4 Maryland Tourist Spots I Tried to Hate (But Ended Up Loving)

Several years ago, I was living in Baltimore and, in my free time from work, I would explore the city and beyond. While I'm the type of person who will visit any tourist spot at least once, there are several that I had very low expectations for and, admittedly, was a little aprehensive to visit due to their popularity. Were they going to be crowded? Expensive? A waste of time? Maybe, but I decided to take that chance on four top must-see attractions in Maryland, and guess what? I ended up loving them all!

1. American Visionary Art Museum

Taking drives along Key Highway, I couldn't help but notice the unusual building that houses the Visionary Art Museum. Of course, I had to check it out, but would I like it? Between its quirky outward appearance and the bizarre, creative, and extraordinary paintings and sculptures inside, I became smitten with this one-of-a-kind, only-in-Baltimore attraction. I returned several times since my initial visit. My favorite part? The building that houses Fifi, the giant 15-foot kinetic sculpture of a pink poodle. When you visit, make sure to check out Side Show, the museum's gift shop, with some of the most unique gift items you will ever find.

2. Rusty Scupper Restaurant & Bar

I must admit that the name of this super-popular Baltimore restaurant threw me for a loop at first, as it doesn't sound appetizing to me. I also knew it was typically crowded, especially on weekends, so when my parents visited me one weekend in Baltimore and said they wanted to take me to the Rusty Scupper for its Sunday Jazz Brunch, I reluctantly agreed.

As soon as we arrived, my apprehension melted, and the stunning harbor views struck me through the restaurant's large windows—perhaps the best views in Baltimore! Not only that, but the Sunday Jazz Brunch experience was a surprising delight. The music was terrific, the service excellent, and the food was out of this world! Served buffet style, you have your pick of just about anything you can think of, from French toast, waffles, and made-to-order omelets to local favorites like Maryland crab soup, fresh-shucked oysters, Maryland-style pit beef, and so much more. And, I'm happy to say, I've been back since that first visit—this waterfront restaurant never disappoints.

3. Ocean City Boardwalk

I am not a huge fan of crowds, so when I first went to the Ocean City Boardwalk with family, I expected to be overwhelmed and not to enjoy myself as much as I did. This historic boardwalk dates back to 1902, and certainly has that nostalgic feel when you walk down it. Along the way, you'll have ocean views, of course, as well as your pick of waterfront hotels, dining options, dessert shops, souvenir shops, arcades, and so much more. The boardwalk is three miles long with benches if you need to stop and rest, people watch, or take a moment to view the ocean. I fell in love with the sense of nostalgia at the Ocean City Boardwalk, and I always have the urge to return.

4. Oriole Park at Camden Yards

As someone who grew up in New England, I thought no other ballpark could compare to Fenway. One weekend, my dad, who grew up in the Baltimore area, visited my son and me here, and wanted to take us to a game. He hadn't been to an Orioles game since childhood, and wanted to share the experience with us—how could we say no? While I assumed the game and the ballpark would underwhelm me, I left impressed and couldn't wait to return. Open since 1992, Oriole Park at Camden Yards has a "retro-classic design," meaning it has elements of an old-school ballpark mixed with modern amenities. While this isn't the original ballpark for the Baltimore Orioles, it had a similar feel to Fenway, the oldest baseball park in the country, and that's what I love about it.

Tourist Attractions in Maryland Worth the Visit

So, are these must-see attractions in Maryland worth it? I'm here to tell you (rather enthusiastically) that yes, they are worth seeing and experiencing! What are some tourist spots you were surprised by? If you'd like, please tell us about them by filling out our nomination form—we would love to hear from you!

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