4 Vibrant Places That Show Off Maryland’s Colorful Side

I truly believe that colors make us happier — well, seeing colorful hues always brightens my day. One thing about the Old Line State is that you can find vibrant scenes everywhere you go. But what makes Maryland so colorful? Whether you’re walking along the iconic row houses, wandering through a serene botanical garden, or strolling along the Inner Harbor, you can easily find the state’s colorful side. And when it comes to the most colorful places in Maryland, I can think of several that will not disappoint. If you’re a photographer or even if you simply take pictures for fun, get ready to add new life to your Instagram.    

What Makes Maryland So Colorful?

No matter the season, Maryland is always bursting with bright colors. In spring and summer, the botanical gardens transform into dreamy wonderlands with cheery tulips and fragrant blooms. Of course, autumn has its own magic when the trees glow with shades of red, orange, and yellow. And in the winter, the brilliant man-made creations bring sunshine into our lives. Not to mention the picture-perfect, multi-colored scenes along the waterways. You’ll find so much inspiration as you travel to these beautiful places in Maryland.  

1. Sherwood Gardens, Baltimore

When spring rolls around, one of the most colorful places to visit in Maryland is Sherwood Gardens. Over 50,000 tulips, along with vibrant azaleas and flowering trees, shine brightly against the backdrop of the historic homes in the Guilford neighborhood. As you stroll through the breezy pathways, you can admire shades of red, yellow, pink, purple, and delicate pastel. Although it's a private garden, it’s open to the public for picnics and photography.

The best part? There is no entrance fee, so you’ll get to soak up all this beauty without spending a dime. I would say, the best things in life are, in fact, free! For more color inspiration, visit the Baltimore Museum of Art Sculpture Garden, which is less than a mile away. This sounds like the perfect spring day to me. 

2. Colorful Row Houses, Baltimore

Walking down the streets in Baltimore, lined with the iconic row homes, makes me feel alive. Each home, painted in shades of cobalt blue, yellow, pink, and orange, tells its own story. The historic homes, mostly built in the 18th and 19th centuries, represent the artistic spirit and pride of the neighborhoods. 

Fun Fact: The brightly painted homes in the Charles Village community were inspired by the original Painted Ladies houses in San Francisco. Baltimore’s Painted Ladies, as they’re known, have some of the city's most photographed houses. Other neighborhoods include Abell, Hampden, and Fell’s Point. You can easily spend an entire day browsing through and taking pictures of these eclectic row homes in Baltimore. 

3. Sandy Point State Park, Annapolis

Have you ever watched the sunrise or sunset over Chesapeake Bay at Sandy Point State Park? If not, you have missed out on pure color magic. I have photographed and seen many sunrises/sunsets along the Gulf Coast and Atlantic Ocean, but nothing compares to this. From the soft pastel hues in the morning to the fiery, warmer tones in the evenings, the breathtaking scene will leave you wanting more. The gentle waves of the water with the Chesapeake Bay Bridge and sailboats in the distance, only add more life to the scene. When nature paints its masterpieces, sometimes words aren’t enough, so you’ll need to see this view for yourself.

4. Street Art and Murals, Wheaton

Color inspiration is everywhere in Maryland, but there is something about street art that triggers raw emotions in my soul. You can find the whimsical creations in places like Kensington, Frederick, and, of course, Baltimore. But we can’t get enough of the murals in Wheaton in Montgomery County. One of the standouts is “Tradition is a Part of Us, Humanity is All of Us.” This bold piece is a powerful message using dance to show that our multicultural legacies are an important gift to each other. 

Grab your comfortable shoes and plan a trip to the Wheaton Arts and Entertainment District to see the murals and artwork in the area. Since Wheaton is a foodie destination, I’d recommend checking out some of the restaurants while you’re here. Hook & Reel Cajun Seafood & Bar arguably has the best food in town. 

Final Thoughts on Colorful Places to Visit in Maryland

Now that you have a list of the most colorful places to visit in Maryland, there is only one thing left to do — plan a road trip! Whether you’re inspired by natural beauty or man-made artistic creations, Maryland delivers on both. These Instagrammable destinations will make you fall in love with Maryland’s colorful side. Plus, if ever you’re feeling low, these spots will help to brighten your day. 

Want more inspiration? Here are our top road trip ideas to see some of the most beautiful places in Maryland. Or you can use Only In Your State’s itinerary planner to discover more places in Maryland to love.