Maryland scenic drives capture the beauty and history of the state, showcasing popular attractions such as the Fort McHenry National Monument and Harpers Ferry National Historic Park. The links at the bottom of this page will take you to articles about two such drives that contain photos, highlights, and detailed maps.

Maryland Historic National Park
©Byways.org
A beautiful view of Washington Monument State Park can
be seen from Historic National Road in Boonsboro, Maryland.

Diverse in its geography and personality, Maryland is a state worthy of a long stay. Much of the state owes its lifestyle to the Chesapeake Bay, but Maryland also features forested lands and mountains. While parts of the state are decidedly commerce-driven and dedicated to politics, more rural areas of Maryland maintain a distinctly southern bent.

Explore the two routes below, and you'll experience an excellent cross-section of this diverse state, from the eastern portion of Chesapeake Bay to a strip of Americana on the National Road. Here's a preview of what you'll find in our articles about Maryland scenic drives:

Chesapeake Country Scenic Byway
Towns and farms dating back to the 1600s give way to beaches, wetlands, rolling hills, and Chesapeake Bay's most important industry: fishing. A culture built around seafood is supported by boats, restaurants, and markets dedicated to seafood.

Historic National Road
Beginning in Baltimore and rolling through the Maryland countryside, this portion of the National Road is home to the byway's very last tollbooth. Opportunities to shop for antiques or enjoy leisurely meals abound along this route.

For more useful travel information about Maryland and beyond, see:
  • Maryland State Guide: Discover all of the things to do in Maryland, and learn about Mobil Travel Guide-rated hotels and restaurants in the state.
  • Scenic Drives: Are you interested in scenic drives in states other than Maryland? Here are more than 100 scenic drives throughout the United States.
  • How to Drive Economically: Fuel economy is a major concern when you're on a driving trip. Learn how to get better gas mileage.