-tax bill for sit-down restaurants, $1–2 per drink at bars or 15–20% for bar tabs, $2–5 for coffee shop counter service (if you tip), 10–20% for taxis/rideshares depending on service, and a few dollars for hotel housekeeping per night.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted; contactless payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay) are common. Small cash is useful for markets, tips, and smaller vendors.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures, blossoming trees, and green parks make it an excellent time for outdoor activities and farmers’ markets; occasional rainy days are common—pack a light rain jacket.
Hot and humid with frequent high temperatures; great for boating, beach visits, and seafood outdoors—bring sun protection, bug spray near marshes, and plan for afternoon thunderstorms.
Comfortable temps and colorful foliage, ideal for hiking, cycling, and photography; early fall is busy for regional festivals and outdoor events.
Cold with occasional snow and icy conditions; transit and roads can be affected during storms—dress in layers and be prepared for shorter daylight hours.
Maryland City at Night
Hiking in Maryland City
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A converted rail-trail connecting Glen Burnie to Annapolis with smooth paths for walking, running, and biking through woods and small parks.
A large protected area with multiple trails for birdwatching, hiking, and quiet nature experiences—excellent for wildlife photography and seasonal migrations.
Scenic trails, boardwalks, and waterfront routes good for family hikes, nature walks, and picnics with facilities and rental options.
Short coastal trails and beach walks offering views of the Chesapeake Bay and Bay Bridge; ideal for shorebird watching and sunset walks.
Airports
How to reach Maryland City by plane.
The closest major airport (about 15–25 minutes by car) offering domestic and international flights, rental cars, shuttles, and convenient access to I-97 and I-695.
Approximately 45–60 minutes by car depending on traffic; closer to Washington, D.C., with domestic flights and easy public transit connections into the capital.
An international airport farther out (about 60–90 minutes by car), serving many long-haul and international routes.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Many residents are suburban families and professionals who commute to Baltimore, Annapolis, Fort Meade, or Washington, D.C.
Proximity to Fort Meade and other federal employers means a significant population connected to defense, intelligence, and federal agencies.
The region has a mix of ethnic and cultural backgrounds, reflecting broader Anne Arundel County and metropolitan diversity.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Annapolis is a sailing capital, with widespread recreational sailing, collegiate rowing, and boating events on the Chesapeake Bay.
Lacrosse is very popular across Maryland in school and club play; you'll see strong youth and high-school lacrosse programs.
Fans follow the Baltimore Ravens (NFL), Baltimore Orioles (MLB), and local high-school and college teams; tailgating and game days are regional events.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Maryland City.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are available at cafés and many sit-down restaurants (salads, grain bowls, veggie burgers). Inform servers of preferences — larger restaurants in Annapolis and malls have clearer vegetarian menus.
Vegans and gluten-free diners will find some choices at health-focused cafés and larger restaurants; cross-contamination with seafood is possible in crab houses, so ask staff and choose places with dedicated menu items when necessary.
Seafood is pervasive; if you have shellfish allergies, be explicit and cautious. Most restaurants will accommodate common allergies if informed in advance.