Free Things To Do In Maryland: The Ultimate Maryland Trip Bucket List

Oct 12, 2021

Last Updated on: Jul 7, 2025

Destinations

The Maryland Tourism & Travel Summit 2024, which took place from November 6th to 8th, saw the Maryland Tourism Coalition (MTC), like in the last 50 years, unite all segments of the state’s tourism and 300 delegates to develop Maryland tourism. 

This event is likely to impact tourism and the state’s economy. We can expect many developments in amenities and infrastructure, with names like American Airlines, United Airlines, Quality Inn, and Holiday Inn Express Easton, an IHG Hotel, participating in the event. 

Further, thanks to proximity to airports like the Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI), Maryland remains accessible to tourists across the globe.

Moreover, the free things to do in Maryland, like  Exploring the Battle Creek Cypress Swamp or visiting the Salisbury Zoo, make Maryland a tourist’s delight. So, despite being considered one of the more expensive states of the USA, you can plan a budget-friendly itinerary here. 

If you are ready to travel like a local and pick budget-friendly activities, the pocket pinch (flight and hotel) will be around $270-350 per person. However, if you are not already aware of the free and cheap things to do in Maryland, this Tour and Travel guide will be of great help. 

Free And Cheap Things To Do In Maryland | Traveling On A Shoestring

Free And Cheap Things To Do In Maryland

In this blog, I will tell you about what I have explored in Maryland and what all things can be done in Maryland. We will also discuss the food of Maryland attractions that you must try when you are visiting Maryland. We will cater to you about all the possible information about Mary’s land and tourist attractions in Maryland which you can follow up. 

So let’s start to take a glimpse of the famous places in Maryland. 

There are a lot of things to do in Maryland but before that, I will tell you tips for first-time New York visitors. Most people who visit New York, tend to confine themselves to Manhattan only. But the real beauty of New York lies when you leave Manhattan. 

I think the best way to convey this to you is to first tell you about the things to do in Maryland. While telling you about that I will also give you some tricky insights about New York. 

I would like to start by saying that New York is a secret city in the United States. New York has surprised me quite a little there are so many things to do in new york. All you have to know is when to visit New York to enjoy the most. 

There are a lot of things to do in Maryland but before that, I will tell you tips for first-time New York visitors. Most people who visit New York, tend to confine themselves to Manhattan only. But the real beauty of New York lies when you leave Manhattan. 

I think the best way to convey to you is to first tell you about the things to do in Maryland. While telling you about that I will also give you some tricky insights about New York. 

April to June and late August to October are two ideal seasons to try the free things to do in Maryland. However, during these two seasons, the cost of accommodation shoots up due to a tourist influx.

So, you really need to pick the activities or visit the places that will cost you less when traveling on a shoestring. 

Here, we will provide you with all the possible information about Maryland so you can visit these places without hassle. 

1. Visiting The Calvert Cliffs State Park

Visiting The Calvert Cliffs State Park
  • Location: 0540 H G Trueman Rd, Lusby, MD
  • Contact Number: +1 443-975-4360
  • Vehicle Fee: $5 for State Residents, $7 for Residents of Other States, $10 for Small Bus, $20 for Large Bus
  • Hours Open: 7:30 AM to 5 PM

Exploring the fossil-bearing Calvert Cliffs is one of the best things to do in Maryland. I loved the atmosphere and the place. 

Here, the large collection of fossiliferous is known as the Chesapeake Group. Further, the cliff contains Miocene fauna. 

Fossil Hunting | Know The Things To Do In Maryland Park 

At Calvert Cliffs State Park, you can go to the end of the red trail. There, you will find the open beach area for fossil hunting. 

Here, you will find fossils from the Miocene era, covering more than 600 species. Some common variations here are Miocene-era oyster shells, shark teeth, and Chesapectens, which you can hunt using shovels and sieves. 

The Calvert Cliff in Maryland is mostly forested, with some ponds and wetlands. Moreover, the things to do here are hunting turkey, deer, and bird watching. You can also stroll along the beautiful flora-fauna-rich beach in Calvert.   

