best day trip in maryland

50 Perfect Maryland Day Trip Ideas!

These 50 Perfect Maryland Day Trip ideas are really a great way to explore The Old Line State. There are so many ways to have fun in Maryland. These are all excellent ideas!

The State of Maryland really is America in Miniature. Maryland is a rather small state but wow, it’s jam-packed with fun things to do! One day you can visit a world class museum and the next you could be hiking the Appalachian Trail. There are mountain regions, more beaches than you could ever hope to visit, and a state that is full of historical significance. 

So, where should you even start? Well, I have picked out 50 perfect Maryland day trip ideas for you. These are all places we have visited and loved. And I think you will love these places too! Happy exploring!

Note: There is a Google Map with all these locations at the end of the post!

1. Swallow Falls State Park

This is one of the best, if not the best state park in Maryland. If you take the very kid friendly Canyon Trail you can hit not one, but 4 gorgeous waterfalls in one hike!  | Website

Related: Kid Friendly Guide to Swallow Falls State Park

Related: The Best Maryland State Parks for Families!

2. Deep Creek Lake State Park

Spend the day playing in the water and sand at this beautiful mountain lake. You can rent kayaks, there are playgrounds, numerous kid friendly trails, and the newly renovated Discovery Center at the park. | Website

Related: Best Deep Creek Lake Area Hikes for Kids

3. Track’s and Yaks

One of the coolest and most unique outdoor adventures that literally the entire family can enjoy. Have you ever been rail biking? It’s the perfect way to experience a gorgeous area of Maryland. | Website

Related: Kid Friendly Guide to Track’s And Yaks!

4. C&O Canal Williamsport/Cushwa

Bring your bikes and scooters! You can easily get on the C&O Canal trail from the Williamsport location. Also, when it’s open, the Cushwa visitor center has great activities for kids! | Website

Related: Best Maryland Lakes for Swimming

5. Hagerstown City Park

This park has so much to offer families. There are two large playgrounds, with one of them being very updated with fun features your kids will love to slide, zip, and climb on. You can feed the ducks (there are loads of ducks), and pop into the FREE Fine Arts Museum! | Website

Related: Kid Friendly Guide to Jellystone Park in Williamsport, MD

6. Weverton Cliffs

If you are up for a challenge you will definitely be rewarded. This 1.5 mile each way hike brings you to one of the best overlooks in Maryland! | Website

7. Greenbrier State Park

Our best pick for lake swimming in Maryland. The beach is fairly large with a shallow sandy bottom. This is perfect for toddlers and younger kids. There are also some nice kid friendly hiking trails around the lake! | Review of Greenbrier

8. Gathland and Gambrill State Parks

Two Maryland State Parks that are super close to each other. Gambrill State Park has great overlooks and super kid friendly hikes. Gathland State Park is home to the very instagrammable War Correspondents Arch. There are some great Civil War displays and this park plugs into the Appalachian Trail! | Gathland Website | Gambrill Website

9. Antietam National Battlefield

The site of the bloodiest day in US History. Take the driving tour to get a sense of the battle, and get out and stretch your legs.  | Website

Related: Best Playgrounds and Parks in Frederick County, MD

10. Cunningham Falls State Park

This park is great for families because there is a super easy hike to Cunningham Falls. Then, after the hike you can cool off at the beach/lake swimming! | Website

Related: 8 Gorgeous Maryland Waterfalls

11. Walkersville Southern Railroad

Check the Walkersville Southern Railroad website for special events that range from Bunny trains, Santa trains, Superheroes, Princesses, Teddy Bears and more! This train is very kid friendly and the countryside is just so lovely! | Walkersville Review

12. Tree Trekkers

Do you have a climber? If so, you definitely want to make a reservation to check out this aerial adventure park. There are various levels for younger kids all the way up to teens and adults! | Website

13. Baker Park and Carroll Creek Linear Park

There are so many fun shops and restaurants in Downtown Frederick. If you visit, don’t miss the chance to walk along the canal at Carroll Linear Park and then play at Baker Park! | Website

14. Glen Echo Park

Glen Echo Park was once an amusement park and is now preserved as part of history. You can still ride the carousel (in season), visit the aquarium, play on the playground, and attend a kid friendly show at either Puppet Co. or the Adventure Theatre MTC. | Website

15. Great Falls

The Maryland side of this national park has numerous outstanding waterfall overlooks, access to the C&O Canal towpath, and some super fun hikes. Test your rock scrambling skills on the Billy Goat Trail! | Website

16. Wheaton Regional Park

What’s not to love at this park in Silver Spring? Your kids can spend a few hours playing on the massive Adventure Playground. Pack a picnic lunch, and then ride the miniature train and historic carousel. If you still have energy, pop over to the adjacent Brookside Gardens for a truly lovely nature experience. | Wheaton Review

17. Adventure Park USA

Did you know there is a super fun amusement park in Frederick County? It has rides in the summer, tons of outdoor adventures, and even more fun indoors with ropes courses, bumper boats, laser tag, and more! | Website

18. Seneca Creek State Park

This is a great park for families because Lake Needwood is just totally gorgeous. Hike around the lake or rent a kayak or canoe and get out on the water. Then, let your kids burn energy at the super fun recycled tire playground! | Website

19. Watkins Regional Park

We’re off to see the wizard! Yep, Watkins Regional Park is home to the famous Wizard of Oz playground! But it’s also home to a second super fun horse racing playground, a fantastic nature center, miniature train, carousel, mini golf, and farm animals too! | Watkins Regional Park Review

Related: Ultimate Guide to the Wizard of Oz Playground

20. Jug Bay Nature Area

You will totally dig walking over the marshland on boardwalks and then meandering down the former railbeds. Along the way you can spot loads of wildlife including birds of all kinds, turtles, and more! | Website

Related: 40+ Easy Hikes for Kids In Maryland!

21. Patuxent Research Refuge

Another fantastic nature preserve, Patuxent Research Refuge has an excellent visitor/nature center, and a gorgeous (and super kid friendly) hike around the lake. | Website

22. Piscataway Park

A great historic park to see amazing views of the Potomac. Take a hike on one of the kid friendly trails, and then pay a visit to the National Colonial Farm and say hi to all the animals! Check their website for when history reenactors will be on hand for demonstrations of life in the 17th and 18th century. | Website

23. Jefferson Patterson Park

This fantastic park in Calvert County has fantastic walking trails, a nature playground, visitor center, water access, and historical reenactment sites. A great place to spend a few hours or all day! | Website

Related: Kid Friendly Guide to Calvert Marine Museum

24. Blandair Regional Park

This super fun regional park in Howard County boasts not one, but three amazing playgrounds. The North Playground is likely the largest (and most impressive) playground in Maryland. And there is a Ninja Course that will challenge kids and adults of all ages! | Website

Related: Ultimate Guide to Blandair Regional Park

Related: The Best Playgrounds in Maryland (sorted by County!)

25. Centennial Park

Bring your scooter! Walk/scoot around Centennial Lake and along the way play at one or more of their four impressive playgrounds! | Website

26. Baugher’s Orchard

Baugher’s Orchard is a pick your own heaven. Check the latest PYO crops and ride the tractor out to the picking fields. Afterwards, your kids will love exploring the petting farm and playground. And of course, make sure to pick up a treat from their bakery and snack shack! | Baugher’s Review

Related: Best Apple Orchards in Maryland!

27. Old Ellicott City

A great shopping and dining destination that has been devastated by flooding over the years. Still, you can visit a B&O Railroad Museum, grab some ice cream, hit up the fun kid friendly stores, and take a stroll on the Trolley #9 Trail. | Website

28. Patapsco Valley State Park

This sprawling state park has numerous areas to explore. Our favorite is the Avalon/Orange Grove area. Park near the swinging bridge to take a stroll (or bike ride) along the river on the Grist Mill Trail. Or, head up to Cascade Falls, which is a surprisingly short hike (you can make it longer by hiking beyond the waterfall). | Patapsco Avalon Area Guide

29. Kilgore Falls

This waterfall is so lovely it was featured in Tuck Everlasting. Bring your water shoes because one you hike the short distance to the falls, you will want to walk across the river to the other side, where you can get super close to the bottom and top of the falls! | Website

30. Ladew Topiary Gardens

You kind of have to see these gardens to believe them. The topiaries are really so cool.. Crazy what the gardeners do to form the bushes into creatures! The best part though (in my opinion) are the flowers and gardens themselves. There are so many fanciful gardens… you feel like the characters in A Secret Garden. In the springtime you can delight in azaleas, tulips, and more! | Website

Related: Kid Friendly Guide to Ladew Topiary Gardens

31. Havre de Grace Promenade

Park at either end of the promenade and walk along the water. Check out the Concord Pt. Lighthouse and your kids will definitely want to burn energy at the Millard-Tydings Park playground. It’s a super fun playground with loads of great play features! | Website

Related: Perfect Havre de Grace Day Trip

32. Jerusalem Mill Village

Officially the headquarters of Gunpowder Falls State Park, Jerusalem Mill routinely has tours and activities on their grounds. It’s a living history museum. Bring your hiking shoes and swimsuits though. You can plug into trails for Lower Gunpowder Falls from here. And in the summer, the river is a very kid friendly place to go splashing and swimming! | Website

33. Sandy Point State Park

Speaking of swimming, there is hardly anything more Maryland iconic than a beach day at Sandy Point State Park. Splash and play on the beach under the watchful eye of the Bay Bridge. | Website

Related: Best Chesapeake Bay Beaches to Cool off this Summer!

34. Kinder Farm Park

In 2020, Kinder Farm Park renovated their playground to turn it from good to simple awesome. When you kids tire from playing, walk over to visit all the farm animals or hit the trails for a family friendly hike. | Website

Related: Kid Friendly Guide to Kinder Farm Park

35. Port Discovery Children’s Museum

If you haven’t taken your kids to Port Discovery yet, you must take them asap! Port Discovery is one of the best children’s museums in the nation and for good reason. Our favorite exhibits include the SkyClimber, the Port, Tiny’s Diner, Adventure Expedition, and Wonder of Water! | Port Discovery Guide!

36. Maryland Zoo in Baltimore

I have a love affair with the Maryland Zoo in Baltimore. This zoo is so accessible and fun for kids, especially younger kids. You can get really close to the animals and even feed the giraffes. There are numerous play features, and a lovely petting farm. | Maryland Zoo Guide!

37. Maryland Science Center

Anchoring the Inner Harbor, the Maryland Science Center is basically a bonus Children’s Museum.. But one that appeals to kids from age 0-99. Every time we visit all the kids have a blast, regardless of age. There are exhibits that cater to all ages. And you have to check out both the Planetarium and the IMAX! | Maryland Science Center Review

A great Maryland day trip idea would be to combine the Maryland Science Center with a visit to the American Visionary Art Museum and Rash Field.

Related: 50+ Things to Do With Kids in Baltimore

38. Double Rock Park

This unassuming local park in Middle River is the best hidden treasure we have found. Go down to the river and climb all over the rocks and boulders. You and your kids will have a blast exploring! | Website

Related: Kid Friendly Guide to Double Rock Park

39. Oregon Ridge Nature Center

A super fun nature center with an excellent nature playground, historical exhibits, and kid friendly trails. Don’t miss the painted trees forest! | Website

Related: Fantastic Nature Centers in Maryland

40. Gunpowder Falls State Park Hammerman Area

Like Patapsco Valley State Park, Gunpowder Falls State Park has loads of areas to explore. If you want to play on a beach though, the Hammerman Area is where you want to go! | Website

41. Ft. Howard Park

This historical park is really fun and interesting. It’s on the water so that’s fantastic. There is a nice walking/biking path and two playgrounds. The super fun draw though are the battle emplacement ruins you can still explore. Very cool.. If not a little spooky. | Website

A fantastic Maryland day trip idea would be to combine a visit here with North Point State Park and Cromwell Valley Park.

42. Calvert Cliffs State Park

When you think of shark teeth hunting in Maryland, Calvert Cliffs State Park is probably at the top of your must-visit places. The walk is a little long for younger kids (3 miles round trip), but very flat and easy, with tons of interesting places to explore along the way. The small beach is the piece de resistance though. Bring buckets, shovels, and strainers and try to see if you can find a megalodon tooth! | Website

43. Annmarie Sculpture Garden

The Annmarie Sculpture Garden and Arts Center is totally awesome! Yes, I am gushing… it is that great. I wish we lived closer to Lusby, MD so we could visit more often. And don’t let the fact that it is a ‘sculpture garden’ dissuade you. This lovely garden is full of fun, whimsical, and downright enchanting activities for kids. The delightful Fairy Lolly is fantastic for imaginative play. There are public art projects and some really fantastic annual special events. | Annmarie Sculpture Garden Review

Related: Best Shark Teeth Hunting Beaches in Maryland

44. Historic St. Mary’s City

️Historic St Mary’s City is a living history museum.. think Williamsburg but on a smaller scale. St Mary’s City used to be the capital of Maryland and the museum offers hands on glimpses into the 17th century life of area residents. Throughout the city there were demonstrators and docents to explain what life would have been like and offer hands on activities. This is a really unique and totally fun place to visit! | Website

A great Maryland day trip would be to combine a trip here with some fun in the sun at Point Lookout State Park.

45. Point Lookout State Park

Located and the tippy tip of Southern Maryland, Point Lookout stood vigil during the Civil War. Now you can spend a lovely day playing in the sand and cooling off in the water. | Website

46. Elk Neck State Park

Elk Neck State Park in North East, MD is a treasure. The most iconic part of the park is the Turkey Point Lighthouse. The Turkey Point Lighthouse trail is a 1.9 mile loop trail (or you could do out and back directly from the lighthouse). If you do the loop trail, you will find numerous waterfront picnic and small beach areas. It is really such a lovely place to spend the day! | Website

If you want a great idea for a Maryland day trip, combine this with a trip to Plumpton Park Zoo and have dinner at Havre de Grace!

47. Tuckahoe State Park

This great state park is so much fun for both day trips and weekend trips! There are multiple areas to explore. The VisitorCenter has a great aviary, supplies for the disc golf course, and trailheads for over 20 miles of fun trails! 

At Tuckahoe Lake you can rent kayaks and canoes, fish, and kids will absolutely love the recycled tire playground! In the Campfire Loop area there are nature trails and another great playground with a fantastic slide! To make the perfect Maryland day trip, check out Adkins Arboretum next door and make a pit stop at the Idlewild Park in Easton, MD. | Website

Related: Best Things to Do With Kids on the Eastern Shore

48. Ocean City Day Trip

Most people spend a few days or a week at this Atlantic Ocean resort town. However, a day trip is totally doable too! Many people get up early, hit the beach and boardwalk, and then head home after dinner. There are so many fun things to do in Ocean City! | Ocean City fun ideas!

Related: 100 Days of Summer Fun in Maryland!

49. Betterton Beach

Betterton, MD is a fantastic place to spend a Maryland day trip– especially if you have kids! The beach is amazing and doesn’t have jellyfish! There is a great community park with a fun playground. And just a short drive away you can pick fruit and get a scoop of homemade ice cream at Lockbriar Farms!

Related: Best Kid Friendly Betterton Beach Maryland Day Trip Itinerary

50. Harriett Tubman Visitor Center and Byway

This important museum and visitor center is an excellent tribute to a national hero and civil rights legend. Bring your kids and start a conversation about racism, slavery, and equality. The exhibits are really well done and educational for kids and adults.

The mural pictured below is actually not a part of the visitor center. It’s located on the side of the Harriet Tubman Museum & Educational Center and stop #5 on the Tubman Byway road trip! A great Maryland day trip idea would be to combine these spots with a trip to the Chesapeake Maritime Museum and Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge. | Website

Perfect Maryland Day Trip Map!

Related: The 100 Best Things to Do With Kids in Maryland!

FAQ about Maryland Day Trips

That depends on what you would like to do and if you are with kids or adults only. On a family trip our top picks are the Maryland Zoo in Baltimore, Maryland Science Center and Rash Field, or the National Aquarium. With or without kids ideas include the USS Constellation, the American Visionary Art Museum, and Ft. McHenry. For an adults only trip, check out Fells Point or Hampden.

