Travel website Expedia has released its 2026 list of “100 of the Best Places to Visit in the U.S.,” highlighting two destinations in each state based on hotel booking data and online search interest. Maryland’s two selections are Baltimore’s Inner Harbor and Assateague State Park.
Unlike traditional travel rankings based on editorial opinions or reader voting, Expedia used its own internal data to determine which destinations made the list. The company analyzed hotel bookings and search volume for points of interest in each state, combining the two metrics before removing outliers that might not appeal to travelers looking for vacation ideas.
“There are many lists to help you discover the best places to visit in America, but how many are based on quantitative metrics?” Expedia explained, describing its final selections as destinations worthy of travelers’ bucket lists.
For Maryland, Expedia highlighted Baltimore’s historic Inner Harbor, pointing to its waterfront attractions, museums, and cultural landmarks. The travel company specifically mentioned the Maryland Science Center and the Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History and Culture as examples of the sightseeing opportunities available in the city. “Baltimore is one of the most exciting places in Maryland, and offers some of the best sightseeing in the U.S.,” Expedia wrote.
The state’s other selection, Assateague State Park, offers a completely different experience along Maryland’s Eastern Shore. Expedia highlighted the park’s wild horses, scenic beaches, kayaking opportunities, and the nearby Assateague Lighthouse, known for its distinctive red-and-white stripes.
Located on Assateague Island near Ocean City, Assateague State Park is Maryland’s only oceanfront state park, according to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. The barrier island is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the east and Sinepuxent Bay to the west.
The park features two miles of ocean beaches where visitors can swim, surf, fish, sunbathe, and search for seashells. On the bayside, visitors can explore secluded coves by canoe or kayak, while the surrounding marshlands provide habitat for deer, waterfowl, and the island’s famous wild horses.
The horses roam freely throughout the Maryland portion of Assateague Island and can frequently be spotted along beaches, in marshes, and near campgrounds. State officials remind visitors to remain at least 40 feet away from the animals, secure all food, and avoid stopping or parking along roadways to view them.