2. Exploring The Washington County Museum Of Fine Arts 

  • Location: 401 Museum Drive, Hagerstown, MD
  • Contact Number: (301) 739-5727 
  • Hours Open: 10 AM  – 5 PM (Tuesday to Sunday), Monday – Free
  • Admission and Parking: Free
Washington County Museum 

The Washington County Museum of Fine Arts, the hub of many exhibitions and events, houses more than 6,500 permanent collectibles. Mr. and Mrs. William Henry Singer, Jr founded the museum, and they donated the initial exhibits. 

Currently, the museum has sculptures, decorative arts, drawings, and prints. Further, the collectibles here are cosmopolitan, with a focus on 19th-century European art and American art. 

Some of the most prominent collections in the museum are the European Old Masters, The Singer Memorial Gallery, American Narratives: 1700-1920, and The Eight to Abstraction: Modernism & Innovation. 

3. Spending A Day At Assateague Island National Seashore

Spending A Day At Assateague Island National Seashore
  • Entry Fee: Standard Pass – $0.00–$25.00, Annual Pass – $45.00, America the Beautiful Pass (includes Senior Passes) – Free–$80.00
  • Hours Open: 24*7

The United States Park Service and Fish and Wildlife Service manage Assateague Island National Seashore. You will find feral ponies walking and galloping across the island and the surrounding waters.

Further, the Assateague Island National Seashore is for everyone. You can go fishing, catch crabs, take a bike ride, or hike through the barrier island. 

Moreover, you can collect a permit and enjoy the most adventurous ride in Over Sand Vehicles or OSVs. Also, for a wonderful outdoor experience, you can camp at the Assateague Island National Seashore. 

4. Sightseeing At Ego Alley

Ego Alley
  • Location: 1 Dock St, Annapolis, MD 
  • Hours Open: 24 Hours
  • Entry: Fee 

Ego Alley is a narrow waterway that spills out into Spa Creek. This narrow waterway got its name from the expensive boats parading in the evenings and during the weekend. 

A visit to Ego Alley is one of the free things to do in Maryland. Here, you can soak in the Sun while gorging on local delicacies. 

Further, people gather in large numbers at Ego Alley for St. Patrick’s Day in March, the Annapolis Spring Sailboat Show in April, or the Independence Day Celebration in July. 

5. Visiting The Beautiful Sculpture Gardens, Baltimore Museum Of Art

Location: 10 Art Museum Dr, Baltimore, MD

Hours Open: Monday and Wednesday to Sunday – 10 AM to 5 PM, Tuesday: Closed

Entry: Free

Sculpture Garden

As you take a walk along the Beautiful Sculpture Gardens, you will discover close to 33 sculptures. 

The sculptures here are a good mix of old and new sculptures of the last 100 years. 

6. William British Planetarium 

Location: 820 Commonwealth Avenue, Hagerstown, MD

Hours Open: Monday-Friday (8 AM to 3:30 PM), Special Shows: Second And Fourth Saturdays (5:30-7 PM)

Entry Fee: $3.75 for Adults, $2.75 for Children and Students

If you love to see the stars, moon, Milky Way, and galaxy, then William British Planetarium is the place you must visit. 

Enjoy an immersive planetarium show that looks back at rare classes of eruptions that have marshaled the energy that lurks.

You will also be able to witness the details of the space. I enjoyed this place thoroughly because it took me back to my childhood.

7. National Aquarium

Location: 501 E Pratt St, Baltimore, MD

Hours Open: Monday-Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday – 9 AM-6 PM, Friday: 9 AM to 9 PM

Entry Fee: Free for Children below 4 Years, $24.95 or Half Price on Fridays from 5-9 PM

When you visit Maryland, you cannot miss the National Aquarium, especially its wide variety of sea creatures, such as sharks, dolphins, living reefs, and jellyfish. 

It is a non-profit public aquarium known as the Baltimore Aquarium, by the locals.

The aquarium’s water capacity is more than 2.2 million gallons, and it ranks as one of the top three aquariums in the country. It features amphibians, reptiles, fish, mammals, and birds.

8. Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Park

Location: 4068 Golden Hill Road, Church Creek, MD

Hours Open: Tuesday-Sunday (10 AM to 4 PM), Monday Closed

Entry Fee: Free

Another activity that must be included in your list of things to do in Maryland is visiting the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Park!

The Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Park commemorates the life of the activist Harriet Tubman, who was formerly enslaved during the American Civil War. 

