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
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 whovisit 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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
Mashum Mollah is the feature writer of Search Engine Magazine and an SEO Analyst at Real Wealth Business. Over the last 3 years, He has successfully developed and implemented online marketing, SEO, and conversion campaigns for 50+ businesses of all sizes. He is the co-founder of Social Media Magazine.
In India, I have seen the Godavari Arch Bridge in Andhra Pradesh and the Coronation Bridge on the Teesta River in West Bengal.
In Sri Lanka, I found their equivalent in the Nine Arch Bridge.
This colonial-era bridge stands across a massive green gorge. Also, the tea plantations and a dense jungle flank this stone bridge.
So, it’s beautiful, and it is located in the iconic Colombo-Kandy-Ella-Badulla railway between the Ella and Demodara railway stations.
From Lonely Planet to the BBC, everyone has hailed this route, also known as the Ella Odyssey, for its unmatched scenic appeal.
Also, on a misty day, when the clouds kiss the valley and the blue trains arrive, tearing the veils of the mist, it feels surreal and like a painting by Dali or a movie scene by Andrei Tarkovsky.
So naturally, a visit to the Nine Arch Bridge will be the most beautiful frame from my Sri Lanka trip.
How To Visit The Nine Arch Bridge?
After a visit to Kandy, I took a train to Ella. The journey was beautiful, as expected.
From Ella Town, I took a Tuk-Tuk to the Nine Arch Bridge. Then, I walked for around 5-10 minutes to the bridge.
The Tuk-Tuk cost me around LKR 300.
However, if you want some more adventure, you can take a walk along the Ella-Passara Road and turn left near the Sri Kanaser Temple to reach the beach.
I found many local food stalls near the temple.
Moreover, if you want to go back to your childhood days, you can follow the train tracks to reach the bridge from Ella Town.
What Is The History Of The Nine Arch Bridge?
The Nine Arch Bridge is a prominent example of colonial-era construction, and it shows architectural excellence.
The British built this bridge in 1921, and it played an important role in the war efforts of the British during World War I.
Even today, this stone and concrete bridge stands strong without any steel structure. It is 91 meters in length and 24 meters in height.
What Is The Best Time To Visit The Nine Arch Bridge?
Sunrise on the Nine Arch Bridge is the best time you can think of. Also, if you want a picture-perfect frame, wait for the trains to arrive.
You will love the quiet ambiance if you make it really early. The crowd starts gathering here as early as 7 AM, and by 10 AM, you will hardly find a place for yourself.
Also, trains usually pass through this at the following hours.
9:30 AM
11:30 AM
3:30 PM
4:30 PM
5:30 PM
The Best Months To Visit The Nine-Arch Bridge
January to May is the best time to visit the Nine-Arch Bridge. Modest temperatures and fewer chances of rainfall make these months great for enjoying a clear view of the bridge and the train.
It is also the peak tourist season in the Western Region of Sri Lanka.
However, if you want to experience mysticism, you can plan a trip in July. Having said that, the wet season, from September to December, is not suitable for a visit to this bridge.
What Are The Best Viewpoints Of The Nine Arch Bridge?
The misty slopes on both sides of the bridge or the hills offer amazing views of the Nine Arch Bridge.
However, you can explore the following viewpoints to get the most amazing perspectives of the bridge.
1. The Nine-Arch Bridge Itself
The Nine-Arch Bridge offers an amazing view of the railway track. However, you have to be careful while taking photographs from the bridge.
Keep the train timings in mind.
2. The Tea Plantations Toward Demodara
My Jaffna food tour was about spicy Tamil food. However, in the Western region, especially in areas such as Demodara, tea reigned supreme.
I walked toward the northern side of the bridge. There, I found some tea plantations below the bridge, a little far away from the tunnel.
You will get amazing views of the bridge from these plantations.
However, these are usually muddy, and there can be leech attacks. Also, as they are private lands. So, seek permission before entering the tea plantation.
3. The Beautiful Hills Toward Ella Station
As you get down from the Tuk-Tuk or walk from Ella Town to the bridge, you will find the tunnel.
Now, take the left and follow the winding path to the verdant hills.
These offer the best viewpoints, especially if you want to take photographs of the bridge.
4. The Viewpoint From Asanka Cafe
Asanka Cafe is at the northern end of the Nine Arch Bridge.
As the cafe is perched above, it offers amazing views of the entire track and a clear view whenever a train visits.
Also, if you are visiting the bridge in the wet season or there is a sudden rainfall, this cafe will be your refuge.
Spend some hours there. They make amazing sweet tea.
Things To Keep In Mind For Visiting The Nine Arch Bridge
As mentioned before, you have to be very alert when you are on the bridge. Furthermore, you have to be a responsible traveler.
You cannot litter or leave waste on the railway track or bridge.
Moreover, the bridge does not have safety barriers. So, you have to be very careful while taking photographs.
