Taking a road trip through the great state of Maryland provides ample opportunities for excitement and intrigue. Maryland is best known for its many historical sites and monuments, some incredible theme parks, and what is arguably the best and freshest seafood in the nation. 

A minivan or SUV rental will provide you with comfort and space for family, friends, and belongings as your traverse this diverse state. So, pack up your seafood cracker set, rent a car from any of our Maryland locations, and prepare for an unforgettable journey through these top five Maryland road trip travel destinations.

#1. The National Aquarium

Website: https://www.aqua.org/

Map: 501 E Pratt St, Baltimore, Maryland 21202

The National Aquarium is one of the most impressive places to visit in Maryland. This massive building sits right along Baltimore’s Inner Harbor.

The incredible aquarium boasts a diverse display of fascinating exhibits, ranging from marine life below the ocean surface to the sloths in the aquarium’s five-story tropical rainforest. Whether you’re traveling with children or a group of close friends, this is a travel destination that is sure to captivate everyone in your party.

#2. Great Falls

Website: https://www.nps.gov/choh/planyourvisit/greatfallstavernvisitorcenter.htm

Map: Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center, 11710 Macarthur Blvd, Potomac, MD 20854

Great Falls is a stretch of gushing waterfalls and whitewater rapids on the Potomac River. Go for a hike through the lush forest trails, ride horseback along the rushing waters, try your hand at kayaking or cycling, or opt for a thrilling bout of rock climbing fun! No matter how you choose to spend your time at the Great Falls, don’t forget to pack a picnic basket so you can enjoy lunch along the Potomac!

#3. Cape Henry Lighthouse

Website: https://preservationvirginia.org/historic-sites/cape-henry-lighthouse/

Map: 583 Atlantic Ave, Fort Story, Virginia 23459

The Cape Henry Lighthouse is a prime travel destination for history buffs and lighthouse lovers. This historical monument was the first public works project ever to receive federal funding (authorized by George Washington himself) and is located near where English settlers first set foot in America in 1607. Visitors can take guided walking tours along the historic grounds, see the Cape Henry Memorial (the site of the “First Landing”), enjoy a picnic on the waterfront, and make the climb up the lighthouse.

#4. Frontier Town High Ropes Adventure Park

Website: https://highropes.frontiertown.com/

Map: 8428 Stephen Decatur Hwy, Berlin, MD 21811

This adventure park is the perfect road trip stop for active travelers and families. This exciting attraction is suspended among the trees up to 40 feet in the air. Engage in a series of courses that include zip lines, bridges, and platforms made from ropes and cables. All three courses amount to 1,200 feet of zip line and nearly 47 fun and challenging obstacles.

If you don’t get your fill of entertainment on the high ropes, you can head next door to the Frontier Town Western Theme Park or its Waterpark and Mini-Golf attraction.

#5. Jolly Roger Amusement Park at the Pier

Website: https://jollyrogerpieroc.com/

Map: 401 S Atlantic Ave, Ocean City, MD 21842

Jolly Roger Amusement Park at the Pier is one of the best places to visit in the Old Line State if you’re looking for family fun. Steer your Budget car rental toward Ocean City for a day of classic carnival games, amusement park rides, and more. Bring your tackle box to catch a few fish from the OC Fishing Pier, chow down on world-famous grub at Thrasher’s French Fries, and step inside Ripley’s Believe It Or Not for mind-bending galleries and exhibits.