Maryland is a case study in fascinating geography. The state’s eastern edge is a barrier-island-bound strip of Atlantic coastline sandwiched between Delaware and Virginia, and just to the west is massive Chesapeake Bay. Taking into account all of its many islands, bays, rivers, and creeks, Maryland, despite being a small state, has thousands of miles of shoreline. And while the ocean is a big influence on the state (it’s known for its crab cakes, after all), Maryland’s western half reaches deep into the Appalachian Mountains, so beaches and estuaries aren’t the only kind of landscapes you’ll encounter. There’s lots to explore here, especially if you’ve booked a cozy cabin rental for the weekend.
Washington DC, Baltimore, Annapolis, and Ocean City make for worthy urban retreats, but if you’re looking for outdoor adventure, you’ll find plenty of it in the Old Line State (a nickname Maryland earned thanks to the bravery of its soldiers in the Revolutionary War). On the state’s eastern edge is Assateague Island National Seashore, a long stretch of protected coastline that offers hiking trails, bike paths, and sandy beaches; it’s also home to a famous herd of feral horses.
Kayaking or canoeing is a great way to explore the tidal reaches of Chesapeake Bay, and you might also get the chance to catch some crabs (several of the best cabins we've curated include kayaks and crab traps for guests to use). The mountainous regions in the western half of the state are great for hiking (the Appalachian Trail cuts through, after all) and mountain biking (Swallow Falls State Park offers both, as well as a surviving stand of old-growth forest), and in the winter months, you can even break out your skis at places like Wisp Resort.
Read on to see our top picks for the best Maryland cabin and home rentals all across the state.