Almost a year ago, on 26th March 2025, Xinhua shared a photo of the fishing trawlers in Negombo. Those further gave us an idea about the lives of the fishermen in Negombo.
On a personal level, that photo took me back to my days in Negombo.
Now, many often miss the cultural insights Negombo offers. I mean, if you consider the Tamil culture in Jaffna, or the cultural things to do in Kandy, you also need to experience what Negombo has to offer.
Otherwise, you will not understand how it has kept the soul of a fishermen’s port city alive beyond the glitz and glamor of the prominent international hotels and shops.
Also, Negombo is very close to the Colombo Bandaranaike International Airport. The distance is less than 9 km, and the travel time is around 20 minutes.
So, as expected, it has all the amenities for tourists. However, as always, luxurious facilities have never been the draw for me while visiting a place.
I am the happiest exploring the Ritigala Forest Monastery or climbing the Sigiriya Rock and finding the history at every corner.
So, my reason for a visit to Negombo was not what people usually think of. And in today’s blog, I will introduce Negombo to you through my lens.
How Did I Reach Negombo From Colombo?
I took a tuk-tuk to reach the Colombo Fort railway station from my hostel. Then, I got a train ticket for 80 LKR.
The train was not overly crowded, and traveling solo, and as a believer in the LowDownUnder travel philosophy, I quite enjoyed the train ride.
However, if you want to avoid the hassle, you can also take a bus from Colombo to Negombo.
Where Are The Things To Do In Negombo?
First, I want to highlight that traveling to Negombo has now become easier if you are traveling from India.
The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has started a package called “SHRI RAMAYANA YATRA EX MUMBAI.” Â
From 21st March 2026 to 27th March 2026, it will be a 6-Night and 7-day package.
The package tour conducted in association with the Sri Lankan Airlines will cover destinations such as Colombo, Dambulla, Trincomalee, Kandy, and Nuwara Eliya.
This tourism package starts from Rs. 71,800/ for adults and Rs. 30,100/ for children.
Now, with traveling becoming easier, you can plan the things to do in Negombo better.
1. Exploring The Negombo Fish Market
I was up at 5 AM as I had to visit the local fish market.
I got into a minivan with my guide, and as we entered the market, the sight of bright silver fish and their smell occupied my senses.
My guide took me through the stalls of tuna, machete, and shark. Then, he drew my attention to the ships filled with fish reaching the market and the heavy bargaining game.
A fish market may not be the most attractive place to visit when you are in Negombo.
However, if you want a true cultural experience and understand the livelihood of the local people, it is the go-to place.
From the fish market, my guide took me to a beach used primarily for drying fish. The intense smell is not for everyone, but many times, I had a similar experience back home.
2. Visiting The Dutch Fort At Negombo
The Dutch Fort was close to the “fish drying beach.” Now, the Dutch Fort is used as a prison.
The fort is constructed with coral stone and granite.
And around the fort, I found many wildflowers blooming.
This simple scene was a moment of learning for me. I once again understood how the universe functions.
It does not matter whether it’s a prison or a temple. A flower can bloom anywhere, and it will always be beautiful.
However, I wanted to have a better view of the Dutch Fort. I climbed up the old clock tower and got a better perspective and better shots of the fort.
3. Visiting The Angurukaramulla Temple
After a trek to the Sigiriya Rock and the Pidurangala Rock, I visited the Angurukaramulla Temple. Like the Sigiriya Rock, for this Buddhist Temple, you also need to make an entry through the mouth of a lion.
The lion rests below the 6-meter-tall Buddha statue.
The temple has magnificent statues and beautiful murals. Also, it has a rich library with scriptures and murals.
So, it is a great place to visit in Negombo if someone is studying the Buddhist religion and literature.
However, walk carefully as you may come across snakes (rat snakes).
4. Birdwatching On The Dutch Canals
I ended my morning at the Dutch Canal. It was relaxing and enriching at the same time to look over the lagoons.
I decided to make more of the moment and got into a boat.
It was surprising to say the least. Also, I did not expect to meet so much wildlife immediately after leaving the dry land.
I saw a huge monitor lizard resting on the shoreline, and then kingfishers, cormorants, and herons in flocks kept accompanying me throughout the journey.
However, it was not just the wildlife. I saw a reflection of my home and country during the boat ride.
People were attending to livestock, children were bicycling, and some were even playing cricket.
Again, there were some abandoned hotels and buildings, standing as a witness to the civil unrest and the stories of human resilience in Sri Lanka.
5. Exploring The City On Foot
Negombo is very walkable, and it reminded me of my days in Jaffna. I used to randomly pick a direction along the main coastal road and just walk.
You may call wandering aimlessly in a lesser-known place unsafe. However, I think that you have not seen a city until you have walked through it.
Also, after visiting Jaffna and other places of historical and cultural significance, Sri Lanka felt like home to me.
They spoke a different language. However, they were warm and welcoming, just like anyone I would randomly come across in India.
Also, after years of experience, I can say that walking is the only way to find those hidden gems, the best bakery around the corner, or the eatery that has been around for around 100 years.