The national park encompasses 480 acres and is managed by the US National Park Service Unit.

The state of Maryland is responsible for the park’s upkeep. Throughout the park, exhibits are dedicated to Tubman, who operated the Underground Railroad after she was free from slavery.

9.  Exploring The Battle Creek Cypress Swamp

Exploring The Battle Creek Cypress Swamp

Location: 2880 Grays Road, Port Republic, MD

Hours Open: Monday-Friday (9 AM to 4:30 PM), Saturday (10 AM to 4:30 PM), Sunday: 1-4:30 PM

Entry Fee: Free

Battle Creek Cypress Swamp is home to bald cypress trees and is the first preserve of The Nature Conservancy in Maryland. 

You will also find pink lady’s slipper and May apple plants here. 

Moreover, the Battle Creek Cypress Swamp has Warblers and Kentucky. 

10. Visiting The Salisbury Zoo

Location: 755 S Park Dr, Salisbury, MD

Hours Open: 9 AM to 4:30 PM

Entry Fee: Free

Salisbury Zoo is home to a wide range of animals, including guinea pigs, great horned owls, gopher tortoises, painted turtles, box turtles, and burrowing owls. 

Salisbury Zoo is accessible, and it has wheelchair facilities to offer more inclusivity to visitors.

Don’t Miss The Local Food | Best Things To Do In Maryland

My best experience in Maryland was trying local food like Steamed Crabs.

The place is popular in the United States for fishing and its blue crabs. The dish of steamed crabs combines spices, herbs, beer, and blue crabs.

Remember to add butter along with different blends of seasoning so you will get both a spicy and savory taste.

Another great thing I had was the Crab Cake. Also, don’t forget to try the Roasted Pit Beef.

Raising A Toast At Flying Dog Brewery | Best Things To Do In Maryland 

The next on my ‘things to do in Maryland’ list is a visit to the Flying Dog Brewery. What can be a better place for a connoisseur than the Flying Dog Brewery as they believe “Beer is Art.” 

Flying Dog Brewery has a good mix of year-round gems and some seasonal attractions. The Double Dog Juicy Double IPA is my favorite among the year-round attractions. 

Again, the Deep Fake Non-Alcoholic is the best seasonal offering here. 

The Flying Dog Brewery’s tasting room is open from Thursday to Sunday. I had a great time tasting different seasonal beers there. 

However, don’t forget to carry your ID, as they only serve beer to 21+ visitors. 

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Sagnika Sinha is a content writer who is passionate about writing travel vlogs, entertainment and celebrity articles and literature-based pieces. With a 4 years experience in teaching, she loves reading books. A procrastinator by nature, she loves travelling, listening to music, planting and gardening.

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READ MORE best places to travel in September

