Finally, the summer is here and everyone is eager to enjoy the outdoors in the afternoon and in the evening. Indoor activities like playing for an Intertops casino bonus are now on the back burner.

In Maryland, there are many beautiful parks and gardens to visit where you can enjoy a picnic, take the kids to play, or just enjoy a relaxing walk.  There is such diversity in the state, you can enjoy a picnic by the beach or the nearby mountains all in the same week.   Some of the most popular picnic spots also have restaurants very close by, should you choose to forgo the picnic and instead choose to enjoy a meal there.   Below we look at some of the most popular picnic sites in Maryland and see what they have to offer.

Quiet Waters Park, Annapolis, MD

Here you will find the most incredible views; they will simply take your breath away.  At Quiet Waters, there are many spots to sit and have a quiet picnic.  You can sit and relax next to the fountain, choose a gazebo to each your lunch or find a bench located next to one of the playgrounds.  All of these spots are wonderful but if you are looking for the view, continue to the end of the park where you will be awed by the views of Chesapeake Bay. This is a magnificent place to enjoy your picnic lunch, watching the sun glistening on the water and the many boats sailing by.

Patuxent Research Center, Laurel, MD

This is a very secluded place to find some relaxation.  You can sit by the large pond and watch the ducks congregate amidst the trees and other wildlife.  It is one of the Park Services premier research facilities and therefore it is protected land.  For this reason, you can enjoy fabulous scenery and it is a great spot to enjoy a romantic picnic.  If you enjoy bird watching, bring a picnic and enjoy the sights.

Annmarie Sculpture Garden and Arts Center, Dowell, MD

This can be a wonderful family outing.  Visiting the art gallery and then enjoying your picnic outside in the sculpture garden and exploring all the interesting sculptures.    They also have outdoor concerts on a regular basis which are a real treat for the whole family.

Heritage Farm Park, Walkersville, MD

This is a really large park with great open spaces. Heritage Park has a 19- hole disc golf course which is a huge attraction for many.  There are lots of relaxing and peaceful picnic spots and plenty of space and areas for the whole family to ride their bikes.

Millard Tydings Memorial Park, Havre De Grace, MD

Here there are fabulous views that you can experience from the land or from water. For those with boats it is possible to dock at the marina and then enjoy a picnic with your family or let the children roam around and play.    There is a lovely promenade that can be enjoyed by those with or without boats and a waterfront restaurant if you don’t want to picnic.

Rose Hill Manor Park and Children’s Museum, Frederick, MD

The Manor is a fabulous place to visit.  It was constructed in 1792 and is a beautiful building with large while pillars and exudes southern charm.   It has been transformed into a children’s museum so is a great place to visit for the family where the children can play and explore inside the building.  There are well looked after gardens, full of beautiful flowers, where you can picnic and there are also seating areas which makes it even more comfortable.

Terrapin Beach Park, Stevensville, MD

Terrapin Beach has great views of the Chesapeake and of course, the beach. Just driving over the Bay Bridge is an exciting and beautiful experience.  Once on the other side, you reach Stevensville which is great for the whole family, including the family dog.   There is no entrance fee so you can enjoy your picnic and sit in the sunshine.

William Paca House and Garden, Annapolis, MD

You may well have seen this “picture perfect setting” on the front of a local magazine. It is a popular wedding spot.   This Georgian mansion is steeped in history and a visit will take you back in time.  The grounds are also incredibly well maintained.  William Paca served three terms as governor of Maryland after the state’s declaration of independence was signed and the house and gardens certainly exude plenty of opulence which reflects that.

Exeter Gardens, Baltimore, MD

Exeter Gardens is an urban oasis.  If you are in the city and need a place to relax, enjoy a picnic lunch, perhaps in between meetings, then this could be the perfect spot for you.  This is a community garden that was developed by the community and it is the community that maintains it. A little peace and quiet in the middle of a busy working day is often just what the doctor ordered.

Great March Park, Cambridge, MD

Great March Park is in a great location.    You can enjoy a lovely picnic lunch in one of the many picnic areas. Be sure to take your fishing equipment with you to do some fishing and then later on you can take a stroll downtown to Cambridge for some shopping and then perhaps go for a pint at one of the downtown pubs.

Annapolis City Dock, Annapolis, MD

If you are a people watcher then sitting at Annapolis City Dock is a great spot for a picnic and people watching. Grab a spot by the water’s edge and watch all the people and boats as they pass by.   Another reason to enjoy a picnic here is that quite often there is musical entertainment which makes for an interesting visit.

Veirs Mill Park, Silver Spring, MD

Very close to D.C and it has parking, always a bonus.  It is a quiet park, quite secluded so you can relax and enjoy your family.  There is play equipment for the kids to enjoy.   The Park enjoys a creek which makes for a nice stroll where you may get to see some deer plus during the fall the splendid colors of the fall foliage.

Janes Island State Park, Crisfield, MD

Crisfield is located on the Eastern Shore, on the Bay side so it is not too windy. It is a great beach park where you can sit and relax, enjoy your picnic and then do some kayaking.  If you bring along your fishing gear you can fish for crab.  It is also possible to camp here and make it a long weekend, so think ahead and bring your camping gear.

Point Lookout State Park, Scotland, MD

This Park is situated on the beach with quaint rustic cabins and located at the southern-most tip of Maryland. It is a very rural area and therefore very quiet and secluded making it a perfect area for a swim.   Picnicking here is a delight.

Patterson Park, Baltimore, MD.

From the top of the Pagoda in Patterson Park you are able to see all across the city.  The Park has a sports field, swimming pool and an ice- skating rink amongst other things so you will not be at a loss for what to do.  After a busy sporting- day you can sit and relax and enjoy your picnic.



David M. Higgins II is an award-winning journalist passionate about uncovering the truth and telling compelling stories. Born in Baltimore and raised in Southern Maryland, he has lived in several East...

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