Between the fairgrounds and amusement parks in Ocean City and the breathtaking wild horses on Assateague Island, there are countless places for a perfect weekend getaway in Maryland.

Trying to put together a short, last-minute vacation can be a stressful process. But sometimes you just want to get out of town on Friday, enjoy your weekend away, and make it back in time for normal life to resume on Monday. This kind of trip can actually make for the perfect vacation, as long as you know what to do and where to go!

Jerry

, the

super app

that helps you save on

car insurance

, knows just how important some time off can really be—which is why we’ve put together this article. Here are the best weekend getaways in

Maryland

, ranging from wilderness retreats and historic tours to foodie hotspots.

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The best weekend getaways for couples in Maryland

Bel Air

Stay at:

Gramercy Mansion

(rooms from $275/night)

Or:

La Cle D’or Guesthouse

(rooms from $138/night)

A weekend trip to

Bel Air

can make for the perfect romantic getaway. You can start with a more casual dinner at

Liberatore’s Ristorante

, where they offer a delectable Italian menu, decadent wines, and a charming ambiance.

Take a walk to the local favorite,

Main Street Tower

, for yummy seafood and cocktails, a roof deck, and live music. For more nighttime entertainment, visit

Regal Bel Air Cinema

on the sweetly-named Constant Friendship Boulevard to see the latest film.

End your trip with a date at

Pairings Bistro

, where you can sample the city's delicious braised short ribs while sipping the finest Gnarly Head 1924 Double Black.

St. Michaels

Stay at:

St. Michaels Harbor Inn

(rooms from $279/night)

Or:

Wades Point Inn on the Bay

(rooms from $251/night)

For a romantic stay, check out the St. Michaels Harbor Inn—choose between the luxurious Waterfront King Spa Tub Room overlooking the harbor or the Commodore’s Quarters, located at the marina, for a more private stay.

Spend your first evening dining at

Harbor Lights

, where you can enjoy fresh seafood with a spectacular view on their River Deck. Head over to Chesapeake Bay for an afternoon of kayaking and swimming together, or sail around the bay on a

charter boat

Enjoy a candlelit dinner at

Limoncello

for authentic Italian cuisine and a cozy atmosphere. And whether you’re looking for hand-carved steaks and cocktails or local seafood and champagne sabering, you can always end your weekend at

Theo’s

Pro Tip The best times of year to visit Maryland for temperate weather and low crowds are March through May and September through November.

The best weekend getaways for families in Maryland

Ocean City

Stay at:

Francis Scott Key Family Resort

(rooms from $112/night)

Or:

DoubleTree by Hilton Ocean City Oceanfront

(rooms from $130/night)

If your ideal family getaway includes a lot of sun, water, and sand,

Ocean City

is the place to go! Ocean City, with its dazzling waves, sandy shorelines, and vibrant boardwalk, has a plethora of activities for the entire family to enjoy.

You can head to

Old Pro Golf

for some extra fun mini-golfing, visit

Jolly Roger Amusement Park

and enjoy 20+ rides and fairgrounds, or spend an afternoon at the

Frontier Town Western Theme Park

for an entertaining blast to the past.

Stay at Francis Scott Key Family Resort for indoor and outdoor waterparks (and affordable rates!). When you and the kids need to recharge a bit, head to

Sahara Cafe

Happy Jack Pancake House

, or

On the Bay Seafood

Bowie

Stay at:

Club Wyndham Ocean Ridge

(rooms from $194/night)

Or:

Edisto Island Tree House & Log Cabin

(starting at $185/night)

Families typically visit

Bowie

to check out

Six Flags America

, Maryland's largest kiddie attraction.

But there are countless other family-friendly attractions in Bowie, including the

Bowie Railroad Museum

Allen Pond Park

, and (if you’ve got a four-legged family member) the

Bowie Dog Park

! If you’re in the mood for a shopping spree, then head to

Bowie Town Center

for souvenir shops, trendy boutiques, and a kids club to keep your little ones occupied for hours.

Start your day at

First Watch

with a yummy, filling breakfast, or grab some fresh bites at

Chesapeake Grille & Deli

between your daily activities.

MORE: 8 pro tips for long car rides with kids

The best weekend getaways for foodies in Maryland

Baltimore

Stay at:

Hampton Inn & Suites Baltimore Inner Harbor

(rooms from $162/night)

Or:

Royal Sonesta Harbor Court Baltimore

(rooms from $194/night)

As the capital of Maryland,

Baltimore

is home to all of the best dining found in the state.

The variety of food tours offered throughout the city can help take the pressure of choosing a place to eat off your shoulders—from

Fells Point

Little Italy and Jonestown

, there’s bound to be something that makes your mouth water!

For breakfast, hit up

Miss Shirley’s Cafe

for classic brunch items like waffles and hash browns or Twist Fells Point for a Mediterranean twist on breakfast bites. Try out the avocado chutney or lamb chops at

Ananda

, or grab some of the best sushi around at

Azumi

. And if you’re looking for some of the freshest seafood in town, then head over to

Dylan’s Oyster Cellar

Easton

Stay at:

Tidewater Inn

(rooms from $179/night)

Or:

Hummingbird Inn

(rooms from $279/night)

The charming town of

Easton

is quickly becoming a popular destination for foodies on Maryland's Eastern Shore.

Begin with lunch at

Sunflower & Greens

, a breezy salad-centric cafe, before making your way to

Bonheur

, a Parisian-inspired patisserie with house-made pies and ice creams. The sophistication of the European-inspired

Bas Rouge

is summed up by its caviar service and vintage Bordeaux.