10 Best Places To Travel In September – Travel Guide 2022

BY  Mashum Apr 22, 2022

There is only one way to fall in love with the September hues. Travel! September arrives each year with some love that connects one season with another. So, you can consider that it makes the summer season fall in love with the winter season and vice-versa. Now, it is obvious that the hues of nature would change for good as two seasons connect with each other. Somewhere, it marks the inception of the fall whereas, in other places, the spring arrives.  Now, what would you do at such a wonderful time? Well, pack your bags and set out for a trip. As every trip has a destination, your September trip is no different. Here is a list of the best places to travel in September. You can read about different places around the world and select one to visit.  I hope you will have a good time reading about the places that turn alluring in September. So, let’s start! Top Ten Places To Travel In September 2022 As we all hope that September 2022 will not be the same as the last couple of years, you can start planning for a trip. Well, before that, go through the places. 1. Gothenburg, Sweden Overview Sweden is one of the most picturesque countries in the world. In September, Mother Nature paints a lot of pictures here with all her hues. So, you can consider it one of the best places to travel in September.  You can be in Gothenburg city and spend some days solo or with your partner here. Make sure you take light woollens as the night temperature can drop well. In this city, you can let your soul breathe.  Reaching Up You can take a direct/connecting flight to the Landvetter Airport from the US. The city is also connected to many cities in Europe by the railroad. Top Activities Take a walk up to the harbors. Visit the organic hotspot in Taverna Averna.  Go sightseeing in the city on a cycle.  Top Hotels Upper House, Gothia Towers, Clarion Hotel Post Top Restaurants River Restaurant On The Pier, Restaurang Piga, Sjomagacinet Sverige Popular Dishes To Try Honokaa, Cinnamon Bun, Shrimp Sandwich 2. Cali, Columbia Overview If you desire to enjoy the September bliss with smoky dance, good music, and food, Cali can be the best place for you. It has been one of the unsafe cities but now the bosses are in jail. In Cali, you can enjoy the isolation with vibrant sunlight. Moreover, you can also do some memorable activities while in this city. Reaching Up There are flights connecting to Cali from most of the airports in the US. You can purchase tickets easily.  Top Activities Visit the salsa schools in Cali. Enjoy your stay in Cali witnessing the singing and dancing shows. Do not forget to attain the Festival Mundial de Salsa.  Top Hotels Cali Marriot Hotel, Hotel Intercontinental Cali, Hotel Spiwak Top Restaurants The Market Cali, Waunana Restaurante Popular Dishes To Try Tamal Valluno, Manjar Blanco, Aborrajados 3. Corsica, France Overview Corsica is one of the vibrant fall destinations to visit. You can find it in the list of best places to travel in September 2021. This year it is quite the same. From highlands to the sea and a fortress, the island of Corsica can be the best. The best fact about Corsica in September is that it is cheap. Reaching Up You can reach the Paris International Airport from the US and take a connecting flight to the Corsica island airport.  Top Activities Get atop the Corsica Fort. Spend a lot of time exploring the beaches and highlands. Taste Corsican food in the restaurants and cafes.  Top Hotels Hotel Villa Josephine, Hotel Cala di Greco 4 étoiles, Dominique Colonna Top Restaurants Sci Le Panorama, La Riviere des Vins, U Museu Popular Dishes To Try Civet de Sanglier, Veau aux olives, Agneau Corse 4. California Wine Country, USA Overview When it comes to the best places to travel in September in USA, you can blindly choose Wine County. It is located in California and you can visit here on a solo or a friend’s trip. This place gets such a name due to the presence of a lot of wineries. Now, you can take a bicycle and just spend time exploring the place during the daytime.  Reaching Up There are a lot of domestic flights to California from different cities in the country. So, you need to purchase a ticket early.  