If you’re looking for budget-friendly and cheap weekend getaways in Maryland, look no further. In this ultimate list we go through all the cheap weekend getaways in Maryland that will entertain you without breaking the bank.
Cheap Weekend Getaways In Maryland: Chesapeake Bay & Maryland’s Eastern Shore
The Chesapeake Bay and Maryland’s Eastern Shore have tons of great things to do and see. This area of Maryland is the perfect weekend getaway being only a few hours drive from Washington DC and Baltimore.
St. Michael’s In Maryland
While St. Michael’s is famous when it comes to romantic getaways, it is also a great place for the whole family. There is so much to do in this quaint town as well as in the nearby areas of Maryland’s eastern shore. In addition to strolling the main streets in St. Michael’s, you will also find plenty of great places to dine and small boutique stores. While some of the accommodations here can be pricey, there are also plenty of budget friendly options for a weekend escape. A short drive away from St. Michaels is Tilghman Island. You can spend an afternoon here exploring or even a full day. The charming town of St. Michael’s is very popular in the summer so to get the best prices on hotels and bed and breakfasts, consider going slightly off season like in May or September.
The Inn At Perry Cabin is probably the most famous in St. Michaels as its one of the longest standing properties here and it was the filming site for the famous movie Wedding Crashers. In addition to a luxury onsite restaurant and an outdoor pool, there’s also spa services available. A lesser known boutique hotel called The Wildset offers fantastic accommodations at very reasonable prices. There is no pool at The Wildset, but it’s location can not be beat. If you don’t mind driving a little, the Wylder Inn on Tilghman Island also offers modern amenities at a good price.
Annapolis, Maryland
Annapolis is the capital of the state of Maryland and is a great historical town that has plenty of affordable places to stay. You can stay at one of the historic inns in Annapolis. These are historic buildings that have been converted into accommodations in the city center.
The United States Naval Academy is one of Annapolis’s most popular tourist attractions. You can do a tour of the campus and the museum. Another popular place to check out in Annapolis is the Maryland State House. It is actually the oldest state capitol in continuous legislative use and has tours. If you are interested in maritime history, check out the Annapolis Maritime Museum. Finally, the William Paca House & Garden is a historic home that you can visit also. William Paca is famous because he was a signer of the Declaration of Independence.
Assateague Island National Seashore, Maryland
Assateague Island National Seashore can be a budget-friendly option for a weekend getaway, especially for families who enjoy outdoor activities and camping. This part of Maryland is famous for its wild horses, which are believed to have descended from horses that survived a shipwreck off the coast of Assateague Island in the 17th century.
If you want to drive you car onto the beach here, you will need to purchase a permit for the over-sand vehicle zone (OSV). While the permit can be expensive (anywhere from $110 to $200) it does last a year, so you can visit this beach multiple times getting you the best use of your money.
The Assateague Island National Seashore is one of the best place to visit in Maryland. It is extremely unique and a lot of fun for people who enjoy exploring things off the beaten path. Visitors can also explore the nearby Chincoteague Island as well as Berlin Maryland while you are here.
Chincoteague Island, Virginia
Assateague Island is a barrier island that is home to the Assateague Island National Seashore, which offers opportunities for outdoor activities such as camping, hiking, and wildlife watching. Chincoteague Island, on the other hand, is a small town located on a neighboring island and is known for its charming downtown area, seafood restaurants, and the annual Chincoteague Pony Swim. The two islands are connected by a bridge, and visitors can easily travel between them to explore both locations. Chincoteague is technically in Virginia just over the Maryland border.
Berlin, Maryland
Berlin, Maryland is quaint historical town that is just outside of the much busier Ocean City, Maryland. There are plenty of things to do in Berlin Maryland and it is close to the eastern shore as well.
Berlin hosts car shows as well as other festivals througout the year. It also has a very well preserved historic district that you can walk around. This area is actually listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Its charming streets are lined with structures dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries. You don’t need to spend any money touring this historic district, and there’s plenty of options for cheap eats as well.
Berlin is also famous for being a popular site for movie filming. It was the filming site for Julia Roberts movie Runaway Bride as well as the 2002 film Tuck Everlasting. It is a small town with plenty of charm.
If you run out of things to do in Berlin, visit the nearby Assateague Island and Chicoteague Island.