The Deep Creek area in Garrett County, MD is between 3-4 hours from Baltimore, MD.

That depends on the traffic on the Bay Bridge. With no traffic you can reach Ocean City in 2-3 hours. However, with summer, weekend, or holiday traffic– plan to add at least 1 hour to your trip.

Our top picks for day trips within 3 hours of Baltimore include Washington D.C., Philadelphia, PA, Lancaster County, PA, the Eastern Shore and Chesapeake Bay (not necessarily just Ocean City!), and Frederick County, MD.

The Maryland Department of Tourism splits the state into 5 regions: Capital, Central, Western, Southern, and Eastern.

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Hi! If you love to have fun with your kids and explore, create, travel, laugh, and love.. you have come to the right place! Follow along to get great tips for fun in Maryland, family travel destinations, and other family fun ideas!

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The 20 Best Day Trips to Take in Maryland

Maryland is awash with gorgeous scenery, stunning beaches , vibrant cities, and old-fashioned fishing villages. There are islands, state parks , battlegrounds, theme parks, water parks , nature trails, underground railways, and more historic landmarks than you could shake a stick at. All of them deserve to be explored, but if you're on a tight schedule and can only devote a day to your destination of choice, these are the 20 best day trips to take in Maryland.

20. Adventure Sports Center International

If the temperature's rising and you're in desperate need of somewhere to cool off, take the advice of dctravelmag.com and head for Adventure Sports Center International. Even if you consider yourself a hardened adrenalin junkie, your heart is still guaranteed to miss a beat as you tackle the 1,700-foot long white water rafting course with its 24-foot descent. Kayak it, raft it, or river board it - the choice is yours. If it sounds way too extreme for your liking, don't worry too much- the wave action is adjustable, making it as suitable for kids and nervous nellies as for extreme sports addicts.

19. Tilghman Island

As planetware.com says , there are no chain stores on Tilghman Island, just a laid back way of life. An old-fashioned fishing village oozing charm and chilled vibes, it's the perfect place to spend a few hours resting, recharging, and exploring the gorgeous scenery. While you're there, be sure to check out the Tilghman Watermen's Museum, a small but fascinating museum that offers an intriguing insight into the island's rich maritime culture.

18. Sandy Point State Park

Sandy Point State ParkSandy Point State Park is a huge, 786-acre state park located just a little north of Annapolis. If you like hiking or biking, you're in luck - the park is awash with well-maintained trails and paths to explore. There's also plenty of shaded picnicking areas on offer, along with a Nature Centre that offers a ton of information on the park, its history, and its key landmarks. Kids are spoilt for choice when it comes to activities, with wildlife viewing tours, events with the park rangers, and both a beach and a playground to run around in. Chief attractions not to miss include the Corcoran Environmental Study Area, the Sandy Point Shoal Lighthouse, and the Sandy Point Mansion.

17. Washington DC

Sure, it's not actually in Maryland, but considering its proximity, we're going to include Washington D.C. anyway. As you'd expect of the country's capital, there's no shortage of things to see and do. Your chance of fitting it all into one day is roughly zero, but if you plan ahead, you should be able to pack most of the key attractions in without too much trouble. One of the most important areas not to miss is the National Mall, which offers a museum for pretty much everyone, many of which come with zero admittance charge.

16. Chesapeake Bay

Chesapeake Bay doesn't need much of an introduction to Maryland residents, but if you're an out-of-towner, it's a giant estuary (the largest in America in fact) that flows directly into the Atlantic Ocean and stretches for miles up the coast. Dozen of cities, small towns, and tiny fishing villages are scattered along its shore, offering visitors the chance to experience a little bit of everything, from the bright lights of Charlestown to the outdoor adventures of Deal Island, the beachy delights of Chesapeake Beach to the wildlife spotting opportunities of Calvert Cliffs. Each place is unique, each is worth a visit, and the entire area is more than worth a day or two of your time.

15. Gunpowder Falls State Park

Day Trips from Baltimore: Gunpowder Falls State ParkIf you're in the mood for some outdoor adventure, head on over to Gunpowder Falls State Park. Despite being within striking distance of Baltimore, this huge state park feels like a different world. There's no crowds, no noise (save the chirping of birds), and instead of shopping, wining and dining, there's hiking, fishing, and swimming. Divided into six distinct areas, each of which comes with its own flavor, it's the ideal place to stretch your legs, breath in lung fulls of fresh, unpolluted air, and feast your eyes on some top-notch, Maryland scenery. Key attractions include the majestic Big and Little Gunpowder Falls, and the always fascinating Jerusalem Mill Historic Village.

14. Oregon Ridge Park and Lodge

Oregon Ridge Park and LodgeSpread over 1000 acres of prime Maryland scenery, the Oregon Ridge Park and Lodge offers more than enough to keep the whole family entertained. You can hike, bike, ride around on horseback, explore the beaches, fish, or check out the exhibits at the fascinating Oregon Ridge Nature Center. Back in the 1800s, the park was the site of marble and iron mining, and there's still plenty of artifacts and ongoing excavations to check out there.

13. Ocean City

Located on the tip of a large islet stretching between the Isle of Wight Bay and the Atlantic Ocean is Ocean City . If you like a good time, this is the place to come. The city boasts over 200 restaurants serving up every kind of cuisine that's ever been invented, and quite a few that haven't. There are endless shopping opportunities, golfing, amusement parks, events, beaches, free concerts and movies overlooking the sea, hiking, biking, fishing, and even a small amount of relaxing. Basically, if it's fun, it's happening here. To pack the most into your day, use the tram service to hop between attractions.

12. Smith Island

Most of the year, Smith Island is home to no more than 250 people. Come crabbing season, its population swells astronomically. To keep everyone in as much fun as work, the island has laid on a huge number of entertainment options and attractions, with enough shops, restaurants, and recreation venues to put a small city to shame. The real attraction, of course, is the sublime setting - with beaches ringing its exterior and trails studding its interior, it's a must-visit for nature lovers.

11. National Harbour

National Harbour is part town, part playground. Like washington.org says , it's a waterfront resort destination unlike any other. For shopaholics, there are more than 75 boutique shops to discover. Foodies will be in heaven thanks to the dozens of first-rate restaurants. Kids are guaranteed to get a kick out of the Capitol Wheel, a giant Ferris wheel that offers soaring views over the Potomac River. The whole family will enjoy watching a movie on the harbor at the Carousel. Basically, this is a place that caters to everyone. If you leave without a smile on your face and a bunch of happy memories, you clearly never left the car the entire time.

10. Antietam National Battlefield

Antietam National BattlefieldNamed by vacationidea.com as one of the best day trips in Maryland, Antietam National Battlefield is a must-visit for history buffs. Based on the site of one of the bloodiest battles of the Civil War, its history is revisited through the numerous landmarks scattered throughout the park, including the 20th New York Monument, the Maryland Monument, and the New York State Monument. Other attractions not to be missed include the Dunker Church, the National Cemetery, the Pry House Field Hospital, and the Visitor Center, which boasts a small souvenir shop, a snack bar, and a theater showing an informational welcome video narrated by none other than James Earl Jones.

9. Six Flags America

Take a trip down memory lane at Six Flags America, a sepia-tinged theme park with snack stalls selling pink hot dogs and funnel cake, a 100-year-old wooden rollercoaster, and a ton of other old-school rides and slides. If your kids are too young to have developed a taste for nostalgia and Americana, don't worry - along with the retro delights, there are plenty of high octane, 21st-century attractions to keep them in thrills and spills, including the stomach-churning 200-foot Superman: Ride of Steel.

8. Hooper Island Road

Sometimes, it's not the destination that matters, it's the journey. If you didn't think a road could count as an attraction, just wait until you experience Maryland's most beautiful stretch of tarmac, Hooper Island Road. Recommended by onlyinyourstate.com as one of the best day trips in Maryland, the road passes by gorgeous wetlands, historic cemeteries, and charming churches, all of which warrant at least a couple of photos and a few minutes of your time. Along the way, you'll pass by Old Salty's Restaurant - if you're feeling peckish, this is the place to tuck into some sublime seafood while you enjoy the outstanding views from its windows. If you can, stick around till evening - the sunsets are out of this world.

7. North Beach

Located on the western side of Chesapeake Bay is the picture-perfect town of North Beach. North BeachGorgeously picturesque, it's ideal for a day trip, being small enough for you to get around easily without missing any of the key attractions. The historic downtown is a treasure trove of cute cafes, antique stores, and quaint boutiques, with plenty of restaurants to stop by for some temptingly good seafood. There's also a swimming beach, fishing spots, piers, and plenty of picnicking areas if you're in the mood for some al fresco dining.

6. Frontier Town

If museums, nature trails, and beaches have left you hankering for some good old-fashioned family fun, pack your sense of adventure in the car and head on over to Frontier Town. Once you're there, prepare for a day of high octane thrills on the outstanding assortment of rides and water attractions. Along with the Western Theme Park with its Native American Village and Wild West Shows, there are arcade games, mini-golf, and a water park packed with slides, a lazy river, and splash pools. if all that isn't enough to tempt you, the chance to check out Jaws (or at least, one of the working props that featured in the film) should be.

5. Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Byway

As the harriettubmanbyway.org explains , the Tubman Byway is a self-guided driving tour that winds through 125 miles of glorious Maryland scenery before continuing another 98 miles into Delaware. Along the way, you'll pass through numerous landmarks that mark the spots where Harriet Tubman - abolitionist, freedom fighter, suffragette, human rights activist, underground railway worker, and all-round good egg - lived, worked, worshipped, and changed the face of America forever as she led over 300 people out of slavery and into freedom. Key stops not to miss along the way include the Harriet Tubman Museum and Education Center, the Harriet Tubman Gardens, and the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Visitor’s Center.

4. St. Michaels

If you prefer your cities to be full of relaxed vibes and good vibrations, take the suggestion of The Crazy Tourist and head on over to St Michaels. Located just an hour's drive from Baltimore, this charming seaside town is a place to unwind, relax, and take it easy. Take a stroll downtown to enjoy a leisurely lunch, followed by a quick tour of the shops before heading to the beach for some fun in the sun. Before you go (and providing you're not driving), enjoy a glass of something cool and refreshing at the St Michaels' winery.

3. Assateague Island

An easy day trip from Baltimore is Assateague Island, a 37-mile island that manages to lie half in Maryland and half in Virginia. An outdoor lover's dream, it's crisscrossed with trails and loops for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. If you want to explore the coastline, take advantage of one of the guided tours that take you on a whistlestop tour of the island before venturing into the waters for some shellfish hunting. To learn more about the island's must-visit landmarks, start your day with a tour of the visitors center, which contains lots of information on the island and its attractions.

2. Annapolis

Large, bustling, and utterly charming, Annapolis is the kind of city you start planning a return visit to before you've even finished the first one. Filled to the rafters with restaurants, bars, museums, and parks, Maryland’s capital is all things to all people. The architecture is particularly splendid, so be sure to look at the buildings rather than your feet as you run between attractions.

1. Baltimore

Baltimore might be a modern town with plenty of 21st-century delights, but it's also dripping from head to toe in history. There's the oldest running market in the US, the Fort McHenry National Monument, the original Washington Monument, the B&O Railroad Museum, the Lord Baltimore Hotel with its hidden Speakeasy... basically, it's heaven for history buffs, and if you've never had the chance to visit before, now's the time to put that right.

Written by  Liz Flynn

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Best places to visit in maryland.

Maryland is often called America in Miniature thanks to its varied landscape and diversity of cultures and attractions. But while the state may be small, its sprawling shorelines , lively cities and historical sites make it an ideal vacation destination. U.S. News took into account a number of factors, including the state's variety of things to do, affordability and accessibility, to determine the best places to visit in Maryland. Help determine next year's list by voting for your favorite spots below.

Ocean City, MD

Assateague island, antietam national battlefield, chesapeake beach, deep creek lake, national harbor, chesapeake & ohio canal national historical park.

With its pristine stretch of sand and bevy of kid-friendly attractions, Ocean City is the quintessential family vacation destination. Its 10-mile-long beach offers gentle waves that are great for swimming and boogie boarding, plus superb sunrises and fishing opportunities. What's more, Ocean City boasts an impressive boardwalk with all kinds of amenities. In addition to featuring plenty of souvenir shops, bars and restaurants, the boardwalk offers amusement park rides, arcade games and fun attractions, such as Trimper Rides amusement park.

Head to Assateague Island, which sits less than 10 miles south of Ocean City, to enjoy a relaxing, nature-filled vacation. The Maryland side of this barrier island is mostly occupied by Assateague Island National Seashore, where miles of sandy beaches and several hiking and bike trails are available. There's also Assateague State Park, with an oceanfront park and wildlife-filled marshes. While swimming, surfing, beachcombing, sunbathing or surf fishing, keep your eyes peeled for Assateague Island's famous wild horses. But remember, these majestic creatures are wild, so you'll want to admire them from a safe distance.

Overlooking the Chesapeake Bay, Annapolis is a prime spot to get out on the water. The Sailing Capital of the U.S. provides countless opportunities to explore by boat. Additionally, Annapolis hosts multiple sailing-focused events throughout the year, including boat shows and sailboat races. But if you'd rather stay on land, don't fret: The town is home to the beautiful United States Naval Academy campus, as well as Historic Annapolis, where you'll find art galleries, shops and attractions like the Banneker-Douglass Museum. When you're ready to eat, visit Main Street to try a local specialty: steamed crabs.

Antietam National Battlefield in Sharpsburg is a must-visit destination for history buffs. It was here in 1862 that Confederate General Robert E. Lee first invaded the North, resulting in the bloodiest single-day battle in American history, the Battle of Antietam. Today, those who want to learn more about this historic conflict can take a self-guided auto tour of the battlefield or join a ranger-led talk. Just be sure to save some time for a visit to the Newcomer House, an original home on the battlefield, and the Pry House Field Hospital Museum, which features a re-creation of an operating theater.

In its heyday, Chesapeake Beach was a thriving resort destination for travelers arriving by train or steamboat. But now, this bayside locale is better known as a quiet beach town ideal for relaxing getaways. Venture to Chesapeake Beach Railway Museum to learn more about the town's history, or spend some time fishing or crabbing at one of the town's marinas. Visitors can also explore the Chesapeake Bay on a kayak or pontoon boat. Meanwhile, those traveling with children will want to check out the Chesapeake Beach Water Park, which offers everything from waterslides to a lazy river to cabana rentals.

Maryland's largest freshwater lake offers endless opportunities for outdoor recreation. In summer, the weather here is warm and dry, making this season an excellent time to go fishing, swimming and kayaking. Meanwhile, winter is when the lake freezes and its shores get covered in snow, giving visitors the chance to go ice fishing, snowmobiling and cross-country skiing. To avoid winter's chilly temps without rubbing elbows with hordes of summer tourists, arrive in spring or fall. These shoulder seasons are terrific times to go biking and hiking around the lake and admire Muddy Creek Falls in nearby Swallow Falls State Park.

National Harbor is home to some of Maryland's best shops, restaurants and entertainment venues, so you can expect to never feel bored when you visit. Make your way to Tanger Outlets at National Harbor for some retail therapy, listen to live music at a dueling piano bar, enjoy a bird's-eye view of Washington, D.C., while riding the Capital Wheel or catch a film during National Harbor's free outdoor summer movie series. If you're looking for a bit more excitement once the sun goes down, stop by MGM National Harbor to test Lady Luck in its casino or catch a show in its 3,000-seat theater.

Despite its gritty reputation, Baltimore is a lively city with attractions that appeal to a variety of travelers. Art lovers will want to check out the collections at the Baltimore Museum of Art and The Walters Art Museum, while sports enthusiasts should time their visits around catching a Baltimore Orioles baseball game at Oriole Park at Camden Yards or a Baltimore Ravens football game at M&T Bank Stadium. For those traveling with children, Baltimore offers all kinds of family-friendly attractions in its popular Inner Harbor neighborhood, including the National Aquarium, the Maryland Science Center and Port Discovery Children's Museum.

