Planning a trip to Maryland? Before you pack those binoculars and crab mallets, let me save you from wasting your retirement fund on overpriced disappointments.
I’ve spent years exploring the Old Line State, from Ocean City to Deep Creek Lake, and I’ve fallen for more tourist traps than I care to admit.
The worst offenders aren’t just expensive—they steal precious vacation time you’ll never get back.
1. Ocean City Boardwalk, Ocean City
The Ocean City Boardwalk has long been touted as a summer playground for families with its 3-mile stretch of attractions, shops, and restaurants.
But here’s the catch… what was once a charming seaside destination has become overwhelmed with crowds, especially during peak summer months.
The boardwalk is now filled with overpriced shops selling low-value trinkets and souvenirs. Many vendors employ aggressive sales tactics to separate you from your hard-earned money.
You’re better off exploring Maryland’s less crowded coastal areas where you can enjoy authentic local experiences without the tourist markup.
Why It’s On This List: Despite 85% of TripAdvisor reviewers praising it, many visitors describe it as “over-hyped” with “cheap tourist beach type stores” where “quantity is more important than quality.”
2. Ripley’s Believe It or Not!, Baltimore
Baltimore’s Ripley’s Believe It or Not! museum promises oddities and curiosities from around the world.
That’s why it’s particularly disappointing when you realize you’re paying premium prices to see replicas and gimmicks rather than authentic exhibits.
In a historically rich city like Baltimore with genuine art and cultural institutions, spending time at Ripley’s seems like a missed opportunity.
For the cost of admission, you could visit several authentic museums that showcase Baltimore’s actual history and cultural significance.
Tourist Trap Warning: Why pay to see manufactured oddities when Baltimore offers real historical attractions like Fort McHenry, where the Star-Spangled Banner was inspired?
3. National Aquarium Gift Shop, Baltimore
The National Aquarium itself is a legitimate attraction with impressive exhibits including the Atlantic Coral Reef and Amazon River Forest.
But here’s the deal… the exit-through-gift-shop strategy forces visitors through a gauntlet of overpriced souvenirs and trinkets.
Many items in the gift shop can be found online for a fraction of the price. I made a classic mistake of buying a stuffed dolphin for my grandchild that cost three times what I later found it for elsewhere.
Want me to share a money-saving tip? Visit on Friday evenings when admission is half-price, and skip the gift shop entirely.
The Gift Shop Trap: The strategic placement at the exit ensures captive customers, especially those with children or grandchildren begging for mementos.
4. The Peep Show at Carroll Arts Council, Westminster
This oddly-named attraction features massive sculptures made entirely out of Peeps, those marshmallow candies that somehow never seem to go stale.
Located in Westminster, this exhibit draws curious visitors who are often disappointed by the limited appeal of candy-based art.
One visitor aptly described it as more of a “Creep Show” than a must-see attraction. The dad-joke title might be cute, but the experience rarely lives up to expectations.
You’re better off visiting one of Maryland’s genuine arts festivals that showcase talented local artists rather than candy sculptures.
Sweet Disappointment: The novelty wears off quickly, leaving visitors wondering why they paid admission to see sculptures made from “the world’s most disgusting candy product.”
5. Inner Harbor Tourist Restaurants, Baltimore
Baltimore’s Inner Harbor offers stunning waterfront views and convenient access to attractions like the National Aquarium.
But here’s the catch… the restaurants lining the harbor are often overpriced tourist traps serving mediocre food at premium prices.
You’re paying for the location, not the quality of the cuisine. Many establishments charge $30+ for crab cakes that locals know are subpar compared to authentic Maryland seafood.
Want me to share a local secret? Walk just a few blocks into neighborhoods like Fells Point or Federal Hill for better food at more reasonable prices.
Harbor Pricing: Expect to pay 30-50% more for meals with harbor views compared to equally good or better restaurants just a short walk away.
6. Calvert Cliffs State Park “Fossil Hunting,” Lusby
Advertised as a premier fossil hunting destination, Calvert Cliffs State Park attracts families hoping to discover prehistoric shark teeth and other fossils.
That’s why it’s so disappointing when visitors realize the 1.8-mile hike to the beach often yields few if any fossil finds, especially during busy seasons when the small beach area is picked clean.
The likelihood of finding significant fossils decreases with each passing year and increasing visitor numbers. I made a classic mistake of promising my grandchildren they’d find “real dinosaur teeth” only to spend hours finding nothing but ordinary shells.
You’re better off visiting during weekdays in the off-season or hiring a local guide who knows the less-trafficked spots.
Fossil Frustration: The park continues to promote fossil hunting despite diminishing returns, leading to disappointed visitors who’ve traveled specifically for this experience.
7. Antietam Battlefield Gift Shop, Sharpsburg
The Antietam National Battlefield is a solemn historical site commemorating the bloodiest single-day battle in American history.
But here’s the deal… the gift shop has increasingly commercialized this sacred ground with tacky souvenirs that trivialize the historical significance.
