In the 1920s, a National Geographic reporter nicknamed Maryland "America in Miniature" because of its vast variety. Now, seventy years later, the state remains a study in contrasts, offering mountains and seashores, big cities and quaint villages. The state is a hotbed for history; historic sites for both the American Revolutionary War and the Civil War abound, and the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis draws millions of military buffs.

The first Marylanders were Paleo-Indians who arrived more than 10,000 years ago, but the first European to visit the area was Giovanni da Verrazona, an Italian explorer who traveled the Chesapeake Bay in the 1500s. In 1608, Captain John Smith arrived from England, and in 1631 William Claiborne established a fur-trading post on Kent Island, the first English settlement in the upper Chesapeake.

Maryland's colonial history dates to the days of King Charles I, who promised George Calvert, the first Lord Baltimore, a colony north of Virginia. Before he arrived, George Calvert died; his son, Cecilus, became the second Lord Baltimore and settled the colony. It was he who named the area Maryland in honor of Charles' wife, Queen Henrietta Maria.

The state has five distinct areas, all of which lie within three hours of Baltimore, the largest city. Western Maryland is mountainous, with plenty of outdoor activities like boating and hiking. Central Maryland is home to the capital, Annapolis, and Baltimore. Fabulous restaurants are found here, along with good shopping and lots of entertainment. The Capital Region is so named because of its proximity to Washington, DC. This bedroom community is a great jumping-off point for a visit to the capital, but if you stick around, you'll find more than enough to keep you busy. Southern Maryland is steeped in history--it's the site of the state's original capital in historic St. Mary's City. The Eastern Shore is known for its seafood--Maryland crab cakes, to be exact--and its many water activities.

Annapolis

Because of its rich history, a walking tour of Annapolis is like visiting a museum without walls. The biggest attraction is the U.S. Naval Academy, but you should also plan to visit the State House and many of the city's historic homes. The academy offers daily tours of the grounds, chapel, and Bancroft Hall--the world's largest dormitory.

Antietam National Battlefield, Sharpsburg

This place is a must for Civil War buffs. On September 17, 1862, 23,000 men were killed or wounded as Union forces repelled Lee's first invasion of the north. As a result, the quiet fields and farmland around the village of Sharpsburg and Antietam Creek claim the bloodiest day of the Civil War. Visitors can take self-guided tours through the battlefields or watch the annual reenactment.

Assateague State and National Seashore, Berlin

Located just south of Ocean City, the long, narrow strip of Assateague Island is an important ecological barrier island, protecting the Delmarva Peninsula from erosion. It is well known as the home of Misty of Chincoteague, the wild pony from the children's book of the same name. Ponies roam free across the windswept sand dunes of the island. Some people say the ponies are descendants of horses set free to graze by early settlers, then forgotten; others claim that their ancestors were survivors of a Spanish shipwreck.

Baltimore's Inner Harbor

Since its refurbishment, the Inner Harbor has become an all-in-one-destination with waterside shopping, dining, and entertainment. Here you'll find the National Aquarium, a five-level exhibit of mammals, fish, rare birds, reptiles, and amphibians in their natural habitats. The Maryland Science Center is also located here. It features hundreds of hands-on activities, live demonstrations, and displays ranging from a simulated space station control center to experiments in sound, magnetism, light, and mechanics.

Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, St. Michaels

Located in the historic Chesapeake Bay village of St. Michaels, this museum preserves the history and artifacts of one of America's most celebrated waterways. The boat collection includes the Edna E. Lockwood, a log-bottom bugeye craft, and a National Historic Landmark, as well as other boats unique to the bay. Besides the museum, St. Michaels offers a historic district, famous seafood, and the bay's scenic charm.

Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine, Baltimore

When the dawn's early light broke on this fort on September 14, 1814, the American flag was still flying after a night of heavy bombardment by British warships. The sight inspired Francis Scott Key, a Baltimore lawyer aboard one of those ships, to write what was later to become the national anthem. Today visitors can walk the ramparts and look out to where the British fleet tried to enter Baltimore Harbor.

Maryland State House, Annapolis

The oldest U.S. state capital in continuous legislative use was also the setting for the ratification of the Treaty of Paris, which ended the Revolutionary War. The building's dome is made entirely of wood. Exhibits depict colonial life in Annapolis.

Ocean City Boardwalk

Besides the hotels, restaurants, and shops, the three-mile-long Ocean City Boardwalk offers many of the attractions associated with old-time East Coast beach resorts. The cotton-candy vendors, arcades, and other indulgences are mostly concentrated along the south end of the boardwalk. Highlights include Trimper's Rides with its antique restored carousel and roller coaster, the fishing pier and its Ferris Wheel-type ride, the Ocean City Wax Museum, and the Ocean City Life-Saving Museum.

Oriole Park at Camden Yards, Baltimore

Once a railroad station and warehouse, Camden Yards is now home to the Baltimore Orioles baseball team. The state conducts tours of the facility, but the games are the real draw. The park was fashioned after big-league parks from the early 1900s by using steel rather than concrete trusses, arched brick facades, and an asymmetrical playing field.

Peabody Conservatory of Music, Baltimore

As America's oldest school of music, the Peabody dates back to 1866. Today it is part of Johns Hopkins University. Public concerts are held from September through May.

Pimlico Race Course, Baltimore

Maryland's oldest thoroughbred track is the site of the annual Preakness States. Also on the grounds is the National Jockey's Hall of Fame.

Port Discovery, Baltimore

Housed in a former wholesale fish market, this new children's museum is a Walt Disney Company-designed entertainment center with interactive exhibits and programs designed for educational fun and adventure. Exhibits include "Ingenuity Junction," where kids create their own inventions, and "Maze Quests," where kids choose one of three themed maze routes.

Walters Art Gallery and Baltimore Museum of Art, Baltimore

Containing one of the most extensive private art collections in the world, the Walkers Art Gallery (410-547-9000) presents a history of art extending from several hundred years before Christ to the early 20th century. In addition to the scope of Western art, the museum also includes Islamic, Asian, and rare-book and manuscript collections. The Baltimore Museum of Art's (410-396-7100) large collection compliments the Walters', and supplements it with a modern art wing, photography collection, and sculpture collection.