If you're a fan of history, make a beeline for Frederick, a western Maryland city with deep ties to the Civil War. Start your trip exploring Monocacy National Battlefield and the National Museum of Civil War Medicine, or rent a bike and follow the 10-mile Frederick History Bicycle Loop, which stops at more than 20 historical sites. When you've gotten your fill of history, head to Downtown Frederick to check out its hundreds of shops, art galleries and restaurants. The city center is also where you'll find the Public Art Trail and the Frederick Wine Trail.

Nicknamed The Grand Old Ditch, this waterway that once transported coal, agricultural products and lumber from Cumberland, Maryland to Washington, D.C.'s Georgetown neighborhood, is now a must-visit destination when visiting Maryland and our nation's capital. Inside the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park, you'll discover miles of hiking trails and a wide towpath that's suitable for biking, horseback riding and jogging. Plus, with nearly 200 miles of canal to explore, travelers can get out on the water in a kayak or canoe.

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Home » Travel Guides » United States » Maryland (MD) » 15 Best Day Trips from Baltimore

15 Best Day Trips from Baltimore

Otherwise known as Charm City, Baltimore is a melting pot of everything from food from all corners of the world to a myriad of cultural attractions and museums.

As with many metropolitan centres, the pace of life here can be relentless and a break is sometimes called for.

Luckily for you, the surrounding area and wider state of Maryland is home to some of the most beautiful countryside in the United States, including coastline and vast, sweeping National Parks.

Read this handy guide on some of the best places to spend the day while you’re in Baltimore and get ready to unwind.

1. Annapolis

The charming waterside city of Annapolis is a mere 30 minutes from the city limits of Baltimore and is the perfect place to spend a day exploring one of the prettiest urban areas found anywhere in the state of Maryland.

With cobblestone streets hiding quaint restaurants and bars around every corner and gorgeous boats bobbing along the waters of the Town Dock, you’ll be tempted to stay for longer than just a day.

Once home to the United States Capitol, Annapolis is a cultural and historical hub, bursting with fascinating colonial destinations and stories which make it an ideal place for history buffs looking to learn more about America in its infancy.

2. Sandy Point State Park

A stone’s throw away, just outside Annapolis, you’ll discover the enchanting and aptly named, Sandy Point State Park.

Here, you can look forward to endless strolls along the sand down the extensive coastline, though the favourite beach itself is at one end of Chesapeake Bay Bridge where the views are nothing short of spectacular.

Swing by the state park if you’re visiting Annapolis, or even spend the entire day at Sandy Point and indulge in the huge array of activities on offer, including fishing and hiking as well as obviously going for a swim.

Arrive in summer to make the most of the beaches and get ready to leave the stresses of the city behind you.

3. St Michaels

Even more charming than Annapolis, St Michael’s is a must-see destination for anyone looking to spend a quiet weekend at a beautiful seaside town away from the hustle and bustle of Baltimore.

What’s more, it’s only an hour away, meaning you don’t have to spend more than a day exploring if you don’t want to.

Full of galleries and antique stores, St Michael’s slow pace of life and quiet ambience makes it a popular place to go to unwind.

If you’re looking to indulge a little, pay a visit to the St Michael’s winery or Lyon Distillery to get of some of the best wines and spirits in Maryland.

4. Chesapeake Beach

The enormous Chesapeake Bay is so large that it almost divides the state of Maryland in half and as a result, it has an equally large number of attractive destinations on its shores.

The resort town of Chesapeake Beach is a wonderful alternative to Ocean City because it’s only an hour away from Baltimore and is a perfect trip for both families and travellers alike.

Indulge yourself in some of the finest seafood in the state coupled with magnificent bay views and explore the hidden bars and restaurants of the boardwalk – a pleasure to stroll along both night and day.

5. Washington DC.

One for the city lovers who want to spend the day discovering what another large city has to offer, Washington DC is just over an hour from Baltimore and has a wealth of fascinating, historical and delicious entertainment to offer.

Visit one of the many museums along the National Mall, or perhaps sample one of the constantly appearing restaurants offering the very best in food from all corners of the globe.

One of the country’s most important cultural hubs, Washington is an ever-evolving and never-boring place to visit, even if its only for the day.

6. Ocean City

Without a doubt one of the more favoured beaches on the coast of the Mid-Atlantic, you’ll find a 10-mile stretch of beautiful public beach at Ocean City, as well as what is considered to be the best boardwalk in the entire country.

Among the numerous things to do here include sampling some of the delicious local food served in the many kiosks along the beach, checking out free concerts and movies that are shown by the sea or simply spending the day getting lost on the sun-kissed boardwalk.

You can also catch a tram between attractions if you’re pressed for time but whether you walk from spot to spot or not, you certainly won’t run out of things to do.

7. Antietam National Battlefield

Best known for being the site of one of the most dramatic clashes of the Civil War, Antietam is in the beautiful countryside less than two hours from Baltimore and offers a serene insight into both the day of the battle and details about the war in general.

One of the most revealing activities is the eight-mile, self-guided route that takes you past Dunker Church, Sunken Road and Burnside Bridge, all pivotal points of the conflict that shaped the nation’s history.

8. Frederick

Maryland’s gorgeous reply to Napa wine country, Frederick is the only place to be if you’re looking to take a day trip full of beautiful vistas and sweeping countryside views, not to mention some of the best wine in the country.

The wineries are all locally-owned and offer tailored tours for those with specific tastes and almost all involve spending time outdoors appreciating the scenery as well as the wine.

A day trip like this wouldn’t be complete without trying the Frederick Food Tour which gives you the chance to sample various restaurants and eateries in the nearby city of Frederick.

9. Gunpowder Falls State Park

Astonishingly close to Baltimore is one of the largest State Parks in Maryland and at a mere 20-miles, it’s easy to get to and is a world away from hectic city life.

Containing over 100-miles of stunning woodland with different areas assigned for everything from running to fly-fishing, Gunpowder Falls State Park is a veritable outdoor adventure playground.

Ideal for a day trip that takes you back to nature, the area also offers horseback riding, canoeing, kayaking and bird-watching, making it near impossible to experience everything in a single day.

The beautiful forest, however, is so close to Baltimore that you can come back as many times as you like.

10. Ohio Canal National Historical Park

This park is the culmination of many generations worth of transportation ingenuity based on the canals in the area, which now are open for the public to explore.

The well-maintained towpaths on either side serve as walking routes for visitors and along the way you’ll have the chance to explore the many locks and lock houses that remain.

For some truly remarkable canal architecture, visit the Monocacy Aqueduct, the 530 foot-long structure comprising of seven arched bridges is a spectacular sight to behold.

11. Assateague State Park

About eight miles from the nearby town of Berlin lies Assateague Island, an astonishingly beautiful and rugged, windswept barrier island off the Eastern Shore of Maryland.

If you visit in the summer you’ll be treated to perfect conditions for swimming and surfing as well as some incredible views of the Atlantic and the assorted fauna on the island.

The highlight of most visits will be catching a glimpse of the wild horses that live here, untamed and free to roam.

Seeing the majestic animals in their natural habitat will make you feel as if you’ve stepped back in time to the age of pioneers the country grew from.

12. American Visionary Art Museum

Though it’s within the Baltimore city limits, no visit to the Charming City would be complete without checking out the American Visionary Art Museum.

Boasting a mixture of indoor and outdoor exhibits, the museum displays an eclectic range of works of art created by self-taught artists that are both from all parts of the world.

The perfect day trip to leave you feeling curious and inspired, there’s something for everyone at this beautifully designed and thoughtfully curated museum.

13. Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge

This vast nature reserve can be found on Maryland’s Eastern Shore just south of the town of Cambridge.

The enormous area covers over 25,000 acres of wetlands, marshes and forests and is a veritable wonderland for all manner of wild, migratory birds and other critters, some of which are actually endangered and rarely seen elsewhere.

Though at its most beautiful in spring and the fall, Blackwater Refuge is stunning all year round and never short of intriguing wildlife to look out for.

Make the most of your visit on either one of the gorgeous walking trails or on the highly recommended Wildlife Drive.

14. Six Flags America

Get ready to experience one of America’s most iconic and thrilling days out with non-stop fun at Six Flags America.

By far the nation’s undisputed classic theme park, you’ll find Six Flags in Upper Marlboro, not far from Washington DC. Ideal for families but also fun for travellers and groups who want to experience a slice of American theme park joy, Six Flags has something for literally everyone, from endless roller coasters and water rides, to restaurants, shopping and even live entertainment.

Be sure to book early if you want to avoid queues during school vacations.

15. Mount Vernon

Mount Vernon is the place to be if you want to experience an electrifying fusion of contemporary urban culture.

It’s actually in the center of Baltimore but with so many influences from all over the globe, it could well be on another continent.

Bursting with intriguing and respected institutions like the Walters Art Museum and the Peabody Library, there’s a wealth of cultural history to be found here.

Then there’s the exhilarating dining scene, offering everything from Spanish to Afghani cuisine and more.

Make the most of being in Baltimore and end your day with a night out at one of the many progressive, trendy nightlife spots dotted around the neighbourhood.

15 Best Day Trips from Baltimore:

• Sandy Point State Park
• St Michaels
• Chesapeake Beach
• Washington DC.
• Antietam National Battlefield
• Gunpowder Falls State Park
• Ohio Canal National Historical Park
• Assateague State Park
• American Visionary Art Museum
• Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge
• Six Flags America
• Mount Vernon

The 5 best day trips from Baltimore

Aug 25, 2021 • 6 min read

Escape the bustle of city life with these quick day trips from Baltimore © Greg Pease / Getty Images

One of the biggest advantages of living in Baltimore is the ease of escape to the region’s smaller towns and rural enclaves. Just a short car ride away and Baltimoreans can explore the historical and natural wonders of western Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and the Eastern Shore. Whether you opt to stay the day or even the weekend, here are the best day trips from Charm City. 

St. Michael’s, Maryland 

Why go: Explore maritime history

St. Michael’s, known as “The jewel of Maryland’s Eastern Shore ”, captivates visitors with its tranquil, sailboat-lined waterfront and historic buildings that come in a variety of architectural styles. 

Wander through the town’s two museums, the St. Michael’s Museum which offers walking tours that highlight abolitionist Frederick Douglass’ formative years in the town, while the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum includes a lighthouse and working shipyard in a picturesque waterfront park. 

Visitors can learn about the town’s history on the water, by taking a Patriot Cruises’ narrated ride along the Miles River. 

After sightseeing, eat and drink your way through the town. Start with a visit to Eastern Shore Brewing to sample the flagship St. Michael’s Ale, or Saint Michael’s Winery, where you can taste the red, white and rosé wines outside. 

St. Michael’s is full of charming restaurants that feature Chesapeake Bay seafood, including Bistro St. Michaels and Ruse, which serves a seasonal menu filled with oysters and rockfish. You’ll find Ruse inside the area’s newest inn, the Wildset Hotel , an airy, historic property spread across three buildings on the town’s main street.

How to get to St. Michael’s: The one-and-half-hour trip takes you through I-97 to US 50 all the way to Eastern Shore town. 

The best time to visit Baltimore

Frederick, Maryland

Why go: Enjoy some quiet time in the outdoors   

There’s some debate as to whether Frederick is still considered part of Western Maryland as it now houses so many Washington, DC commuters. But in any case, the town offers a perfect getaway for vacationers looking for a destination that is part country and part city.

Nature lovers will enjoy a stroll along Carroll Creek Park , which spans more than a mile through downtown with bridges and fountains along the way. It’s also a short 20-minute ride to Brunswick, where you can bike or walk along the historic Chesapeake & Ohio Canal. 

Urbanites will enjoy the town’s ample supply of vintage shopping and locally owned boutiques, breweries and dining destinations. Plan your trip around one of Chartreuse and Co. ’s open weekends to check out artisan-made goods, locally made wine and spirits, and a farmers’ market. While the dining options are endless, a good place to start is Thatcher & Rye , chef Bryan Voltaggio’s casual eatery that replaced his fine-dining venue Volt. 

Spanish tapas fans can head to Isabella’s Taverna & Tapas Bar while Mayta’s Peruvian Cuisine makes exceptional lomo saltado (strips of steak, onions, tomatoes and fries).

How to get to Frederick: It’s a straight shot on I-70 and takes less than an hour’s drive. Take a Greyhound bus to tour the walkable downtown car-free. 

The 10 best things you can do for free in Baltimore  

Alexandria, Virginia

Why go: Dive into American history 

Filled with colonial homes adorned with gas lanterns, museums and significant cultural sites, Alexandria draws history and architecture buffs. 

George Washington’s Mount Vernon , the first president’s estate, might be the best known, but the town houses several other landmarks, including the Greek Palladian-style Carlyle House mansion and the Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum , a former pharmacy whose bottles and herbal remedies remain preserved. 

Several guided walking tours offer visitors a chance to dive deep into the area’s history. Named for the papers that gave enslaved individuals their freedom, Manumission Tour Company has three tours that honor the legacy of Alexandria’s Black Americans who fought for freedom. 

Alexandria’s lively waterfront area has expanded with new waterfront tours and restaurants. Sail the Tall Ship Providence after dining on thoughtfully prepared tapas served in a waterfront pier with two shipping containers at Barca Pier & Wine Bar . 

To satisfy your sweet tooth, order a custard sundae from Gooodie’s Frozen Custard & Treats , located in a retro ice house. Spend the night at one of the boutique hotels, such as the Kimpton Lorien Hotel & Spa , or a historic property like the George of Old Town , decked out in colonial flair. 

How to get to Alexandria: Getting to Alexandria takes a little over an hour and the most direct route is to take I-295 most of the way there. Just avoid rush hour. It’s also an easy train ride on the Acela Northeast Regional, which will take an hour if you pick the shortest train ride.  

Gordonsville, Virginia

Why go: For the wineries 

The centrally located town of Gordonsville in Orange County, Virginia makes a good base to start your weekend journey in Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains , known for its unparalleled vistas, quaint Main Streets and scenic wineries. 

Wander the brick-lined, flower-pot-strewn historic district in Gordonsville filled with antique shops, clothing stores and art galleries. 

The town’s newest restaurant, Champion Ice House , serves fried chicken while Well Hung Vineyard offers a tasting room and restaurant in downtown Gordonsville. Unwind at the neighboring Barboursville Vineyards , which serves a rotating list of reds, whites and rosés in an 18th-century country estate with a restaurant and cottages where you can spend the night.

Don’t leave without visiting the Market at Grelen in Somerset, a garden shop, café and pick-your-own farm with picturesque hiking trails. 

How to get to Gordonsville: There are a few different ways to get there. The shortest route involves taking I-95 South to I-495 West to I-66 South to US 29 South. 

Lancaster, Pennsylvania

Why go: For the Amish culture 

Horse-drawn buggies and white barns dot the Amish countryside surrounding Lancaster . There are  Several companies   that will take visitors on guided tours to see the rural landscape up close and stop at local country stores where you can pick up homemade whoopie pies and other baked goods. 

Tour an 1840s Amish farm with a school, blacksmith shop and smokehouse at the Amish Village . 

Operating since 1730, the Lancaster Central Market offers a smorgasbord of culinary offerings, from produce to meat, poultry, sandwiches and ice cream. The area contains several notable restaurants, including Luca , serving Italian wood-fired dishes, and immersive dining experience Amorette.

How to get to Lancaster: Take I-83 to US 30 East, which will take a little over 90 minutes by car. An Amtrak train will take at least three hours with a stop in Philadelphia.  

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20 Best Day Trips From Baltimore, Maryland (2024 Guide)

• Last Updated: February 4, 2024

If you’re looking for the best day trips from Baltimore, be sure to check out our list of the best Baltimore day trips!

Baltimore, Maryland, is a captivating US city known for its rich maritime history, historic neighborhoods like Fells Point, and iconic attractions such as the National Aquarium.