California is well-connected with a network of highways from different parts of the cities. Top Activities Take a cycle and visit the Napa Valley. Indulge in wine tasting in Sonoma. Top Hotels Meadowood Napa Valley, Bardessono Hotel and Spa, Alila Napa Valley Top Restaurants Farmhouse Inn, Rustic-Ford Coppola Winery Popular Dishes To Try California Pizza, Coipinno, Cobb Salad 5. Barcelona, Spain Overview While the football fans in all corners of the world know Barcelona for its team, travelers know it for its beauty. Well, it would be best if you are both a traveler and a football fan. Barcelona is no doubt the best place to travel in September because it experiences a vibrant fall season. You can enjoy the sunny days and cool nights in this city. Moreover, you can get a good chance to explore the tourist locations and indulge in the nightlife. So, this is one of the best places to travel in September. Reaching Up Reaching Barcelona from the US is easy as there are multiple direct and 1-stop flights available from multiple cities in the US. Top Activities Witness outstanding art at Casa Mila. Indulge in shopping at La Rambla. Spend some quality time at Montjuic.  Top Hotels Hotel HCC Taber, Cosmos Apartment, Hotel ME Barcelona Top Restaurants Disfrutar, Lasarte, Via Veneto Popular Dishes To Try Patatas Bravas, Paella, Potato Bombas 6. Kovalam, India Overview Kovalam is a small yet beautiful town in India. Kovalam is located in the state of Kerala. It is a lesser-known place but has still backed a place in the list of the best places to travel in September. It is so due to the presence of the exotic fall season. In winter, this place turns more exotic. So, you can put it on the list of the best places to travel in December too. You can spend a few days in Kovalam beside the tranquil beach. Here, you can allow the waves of the Arabian Sea to kiss your feet. There is nothing much to do in Kovalam but you can relax and rejuvenate here.  Reaching Up Reaching Kovalam is easy in the US. You can take a flight to New Delhi. Afterward, you need to take a connecting flight to the Kochi Airport. After you land in Kochi, you can take a cab to reach Kovalam. Top Activities  Enjoy the beach life at Kovalam. Indulge in shopping from the markets besides the beach. Reach up to the top of the Kovalam lighthouse. Explore local culture at Kovalam. Top Hotels Samudra Theeram Beach Resort, Sagara Beach Resort, Park International Kovalam Top Restaurants Black Cat Restaurant, Sanjeevni Restaurant, The Tides Popular Dishes To Try Kerala Style Beef Curry and Rice, Kerala Appam, Ela Ada 7. Machu Picchu, Peru Overview If you are looking for one of the best places to travel to in September in South America, Machu Picchu can be the right pick for you. However, you must remember that the trip will be full of activities. In Machu Picchu, you can expect to get outstanding weather as it would be the springtime. You can spend a lot of time in the Inca, the main point of attraction of the place. So, what are you waiting for? Just, call your travel agent and plan for the best places to travel in September. Finally, you can expect a less crowd in the place. So, it would be an outstanding experience to explore one of the seven wonders of the world. This place can come among the best places to travel in October too. Reaching Up The main international airport near Machu Picchu is in Lima. Well, it is easy to reach out to the place as multiple airlines serve flights to that place. Cab services are available from the airport to the Machu Picchu base. Top Activities Visit Lake Titicaca. Hike up to the ruins of Inca City. Top Hotels Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo, Hatun Inti Boutique Machupicchu, Panorama B&B Top Restaurants TreeHouse Restaurant, Chullpi Restaurant, Full House Peruvian Cuisine Balcony view River Popular Dishes To Try Grilled Chicken, Barbecue, Lomo Saltado 8. Pula, Croatia Overview Pula is a beach city in Croatia. It is one of the best tropical places to travel in September. You can be here with a prominent expectation to get clear weather with enough sunlight. So, expect your mood to be elevated. When in Pula, you should not miss visiting Fort Punta Christo. You can have a good time witnessing the musical performances taking place here.  