Nicknamed "America in Miniature" due to its diverse topography, Maryland offers historical, cultural, and natural attractions.
- **Historic Sites**: **Fort McHenry** in Baltimore, where the defense against the British in 1814 inspired Francis Scott Key to write "The Star-Spangled Banner"; and **Antietam National Battlefield**, site of the bloodiest single-day battle in American history. - **Baltimore Inner Harbor**: A major tourist destination featuring the **National Aquarium**, the Maryland Science Center, and historic ships like the USS Constellation. - **Annapolis**: The state capital, famous for its beautifully preserved colonial architecture, cobblestone streets, and the **United States Naval Academy**. - **Ocean City**: A quintessential summer beach resort town known for its lively, three-mile wooden boardwalk, amusement parks, and sandy Atlantic beaches.