The city’s diverse cultural scene, world-class museums, and the historic Fort McHenry contribute to Baltimore’s unique charm and appeal. There is truly so much to do in Baltimore , but the excitement extends beyond the city borders!

These day trips outside the city allow you to deepen your exploration of the eastern USA. Whether you want to visit the coast and relax at a resort town, tour art galleries and museums in another major city, or escape hectic city life and head into nature, there are day trips to suit everyone.

Visit the serene landscapes of Gunpowder Falls State Park or Sandy Point State Park, both located under an hour from downtown Baltimore.

Or you can head to Washington DC and visit iconic landmarks like the Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, White House, National Mall, and more.

These day trips from Baltimore showcase the best of the local culture, history, and nature.

Be sure to check out our list of the top things to do in Baltimore before you leave the city.

Table of Contents

1. Philadelphia

2. annapolis, 3. gunpowder falls state park, 4. patapsco valley, 5. sandy point state park, 6. ocean city, 7. antietam national battlefield, 8. washington dc, 9. chesapeake beach, 10. hershey park, 11. shenandoah national park, 12. chesapeake and ohio canal national historical park, 13. gettysburg, 14. blackwater national wildlife refuge, 15. atlantic city, 16. harpers ferry, 17. calvert cliffs state park, 18. assateague island national seashore, 19. richmond, 20. st. michaels, 20 amazing day trips from baltimore.

From checking out the iconic Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum in the small coastal town of St. Michaels to going horseback riding or hiking in a state park, here are the best day trips from Baltimore!

The best way to get around is to rent a car and explore on your own! We recommend Rental Cars , which has the largest range of vehicles for the best value on the market.

• Distance from Baltimore: 101 miles
• Driving time: 1 hour and 50 minutes

Philadelphia , often referred to as the “City of Brotherly Love,” is one of the best day trips from Baltimore. The city served as the nation’s capital from 1790 to 1800, hosting the Constitutional Convention in 1787 where the United States Constitution was drafted.

Independence Hall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the heart of Philadelphia, witnessed the signing of both the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, making it a symbolic cornerstone of American democracy.

Visitors can explore the cobblestone streets of Old City, marvel at the iconic Liberty Bell, and immerse themselves in the historic charm of landmarks like the Betsy Ross House.

Beyond the Independence National Historical Park, Philadelphia boasts a dynamic cultural scene, with world-class museums, theaters, and art galleries.

The Philadelphia Museum of Art , known for its iconic “Rocky Steps,” houses an extensive collection of art spanning various periods and cultures. The vibrant neighborhoods, such as Fishtown and Rittenhouse Square, showcase the city’s eclectic character, offering a mix of trendy boutiques, cozy cafes, and lively nightlife.

With a passionate sports culture, a thriving arts scene, and a deep connection to American history, Philadelphia continues to captivate both residents and visitors alike.

Check out our 3 Days In Philadelphia Itinerary if you’re interested in spending more time in this epic city!

• Distance from Baltimore: 32 miles
• Driving time: 40 minutes

Maryland’s capital city, Annapolis, is a picturesque and historic day trip destination on the shores of the Chesapeake Bay. Established in 1649, Annapolis boasts a rich colonial heritage and is home to a myriad of well-preserved historic sites.

The city’s Historic District is a charming area characterized by cobblestone streets, 18th-century architecture, and prominent landmarks such as the Maryland State House . This is where the Continental Congress met and George Washington resigned his commission as commander-in-chief of the Continental Army.

Strolling along the scenic waterfront, visitors can admire the elegant sailboats and enjoy the lively atmosphere of City Dock, where quaint shops, restaurants, and cafes beckon residents and tourists alike.

Beyond its historical significance, Annapolis is renowned for its maritime culture and the United States Naval Academy. The Academy, founded in 1845, has produced generations of naval officers and is a focal point of the city. Annapolis also hosts numerous events throughout the year, including the renowned Annapolis Boat Show, drawing sailing enthusiasts from around the world.

With its maritime charm, historical allure, and vibrant community, Annapolis stands as a captivating destination that seamlessly blends the past with the present.

• Distance from Baltimore: 22 miles
• Driving time: 30 minutes

A convenient and beautiful day trip destination near Baltimore is Gunpowder Falls State Park . Situated in Maryland, this sprawling natural oasis encompasses over 18,000 acres of diverse landscapes, ranging from dense woodlands and rolling hills to meandering streams and scenic river valleys.

Named after the Gunpowder River, which runs through its heart, the park offers a wide array of outdoor activities for nature enthusiasts and recreation seekers. Visitors can explore an extensive network of hiking and biking trails or even try horseback riding through the wilderness.

Popular trails like the Torrey C. Brown Rail Trail are highlights of Gunpowder Falls State Park, with a converted railroad track providing a scenic route for walkers, joggers, and cyclists.

Gunpowder Falls State Park is great for water-based activities, with opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and tubing along the Gunpowder River. Anglers can cast their lines in search of trout and other freshwater species in designated fishing areas.

Additionally, the park features multiple designated swimming areas and serene spots for picnics, making it an ideal destination for families and those seeking a peaceful retreat. Gunpowder Falls State Park is a natural gem in Maryland that is one of the best Baltimore day trips.

• Distance from Baltimore: 13 miles

Another fun day trip idea is visiting the Patapsco Valley, just 30 minutes away from downtown Baltimore. Encompassing various recreational areas, including Avalon, Hollofield, and Daniels, Patapsco Valley offers an abundance of outdoor activities for visitors of all interests.

Hikers can explore an extensive network of trails that wind through lush forests and provide stunning views of the river, while cyclists can enjoy the challenging terrain of the park’s bike trails.

One of the park’s notable features is the Thomas Viaduct, a historic railroad bridge that spans the Patapsco River and stands as a testament to the area’s industrial past. Fishing enthusiasts can cast their lines in designated areas, and the river itself is popular for kayaking and tubing adventures.

While Patapsco Valley is primarily celebrated for its natural beauty and outdoor recreation, the surrounding region is also home to several charming wineries that offer a delightful escape for wine enthusiasts.

Nestled within the scenic landscapes near the Patapsco River, these wineries provide a unique combination of serene ambiance and locally produced wines. Visitors can embark on a wine-tasting tour , savoring a variety of reds, whites, and blends crafted from grapes cultivated in the fertile soils of the Patapsco Valley.

Sandy Point State Park , located on the western shore of the Chesapeake Bay near Annapolis, is a pristine coastal haven offering a range of recreational activities against a backdrop of breathtaking bay views.

Encompassing over 786 acres, the main attraction in Sandy Point State Park is its expansive sandy beach, providing a perfect setting for swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking.

The park’s proximity to the Chesapeake Bay Bridge also makes it a popular spot for anglers hoping to catch a variety of fish, including striped bass and bluefish, making it an ideal destination for both seasoned fishermen and casual enthusiasts.

Sandy Point State Park features scenic walking trails, a marina, and a playground, catering to visitors of all ages. The park’s commitment to environmental education is evident through its interpretive programs, allowing guests to learn about the Chesapeake Bay’s ecology and the importance of conservation.

With its combination of natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and educational initiatives, Sandy Point State Park stands as a versatile destination, offering a tranquil retreat for those seeking outdoor adventures along the Chesapeake Bay.

Read next: 13 Best Day Trips From Washington DC

• Distance from Baltimore: 141 miles
• Driving time: 2 hours and 30 minutes

One of the best coastal day trips from Baltimore is Ocean City, situated on Maryland’s eastern shore. Known for its family-friendly atmosphere, Ocean City spans a 10-mile stretch of pristine shoreline, offering sun-seekers the perfect destination for relaxation and water-based fun.

The iconic Ocean City Boardwalk is a bustling hub of activity, featuring amusement parks, arcades, and a variety of shops and eateries. Families can enjoy classic boardwalk fare, ride Ferris wheels with panoramic views of the ocean, or simply take a leisurely stroll along the wooden planks.

Ocean City also hosts a range of events and festivals throughout the year, attracting tourists and locals alike. The town’s vibrant nightlife, seafood restaurants, and an array of water sports, including fishing and parasailing, contribute to its allure as a year-round destination.

Whether it’s building sandcastles on the beach, enjoying fresh seafood, or partaking in the lively atmosphere of the boardwalk, Ocean City remains a popular coastal escape and a beloved day trip from Baltimore.

• Distance from Baltimore: 72 miles
• Driving time: 1 hour and 25 minutes

Antietam National Battlefield , located near Sharpsburg, Maryland, preserves the site of one of the most pivotal and bloodiest battles of the American Civil War. It’s a top day trip destination for history lovers.

Visitors can explore the landscape where Union and Confederate forces clashed in a day-long struggle, resulting in staggering casualties. The Antietam National Cemetery, established in 1867, provides a solemn resting place for thousands of soldiers who lost their lives during the battle.

The Antietam National Battlefield offers a poignant and educational experience for history enthusiasts and those interested in understanding the profound impact of the war.

The visitor center provides informative exhibits, artifacts, and a film that contextualizes the battle within the broader historical context. The park’s driving tour and walking trails guide visitors through key points of the battlefield, allowing them to reflect on the sacrifices made by soldiers on both sides. The preservation of the Antietam National Battlefield serves as a testament to Civil War history and is one of the most interesting day trips from Baltimore.

• Distance from Baltimore: 42 miles
• Driving time: 55 minutes

Those looking for a day trip filled with American history and tradition can visit the nation’s capital, Washington DC . Home to iconic landmarks, government institutions, and world-class museums, the city is home to some of the most famous attractions in the country.

The National Mall, a vast expanse flanked by the Capitol and the Washington Monument, is the symbolic heart of the city. It is lined with memorials and monuments, including the Lincoln Memorial, Jefferson Memorial, and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, making it a powerful tribute to the nation’s history and its commitment to democracy. Travelers can also tour the Capitol Hill and Library of Congress , or try a guided tour of the White House.

Beyond its political prominence, Washington, D.C. boasts a vibrant cultural scene. The Smithsonian Institution, the world’s largest museum and research complex, encompasses numerous museums and galleries, covering a wide range of subjects from art and history to science and culture.

The city’s neighborhoods, each with its own unique character, offer eclectic dining, shopping, and entertainment options.

From the historic charm of Georgetown to the lively atmosphere of Dupont Circle, Washington, D.C. presents a dynamic blend of tradition and modernity, making it a captivating destination that reflects the spirit of the nation.

• Distance from Baltimore: 53 miles
• Driving time: 1 hour and 5 minutes

Those looking for a seaside escape from city life can head over to Chesapeake Beach. Originally established as a resort community in the late 19th century, Chesapeake Beach continues to be a popular destination for those seeking a tranquil escape.

The town boasts a lovely sandy beach with views of the bay, providing a perfect spot for sunbathing, swimming, and picnicking. The Chesapeake Beach Boardwalk is a focal point, lined with shops, restaurants, and fishing spots, creating a delightful environment for leisurely strolls and enjoying the maritime ambiance.

Another cool attraction is the Chesapeake Beach Railway Trail which provides a scenic pathway for walking and biking, offering glimpses of the town’s natural beauty and historical sites. The Chesapeake Beach Water Park is a family-friendly destination, featuring water slides, pools, and play areas.

Boating enthusiasts will have a blast here, and charter fishing trips are available for those eager to explore the rich marine life of the Chesapeake Bay.

Chesapeake Beach seamlessly combines coastal charm with recreational offerings, making it an inviting destination for both day-trippers and those seeking a longer coastal retreat.

• Distance from Baltimore: 90 miles
• Driving time: 1 hour and 30 minutes

One of the best day trips from Baltimore for families is Hershey Park, located in Hershey, Pennsylvania. This world-renowned amusement park seamlessly blends the thrill of roller coasters with the sweetness of its chocolate-themed attractions.

Established in 1906 by Milton S. Hershey, the founder of the Hershey Chocolate Company, the park has evolved into a family-friendly destination that offers a wide range of entertainment for visitors of all ages. Hershey Park is home to over 70 rides and attractions, including roller coasters like the iconic Comet and the adrenaline-pumping Skyrush, as well as family-friendly rides, water attractions, and live entertainment.

Beyond its thrilling rides, Hershey Park features a distinctive Hershey’s Chocolate World experience , where visitors can explore interactive exhibits, enjoy chocolate-themed rides, and even create their own personalized Hershey’s chocolate bars.

The park is surrounded by the Hershey’s Chocolate World complex, which includes shops, restaurants, and opportunities to indulge in all things chocolate. Hershey Park is not just a theme park; it’s an immersive chocolate-themed experience that captivates visitors with a perfect blend of excitement, family fun, and the sweet essence of Hershey’s chocolate.

Explore more of Pennsylvania with a visit to Pittsburgh !

• Distance from Baltimore: 109 miles
• Driving time: 2 hours

Shenandoah National Park , located in the picturesque Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, is a gorgeous expanse of wilderness that makes a stunning day trip from Baltimore.

Covering over 200,000 acres, the park is characterized by the scenic Skyline Drive, a 105-mile roadway that winds through the crest of the mountains, offering breathtaking views of the Shenandoah Valley to the west and the Piedmont to the east.

Visitors can explore a network of hiking trails, ranging from easy walks to challenging backcountry routes. Old Rag Mountain , one of the park’s most popular destinations, presents a challenging ascent rewarded by panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

The park is renowned for its diverse ecosystems, including cascading waterfalls, dense woodlands, and expansive meadows. Shenandoah is also a haven for wildlife, with the opportunity to spot deer, black bear, and a variety of bird species.

Additionally, the Appalachian Trail runs through the park, attracting long-distance hikers and nature enthusiasts.

Whether enjoying the vibrant fall foliage, taking in the spring wildflowers, or reveling in the peaceful serenity of the park’s streams and forests, Shenandoah National Park provides a refuge for those seeking a connection with nature in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains.

• Distance from Baltimore: 86 miles

The Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park , stretching along the Potomac River from Washington, D.C., to Cumberland, Maryland, preserves and tells the story of the historic C&O Canal.

Originally conceived as a transportation route to connect the Chesapeake Bay with the Ohio River, the canal played a crucial role in the 19th-century economic development of the United States.

Visitors to the park can explore remnants of the canal’s infrastructure, including lockhouses, aqueducts, and the canal towpath. The towpath, which runs parallel to the canal, is a popular destination for hikers and bikers, offering a scenic journey through the picturesque landscapes of the Potomac River Valley.

The park not only showcases the industrial history of the canal but also provides opportunities for recreational activities and nature appreciation. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy activities such as hiking, biking, bird watching, and fishing along the canal and its adjacent trails.

The Great Falls of the Potomac, located within the park, offers breathtaking views and is a highlight for visitors. The Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park serves as a living testament to the ingenuity of 19th-century engineering and provides a tranquil retreat for those seeking a connection with history and nature along the banks of the Potomac River.

Read next: 21 Best Things To Do In Asheville, North Carolina

• Distance from Baltimore: 60 miles
• Driving time: 1 hour and 15 minutes

History buffs will love a visit to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, a historic city that holds a profound place in American history as the site of one of the most significant battles of the Civil War.

The Battle of Gettysburg, fought from July 1 to 3, 1863, resulted in a pivotal Union victory and is often considered the turning point of the war.

Today, Gettysburg National Military Park preserves the battlefield and commemorates the sacrifices made by the soldiers on both sides. Visitors can explore the expansive park, marked by monuments, cannons, and historic structures that serve as poignant reminders of the intense conflict.

The park’s iconic Cemetery Ridge, Little Round Top, and the Peach Orchard are among the key locations that played critical roles in the outcome of the battle. Put a fun twist on your exploration of the park and battlefield with a horse-drawn carriage tour !

The Gettysburg National Military Park Museum and Visitor Center provides in-depth exhibits, artifacts, and a cyclorama painting that vividly recounts the events of the battle. The town itself retains its 19th-century charm, with historic buildings, shops, and eateries lining the streets.

Annual events, reenactments, and guided tours further immerse visitors in the rich history of Gettysburg, making it a destination that resonates with those seeking to understand and honor the sacrifices made during a crucial chapter in American history.