Ocean City, Maryland
Ocean City has been a popular destination in Maryland for years. It’s the perfect place for people looking to get to the beach. There are a variety of places to stay that are affordable. Additionally, because it’s right on the beach, you dont need to spend a lot of money to have a good time here. You can simply lay out in the sun or walk the boardwalk. If you’re traveling with kids, there’s so much to do in Ocean City with kids. If you want to splurge a little, check out the many amusement park rides at one of the many amusement parks in this area. Check ticket pricing to ensure that it is within your budget.
There are plenty of dining options that are budget friendly as well.
Here are some budget-friendly dining options in Ocean City, Maryland:
- Thrasher’s French Fries: This iconic boardwalk stand has been serving up delicious, crispy fries since 1929.
- Fisher’s Popcorn: This boardwalk stand is known for its caramel popcorn, which is made fresh daily.
- The Dough Roller: This family-friendly restaurant offers a variety of affordable pizza, pasta, and breakfast dishes.
- On the Bay Seafood: This seafood restaurant offers affordable seafood dishes and a beautiful view of the bay.
- Dumser’s Dairyland: This ice cream shop has been a staple in Ocean City since 1939 and offers a variety of affordable ice cream flavors.
- The Bayside Skillet: This breakfast and lunch spot offers affordable dishes with a beautiful view of the bay.
- Anthony’s Carryout: This local favorite offers affordable subs, sandwiches, and pizza for takeout or delivery.
Rock Hall, Maryland
Rock Hall is small town a bit off the beaten path. But its proximity to both Washington DC and Baltimore make it great for quick weekend trips. Outdoor enthusiasts will be pleased to know that there is a small private beach here you can enjoy. The Inn At Haven Harbour is the place to stay when visiting this small town on the eastern shore of Maryland.
Inn at Haven Harbour has spacious rooms, free bikes, seasonal outdoor swimming pool, a fitness center and garden. The property has water sports facilities and a private beach area as well as a sun terrace.
Rehoboth Beach And Bethany Beach
Though technically not in Maryland, both Rehoboth Beach and Bethany Beach are just over the Maryland Border. The main attraction here is the beach, which is free. Families, couples, or solo travelers can spend the day sunbathing, swimming, or playing beach games without spending a dime. In addition to hotels which can be pricey, there are various rental properties that may be more affordable. These include condos and homes, which can be cost-effective, especially for groups or families traveling together.
As with all beach destinations, peak season means the highest prices for lodging. Traveling during off-peak seasons or times outside of popular vacation weeks means more affordable rates on hotels and rentals. Peak season for this area is from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Cheap Weekend Getaways In Maryland: Northernwestern & Southern Maryland
If you’re not looking to head to the beach or the Chesapeake Bay, check out some of these other options.
Wine Tastings & History Buffs Will Love Antietam, Maryland
Antietam is best known for the Battle of Antietam, which took place during the American Civil War on September 17, 1862. The battle took place near Sharpsburg, Maryland, and was named after the nearby Antietam Creek. The Battle of Antietam is known as the bloodiest single-day battle in American history. Approximately 23,000 soldiers were killed, wounded, or missing after twelve hours of brutal combat. While the battle ended without a clear winner, it stopped Lee’s invasion of the North. This gave President Abraham Lincoln the opportunity to announce the Emancipation Proclamation, which declared that all enslaved people in the Confederate states “shall be then, thenceforward, and forever free.”
The Antietam National Battlefield is now a protected area where you can learn about the battle and its significance. The park also has many monuments, trails, as well as a visitor center to help people understand the events of that day.
In addition, there are several wineries near Sharpsburg where you can head to in the afternoon. These wineries are free to visit, but of course you will have to pay for the wine that you drink. There is Big Cork Vineyards, Antietam Creek Vineyards, and Orchid Cellary Meadery & Vineyards.
In addition, there are several small inns that you can stay at nearby. With plenty to do from history to wine, this is one of the best weekend getaways in Maryland.
Frederick, Maryland
Frederick, Maryland is a historic city located in north-central Maryland. The city was founded in 1745 and played an important role in the American Revolution and Civil War. Today, Frederick is known for its charming downtown area, which is home to a variety of shops, restaurants, and historic buildings. The city also offers a variety of cultural attractions, including the Weinberg Center for the Arts, which hosts concerts and performances throughout the year.