If you are a fan of music, this can be one of the best places to travel in September.   Reaching Up The Pula Airport is well connected with several major airports in the US. So, you can land in it. Top Activities Witness the St. Francis Church in Pula.  Be an audience in the musical performance taking place in the Fort. Take a tour of the Kastel Fort. Top Hotels Hotel Galija, Park Plaza Arena Pula, Hotel Veli Joze. Top Restaurants Kod Kadre, Farabuto, Orfej Popular Dishes To Try Grilled Pork, Cevapici, Local Prsut 9. San Francisco, USA Overview If you are craving a September trip but are not willing to travel out of the country, the best you can do is visit San Francisco. Well, it is one of the best places to travel in September as the place experiences bright sunlight. During this month, you can witness the main attraction of the city clearly. Well, the Golden Gate Bridge is not covered with snow at this time. Moreover, a lot of festivals take place during this month. So, you can have a wonderful time while visiting the city of San Francisco for a vacation in September. Reaching Up There are several domestic flights that can take you to one of the airports in San Francisco. You can also reach the city by road.  Top Activities Do not forget to visit PIER 39 and take a view. Indulge in the midnight fun in Union Square.  Take a cruise ride to Alcatraz Island.  Top Hotels EL Capital Hotel, Downtown Hostel, San Francisco, Hyatt Regency Top Restaurants Nopa, Liholiho Yacht club, State Bird Provisions Popular Dishes To Try Explosive Chicken, Prime Rib, Caldo Verde 10. Vienna, Austria Overview If you are newly married and looking for one of the best places to travel in September, the best you can do is to reach Vienna. This Austrian city is considered to be one of the best honeymoon spots in the world. You can reach this place with your partner during the fall season and enjoy its unmatched vibrancy. The most important activity you can indulge in is tasting the outstanding dishes of the Austrian Cuisine.  If you had a long-cherished dream to witness a European Opera, expect it to come true in the next September trip. Moreover, you can also witness the exotic Vienna Fashion Week. All you have to do is know the date when all the festivals are taking place.  Reaching Up Vienna is one of the main cities in Austria. You can reach the city by catching a direct/stop-over flight from the US. There are several airlines that serve flights to the city. Top Activities Do not forget to witness the musical program of the Vienna State Opera. Check out the classic beauty of the Belvedere Palace. Take a city sightseeing tour to explore the streets of Vienna. Top Hotels Melia Vienna, Vienna Marriott Hotel, Hilton Vienna Park Top Restaurants Steirereck, Le Salzgries, Restaurant Konstantin Filippou Popular Dishes To Try The Wiener Schnitzel, Sachertorte, Tafelspitz Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): 1. Where Is The Best Place To Go On Vacation In September? You can go for a city trip to California or Sweden in September. It would be an exciting vacation. 2. Where Should I Vacation In Summer 2022? You can go for a vacation in any place where the fall season is prominent. 3. What Is The #1 Vacation Destination In The World? Paris is by far the #1 vacation destination in the world. It is strict as per the trend.  4. Where Is The Cheapest Place To Vacation In September? You can visit Kovalam in Kerala, India for a budget trip in September. Final Words A September trip can always be exciting but only when you choose the right destination. Well, you can now talk with your travel agent as you might have probably chosen your destination. I hope you will come back with a bucketful of memories from the trip. I would always expect you to come back to this page and share the experience of your trip to the best places to travel in September. Well, for now, you can go and set an itinerary. Read Also: 10 Best Places To Travel In July – Travel Guide 2022 10 Best Places To Travel In August – Travel Guide 2022 Top 8 List Of National Parks In North Carolina – Travel Guide