Civil War refrigerator magnets and plastic toy soldiers seem inappropriate at a site where over 22,000 soldiers were killed or wounded. The commercialization detracts from the educational and commemorative purpose of the battlefield.
You’re better off spending your time on the self-guided tour and visitor center exhibits that respectfully honor those who fought and died here.
Commercialized History: The contrast between the solemnity of the battlefield and the commercialism of the gift shop creates an uncomfortable juxtaposition for many visitors.
8. The Enchanted Forest Shopping Center, Ellicott City
Once a beloved storybook-themed amusement park, The Enchanted Forest closed in the 1990s, but the shopping center kept the name and some of the original structures.
That’s why it’s particularly disappointing for visitors who arrive expecting a magical experience only to find a regular strip mall with a few faded fairy tale figures.
The remnants of the once-charming attraction now serve merely as photo opportunities in a parking lot. I made a classic mistake of taking my grandchildren there based on my own childhood memories, only to find a shadow of what once was.
You’re better off visiting Clark’s Elioak Farm where many of the original Enchanted Forest figures have been restored and displayed properly.
Faded Magic: The shopping center capitalizes on nostalgia without delivering the experience that the name suggests.
9. Chesapeake Beach Water Park, Chesapeake Beach
This small water park in Calvert County promises family fun with water slides and splash areas.
But here’s the catch… the facility is often overcrowded, with long lines for limited attractions and insufficient seating for parents and grandparents.
The admission prices rival those of much larger water parks with far more amenities. For a family of four, you could easily spend over $100 for a few hours of standing in lines.
Want me to suggest an alternative? Maryland’s state parks with swimming areas offer natural water experiences at a fraction of the cost.
Watered Down Fun: The small size of the park cannot accommodate the volume of visitors during peak season, leading to a frustrating experience for many families.
10. Lexington Market “Authentic” Crab Cakes, Baltimore
Lexington Market is one of America’s oldest public markets, dating back to 1782, and is famous for its seafood vendors.
That’s why tourists flock here seeking authentic Maryland crab cakes, often directed to specific stands by outdated guidebooks or online reviews.
Many of the “famous” crab cake stands now use imported crab meat rather than local Chesapeake Bay blue crab. The quality has declined while prices have increased, with some vendors charging $25+ for a single crab cake that locals know isn’t the real deal.
You’re better off asking locals for current recommendations or venturing to smaller towns along the Eastern Shore where authentic Maryland crab dishes are still prepared with pride.
Crab Cake Caution: True Maryland crab cakes should be mostly lump crab meat with minimal filler, but tourist-oriented vendors often reverse this ratio to maximize profits.
11. Quickie Brothel Museum Tour, Baltimore
This guided tour through Baltimore’s former red-light district promises a glimpse into the city’s risqué history.
But here’s the catch… despite the provocative name, the tour offers little historical substance and relies heavily on sensationalism rather than educational content.
Most of the “museum” consists of reproductions rather than authentic artifacts. I made a classic mistake of bringing out-of-town friends here expecting a legitimate historical experience, only to endure an awkward hour of juvenile jokes and dubious claims.
You’re better off taking one of Baltimore’s reputable historical walking tours that cover a broader range of the city’s fascinating past.
Historical Hype: The tour capitalizes on the titillating subject matter rather than providing meaningful historical context about social conditions of the era.
12. Rocky Gap Casino Resort, Flintstone
Nestled against the Appalachian Mountains near Cumberland, Rocky Gap Casino Resort advertises itself as a luxury destination combining nature and gambling.
That’s why visitors are often disappointed to find a relatively small casino with limited table games and dated slot machines compared to more established gaming destinations.
The resort charges premium prices for rooms with views of Lake Habeeb, but the windows are often small and the furnishings outdated. The restaurants within the resort offer mediocre food at inflated prices, taking advantage of the captive audience.
Want me to share a better option? Enjoy the beautiful state park surrounding the resort, then drive into Cumberland for more authentic and affordable dining experiences.
Gambling Gotcha: The isolated location means visitors have few alternatives, allowing the resort to charge higher prices for lower quality than would be acceptable in more competitive markets.
13. Harborplace, Baltimore
Once the crown jewel of Baltimore’s Inner Harbor revitalization, Harborplace has fallen into decline over recent decades.
But here’s the deal… what was once a vibrant marketplace is now a collection of vacant storefronts and chain restaurants that could be found in any suburban mall.
The pavilions that once showcased local merchants now house generic retailers selling overpriced souvenirs. The food court offers uninspired options at inflated prices, capitalizing on the location rather than quality.
You’re better off exploring Baltimore’s neighborhoods like Hampden or Remington, where local businesses offer unique shopping and dining experiences.
Harbor Decline: Despite its prime location, Harborplace has struggled with high tenant turnover and decreasing local patronage, leaving it primarily as a tourist trap rather than a genuine Baltimore experience.
14. The Maryland Renaissance Festival Gift Shops, Crownsville
The Maryland Renaissance Festival itself is a legitimate attraction with quality entertainment and period atmosphere.
That’s why it’s particularly disappointing that the festival is ringed with shops selling mass-produced “medieval” trinkets at artisanal prices.