This was more evident during my Jaffna food tour.
Moreover, while walking across the streets of Negombo, I got to interact with the local fish sellers and food vendors. In addition, I found a big mosque near the backstreet.
Famous for the Guggenheim Museum of Modern Art and for being the center of the semiautonomous Basque country, Bilbao is a major cultural hub and one of the most underrated cities in Spain to explore.
Along with fascinating Basque culture, including its unique language, you’ll encounter excellent art galleries, Europe’s largest covered market, unique food, and a revitalized urban core that has received the prestigious Lee Kuan Yew World City Prize. Also called the Nobel Prize for Urbanism, it was awarded for the urban transformation this former manufacturing city has been able to achieve.
All of these factors make Bilbao a fantastic city to explore. But that’s not all it has to offer. Even from the redeveloped heart of Bilbao, you can see the fertile green mountains that are characteristic of the Basque country. And with the wild beauty of the Atlantic Ocean just a short drive away, Bilbao makes a fantastic gateway to explore more of the countryside of northern Spain.
Far from the arid landscapes of the south of the country, Bilbao sits in a region of high mountains, dense forests, and regular rain sweeping in from the sea. And if you want to explore this natural environment further, you’re in luck.
Leave your heavy bags behind at a luggage storage facility in Bilbao and check out some of these great natural escapes for yourself. Along the way, you’ll gain a new appreciation for the natural beauty of the Basque country.
Elorritxueta / Vivero
If your time in Bilbao is limited or you just don’t want to stray too far from the city, this hilltop park is a great place to get away from it all without having to go on a long journey. Located just outside central Bilbao itself, this wooded park offers incredible views over the city and the surrounding mountains, and the picnic tables and barbecue facilities make it the ideal place for a picnic.
You’ll also find plenty of walking trails both in and around this park that can lead you to other points of interest in the region. For example, there’s an old bunker and system of tunnels dating back to the Spanish Civil War just a short walk away from the park and a scenic spot that provides one of the very best views of Bilbao from above at Ganguren Mendiaren Gailurra. Easy to reach from the city itself with a drive of less than half an hour, this is a popular spot with locals that is not well-known to travelers but provides a great natural escape close to the city.
Atxabiribil Beach
Bilbao isn’t technically coastal itself, but it’s not at all far from the wild Atlantic, and in the summer, the beautiful beaches overlooking the Bay of Biscay become some of the most popular places in the area to hang out and enjoy nature.
This beach nicknamed the Wild One for its unspoiled scenery, is a beautiful example. Huge waves roll in from the ocean, and it’s rumored that this was the first place anyone ever surfed in the Basque country. That’s a tradition that’s kept alive today, with surfers traveling here from across Spain to enjoy some of the best waves anywhere in the country.
Reachable via Bilbao’s Metro system, this isn’t a place where you can expect to have the sand all to yourself, especially on a sunny day in summer. It’s also one of the most accessible beaches in the area, making it popular with families with kids. Still, if you want a beautiful beach that’s easy to reach and big enough that you can usually find some space even on the hottest day, this is a great option.
Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve
Just a little to the east of Bilbao, this sprawling nature reserve is the perfect place to get away from it all. Covering 22,000 hectares surrounding a coastal estuary, this park offers dense forests, towering cliffs, and secluded beaches that feel like the middle of nowhere.
The park is perhaps best known for its marshlands, which provide a crucially important habitat for shorebirds and other wildlife in this ocean area. That makes this a fantastic place for birdwatching. You’ll also find tons of hiking trails in the area leading you to spectacular views over the sea. If you want to get away from it all in the Basque country, there aren’t many better places to come than this.
Faro Del Caballo
For a stunning encounter with the rugged coast of the Bay of Biscay, head to this lighthouse outside Bilbao. An hour’s drive from the city, the astonishing views of the bright blue ocean and the frowning cliffs above it make it worth a special trip.
The lighthouse itself isn’t all that impressive, but with the surroundings, it doesn’t need to be. There is a long coastal trail that will take you up over the cliffs and reward you with exceptional views, and there are even places where you can jump into the water from the cliffs to cool off on a hot summer’s day.
Gorbeia Natural Park
Around an hour’s drive from the city, this natural park protects Gorbeia, the highest peak in the area and a mountain of deep significance to Basque people. Rising to 1482 meters above sea level, the mountain provides unrivaled views over the Basque country and beyond. It’s also a popular place for hiking and climbing, with a variety of trails offering everything from an easy stroll to a challenging multi-day adventure.
Don’t miss the beautiful Gujuli waterfall, and if you have the stamina for it, attempt the mountain peak. Undoubtedly one of the most beautiful natural areas in the area, this is a place any outdoor lover will cherish.
Enjoy Basque Country
Along with its artistic and cultural treasures, Bilbao is blessed with some truly exceptional scenery. Leave your bags behind and allow yourself to explore this rich natural environment on your next trip to northern Spain.
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