• Distance from Baltimore: 97 miles

One of the best day trips from Baltimore for nature lovers is Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge , a beautiful area of tidal marsh, freshwater ponds, and mixed hardwood and pine forests.

Established in 1933, the refuge plays a crucial role in the conservation of the local ecosystem, providing a vital habitat for migratory birds, waterfowl, and other wildlife. Birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts flock to Blackwater to witness the incredible diversity of avian species, including bald eagles, ospreys, herons, and the elusive Delmarva fox squirrel.

Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge offers a network of trails and wildlife observation areas, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the natural beauty and tranquility of the region. The Wildlife Drive, a scenic route through the heart of the refuge, provides an opportunity to spot various species while enjoying picturesque landscapes.

Additionally, the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Visitor Center, located adjacent to the refuge, commemorates the life and legacy of the famous abolitionist who was born in the area.

Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge is a truly stunning place that captivates visitors with its hiking trails, wildlife, and serenity.

• Distance from Baltimore: 150 miles

Atlantic City, located on the coast of New Jersey, is a bustling resort city renowned for its iconic boardwalk, vibrant nightlife, and world-class casinos.

Also called the “Las Vegas of the East Coast,” Atlantic City has been a popular destination for entertainment and leisure since the 19th century.

The historic Boardwalk, stretching along the Atlantic Ocean, is lined with shops, restaurants, and amusements, creating a lively atmosphere for both residents and visitors. Steel Pier Amusement Park offers classic rides, games, and panoramic views of the ocean from the Boardwalk.

The city’s skyline is dominated by the towering hotels and casinos that have become synonymous with its reputation as a premier gambling destination.

In addition to its gaming and entertainment offerings, Atlantic City boasts beautiful beaches, providing opportunities for sunbathing, swimming, and water sports during the warmer months. The city attracts all types of travelers at all times of the year!

• Driving time: 1 hour and 40 minutes

Located at the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers, Harpers Ferry is a historic town with a rich past and scenic beauty. Located at the crossroads of Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia, Harpers Ferry is famous for its pivotal role in American history.

The town’s strategic location made it a target during the Civil War, and it changed hands several times between Union and Confederate forces. Visitors to Harpers Ferry can explore the well-preserved historic district, where 19th-century buildings and cobblestone streets transport them back in time.

The town is also home to the Harpers Ferry National Historical Park , which preserves the historical significance of the area and offers guided tours, exhibits, and interpretive programs.

Apart from its historical importance, Harpers Ferry is situated amidst stunning natural scenery. The surrounding landscape, with its steep hills, riverbanks, and scenic overlooks, provides ample opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and water recreation.

The Appalachian Trail passes through Harpers Ferry, marking the psychological midpoint of the trail and attracting hikers from around the world. Whether visitors are drawn to its historical landmarks, outdoor adventures, or simply the picturesque setting, Harpers Ferry is one of the most amazing day trips from Baltimore!

Find more fun things to do in Harpers Ferry !

• Distance from Baltimore: 76 miles

Known for its picturesque landscapes, fossil-rich cliffs, and diverse ecosystems, Calvert Cliffs State Park is another lovely coastal day trip from the city.

The park is named after the towering clay cliffs that rise from the bay, showcasing a geological history spanning millions of years. The cliffs provide a unique opportunity for fossil hunting, with visitors often discovering prehistoric shark teeth, shells, and other marine artifacts along the shoreline.

Beyond its fossil-rich shores, Calvert Cliffs State Park features a network of hiking trails that wind through woodlands, wetlands, and scenic overlooks.

The Red Trail, leading to the beach, provides a tranquil walk through a hardwood forest, while the Brown Trail offers panoramic views of the stunning area. Diverse habitats fill the region, making it a haven for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts.

Calvert Cliffs State Park provides a blend of geological wonders, outdoor recreation, and natural beauty, offering a unique and educational experience for visitors along Maryland’s Chesapeake Bay.

• Distance from Baltimore: 136 miles
• Driving time: 2 hours and 40 minutes

Another one of the most beautiful Baltimore day trips is the majestic Assateague Island National Seashore , a pristine barrier island located off the coasts of Maryland and Virginia.

The island is characterized by expansive sandy beaches, salt marshes, and coastal forests, creating a diverse ecosystem that attracts nature enthusiasts from around the world.

Perhaps most famous for its wild horses, Assateague’s untamed beauty is complemented by the sight of these iconic horses roaming freely along the shores and among the dunes. The island’s delicate balance of beach and bay environments provides a sanctuary for a variety of bird species, including snowy egrets, ospreys, and the elusive piping plover.

Visitors to Assateague Island can engage in a range of outdoor activities, from beachcombing and birdwatching to kayaking and hiking along scenic trails. The Assateague Lighthouse, standing tall since 1833, offers panoramic views of the island and the surrounding coastal landscape.

The National Seashore’s commitment to conservation ensures the protection of its unique ecosystem, making it an ideal destination for those seeking a serene coastal retreat where the emphasis is on preserving the natural habitat and providing a haven for both wildlife and nature enthusiasts.

• Distance from Baltimore: 147 miles
• Driving time: 2 hours and 20 minutes

Richmond, the capital city of Virginia, is a vibrant metropolis with a rich historical tapestry and a modern, dynamic atmosphere. Steeped in American history, Richmond played a pivotal role in the American Revolutionary War and the Civil War, leaving behind a wealth of well-preserved architecture and historic sites.

Monument Avenue, adorned with grand statues of Confederate leaders and other historical figures, showcases the city’s complex history. The Capitol Square, home to the Virginia State Capitol designed by Thomas Jefferson, is a symbol of the city’s political significance.

The American Civil War Museum and the Edgar Allan Poe Museum further contribute to Richmond’s cultural landscape, providing insight into the city’s role in shaping American history and literature. A ghost tour is a fun and interactive way to learn about the city’s history as well.

Richmond is not just a city of historical significance; it has evolved into a thriving cultural hub with a burgeoning arts scene, diverse culinary offerings, and a lively riverfront. Carytown, a trendy neighborhood known for its eclectic boutiques and locally owned restaurants, adds a contemporary flair to the city.

• Distance from Baltimore: 74 miles

St. Michaels, situated on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, is a picturesque waterfront town popular for day trips from Baltimore.

Nestled along the Miles River, one of the Chesapeake Bay’s tributaries, St. Michaels has long been associated with shipbuilding, oystering, and the seafood industry. The town’s quaint streets are lined with 19th-century homes, boutique shops, and waterfront restaurants, creating a delightful atmosphere that transports visitors back in time.

The most famous St. Michaels attraction is the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, where exhibits and historic vessels offer insight into the region’s maritime heritage, including the craft of boatbuilding and the importance of the Bay’s ecosystem.

The St. Michaels Winery and local seafood eateries contribute to the town’s appeal, providing a taste of the region’s culinary delights. It’s a peaceful getaway from the city!

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• Destinations

25 Best Day Trips from Baltimore, Maryland

Last Updated By VI on February 1, 2024 in Things to Do in Maryland & Places to Visit

Washington DC

American visionary art museum, antietam national battlefield.

• See the Complete List

Some of the best attraction in Washington DC include The White House, The Washington Monument, The Lincoln Memorial, The Smithsonian, The National Holocaust Museum, Mount Vernon, Historic Congressional Cemetery, The Pentagon, United States Botanic Gardens, Ford Theater, and much more.

800 Key Highway, Baltimore, Maryland, 21230, Phone: 410-244-1900

26 West Street, Annapolis, MD, 21401, Phone: 410-280-0445

PO Box 158, Sharpsburg, MD, 21782, Phone: 301-432-5124

Appalachian Trail Museum

1120 Pine Grove Road, Gardners, PA, 17324, Phone: 717-486-8126

Assateague State Park

7206 National Seashore Lane, Berlin, Maryland, 21811, Phone: 410-641-1441

Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge

2145 Key Wallace Drive, Cambridge, MD, 21613, Phone: 410-228-2677

Calvert Cliffs State Park

580 Taylor Avenue, Annapolis MD, 21401, Phone: 877-620-8367

513 Washington Street, Cape May, New Jersey, 08204

Chesapeake Beach

Chesapeake Beach is a quaint bayside town in Calvert County, Maryland along the Chesapeake Bay. The town was founded in 1896 by the Chesapeake Bay Railway Company who create a resort along the railway for people who wanted to take day trips from Washington D.C. which is only 28 miles away. The Chesapeake Beach Railway Resort was closed in 1935, but the communities from Chesapeake Beach and North Beach support the area with popular outdoor bay activities, a public school and both year-round and summer homes. This beach is a great place for families who love water recreation. Chesapeake Beach features a marina with boating opportunities, a water park, the Railway Museum, and Veterans Memorial Park. There are also many places for world-class oceanfront dining and several festivals that occur annually.

Cumberland, a Day Trip from Baltimore

American history buffs will enjoy Cumberland, a historic town once used as one of George Washington’s military outposts. Cumberland was also nicknamed “gateway to the west” by the early pioneers. You can still visitor George Washington’s one-room cabin headquarters from when he worked for General Braddock. The Cumberland Arts and Entertainment District is just over two hours from Baltimore. Visitors to Cumberland can take Western Maryland Scenic Railroad trip to the town of the Allegheny Mountains to learn about railway history and take in the beautiful mountain scenery. The city is also home to C & O Canal National Historical Park and Visitors Center, several historical landmarks, and host to several annual festivals.

Thrill-seeking and American history go hand-in-hand when visitors come to Frederick where they can kayak on the bay before visiting a museum then spending the evening at a lush martini bar. Many of the Civil War-era buildings still stand amongst boutiques, art galleries, performance theaters, and museums. Frederick is centrally located to Baltimore, Washington D.C. and Gettysburg and has some of the best water and mountain views along the east coast. Visitors who want to spend time outdoors can tour the wineries, hike the Appalachian Trail, or visit the remnants of battlefields. The family-friendly town also features a wildlife preserve, children’s museum, Adventure Park USA, Harpers Ferry Adventure Center, and several orchards.

Gettysburg National Military Park

1195 Baltimore Pike, Gettysburg, PA, 17325, Phone: 717-334-1124

Great Falls Park, a Day Trip from Baltimore

9200 Old Dominion Drive, McLean, VA, 22102, Phone: 703-757-3101

Gunpowder Falls State Park

580 Taylor Ave, Annapolis MD, 21401, Phone: 877-620-8367

Hershey Park

More ideas: Things to Do in Owings Mills ,

Ladew Topiary Gardens

3535 Jarrettsville Pike, Monkton, Maryland, 21111, Phone: 410-557-9570

Mount Vernon

3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Mount Vernon, Virginia, 22121, Phone: 703-780-2000

Ocean City is one of the best seaside towns for families that want to spend ample time on the beach. Ocean City has more than 10 miles of free beaches, a three-mile boardwalk that attracts thousands of visitors each summer and more than 200 restaurants packed into one great city that hosts special events all year around. The Ocean City Boardwalk was featured on the Travel Channel as the best boardwalk in America and by National Geographic and one of the top 10 in the US. Most boardwalk visitors walk or rent a bike to explore the three miles of amusements and arcades. There is also a tram that travels up and down the boardwalk and a 1902 carousel that is iconic to the pier.

Ohio Canal National Historical Park

1850 Dual Highway, Suite 100, Hagerstown MD, 21740, Phone: 301-739-4200

Sandy Point State Park

1100 East College Parkway, Annapolis, MD, 21409, Phone: 410-741-2149

Solomon’s Island

More ideas: Things to do in Bel Air, MD

St Michaels

More ideas: Things to do in Towson

The King and Queen Seat at Rocks State Park

3318 Rocks Chrome Hill Road, Jarrettsville, MD, 21084, Phone: 410-557-7994

US Bureau of Engraving and Printing

301 14th St SW, Washington, DC 20228, Phone: 202-874-2330

• 1. Washington DC
• 2. American Visionary Art Museum
• 3. Annapolis
• 4. Antietam National Battlefield
• 5. Appalachian Trail Museum
• 6. Assateague State Park
• 7. Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge
• 8. Calvert Cliffs State Park
• 9. Cape May
• 10. Chesapeake Beach
• 11. Cumberland, a Day Trip from Baltimore
• 12. Frederick
• 13. Gettysburg National Military Park
• 14. Great Falls Park, a Day Trip from Baltimore
• 15. Gunpowder Falls State Park
• 16. Hershey Park
• 17. Ladew Topiary Gardens
• 18. Mount Vernon
• 19. Ocean City
• 20. Ohio Canal National Historical Park
• 21. Sandy Point State Park
• 22. Solomon’s Island
• 23. St Michaels
• 24. The King and Queen Seat at Rocks State Park
• 25. US Bureau of Engraving and Printing

Baltimore, Maryland is one of the most iconic cities in America known for its harbors, John Hopkins Hospital, and deep-rooted American history dating back to its settlement in the early 17th century. One of the best things about Baltimore is how easy it is to take a day trip to other great places around the city during your extended stay.

More Features

National Aquarium in Baltimore, MD

KID Museum in Bethesda, Maryland

Maryland Islands: Kent Island

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TravelAwaits

Our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler who's ready to cross a few items off their bucket list.

7 Fantastic Day Trips From Baltimore

• Destinations
• United States
• Washington, D.C.

One of the most daunting things about changing journalism jobs is learning a new place quickly. One week I was reporting from Iowa cornfields; the next week from Baltimore’s Inner Harbor. I quickly discovered the magic of a city that is home to America’s first cathedral, the national anthem, and a place to see 20,000 animals, most of them under the sea.

Yet, when you tear yourself away from this city for a day, you get to explore history and nature that takes you from mountain to ocean, all within a three-hour drive. Here is a week’s worth of day trips to make the most of this remarkable area.

1. Reach For The Skyline

Shenandoah national park, virginia.

If you’re in the mood for a real road trip, Shenandoah National Park offers a road with an unbeatable view. You can drive 108 miles to the Front Royal Entrance and then keep on driving through historic Skyline Drive for as many of the 105 miles through the park as you would like to see. The average speed is 35 miles per hour, giving you plenty of time to stop at one of more than 70 overlooks and look for glimpses of bears and deer.

Park your car and hike some of the more than 500 miles of trails through forests, to waterfalls, and — if you’re up for a long day — tackle the park’s most popular destination, Old Rag . This is a very strenuous, often crowded 9.4-mile hike, yet hikers say you haven’t seen Shenandoah National Park until you’ve scrambled up the summit.

For something more easily accomplished, try the Limberlost trail through the forest at Mile 43. Its 1.3 miles are fully accessible to everyone but pets.

Pro Tip: There is food available approximately every 25 miles along Skyline Drive. Build in extra time to enjoy a meal at one of the two park restaurants where the views are amazing but tables are first come, first served.

2. Go See The Other Washington Monument

Baltimore claims the first major Washington monument , but the 555-foot obelisk that came later just 46 miles down the road in Washington, D.C. , is worth a trip. You can see the National Mall monument by foot, bike, scooter, or even tour boat . Book a 90-minute trip that takes you down the Potomac from Georgetown to Alexandria and back for around $30.

Had enough Washington? Check out Abraham Lincoln lore at the Lincoln book tower at the Ford’s Theater Center for Education and Leadership. It has more books about Honest Abe than even the biggest bibliophile has on their nightstand.

The National Cathedral is perfect for a visual scavenger hunt, where you can look for the window featuring a moon rock Apollo 11 astronauts personally brought from the moon to the Cathedral. Star Wars fans can spot the Darth Vader Gargoyle . (If you can’t get there in person, try this virtual tour .)

Pro Tip: Plan ahead, and you can get Washington’s best views from the National Cathedral Tower climb , which takes you up 333 steeply winding steps. These ticketed tours for height-lovers stopped during the pandemic; keep an eye on the webpage for when things resume.

3. Tour The Town That Was This Close To Being Washington, D.C.

Havre de grace, maryland.

