7 Must-See Wonders of Maryland
1. Great Falls, Photo by The BayNet | 2. Crystal Grottoes Caverns | 3. Assateague, Photo from Maryland.gov | 4. Prettyboy Dam, Photo by Pviper101112/Wikipedia

CALIFORNIA, Md. — Maryland is a beautiful state with seemingly endless exciting locales to discover. Between the historical sites and natural formations, there are dozens of locations in the Old Line State that are worth a visit. The BayNet has put together this list to rank the seven wonders of Maryland, along with what you can see at each of them.

The Bay Bridge

Maryland Bay Bridge
Photo Credit: Photographs in the Carol M. Highsmith Archive, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division | “The Chesapeake Bay Bridge, connecting Maryland’s capital with the state’s Eastern Shore.”

The William Preston Lane Jr. Memorial Bridge, also called the Chesapeake Bay Bridge, is one of the biggest bridges on the East Coast. When it was opened in 1952, the Bay Bridge was ranked the third-longest bridge in the world at over four miles in length. The Bay Bridge is scary for some drivers and wondrous for others, but no matter how you feel about it, it’s easily one of the most exciting things to see in Maryland.

Assateague

Assateague Maryland
Photo Credit: Maryland.gov

Assateague is a barrier island in Maryland that’s home to majestic wildlife. Assateague State Park is near Ocean City and offers beautiful landscapes and beaches, but what makes it a wonder is the wild horses that freely explore the island at all times. For those who like horses or beaches, Assateague State Park is a must-visit during the summer — just don’t get too close to the wildlife.

Address: 7307 Stephen Decatur Highway, Berlin, MD 21811

Fort McHenry

Fort McHenry Maryland
Photo Credit: NPS.gov

Fort McHenry is historic for many reasons. Notably, this fort is the birthplace of “The Star-Spangled Banner,” written by Francis Scott Key following an American victory during the Battle of Baltimore. Now a National Monument and Historic Shrine dedicated to America, you can visit Fort McHenry in Baltimore for $15 to walk the campus and learn more about its extensive history in the Historic Star Fort.

Address: 2400 East Fort Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21230

The Calvert Cliffs

Calvert Cliffs Maryland
Photo Credit: Maryland.gov

The Calvert Cliffs are millions of years old, and they offer some of the most fascinating natural landscapes in Southern Maryland. The steep cliffs are a marvel for the eyes, while the marshland is also quite beautiful on a nice day. Due to the formations, there’s a huge abundance of fossils at the Calvert Cliffs, and visitors can even search for them while exploring the beach. If you want a fun day under the sun, then the Calvert Cliffs should be on your Maryland bucket list.

Address: 10540 H. G. Trueman Road, Lusby, Maryland

Crystal Grottoes Caverns

Crystal Grottoes Caverns Maryland
Photo Credit: Crystal Grottoes Caverns

Caverns are some of the most magical natural occurrences on Earth. Located in northern Maryland, the Crystal Grottoes Caverns took thousands of years to form, and visitors can take a 40-minute tour for $23 per adult. Crystal Grottoes Caverns is among the prettiest subterranean locations in the U.S., so they deserve their place as one of Maryland’s seven wonders.

Address: 19821 Shepherdstown Pike, Boonsboro, MD 21713

Prettyboy Dam

Prettyboy Reservoir provides clean water to Baltimore County, Baltimore City and even part of Anne Arundel County. The Prettyboy Dam is a sight to behold, surrounded by glistening water, hiking trails and forested hills. If you’re seeking a wonder where amazing feats of engineering meet serene nature, then the Prettyboy Dam is one of the best outdoor places to explore in Maryland.

Address: 19228 Spooks Hill Road, Hampstead, MD 21074

Great Falls

Great Falls Maryland
Image: Great Falls

The C&O Canal National Historical Park is home to Great Falls. Visitors can hike, kayak and cycle around the area to enjoy a day of serene peacefulness next to a river known for its incredible sights and falls. Great Falls is located on the Potomac River within Montgomery County, so it’s a great hiking spot if you live in D.C. or Virginia, too.

Address: 11710 MacArthur Blvd., Potomac, MD 20854


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Michael Caruso is a passionate journalist with a focus on environmental issues and new technologies. A lifelong resident of the Southern/Central Maryland area, he currently lives in Silver Spring. Michael...

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