Maryland Named to Best in Travel 2027 List

Lonely Planet has selected Maryland as a top destination in its annual guide.

Updated on Sept. 24, 2026 in Europe

Maryland Named to Best in Travel 2027 List

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Lonely Planet named Maryland as one of 50 standout destinations for its Best in Travel 2027 list. The state was recognized by a global community of experts for its commitment to meaningful and slower travel experiences.

Why it matters

Recognition by an international travel authority provides a significant boost to state tourism initiatives. It reinforces the appeal of the region for visitors seeking unique and thoughtful travel opportunities.

Lonely Planet selected Maryland among 50 global destinations for its 2027 list. The state previously recorded 47.4 million visitors during 2025.

The players

Lonely Planet

Lonely Planet is an international publisher of travel guidebooks and a digital media company that creates content for travelers worldwide.

Maryland

Maryland is a U.S. state located on the East Coast that is home to diverse landscapes ranging from the Chesapeake Bay to mountain regions.

The details

A global panel of travel experts curated the list to emphasize destinations that facilitate meaningful, slower-paced journeys. The selection reflects a growing trend in travel toward authentic local experiences rather than high-speed tourism.

Maryland welcomed 47.4 million visitors in 2025.
The state will celebrate the 200th anniversary of American railroading in 2027.

Travel Outlook

Maryland's inclusion on Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2027 list follows a pattern of the publication highlighting regions that successfully balance historical legacy with modern tourism growth. This recognition positions the state to attract international interest ahead of its major 2027 centennial events.

Travelers should expect increased interest in Maryland attractions leading up to the 2027 railroading anniversary commemorations. Planning trips during shoulder seasons may provide a quieter experience while allowing for the slower-paced travel emphasized by this recognition.

The takeaway

Travelers looking to immerse themselves in history should mark their calendars for the upcoming bicentennial railroading events. Focusing on slower-paced itineraries can reveal depth in destinations that are often overlooked by high-speed tourism crowds.