Local legend says this community at the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay missed being named the capital of the United States by one vote. So, there is no Congress but still plenty to see 41 miles from Baltimore. Let the Concord Point Lighthouse guide your way as it guided ship traffic for nearly 150 years. Maryland’s second-oldest lighthouse is open for weekend tours from April to October.

Explore the area by kayak or see it from a duck’s point of view at the Havre de Grace Decoy Museum . This private, non-profit institution aims to preserve the legacy of birds and decoy-making in the region.

Wrap up your day with crab cakes at Tidewater Grille , where the view of the Chesapeake helps you get away from it all, less than an hour from Baltimore.

4. Speaking Of Capital Cities…

Annapolis, maryland.

It’s 32 miles from Baltimore to Maryland’s capital, which is home to the US Naval Academy . Graduates include President Jimmy Carter, 54 astronauts , and 26 members of Congress. You can walk the grounds like they did; public tours are open during non-pandemic times, and you will need to bring government-issued ID for access .

Pro Tip: Each May, the Navy’s Blue Angel jets fly above Annapolis for USNA Commissioning week. Plan to visit the area for rehearsal day (the date is always publicly available), and you will get a great show with smaller crowds.

Order like a local at Chick & Ruth’s , where you can get sandwiches named for politicians and leaders, like Associate Justice of the US Supreme Court Thurgood Marshall (Grilled cheese with swiss, tomato, and bacon on rye for $9.99). Come early for the Pledge of Allegiance recited weekdays at 8:30 a.m., weekends at 9:30 a.m.

A schooner tour proves why Annapolis is known as America’s Sailing Capital. If the wind cooperates, you may get to sail under the 4.3-mile-long Chesapeake Bay Bridge, which connects Annapolis to Maryland’s Eastern Shore.

5. See More On The Eastern Shore

Assateague island national seashore, maryland.

Bay Bridge traffic gets heavy when the weather warms up. Many people head to beach communities like Ocean City , St. Michaels , and Rehoboth , where extended stays are often required at rentals and hotels. For a beach on a budget, head 112 miles from Baltimore to Assateague Island National Seashore . Here, you will find 37 miles of seashore perfect for swimming, fishing, camping, and watching Assateague’s wild horses .

Pro Tip: Check out the schedule for Ranger-guided programs. I learned how to catch crabs (and throw them back) thanks to a park program, and it gave me much more appreciation for my seafood dinner that afternoon!

Want to get even further away? Buy an Over-Sand Vehicle (OSV) permit to drive on otherwise inaccessible beaches. Make sure you’re sand-ready; National Park Service staff cannot pull you out if you get stuck.

6. Take An (Almost) Presidential Getaway

Catoctin mountain park, nps/cunningham falls state park, maryland.

Every president since Franklin D. Roosevelt has had a chance to relax at Camp David in Catoctin Mountain Park. Even without a White House invite, you can get a sense of the atmosphere at the public part of the NPS Park and nearby Cunningham Falls State Park.

These parks offer hikes just 68 miles from Baltimore, with one of the best taking you to Maryland’s highest cascading waterfall. The easiest hike to see Cunningham Falls is the half-mile William Houck Area lower trail. There are longer, more strenuous options as well.

Pro Tip: This is worth an early morning wake-up call as parking lots fill up quickly.

History lovers can explore the Catoctin Iron Furnace , which is said to have made cannonballs for George Washington’s army, or plan a sweet visit to the Maple Syrup Festival held every March.

7. Get A Lock (House) On Adventure

C&o canal national historical park.

When 2020 canceled international trips, I took a closer look at travel close to home, and the C&O Canal National Historical Park kept me coming back for more. A 184.5-mile trail stretches from Washington, D.C., to Cumberland, Maryland. Even though more than five million people visit the park each year, there is plenty of space to escape crowds, and at its most distant point, the trail is just 139 miles from Baltimore.

Bike or stroll the wide, flat towpath along the canal, which was once a major commercial waterway — there are access points all along the trail with nearby parking.

One point of the trail is significantly different: The Great Falls Overlook 15 miles outside Washington, D.C., feels like Colorado as the Potomac River transforms into a roaring series of falls. There is a wheelchair-accessible, paved footpath that takes you over part of the river to the main channel. You can look across the water to see the Virginia side of the falls at Great Falls Park . (It really does look different if you have time to go to both parks!)

Hikers can enjoy three sections of the Billy Goat Trail . Section A is the most strenuous and can be the most crowded, yet it is always a favorite with friends I take to the park.

Pro Tip: The trail is close to the Potomac River, so weather changes often cause parts of the trail to close. Check out conditions before you start your hike.

One potential exception to the day trip rule: Consider staying in a Canal Quarters Lockhouse . There are seven lockhouses along the C&O Canal available for overnight rentals. Each is decorated in the style of a historic era ranging from the 1830s to the 1950s, and the amenities match — meaning some have electricity and showers, while others have lanterns and water pumps. Pick your level of adventure and enjoy a night back in time before making the trip back to Baltimore.

Editor’s Note: References for the information Emily shares in the first paragraph of this article can be found on baltimore.org , The Baltimore Basilica website , the Fort McHenry NPS page , and the National Aquarium website .

Emily Schmidt is an Emmy award-winning journalist who grew up on an Iowa farm and is based in Washington, DC. She has told stories while floating in air, wading through floodwaters, and covering the race for U.S. President.

Emily scopes out places like Tajikistan and Guinea while on assignment and tackles exploring U.S. National Parks with her husband and two sons. They’re writing a book, “Geokids: 50 States On School Breaks” about those adventures and mapping out continent visits. Next up: Antarctica.

• Last Updated On
• August 23, 2023

33 Best Day Trips From Baltimore — Places Nearby!

Living in the state of Maryland, I’ve roamed the streets, tasted the flavors, and breathed in the culture. 

Baltimore, with its gritty charm, has always been close to my heart. 

But sometimes, the soul craves a journey beyond the city limits. 

That’s where the best day trips from Baltimore come into play. 

From the rolling hills that whisper tales of history to the vast coastlines that sing songs of the sea, these escapes are not just trips; they’re experiences. 

I’ve been there, I’ve felt them, and now, I’m here to guide you. 

Buckle up for an adventure that promises to add spice, thrill, and a touch of the extraordinary to your everyday life.

Best Day Trips From Baltimore Compared

Ready to taste the extraordinary? 

Check out our top picks for the best day trips from Baltimore.

Editor’s Choice

Washington, D.C.

Historic Washington, D.C., sits an hour from Baltimore and is a seamless fusion of ye olde and new, making it an ideal vacation for both history lovers and those looking for a cosmopolitan getaway.

• Family Friendliness: 5/5 
• Safety: 4/5 
• Affordability: 3/5 
• Accessibility: 4/5
• Fun Factor: 5/5 

#2nd Best Choice

Philadelphia

A little under two hours away from Baltimore, Philadelphia is the birthplace of America’s ideals of liberty, making it a hit among history lovers.

• Family Friendliness: 5/5  Safety: 3/5  Affordability: 4/5  Accessibility: 4/5  Fun Factor: 5/5

#3rd Best Choice

Mount Vernon

Under two hours of driving away from Baltimore sits Mount Vernon, a significant spot in the country’s history—it was the one-time residence of the United States’ first president, George Washington.

• Family Friendliness: 4/5
• Safety: 5/5 
• Affordability: 4/5 
• Accessibility: 3/5
• Fun Factor: 4/5 

Here are top 33 day trips from Baltimore.

1. Washington, D.C. (Editor’s Choice)

Washington D.C., District of Columbia (202) 789-7000 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Ratings Criteria

• Rich cultural experience: Home to iconic monuments, museums, and government buildings, D.C. offers a deep dive into American history and culture.
• Family-friendly attractions: With numerous free museums and family-oriented activities, it’s a great destination for all ages.
• Can be pricey: While many attractions are free, dining and other expenses can add up.
• Traffic and parking: Navigating the city and finding parking can be challenging, especially during peak hours.

Though ample resources exist to learn about the country’s history and politics, there’s nothing better than learning about these at the seat of it all!

Historic Washington, D.C. , sits an hour from Baltimore and is a seamless fusion of ye olde and new, making it an ideal vacation for both history lovers and those looking for a cosmopolitan getaway.

Political and historical landmarks share walls with high-end shopping spots, world-class restaurants, cultural hubs, and entertainment hotspots.

For a look into the country’s past, head to venues such as The Washington Monument, The Smithsonian, The Lincoln Memorial and the 1,000-acre National Mall that it sits on, The National Holocaust Museum, Ford Theater, and of course, The White House, The Capitol, and The Pentagon.

Sports fans should consider catching the Washington Nationals in action at Nationals Park.

Recommended Hotel: citizenM Washington DC NoMa

2. Philadelphia

Philadelphia, PA (215) 636-3300 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

• Safety: 3/5 
• Accessibility: 4/5 
• Historical significance: Known for its rich history, Philadelphia offers sites like Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell.
• Culinary delights: From cheesesteaks to fine dining, the city’s food scene is diverse and delicious.
• Safety concerns in some areas: Like many cities, some neighborhoods may require extra caution.
• Weather dependence: Some attractions are best enjoyed in good weather, so planning around the forecast is wise.

Soak in the history at Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell, housed in the Independence National Historical Park, or the lovely Elfreth’s Alley and the African American Museum.

Philly, along with being home to mouthwatering cheesesteaks, is also home to a vibrant art scene, with the renowned LOVE sculptures and tons of art museums and galleries lining the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, from the Barnes Foundation to the Franklin Institute to the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

Recommended Hotel: Motto by Hilton Philadelphia Rittenhouse Square

3. Mount Vernon

3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy Mt Vernon, VA 22121 (703) 780-2000 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

• Unique historical perspective: George Washington’s estate offers a glimpse into 18th-century life with well-preserved buildings and gardens.
• Scenic beauty: The location along the Potomac River provides beautiful views and outdoor enjoyment.
• Limited appeal for young children: While educational, some aspects may not engage very young children.
• Accessibility: Getting to Mount Vernon without a car can be more challenging, making it less convenient for those relying on public transportation.

However, Mount Vernon doesn’t restrict its identity to just being President Washington’s home; it is also a hub of family-friendly, urban, and natural activities!

Learn about the president and the American Revolution at the Education Center (with reenactments every May) or the prestigious Peabody Library and Walters Art Museum to immerse yourself in the city’s cultural history.

An enjoyable experience is taking a sightseeing tour down the Potomac, as is visiting Pioneer Farm’s four-legged residents, exploring its trails, and even participating in a scavenger hunt!

Recommended Hotel: Best Western Plus Mount Vernon – Fort Belvoir

4. Sandy Point State Park

1100 E College Pkwy Annapolis, MD 21409 (410) 974-2149 Visit Website Open in Google Maps

Visiting Sandy Point State Park should feature on your list of places to visit near Baltimore if you’re a fan of Mother Nature’s work (and it’s only 36 minutes away from the city)!

This enchanting park is home to seemingly endless stretches of the Northwestern shore’s golden sands, splendid water views, dramatic hills and cliffs, a lush forest, and plenty of family-friendly fun.

You could just “beach bum” your way through the day here or try the hiking, boating, crabbing, fishing, kayaking, canoeing, picnicking (in designated spots replete with outdoor grills), and swimming on offer here.

There are also several playgrounds sprinkled across the park, as well as the Sandy Point Shoal Lighthouse and Sandy Point Mansion.

Don’t forget to catch a stunning sunset from one of the bay’s largest bridges—the bridge to Kent Island.

Recommended Hotel: The Inn at Chesapeake Bay Beach Club

5. Harrisburg

Harrisburg, PA (717) 231-7788 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Pennsylvania’s capital, situated an hour and 20 minutes from Baltimore, is a treasure chest for history lovers, with plenty of gems to discover.

Start at the heart of the city, the seat of the impressive Pennsylvania State Capitol Complex, inspired by St. Peter’s Basilica’s architectural style.

Next, head to the State Museum of Pennsylvania for in-depth lessons on the state’s history, and the National Civil War Museum to learn about the conflict that shaped American history.

Other spots of interest include the gorgeous John Harris and Simon Cameron Mansion, as well as the Pennsylvania National Fire Museum, where you can learn about fire safety and admire the Victorian architecture of the original 19th-century firehouse that now houses the museum.

Recommended Hotel: Comfort Suites Camp Hill-Harrisburg West

Related: Activities in Baltimore

6. Rehoboth Beach

Rehoboth Beach, DE (800) 441-1329 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Located in Delaware and a little over 2.5 hours away from Baltimore, surf, sun, and sand await visitors to the “Nation’s Summer Capital”, also the largest beach resort area in the state.

The boardwalk is the town’s most prominent feature, with an array of historic hotels, excellent restaurants, and glitzy shopping centers occupying space along the path.

The fun takes on a historic twist at the 1960s-themed Funland, where you can also grab some ‘gram-worthy views of the city’s evening skyline.

If you’re looking for a quiet, nature-filled day away, consider spending the day at Cape Henlopen State Park, a perfect mix of unblemished beaches for swimming and sunbathing and imposing dunes for hiking.

Recommended Hotel: Brighton Suites Hotel

Related: Best Weekend Getaways From Baltimore

7. Gunpowder Falls State Park

7200 Graces Quarters Middle River, MD 21220 (410) 592-2897 Visit Website Open in Google Maps

Though it’s just 20 miles away from Baltimore, Gunpowder is more than just a convenient one-day getaway—it is also one of the most scenic places near Baltimore and a playground for outdoor enthusiasts.

As one of Maryland’s largest state parks, you’ll find plenty across Gunpowder’s 18,000 acres to keep you unplugged from city life for the day, from verdant woodlands to a great mix of land and water activities, centered around the beautiful Gunpowder river’s beaches, falls, and 120 miles of trails.

You’ll also find a surprising slice of history in the park—historic structures such as the Jerusalem Mill Historic Village and the Mill Pond Cottage call the park home.

Recommended Hotel: Springhill Suites Baltimore White Marsh/Middle River

8. Leesburg

Leesburg, VA (703) 777-2420 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Nestled into the Catoctin Mountains’ foothills, this historic Virginian town boasts a rich past, having served as home to many of America’s most renowned families.

Tour George Marshall’s House and the Oatlands Historic House and Gardens, both centuries old, to get a glimpse of the old-world opulence these families lived in.

Head to Morven Park and you can tour the Winmill Carriage Museum, the interesting Museum of Hounds and Hunting, and the lovely Morven Mansion.

Other spots of interest include the Thomas Balch Library and Ball’s Bluff Battlefield Regional Park; the latter, a Civil War site, even features living-history events.

Recommended Hotel: Comfort Suites

9. Antietam National Battlefield

302 E Main St Sharpsburg, MD 21782 (301) 432-5124 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

The site of one of the goriest conflicts in Civil War history, where over 23,000 soldiers perished in the 12-hour Confederate-United army, Antietam National Battlefield is a beautifully conserved landmark to visit today.

Around 1.5 hours away from Baltimore, the battlefield’s most important sites include Burnside Bridge, Dunker Church, Sunken Road, Pry House Field Hospital Museum, the National Cemetery, Newcomer House, and Bloody Lane, which you can cover through a self-guided tour.

You can also take self-guided hikes at Final Attack, Cornfield, and Sherrick Farm, or participate in the ranger programs to learn more about the site’s somber past.

Recommended Hotel: Quality Inn

Related: Fun Weekend Getaways in Maryland

10. Six Flags America

13710 Central Ave Bowie, MD 20721 (301) 249-1500 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

All kinds of thrilling, head to Six Flags America if you want classic theme-park fun (and the adrenaline pumping!).

This family-friendly destination is one of the country’s most popular theme parks, drawing over 28 million visitors a year before the COVID-19 lockdown.

Just a little under an hour’s drive away for Baltimoreans, Six Flags offers plenty of exciting coaster rides, a water complex with a humongous wave pool and slides, live entertainment, fun restaurants, and shopping venues.

Six Flags is understandably a hit with the tots and tykes, who can’t get enough of the whirlwinds, swings, and even the family-friendly coasters!

