Tucked behind the Maryland Department of Natural Resources building in Annapolis, Helen Avalynne Tawes Garden packs a remarkable amount of beauty into its five acres. Named for the wife of former Governor J. Millard Tawes, this state park functions as a living exhibit of Maryland’s diverse landscapes — from the Eastern Shore’s tidal marshes to the forested ridges of Western Maryland, all compressed into a single walkable garden.

What makes Tawes Garden genuinely special is its design. Five distinct areas represent Maryland’s major geographic regions, each planted with native species you’d actually find in those ecosystems. You’ll move from coastal dune grasses to Piedmont hardwoods in a matter of steps, making it one of the best places in the state to understand Maryland’s ecological range without driving three hours across it.

Paved paths wind through the entire garden, making it accessible for strollers and wheelchairs. Birdwatchers will find the pond area productive, especially during spring and fall migration when warblers pass through the native plantings. The garden is also a popular spot for quiet walks, photography, and school field trips focused on native plant identification.

There’s no camping here — this is a day-use garden in a state government complex — but it’s free to visit and rarely crowded. Spring blooms peak in April and May, while fall foliage brings rich color in October. Located just off Route 50 in Annapolis, it pairs well with a visit to the nearby State House or City Dock.

Explore Nearby

• Greenbury Point Light(First) — Lighthouse in Maryland
• Point of Shoals Light — Lighthouse in Virginia
• Baltimore’s Historic Charles Street — Scenic Byway in Maryland
• Chesapeake Country Scenic Byway — Scenic Byway in Maryland
• Jericho Covered Bridge — Covered Bridge in Maryland