READ MORE Right Type Of Accommodation For Your Travel Needs

Tips for Choosing the Best Accommodation for Your Travel Needs

BY  Ankita Mar 12, 2024

Traveling opens up a world of new experiences, and choosing where to stay is a big part of that adventure. Whether you're planning a getaway to the scenic city of Pigeon Forge, nestled in the heart of the Smoky Mountains, or heading to another destination, finding the right accommodation can significantly enhance your trip. Pigeon Forge, known for its breathtaking mountain views, family-friendly attractions like Dollywood, and an array of outdoor activities, offers a diverse selection of places to stay. However, with so many options, deciding where to book your stay can feel overwhelming. That's why it's essential to consider what matters most to you: Is it the proximity to attractions, the range of amenities, or perhaps the charm of the place that speaks to you? In this guide, we'll explore key tips to help you choose the perfect accommodation for your travel needs, ensuring your visit to Pigeon Forge or any other destination is memorable for all the right reasons. Understanding Your Destination Before you book, take the time to understand your destination. Knowing the area helps you decide the best place to stay. For instance, if you're wondering where to stay in Pigeon Forge, consider the attractions you want to visit, like Dollywood or the Great Smoky Mountains. Staying at a central location would be best as it'll save you time and reduce travel costs. We suggest staying in a hotel room in an area that's close to the attractions you want to visit. These hotel rooms are not only super comfortable but are reasonably priced also. Budgeting for Your Stay Setting a budget for your accommodation is crucial. It helps narrow down your options and prevents overspending. Start by determining how much you're willing to spend per night. Then, look for accommodations within this range. Remember, the cheapest option isn't always the best value. Consider what's included in the price, like free breakfast or Wi-Fi, which can save money in other areas. Keep an eye out for deals and discounts, especially during off-peak seasons. Amenities And Services The amenities and services offered by accommodations can significantly impact your stay. List the amenities that are important to you, such as a pool for relaxation or a fitness center to keep up with your workouts. Families might look for kid-friendly services, while business travelers may need in-room desks or business centers. Choosing a place that offers the right amenities can make your stay more comfortable and convenient. Read Reviews And Ratings Reviews can provide insight into what to expect and help you avoid unwanted surprises. Look for comments about the cleanliness, customer service, and overall experience. Remember, no place will have all positive reviews, but a pattern of similar complaints is a red flag. Ratings on trusted travel websites can also guide your decision, helping you find the best accommodation for your needs. Read Also: Pigeon Forge Indoor Adventures: From Go-Karts To Laser Tag Accessibility And Location Location is key when choosing your accommodation. You want to be close enough to the attractions and activities on your itinerary. If you're in a city, staying near public transportation can save you time and money. For more remote destinations, consider the proximity to natural attractions or parks. A well-located base can reduce travel fatigue and give you more time to explore. Always check the map before booking to ensure the location suits your travel plans. Safety And Security Safety should never be compromised. Research the area around your accommodation to ensure it's in a safe neighborhood. Many booking sites and travel forums provide insights into different areas' safety levels. Look for accommodations with good security measures, such as 24-hour front desk service, security cameras, and guest-only access. Especially when traveling solo or with family, knowing you're in a safe and secure place can give you peace of mind. Booking Channels And Policies The platform you use to book your accommodation can affect your overall experience. Direct bookings often offer better customer service and more flexible cancellation policies. However, online travel agencies (OTAs) can provide wider selections and competitive prices. Compare prices and benefits before deciding. Also, familiarize yourself with the cancellation and change policies. Life is unpredictable, and understanding these policies can save you from potential headaches and financial losses. Special Requirements And Preferences Everyone has unique needs when it comes to accommodation. Whether you need a pet-friendly hotel, a family suite, or accessibility features, identifying these requirements early can narrow down your search. Don't hesitate to contact the accommodation directly to ask about specific needs. Most places are willing to accommodate special requests or provide additional information to ensure your stay is comfortable. Leveraging Loyalty Programs For those who find themselves on the road often, enrolling in a loyalty program can be a wise move. Numerous hotels and hotel chains have rewards programs designed to reward frequent travelers. By accumulating points through stays, you can unlock a variety of benefits such as complimentary nights, room upgrades, late check-outs, and even access to exclusive lounges. These perks not only enhance the quality of your stay but also offer significant value as you continue to travel. Over time, the savings and advantages from these programs can add up, making each trip more enjoyable and cost-effective. Additionally, some programs offer partnerships with airlines and car rental services, further extending the reach of your benefits. Engaging with these loyalty programs means your travel habits can lead to memorable experiences, superior comfort, and a touch of luxury, all while keeping your budget in check. Conclusion Choosing the right type of accommodation requires a bit of research and consideration, but it's well worth the effort. By focusing on location, ensuring your safety, understanding booking policies, catering to your specific needs, and taking advantage of loyalty programs, you can significantly enhance your travel experience. Remember, the best accommodation is one that fits your budget, meets your needs, and helps you make the most out of your trip. With these tips in mind, you're ready to make an informed decision that will make your travel more enjoyable and hassle-free. Happy travels! Read Also: 9 Exciting Things To Do In Pigeon Forge Unique Pigeon Forge Activities For The Ultimate Adrenaline Rush Top 7 Outdoor Adventures In Pigeon Forge You 