Recommended Hotel: TownePlace Suites Bowie Town Center

11. Ocean City

Ocean City, MD (410) 289-2800 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

A charming seaside town with plenty of beaches for a fun day on the sands, Ocean City is a summer haven, with plenty of parasailing, kayaking, jet skiing, and other water activities, but is just as great in the other months (when you can also escape the crowds).

You’ll have to drive for two hours and 40 minutes to get to this city, but the journey is absolutely worth it.

The town’s lively boardwalk (among the country’s best, as featured in National Geographic) and free beaches, spanning three and ten miles, respectively, are its main attractions, along with an iconic carousel dating back to 1902.

The boardwalk is best explored by renting a bike, but if you want a unique experience, ride the tram that travels up and down.

The town also packs tons of arcades, thriving nightlife and entertainment (check out Ripley’s Believe It or Not!), excellent restaurants, and fun events throughout the year.

Recommended Hotel: Country Inn & Suites by Radisson Ocean City

12. Shenandoah National Park

Shenandoah National Park, VA (540) 999-3500 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

A couple of hours away from Baltimore sits this paradise of unblemished natural beauty and scenic vistas, a must-visit for nature lovers.

Tucked into the Blue Ridge Mountains, Shenandoah is brimming with lovely peaks, wildflower-lined hiking trails and fields, gently flowing streams, and enchanting woodlands.

Wildlife-watching enthusiasts will enjoy the designated sanctuary for black bears, deer, and several bird species.

For a memorable road trip, drive through Skyline Drive, among the country’s most renowned drives, where 105 miles of mesmerizing views can be enjoyed from the 70-plus vantage points.

Recommended Hotel: Comfort Inn & Suites

13. Hershey Park

100 W Hersheypark Dr Hershey, PA 17033 (717) 534-3900 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

If you love chocolate and amusement parks, Hershey Park is a no-brainer.

A hit with the kids (and those with a very active inner child!), Hershey Park sits 1.5 hours away from Baltimore, putting it on the list of the easier Baltimore day trips to make.

The park offers a full-fledged water park (the Boardwalk, which features a wave pool, water slides, and a children’s area), over 14 coasters, access to ZooAmerica, and several other attractions for entertainment.

The brave of heart should consider visiting Hershey Park in the Dark, a Halloween weekend special where rides in total darkness are the (scary) highlight.

Recommended Hotel: Bluegreen Vacations Suites at Hershey

Related: Weekend Getaways From Pittsburgh

14. Atlantic City

Atlantic City, NJ (844) 855-6338 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Getting to Atlantic City from Baltimore will likely take about three hours of driving.

But, this glamorous resort town is perfect if you’re looking for a getaway with no compromise on creature comforts.

From high-end casinos (the world’s largest Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, anyone?) to vibrant nightlife to world-class fine-dining restaurants, the real-life Monopoly City has it all.

Beach lovers will be happy to know that Atlantic City is also home to some of Jersey Shore’s most gorgeous sands, and a boardwalk that winds through charming boutiques, glitzy high-rises, and splendid ocean views.

For a more thrilling time, head to the Steel Pier Amusement Park, with its many coasters and rides (there are also plenty of carousels for the young ones).

Recommended Hotel: Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City

Related: Best Weekend Getaways From Jersey City

15. Frederick

Frederick, MD (301) 600-4047 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Maryland’s Frederick is less than an hour from Baltimore.

And, it’s among the state’s most romantic getaways—prime wine country that is home to the gorgeous countryside, lovely views, and of course, some of the country’s best wine.

Locally owned wineries abound in the area, many offering tours and tastings with lovely natural views in the backdrop.

Frederick isn’t just about its world-class wine and food, though—the city is a melting pot of the historic and the contemporary, with many Civil War-era structures and museums sharing walls with performing arts venues, galleries, and boutiques.

You could also hike the Appalachian trail or visit the many preserved battlefields, wildlife preserve, amusement parks, and Gambrill State Park for outdoor activities.

Recommended Hotel: Hampton Inn & Suites Frederick/Fort Detrick

16. Michaux State Forest

10099 Lincoln Way E Fayetteville, PA 17222 (717) 352-2211 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

This state forest, sitting about two hours from Baltimore, isn’t just home to excellent outdoor activities and stunning foliage.

It’s also the site of many firsts in Pennsylvania forestry, from being the first forest tree nursery to housing the first steel fire tower and wooden fire tower, and the first forest academy.

Spanning three of southern Pennsylvania’s counties and parts of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Michaux is brimming with outdoor recreation opportunities year-round.

In the warm summer months, the forest is abuzz with camping, boating, cycling, mountain biking, and horseback riding, whereas in the colder months, the stage is set for cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, ice fishing, ice skating, and hunting.

Outdoor enthusiasts also flock to Michaux to hike part of the renowned Appalachian Trail.

Recommended Hotel: La Quinta by Wyndham Chambersburg

17. Assateague State Park

6915 Stephen Decatur Hwy Berlin, MD 21811 (410) 641-2918 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Though this state park is nearly three hours away from Baltimore, the rugged barrier beauty of Assateague Island and Maryland’s Eastern Shore, where the park sits, may be well worth it for lovers of the great outdoors.

At Assateague, you’ll find an assortment of natural terrain, from salt marshes to coastal bays to verdant forests to pristine beaches and clear waters.

In the summer, Assateague is perfect for surfing, swimming, fishing, biking, kayaking, hiking, beachcombing, and sunbathing, with stunning Atlantic views for company.

What draws visitors to the park, though, is the opportunity to see the majestic, untamed residents that roam the park—its wild horses.

Recommended Hotel: Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Ocean City

18. American Visionary Art Museum

800 Key Hwy Baltimore, MD 21230 (410) 244-1900 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

The American Visionary Art Museum is just a six-minute drive from the heart of Baltimore.

Though plenty of museums display works by trained, renowned artists, the American Visionary Art Museum (AVAM) is a unique museum that celebrates the vision and displays the works of untrained, lesser-known artists.

Exhibits are a combination of permanent, traveling, and rotating pieces from all over the world, thoughtfully curated and displayed both indoors and outdoors.

You can take a self-guided tour through the museum, or participate in any of the special events, classes, and workshops frequently organized here.

AVAM is just a few minutes away from Baltimore and you could easily spend the day’s hours immersed in the eclectic art on display, making it a great day trip for art enthusiasts.

Recommended Hotel: Baltimore Marriott Waterfront

19. Alexandria

Alexandria, VA (703) 38-5005 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Beautiful, quaint Alexandria is a favorite haunt for history buffs, with centuries-old buildings and museums that hold several of the country’s historic secrets!

Stroll along one of America’s “Great Streets”, the red-bricked King Street Mile, with many restaurants and shops lining the avenue.

Alexandria’s many interesting museums include the Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum, the Carlyle House, and the Gadsby Tavern Museum, as well as the Former Torpedo Factory’s more offbeat art display.

Outdoor enthusiasts also have reason to make their way to Alexandria, home to the Mount Vernon Trail, which presents biking and hiking opportunities from Theodore Roosevelt Island to Mount Vernon.

And, did we mention that it’s less than an hour away from Baltimore?

Recommended Hotel: Embassy Suites by Hilton Alexandria Old Town

20. Annapolis

Annapolis, MD (410) 280-0445 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

The former home of the United States Capitol, the present home of the US Naval Academy, and charming overall, waterside Annapolis sits just 30 minutes away from Baltimore, making it a very convenient one-day trip from Baltimore.

Deceptively urban, Annapolis is just as full of quaint, cobblestoned streets, bobbing boats, and enchanting cafes, bars, and restaurants, as entirely urban areas.

The city’s historical significance and rich past are laid out in the tons of museums and gorgeous historic buildings that dot every corner, as well as spots such as The Maryland State House and the Academy itself.

If you’re looking for lighter entertainment, you’ll find this in Town Dock and Quiet Waters Park’s plethora of outdoor activities, from kayaking and boating to biking and hiking, as well as the many fun annual festivals celebrated in the city, such as the Renaissance Festival, Oktoberfest, Seafood Crawl, and Irish Festival.

Recommended Hotel: Graduate Annapolis

21. Cape May

Cape May, NJ (609) 465-1000 Visit Website Open in Google Maps

Cape May’s pristine sands and azure waters can help you get your hit of Vitamin Sea, so head here for a great beach day in a charming seaside town that has more than its fair share of history.

A little under three hours away from Baltimore, Cape May has plenty of campgrounds, beaches, oceanfront restaurants, and boutique shops, as well as many museums, tours of vintage homes, and a majestic lighthouse.

The town also boasts beautifully conserved period architecture, earning its Historic District a spot on the National Register of Historic Places.

If you want a little pampering and “me time”, you can hit any of the several seaside spas for luxurious treatments.

Recommended Hotel: ICONA Cape May

22. Gettysburg National Military Park

1195 Baltimore Pike Gettysburg, PA 17325 (717) 334-1124 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Another Civil War battle that shaped the nation’s history is paid tribute to in the Gettysburg National Military Park; you’ll find well-preserved pieces of the historic battle, physical and in memory, over here.

While the Battle of Gettysburg is the main focus here, you’ll also find plenty of artifacts and exhibits documenting the history of the Civil War.

The park’s most prominent feature is the David Wills House, where President Lincoln drew up his famous Gettysburg Address, as well as the actual site of the address.

Before hitting the road again, pay your respects at the National Cemetery, the final resting place of over 6,000 casualties, both soldiers and civilians, of several wars.

The trip to this military park from Baltimore takes about an hour and nine minutes.

Recommended Hotel: Quality Inn Gettysburg Battlefield

23. Ladew Topiary Gardens

3535 Jarrettsville Pike Monkton, MD 21111 (410) 557-9570 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Among North America’s top five gardens, the Ladew Topiary Gardens is sprawled across 22 acres of manicured gardens, a seasonal Butterfly House, and a historic mansion.

Furthermore, this attraction is less than 40 minutes from Baltimore.

White Garden, Rose Garden, Garden of Eden, Iris Garden, Yellow Garden, and Sculpture Garden are some of the gardens you’ll find here.

One of the gardens is particularly noteworthy; Hunt Scene features life-size hedges in the form of foxes, riders, horses, and dogs, part of the 100-plus gorgeous topiary creations on display at Ladew.

There are several nature trails winding through the park for outdoor enthusiasts, and those wanting to learn about the gardens can participate in the many educational programs and events that are conducted regularly.

Recommended Hotel: Embassy Suites Baltimore – North/Hunt Valley

24. Chesapeake Bay

Chesapeake Bay, USA (800) 968-7229 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

This resort town has a ton of things to do, if you’re a fan of being by or on the water and the related activities it offers (think delicious seafood, spectacular bay views, and thrilling watersports!).

And, guess what?

It’s less than an hour from Baltimore by tram or bus.

If you’re here for the water fun, head to the marina for a fun water park, boating, and fishing.

A stone’s throw away sits the Veterans Memorial Park and the Railway Museum, the latter featuring historic photographs and exhibits.

For a quirky history lesson, visit Bruce Snake Gabrielson’s Surf Art Gallery and Museum, where you can learn about the city’s rich surfing history.

End the day with a stroll along the boardwalk, drinking in a gorgeous sunset before having a world-class meal at any of the oceanfront restaurants and bars that line the boardwalk.

Recommended Hotel: Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Norfolk Airport, an IHG Hotel

25. Ohio Canal National Historic Park

11710 Macarthur Blvd Potomac, MD 20854 (301) 582-0813 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

For a dose of nature, drive for an hour and 30 minutes to Ohio Canal National Historic Park.

This humongous historic park is the result of several generations’ worth of inventions in waterway transport, now thrown open to public eyes (over five million each year!).

Apart from walking through the park and exploring its attractions, you can hike, cycle, camp, trek, and bike in the park, with a key highlight being its 185-mile trail, running parallel to the Potomac.

Explore the remaining lock houses in the park and to see some mind-blowing canal architecture, make sure you visit the 530-foot-long Monocacy Aqueduct, with its septet of vaulted bridges.

Recommended Hotel: Embassy Suites Tysons Corner

26. Cumberland

Cumberland, MD (301) 722-2000 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Formerly a military outpost from George Washington’s era and the early pioneers’ “gateway to the west”, the Cumberland of today is a fusion of its rich past and its happening present.

And, it’s only two hours and 13 minutes from Baltimore.

To take a step back in time, visit the one-room headquarters that George Washington used, while under George Braddock’s command, and the city’s plethora of historical buildings.

To stay in the present, head to the Cumberland Arts and Entertainment District for great restaurants, shopping, and live entertainment.

If you’re looking for a fun way to combine history and gorgeous mountain views, ride the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad to Allegheny Mountains.

Recommended Hotel: Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Cumberland

27. Calvert Cliffs State Park

10540 H G Trueman Rd Lusby, MD 20657 (443) 975-4360 Visit Website Open in Google Maps

Resting an hour and 30 minutes from the city, this state park wows visitor with its unique, family-friendly attractions.

It’s extremely humbling to know that the cliffs of this state park are as old as 20 million years, from a time when the area was still underwater.

Occupying 24 miles of the Chesapeake Bay seashore, the Calvert Cliffs State Park is the site of well-preserved prehistoric fossils, including stingrays, sharks, birds, and even whales.

You can also hunt for your own fossils on the Red Trail beach, while the tots keep busy at the park’s playground (made of recycled tires, by the way!).

To cool down after all that activity, relax on the sands, take a dip, picnic, fish, or explore the 13 miles of hiking trails that run through the area’s tidal and fresh marshes.

Recommended Hotel: Holiday Inn Express & Suites Lexington Park California, an IHG Hotel

28. Solomon’s Island

Solomons Island Solomons, MD Open in Google Maps

A little over an hour and a half away, visiting Solomon Island should be on your list of things to do outside Baltimore if you want to visit and enjoy Maryland’s nerve center of boating.

Solomon’s Island draws both fishermen and boaters from far and wide for the excellent catch and boating opportunities presented by the Patuxent River.

Visitors to Solomon’s Island can enjoy the day in the Annmarie Sculpture Garden, Calvert Museum, and the Sculpture Park, or by gorging on fresh seafood.

The Riverwalk Boardwalk is also quite popular, with a string of boutiques, restaurants, and shops ending at the Chesapeake Bay Biological Laboratory, which you can visit to learn about the Bay.

Recommended Hotel: Hilton Garden Inn Solomons

29. Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge

2145 Key Wallace Dr Cambridge, MD 21613 (410) 228-2677 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

This expansive reserve sits on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, and is less than two hours from Baltimore.

Ideal for nature lovers, this wildlife refuge sprawls across 25,000 acres of woodlands, marshes, and wetlands.

This refuge is a haven for birding and wildlife enthusiasts, home to a range of animals and migratory birds, including some rare and endangered ones.

You can fish, cycle, crab, hike, and hunt (with a permit) here, or simply enjoy the lovely views of flora, fauna, and foliage from the visitors center’s observation deck, which is also equipped with TV monitors that give you in-depth views of eagle and osprey nests.

Blackwater is a sight to behold in spring and fall, especially for the Wildlife Drive and walking trails, but the rest of the year is also quite beautiful here.

Recommended Hotel: Holiday Inn Express Cambridge, an IHG Hotel

30. Great Falls Park

9200 Old Dominion Dr McLean, VA 22102 (703) 757-3101 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Home to the Mather Gorge and the Great Falls of Potomac, Great Falls Park also holds the distinction of housing one of the country’s first-ever canals.

Great Falls Park, sitting an hour from the city, has a ton of outdoor adventures on offer, such as hiking, whitewater rafting, fishing, cycling, and climbing.

If you’re here just for the spectacular views of the cascades, head to the three vantage points close to the visitor’s center for some amazing photo ops.

The park also has a Children’s Room for the tots, in addition to several educational and junior ranger programs.

31. St. Michael

St Michaels, MD Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Another one of Baltimore’s quaint seaside beauties, St. Michael’s beaches, afford the perfect chance to slow down and unwind.

Just an hour away, St. Michael, along with some excellent beaches, is also home to plenty of antique stores, boutiques, and galleries, should the shopping bug bite.