Also there are many things to do outdoors in this western Maryland town. Frederick has several parks and outdoor recreational areas, including the Catoctin Mountain Park, which offers hiking, camping, and scenic views of the surrounding area. The city is also home to several museums and historic sites, including the National Museum of Civil War Medicine and the Monocacy National Battlefield.
There are many reasonable accomodations in Frederick, Maryland. Prices range from $80 to $350 depending on where you book.
Lake Kittamaqundi In Columbia, Maryland
Lake Kittamaqundi is a man-made lake located in Columbia, Maryland, according to the search results. The lake covers an area of 27 acres and was created by The Rouse Company in 1966 during the development of Columbia. Its name is taken from the first recorded Native American settlement in Howard County, and means “meeting place”. The lake features a boathouse with a wooden pier and a launching ramp along its western shore, and has a maximum depth of seven feet. Lake Kittamaqundi is a popular destination for outdoor activities such as fishing, boating, and hiking, and is also home to several events and festivals throughout the year.
You can stay at the Merriweather Lakehouse which overlooks Lake Kittamaqundi. Merriweather Lakehouse features 212 guest rooms, each with spa-inspired amenities and decor, as well as a rooftop swimming pool and a restaurant that offers fine dining. The hotel is also known for its beautiful lakeside location, which provides guests with access to a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and boating. The average price is about $250 per night.
Deep Creek Lake, Maryland
Deep Creek Lake is a great place for the whole family. Especially for families who enjoy being outside, there are so many things to do here. If you are a golfer, there are many golf courses near Deep Creek Lake. Additionally, there are tons of places to hike near Deep Creek Lake as well. It makes a great getaway from Baltimore and is also an easy road trip from Washington DC.
The Wisp Resort in Deep Creek Lake is very popular, but is one of the more expensive accommodation options for the area. A cheaper option for families is to rent a home. There are some homes that are less than $200 and offer several bedrooms as well as amenities like a washer and dryer. Except for golfing in Deep Creek Lake, the vast majority of outdoor activities are either low cost or free.
National Harbor, Maryland
National Harbor is a fun place to visit on the weekends. There are plenty of hotels ranging from luxury options to more budget friendly options. Many of these hotels even have an indoor pool that you can use after a day of sightseeing.
You can stroll the streets, take the water taxi to the DC Wharf or ride the Capital Wheel. There are also plenty of dining options in National Harbor suitable for any budget.
Havre De Grace, Maryland
If you’re looking to explore the great outdoors, visiting Havre De Grace is a great idea. Not only is the small town quite charming, but nature lovers can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities. The town is situated at the point where the Susquehanna River meets the Chesapeake Bay. This location offers scenic views and opportunities for boating, fishing, and other water activities.
If anyone you are traveling with is a history buff, then Havre de Grace is home to several museums as well. You can pay a visit to the Havre de Grace Decoy Museum and the Maritime Museum. These institutions provide insight into the area’s cultural and natural heritage.
Baltimore, Maryland
Baltimore is a great place to spend a weekend. There are many options here in terms of affordable hotel rooms and many are located just a short walk from from the main attractions. In addition to the Baltimore Museum Of Art, you can visit the National Aquarium, as well as the Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine. If you just feel like strolling along the beautiful Inner Harbor, this is a great option as well. Its a great way for a couple to spend a weekend or for the entire family. There are also tons of great affordable dining options in Baltimore, also called Charm City by locals.
Find A Cheap Cruise Out Of Baltimore
Baltimore is actually a pretty popular east coast cruise port. If you book way ahead of time or you book last minute you may be able to find a deal on a cruise out of Baltimore. Typically these cruises are longer than a weekend and you will need at least 3 to 4 nights, if not more. But this is a great option if you are looking to get an all inclusive experience. Cruise ship prices typically include all the food and several free activities as well. You won’t have to buy a flight since you can just drive to Baltimore.
Best Cheap Weekend Getaways In Maryland For Family: Summary
Maryland has plenty of options when it comes to a cheap weekend getaways for families. Whether your family is drawn to the historical streets of Annapolis, the stunning beaches of Ocean City, or the tranquil waters of Havre De Grace, there’s something for everyone. You can also explore wineries and history in Sharpsburg or check out the small towns of Berlin and Frederick. Each location offers its own unique charm, attractions, and activities that won’t strain the family budget. So the next time you’re contemplating a weekend retreat, consider the treasures within Maryland’s borders. Not only will you discover new adventures, but you’ll also create lasting memories without breaking the bank.