READ MORE things to do in washington state

Washington State Bucket List: 6 Amazing Attractions You Can’t Miss

BY  Abdul Aziz Jan 18, 2024

Washington, aptly dubbed the Evergreen State, is awash in pristine nature, breathtaking scenery, and striking landscapes. It has world-class cities, museums, and tourist attractions in addition to stunning mountains, forests, beaches, and volcanoes. Situated in the Pacific Northwest, this rough terrain has the Cascade Mountains all around it. Canada, Idaho, Oregon, and the ocean surrounds it. Many of Puget Sound's biggest and most significant settlements are located around Puget Sound, including Seattle, Tacoma, and Olympia. With its historic sites and bustling markets, Washington State offers a plethora of activities. But what appeals most to many people are Washington's countless wild places, islands, and national parks. This is because you can fully immerse yourself in the natural world and explore its breathtaking scenery while hiking, biking, kayaking, and camping all in one region. Here are the best things to do in Washington state. Things To Do in Washington State If you are looking for some of the most unique things to do in Washington State, then here are your top choices. Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest The expansive Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, located two hours east of Seattle, is another beautiful place to visit in nature. Its nearly infinite forests and valleys cover the western slopes of the Cascade Mountains. This makes it a very untamed and isolated area for the most part. Glistening lakes, rivers, and glaciers pierce its greenery as it stretches from Canada to Mount Rainier, covering a vast expanse. You can hike, ride a bike, go horseback riding, or ski and snowboard down the slopes of the magnificent Mount Baker. Moreover, all of them are set against a breathtaking backdrop. Due to the presence of bald eagles, grizzly bears, and deer on the mountain slopes, wildlife viewing is also highly satisfying. The national forest is a fantastic place to explore. It offers a plethora of opportunities for exploration, such as waterfalls, impressive viewpoints, and rock formations. Fort Worden State Park The wonderful Fort Worden State Park is located directly at the Puget Sound entrance. It is conveniently located north of Port Townsend. It offers a plethora of amazing outdoor activities amidst beautiful scenery, wildlife, and views. Owing to its strategic significance, there are three robust forts near the inlet's entrance in the late 1880s. Visitors can now explore the deteriorating batteries, fortifications, and buildings of the "Triangle of Fire." However, they never fired a single shot. They permit tours of the castle and museum of the former military installation. Visitors can bike, hike, and camp in the immaculate park. Many choose to swim and boat in its waters. Moreover, it features some of the best views from its beaches and coastal bluffs. Museum of Pop Culture Another one of the top things to do in Washington State is see the Museum of Pop Culture. It is located right next to the Space Needle. In addition to housing a plethora of iconic artifacts and hosting exhibitions that have won awards, it offers visitors a ton of enjoyable, interactive experiences. Paul Allen, co-founder of Microsoft, founded the company in 2000. Its shiny exterior, as well as eye-catching shapes and colors, make it instantly recognizable. Its collection and galleries are in devotion to modern popular culture. They feature everything from music, television, and video games to literature and film. Alongside historical photos, costumes, and film clips, guests can see instruments used by Jimi Hendrix and Nirvana, amongst others. Once you've explored its interactive exhibits and Hall of Fame, you can snap pictures of its movie memorabilia or try your DJing skills in the Sound Lab. This option is also one of the free things to do in Washington state. Skagit Valley Tulip Festival Colorful Skagit Valley Tulip Festival is one of the biggest, most beautiful events in the Pacific Northwest. Its flower-filled fields and exquisite display gardens are scattered throughout the large valley of the same name, and it takes place every April. Bulbs were first planted in the rich soils of the Puget Sound region as early as the 1890s, but growers were forced to relocate south to Skagit County due to a string of freezes. Even though the festival wasn't founded until 1984, people had been visiting the tulip farms for several decades before then. Tulip Town and Roozengaarde are great places to visit. They both have expansive flower-filled fields and gardens that make for picturesque photos. Sporting events, art exhibits, and lively street fairs are all regularly held throughout the month. This one should easily get a space on your list of fun things to do in Washington state. Lake Chelan There's no better place to de-stress, enjoy the great outdoors, and engage in outdoor activities than the picturesque Lake Chelan. The lengthy lake, which is tucked away amid stunning mountains and forests in north-central Washington, is sure to please nature enthusiasts. Its glittering surface is just over fifty miles long overall, with state parks, private beaches, and coves all along its edge. Therefore, those who enjoy the great outdoors can swim, fish, and hike along the trails. There are also several wineries, campsites, and water sports available, and everywhere you look, there are guaranteed to be breathtaking views of the lake and mountains. Most of the surrounding area is wonderfully unspoiled and untouched, except for the small communities of Manson, Chelan, and Stehekin. There are quiet lakeside lodges, quaint stores, eateries, and marinas where you can rent kayaks, jet skis, and boats at each of these. Mount St. Helens Ever since the state's famous and massive eruption in 1980, Mount St. Helens has practically become synonymous with it. Outdoor enthusiasts can now hike up to its lava-scarred site to enjoy breathtaking views over the surrounding desolate yet stunning landscapes. Until the avalanche and explosion, the mighty mount was the fifth-highest peak in the country. Following the remarkable event, the summit of 9,677 feet was lowered by more than a thousand feet, leaving behind the large, horseshoe-shaped crater that is still visible today. In addition to hiking up to Windy Ridge's notable peak, you can take pictures of the slowly regaining flora and fauna as well as get a peek inside the caldera. You can find out everything there is to know about the deadliest and most destructive volcanic event in US history at the visitor center and Johnston Ridge Observatory. Wrapping Up The list of things to do in Washington state is endless, but hopefully, this has given you some inspiration to begin prepping for the ideal getaway. If you have thoughts to share or questions to ask, then please leave a comment below. We would love to hear from you! Read Also: Here Are The 10 Best Things To Do In Baltimore! Weekend Escapades: Things To Do In Chattanooga Historic City, Timeless Charm: Exploring The Best Things To Do In Bath