Many items marketed as handcrafted are actually imported factory-made replicas. I made a classic mistake of purchasing a “handmade leather journal” only to find the exact same item online for one-third the price.
Want me to suggest a shopping strategy? Focus on watching the performers and enjoying the atmosphere, limiting purchases to food and beverages rather than souvenirs.
Renaissance Ripoff: The festival creates an immersive atmosphere that psychologically primes visitors to spend more on items they perceive as authentic period pieces.
15. Seacrets, Ocean City
Billed as “Jamaica USA,” this massive bar and restaurant complex in Ocean City promises a Caribbean experience on Maryland’s coast.
But here’s the catch… what began as a unique beach bar has evolved into an overcrowded, overpriced tourist magnet with long lines and mediocre service.
During peak season, wait times for drinks can exceed 30 minutes, and the signature tropical cocktails often contain more ice than alcohol. The food menu features standard bar fare at premium prices, relying on the atmosphere rather than quality to justify the cost.
You’re better off visiting during shoulder season or seeking out smaller, locally-owned establishments that offer more authentic experiences without the crowds.
Paradise Lost: The establishment’s popularity has led to an experience that prioritizes volume over quality, with many visitors reporting that the reality doesn’t match the Caribbean paradise promised in marketing materials.
16. Arundel Mills Mall, Hanover
As Maryland’s largest mall, Arundel Mills attracts shoppers with promises of outlet prices and entertainment options including a casino and movie theater.
That’s why many visitors are disappointed to discover that the “outlet” stores often offer the same prices as regular retail locations, just with last season’s merchandise.
The massive size of the mall means you’ll spend more time walking between stores than actually shopping. I made a classic mistake of planning “just a quick trip” that turned into an exhausting five-hour ordeal navigating crowded corridors and food court lines.
Want me to share a shopping alternative? Visit one of Maryland’s charming downtown districts like Annapolis or Frederick for a more pleasant and authentic shopping experience.
Mall Madness: The strategic layout is designed to maximize exposure to storefronts, making it nearly impossible to visit just one or two stores without walking past dozens of others.
17. The National Harbor, Oxon Hill
This waterfront development along the Potomac River features hotels, restaurants, and attractions including a large Ferris wheel.
But here’s the deal… despite its name, there’s nothing particularly “national” or authentically “Maryland” about this carefully manufactured tourist destination.
The entire complex feels like a generic upscale outdoor mall that could exist anywhere in America. The restaurants are primarily national chains charging premium prices for harbor views, while shops sell the same merchandise you’d find at any mall.
You’re better off visiting genuine Maryland waterfront communities like St. Michaels or Solomons Island that have retained their authentic character and maritime heritage.
Harbor Without Heritage: Built primarily as a convention and tourism center, National Harbor lacks the organic development and local character that make Maryland’s genuine waterfront communities special.
18. The Maryland Science Center Gift Shop, Baltimore
The Maryland Science Center offers engaging exhibits and educational experiences for families.
That’s why it’s particularly frustrating that the exit route forces visitors through a gift shop selling overpriced toys and gadgets that often have minimal educational value.
Many of the “scientific” toys break within days of purchase or fail to perform as demonstrated in the store. I made a classic mistake of giving in to my grandson’s pleas for a $30 “build your own robot” kit that turned out to be little more than a motorized plastic toy requiring adult assembly.
Want me to suggest a better approach? Set a small budget before entering and focus on books or quality items that extend the learning experience rather than novelty gadgets.
Science Selling: The strategic placement of the gift shop takes advantage of children’s excitement after interactive exhibits, making it difficult for parents and grandparents to exit without purchasing something.
19. Savage Mill Shopping Center, Savage
Housed in a historic cotton mill dating back to 1822, Savage Mill has been converted into a shopping center promoting “unique” boutiques and antique shops.
But here’s the catch… many of the “antique” stores sell mass-produced reproductions at antique prices to unsuspecting tourists.
What appears to be a collection of independent retailers is increasingly filled with overpriced gift shops selling items that can be found cheaper elsewhere. The authentic historical character of the building is overshadowed by commercialization.
You’re better off visiting genuine antique districts in towns like Kensington or Ellicott City where you’re more likely to find authentic items and fair prices.
Mill Misconception: The historic building creates an atmosphere of authenticity that doesn’t necessarily extend to the merchandise being sold within its walls.
20. Assateague Island Pony Viewing Areas, Berlin
The wild ponies of Assateague Island are a legitimate natural attraction and one of Maryland’s most photographed wildlife species.
That’s why it’s so disappointing that the designated viewing areas have become overcrowded photo ops where visitors often behave inappropriately.
Despite clear warnings, tourists frequently attempt to feed or pet the wild horses, creating dangerous situations for both animals and humans. I made a classic mistake of visiting during peak summer season, spending hours in traffic only to join hundreds of others straining for a glimpse of distant ponies.
Want me to suggest a better experience? Visit during off-season weekdays or hire a local guide who knows where to find the ponies away from the crowds.