The splendid

Stewart

, a Scotch and vintage-Champagne bar located just next door, can round out your weekend perfectly.

MORE:

Best road trip destinations for America’s favorite foods

The best outdoor weekend getaways in Maryland

Assateague Island

Stay at:

Assateague Island National Seashore Campground

(from $20/night)

Or:

Bayside Drive-in Campground

(from $20/night)

The camping at Assateague Island National Seashore is among the greatest on the east coast (if not the best!). This barrier island is easily accessible, located just off the coasts of Maryland and Virginia, and is densely forested, featuring sandy beaches, woodlands, coastal bays, and salt marshes.

You can take a

ranger-guided tour

go crabbing

, or explore the island by

bike

. Assateague is also home to a herd of 300+ stunning

wild horses

—which should always be observed from a distance!

Grab some hearty food at

Blacksmith

in nearby

Berlin

before setting up for the night. Camping is only available on the Maryland side of the island, but this national park campground offers some of the most scenic views found on the shores of the Atlantic.

Swallow Falls State Park

Stay at:

Swallow Falls State Park Campgrounds

(from $27.50/night)

Or:

Abrams Creek Campground

(from $26/night)

Swallow Falls State Park is located just a few hours west of downtown Baltimore and is regarded as one of the state's most beautiful natural parks.

Muddy Creek Falls

, Maryland's highest free-falling waterfall, plunges more than 40 feet before disappearing in the Youghiogheny River rapids.

Hiking

the picturesque pathways will allow you to see many of the region's most magnificent sights, and you can picnic or even camp among the trees—some of which were the same hemlocks that Thomas Edison once slept under!

In the nearby town of Oakland, pick up some perfectly-seared pork chops at

Ace's Run Restaurant & Pub

or grab a treat at

Lakeside Creamery

to end your weekend on a sweet note.

Pro Tip The last thing you want is to become lost in the middle of nowhere, so plan ahead of time, pack properly, and keep a map of your route handy to stay on track!

MORE: How to check for Maryland road closures

The best weekend getaways for history buffs in Maryland

Annapolis

Stay at:

Maryland Inn

(rooms from $158/night)

Or:

Laurel Grove Inn on the South River

(rooms from $185/night)

Annapolis

, formerly regarded as the "Athens of America," has long been a city steeped in culture and history. Its quaint port city setting still welcomes countless visitors 300+ years after its founding

From the

Maryland State House

to the

Frederick Douglass Museum and Cultural Center

, there are endless sights to see and things to learn while exploring Annapolis. The city’s Historic District is home to numerous old buildings worth seeing, including the

John Callahan House

and the

Artisan’s House

The

Market House

at City Dock in the port area provides an exceptional dining experience (and delicious oysters!), and

Reynolds Tavern

is a fantastic tearoom and pub housed in a 200-year-old building.

Frederick

Stay at:

Home2 Suites

(rooms from $267/night)

Or:

Sea Pines Resort

(rooms from $306/night)

If you consider yourself a true history buff, make your way to

Frederick

, a city in western Maryland with strong roots to the Civil War.

Begin your journey by visiting

Monocacy National Battlefield

and the

National Museum of Civil War Medicine

, or rent a bike to ride the 10-mile

Frederick History Bicycle Loop

, which includes stops at more than 20 historical sites.

After you've had your fill of history, proceed to Downtown Frederick to explore the hundreds of shops, art galleries, and restaurants. For dining, we recommend

Firestone’s Culinary Tavern

Monocacy Crossing

MORE:

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The best cheap weekend getaways in Maryland

Bethesda

Stay at:

Embassy Suites by Hilton Bethesda

(rooms from $161/night)

Or:

Hyatt Regency Bethesda

(rooms from $149/night)

With a lively cultural scene, exciting nightlife, delicious dining options, and plenty of green space,

Bethesda

is ideal for a weekend getaway.

Take a walk around

Glen Echo Park

, a former amusement park that now serves as an arts center and hosts free summer concerts and festivals. The

Capital Crescent Trail

is a must-see for an active day that combines scenic splendor, slow-moving canals, and smooth, paved routes ideal for walking, running, biking, rollerblading, and skating.

And if you want some cheap, delicious eats to fill you up after your busy day, then pick up an all-day breakfast at

Tastee Diner

or one of

Fish Taco

’s delicious namesakes.

Upper Marlboro

Stay at:

Executive Inn & Suites

(rooms from $90/night)

Or:

Holiday Inn Express & Suites

(rooms from $103/night)

Upper Marlboro

is bursting with plenty of walkable activities, including

Watkins Regional Park

, which features an antique carousel, train, and miniature golf course.

Montpelier Farms

hosts a sunflower festival and petting zoo in the spring, and a 7-acre corn maze and hayrides in the fall, all for less than $20 a ticket!

Mrs. K’s Restaurant

Ledo’s Pizza

, and

Marlboro Grille

will all fill you up for the weekend without making you break the bank!

Pro Tip When planning your getaway, look for special bargains and rates, particularly if you're going during the high season.

MORE:

How to find the best cheap car insurance

Why you need good car insurance (and how you can save on the best!)

Whether your weekend getaway is filled with hours spent at

Ocean City’s

amusement parks or taking in the wild ponies found on Assateague Island, with car insurance coverage from

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, you can be confident you're secured when traveling

Maryland

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Jerry members actually save an average of $887 per year on auto insurance—and those savings can be put towards all of Maryland's finest weekend getaways!

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