The headline sights we could verify are Fort McHenry National Monument in Baltimore, where adults 16 and older pay $15, and the Maryland State House in Annapolis, which charges no admission. NOAA's normal highs at BWI run from 43.2°F in January to 88.8°F in July, and Baltimore stays carry a 9.5% city hotel tax plus 6% state tax. We verified no driving times or flight prices.
Quick plan (our recommendation)
This is an editorial plan from official sources, not a trip we took. See the weekend itinerary for a short version.
- Baltimore: Fort McHenry National Monument.
- Annapolis: the Maryland State House (bring photo ID).
What it costs (verified figures only)
| Item | Figure | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fort McHenry | Adults 16+ $15; children 15 and under free | Valid seven days; annual pass $45. Source: NPS (via search summary). |
| Maryland State House | No admission fee | Photo ID required. Source: State Archives (via search summary). |
| Baltimore hotel room tax | 9.5% | Source: City of Baltimore (via search summary). |
| Maryland sales and use tax | 6% | Covers room rentals. Source: Comptroller (via search summary). |
Getting around
We verified no Maryland transit fare; see transportation.
When to go
NOAA's 1991–2020 normals for BWI show highs of 84.4–88.8°F from June to August and 43.2–47.5°F in December–February, with up to 7.5 inches of snow in a month. July is the wettest month at 4.48 inches; see the best-time guide.
Safety and practical tips
In summer see National Weather Service heat guidance and use broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher sunscreen (American Academy of Dermatology). This guide publishes no crime or safety statistics.
What this guide does not cover
We do not rate hotels, restaurants, tours or stores, or claim first-hand visits; see the editorial policy.