One of St. Michael’s most interesting sights is the “cannonball house”, a private residence that was the astonishing sole casualty of a British attack back in the War of 1812.

St. Michael’s has its own wineries and distilleries (and pretty good ones, at that) if you’re inclined to some spirit-filled indulging.

Historic stops include St. Michael’s Museum, Hooper Strait Lighthouse, and the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum.

Recommended Hotel: St Michaels Harbour Inn, Marina and Spa

32. US Bureau of Engraving and Printing

301 14th St SW Washington, DC 20250 (202) 874-2330 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

A highly interesting educational stop, head to the US Bureau of Engraving and Printing to see how the country’s money is made and printed!

The Bureau is a great spot to learn about the history of the dollar and its earlier avatars, as well as about paper currency.

You can view the money-printing process by walking along a gallery that overlooks the printing room—the birthplace of millions of dollars!

The best way to see the Bureau is to take a 40-minute tour, which includes the gallery tour and a short, informative film.

Also, the museum is just 40 minutes from the heart of Baltimore.

Recommended Hotel: Salamander Washington DC

33. Appalachian Trail Museum

1120 Pine Grove Rd Gardners, PA 17324 (717) 486-8126 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

We round off the list with a unique combination—hiking and history!

The Appalachian Trail Museum, set two hours from the city, details the history of one of America’s most iconic hiking trails.

The museum itself is quite gorgeous, housed in a former grist mill that’s over two centuries old.

The museum’s many exhibits include the OG trail shelter built by hiking legend Earl Shaffer, original photographs (over 12,000 of them) of hikers on Harpers Ferry and the trail itself, and several artifacts that trace the trail’s history.

Along with an extensive research library, there’s a great learning opportunity for the clan’s youngest members in the form of the Children’s Discovery Area.

Obviously, hiking is permitted on the museum’s grounds!

These are the best day trips from Baltimore. Which one will you pick for your next day trip?

Recommended Hotel: Holiday Inn Express & Suites Shippensburg, an IHG Hotel

Day Trip Guide 

Comparing destinations: which one is right for you.

As a local who’s tasted the flavors of these places, let me share a bit of my journey with you. 

Washington D.C., with its marble monuments and hushed hallways of power, felt like stepping into the pages of a history book. 

I remember the awe in my child’s eyes as we stood before Lincoln, a moment frozen in time.

Philadelphia, on the other hand, was a dance of flavors and freedom. 

The crack of the Liberty Bell resonated with the sizzle of cheesesteaks on the grill. 

It’s a city that feeds both body and soul.

Mount Vernon was a quieter, more reflective escape. 

Walking the grounds of Washington’s estate, I felt the whispers of the past, a connection to a time long gone but not forgotten.

Each destination offers a unique taste, a different rhythm. 

D.C. for the history lover, Philadelphia for the food enthusiast, and Mount Vernon for the soul seeking tranquility. 

Your perfect day trip from Baltimore awaits, and I’m here to guide you.

How I Picked The Destinations

Living in Maryland, I’ve not only wandered these streets but also dug into the soul of these places. 

I’ve talked to fellow wanderers, locals, and seasoned travelers. 

These destinations aren’t just picked. 

They’re lived, tasted, and deeply felt. 

They’re part of a journey that’s both personal and universal, and I’m sharing them with you.

Our Rating Method

I rate these destinations based on the following criteria.

• Family friendliness: This criterion assesses the family-friendly appeal of every destination. Does it offer attractions suited for the whole family? Does it have facilities and services that entertain and engage all age groups? I use these questions to evaluate family friendliness. 
• Safety: I use this to evaluate safety and security. Does the area have a low crime rate? Is public transportation secure? Are local authorities reliable and helpful? I ask myself these questions when evaluating safety. 
• Affordability: This is used to assess affordability. Will visitors get a lot of bang for their buck? Is it cheaper compared to the other options? I consider these factors when rating affordability. I consider these factors when rating affordability.
• Accessibility: This criterion evaluates the accessibility of every location. Is it easily accessible by public transportation? How walkable is the area? How far is it from the base? These are the questions I ask myself when assessing accessibility. 
• Fun factor: I use this to evaluate how enjoyable the day trip is for visitors. Will it create positive and memorable experiences? Does it offer attractions that promise fun experiences for the whole family? Are there theme parks, beaches, and hiking trails? I use these questions to evaluate this criterion.

Frequently Asked Questions 

What day trips in baltimore are good for avoiding crowds.

Day trips to quieter destinations like Mount Vernon or the scenic trails of Patapsco Valley State Park are excellent for avoiding crowds near Baltimore. Mount Vernon offers a glimpse into history without the bustling city noise, while Patapsco Valley State Park provides a natural escape with hiking, biking, and picnicking opportunities. These spots allow for a more peaceful and intimate experience, away from the typical tourist throngs.

Are There Affordable Options For Day Trips From Baltimore?

Affordability is a key feature in many day trips from Baltimore. Options like exploring Washington D.C.’s free museums, enjoying Philadelphia’s street food, or visiting Mount Vernon’s historical sites can fit various budgets.

How Far Are These Day Trips From Baltimore?

The distance for day trips from Baltimore varies. Washington D.C. is around an hour’s drive, Philadelphia is approximately 1.5 to 2 hours away, and Mount Vernon might take around 1.5 hours, depending on traffic.

Conclusion 

In this journey through the best day trips from Baltimore, we’ve tasted history, culture, and the unique flavors of each destination. 

But among them, Washington D.C. stands tall. Its marble monuments and hushed hallways resonate with a power that’s both awe-inspiring and humbling. 

Philadelphia dances with freedom, while Mount Vernon whispers tales of the past. 

Yet, D.C. is the place where history comes alive, where every street echoes with the voices of legends. 

It’s not just a trip. 

It’s an experience, a connection to the very soul of this nation. 

Your adventure awaits, and I’m here, a fellow wanderer and local, to guide you.

Surf and Sunshine

Travel focused lifestyle blog featuring recipe, family and garden content

Daytripping Through Maryland’s Eastern Shore: 5 Perfect Day Trips

The hidden gem of Maryland’s Eastern Shore is a treasure trove, providing the perfect day trip destination from many other places on the East Coast. It has a little of everything, catering to every possible interest: natural beauty, historical significance, and loads of seaside, small-town charm.

From the tranquil, wispy sand dune-studded shores of Assateague Island to countless historic destinations holding very literal national treasures and deep secrets, each day trip offers visitors a unique experience. Whether you’re a history buff, an outdoor enthusiast, or even seeking a peaceful family summer vacation , Maryland’s Eastern Shore has plenty to offer.

Immerse in The Great Outdoors at the Assateague Island National Seashore

No trip to the Eastern Shore is complete without a visit to the Assateague Island National Seashore . Known for its free-roaming wild ponies and miles of pristine sand dune-studded beaches , this barrier island offers an unforgettable experience. The seashore sits in both Maryland and Virginia, and each side offers endless adventure.

Explore the 37-plus miles of hiking and biking trails, go crabbing for those famous Maryland Blue Crabs, try surf fishing, go birdwatching or horseback riding , kayaking, camp overnight, or relax on the sandy shores. You might spot the famous wild horses grazing along the shoreline if you’re lucky!

Take a Step Back in Time in St. Michaels

St. Michaels is the epitome of a waterfront East Coast town, with beautiful scenery, charming streets lined with local restaurants and boutiques, and an atmosphere that’s both laid-back and bustling.

One of the town’s main attractions is the renowned Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum , where visitors can immerse themselves in the area’s rich maritime history as they explore the exhibits. These include a marina full of historic boats, interactive displays, and the Hooper Strait Lighthouse (circa 1879). The museum even offers scenic river cruises aboard its 1920 boat, Winnie Estelle .

There are several other ways to explore the river outside the museum’s offerings, including narrated sunset tours and sailing charters. Prefer to do the navigating yourself? Go kayaking, stand up paddleboarding or canoeing!

This quaint seaside town also has excellent shopping, dining, wineries, and breweries. Some highlights include St. Michaels Winery and Eastern Shore Brewing, both award-winning establishments with great tasting rooms. Crab Claw is also a can’t-miss, a family-owned seafood restaurant on a dock overlooking the river.

Explore Historic Tilghman Island

Just 11 miles west of St. Michaels, separated from the mainland but connected via a drawbridge, Tilghman Island makes another beautiful day trip on Maryland’s Eastern Shore.

This scenic fishing village is known for its natural beauty , abundant boating opportunities, and some of the best seafood on the Eastern Seaboard. Particularly, Tilghman Island has long-standing roots in the oyster industry, which offers excellent dining and tour options.

Don’t leave town without checking out Rebecca T. Ruark , the oldest skipjack boat on the Chesapeake Bay! The boat was built in 1896 and earned an official National Historic Landmark designation in 2003.

Discover Kent Island’s Arts Scene (and a Hidden Beach!)

Kent Island is the biggest island in the Chesapeake Bay, the major link between Maryland’s western and eastern shores. There’s plenty to see and do here, making it one of the best options. The quaint, historic town of Stevensville is a wonderful place to start, offering a little something for every type of day-tripper. 

Start in the Arts & Entertainment District, and if you can time it right, aim for a Saturday. On the first Saturday of every month from April through December, the district hosts First Saturday events , which include a local farmers’ market and open house-style tours of many of the area’s historical sites and homes. There are also plenty of antique shops, art galleries, and great cafes in the arts district, so it’s easy to fill an entire day without venturing very far.

Music enthusiasts won’t want to miss touring the Paul Reed Smith (PRS) guitar factory in town. The top-of-the-line facility is a sight to behold in its own right, but visitors can also try their hand — literally — at playing world-class guitars and witness them being made in live time. Prominent musicians like Carlos Santana and Dave Navarro of Red Hot Chili Peppers and Jane’s Addiction have their guitars made here!

One of the main reasons to visit Kent Park is its outdoor attractions. Head to the Terrapin Nature Park , with picnic areas, great hiking trails, and a “hidden” beach overlooking the Bay Bridge. Reach it by taking the park’s 3.25-mile main hiking trail. 

Learn About History & the “Everglades of the North” in Cambridge

The Eastern Shore town of Cambridge, about an hour’s drive from Annapolis , has a bit of everything, making it an ideal day trip destination. The Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, affectionately known as the “Everglades of the North,” is a great place to start, with miles of biking and hiking trails, great fishing, fascinating marshes, and unbeatable birdwatching opportunities. Stroll through the refuge on your own, or join a guided birdwatching tour. 

Near the wildlife refuge is the plantation where famed abolitionist Harriet Tubman made her final escape from slavery. She would return to the area many times over the years, helping 70 others escape enslavement via the Underground Railroad. Today, you can visit the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historical Park , where you can walk and drive in the same place she once did, retracing her steps. 

Uncover Maryland’s Eastern Shore

Maryland’s Eastern Shore offers an enchanting journey through a region brimming with natural beauty and delightful experiences. From the picturesque waterfront towns and charming historical sites to the idyllic landscapes and mouthwatering seafood, this coastal paradise has something for every traveler.

Any day trip through Maryland’s Eastern Shore promises to be an unforgettable adventure. Embark on a journey to this captivating region, and prepare to be swept away by the allure of it all.

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The 14 best day trips from DC to get away from it all

From charming Mid-Atlantic pit stops to the Piedmont regions, get out of town on one of these scenic day trips from DC

Skipping town for one of the best day trips from DC. can feel strange, considering the amount of things to do in this city. Seriously, you could spend an entire week just checking out the best museums . And yet, given it’s prime spot on the Potomac River, DC. is a perfect jumping-off point in the Mid-Atlantic for a variety of destinations—there are so incredible small towns and scenic vistas worth exploring within a day’s drive or easy train ride. From adventurous trails to indie coffee roasters, historic buildings, wine country, and Southern eats, the options are endless. So whether you’re a nature lover or antique shop connoisseur, give yourself a city break on one of these best day trips from DC.
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Best day trips from DC

1.  Roanoke Valley, VA

Located in the heart of Virginia ’s beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, the Roanoke Valley promises small-town charm with big city vibes. Accessible via Amtrak or the oh-so-scenic Blue Ridge Parkway, the area is home to one of the most breathtaking points on the Appalachian Trail: McAfee Knob, located 3,197 feet atop Catawba Mountain. After a day’s long hike, grab a pint at one of the many area breweries like  Deschutes Brewery   and s hop for antique relics at the cavernous  Black Dog Salvage .

If you do just one thing... Be sure to  grab a scoop at  Pop’s Ice Cream and Soda Bar on your way back home.

Want to stay overnight? Book a room at Hotel Roanoke .

2.  Wardensville, WV

This small town in West Virginia is en route to Lost River, a bucolic retreat that draws a large gay population. Once a pit stop, it is now slowly becoming a destination in its own right thanks to a concentrated effort by its entrepreneurial residents. Drop by Lost River Trading Post, a mercantile-meets-art gallery filled with locally made goods, and don’t forget to swing by Wardensville Garden Market and Bakery , a non-profit farm market that sells from-scratch goodies.

If you do just one thing…  Enjoy Bluegrass in the Barn , a monthly live music celebration at Capon Crossing Farm.

Want to stay overnight? Book a room at Firefly Inn .

3.  St. Michael’s, MD

Nautical enthusiasts will fall hard for this seaside town in Maryland . Don’t overlook the  Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum , a favorite among locals that's known for its stunning sunset vantage point. Affordable cruises and water activities are also available through the museum. Continue your adventure at  Lyon Distilling  ( temporarily closed ) , which serves delicious rum and whiskey made on-site, and  Justine’s Ice Cream Parlor ‚ a sweet finish to the sun-filled day.

If you do just one thing… Take a cruise down the Miles River in a replica 1930s steamship with Patriot Cruises . You’ll get both great views of the city and an entertaining overview of the history and sites.

Want to stay overnight? Book a room at George Brooks House .

4.  Harpers Ferry, WV

Thrill seekers flock to Harpers Ferry for the chance to experience adrenaline pumping adventure sports, including white water rafting and tubing in the Potomac River.  Harpers Ferry Adventure Center is one of the most trusted rental companies in town. For those who aren’t quite as intrepid, a visit to the cobblestone streets and charming architecture throughout the Lower Town area might sound like a more attractive daily activity. 

If you do just one thing…  Walk through the 20 miles of nature trails at Harpers Ferry National Historical Park .

Want to stay overnight? Book a room at Light Horse Inn .

5.  Middleburg, VA

For the equestrian set, there’s no better day trip destination than Middleburg. The posh town in Loudoun County is home to upscale horse farms and more than 30 wineries. You’ll also find world-class golf courses and countryside resorts like Salamander Resort and Spa, a luxe escape with a gourmet restaurant, putting green, equestrian center, and views for days. 

If you do just one thing… Visit during the  Middleburg Film Festival   in October, a celebrated event that draws some of the entertainment industry’s major players.

Want to stay overnight? Book a room at the Salamander Resort and Spa .

6.  Fredericksburg, VA

Accessible via train, Fredericksburg is a quick trip down memory lane. Here, you’ll find poignant Civil War battlefields and tons of George Washington-related history, including the homes of his mother and sister. Stroll down Caroline Street for a glimpse of the city’s many clothing and art boutiques (we love Ponshop ) and antique shops. Hungry? Foode  is a cult favorite and  Benny Vitali’s has some of the best pizza in town.

If you do just one thing… Grab frozen custard  Carl’s , a retro ice cream shop that’s been satisfying sweet tooths since 1947.

Want to stay overnight? Book a room at The Richard Johnston Inn & 1890 Caroline House.

7.  Richmond, VA

Richmond is rich in southern hospitality, delicious restaurants and historic sites. Luckily, it’s only a quick train ride away . L'Opossum is a hip French spot that’s worth checking out. Don’t miss out on strolling through Carry Street, which is packed with adorable vintage shops, clothing stores and other fun destinations.

If you do just one thing…  Visit the  Byrd Theater , a historic movie house.

Want to stay overnight? Book a room at The Jefferson Hotel .

8.  Baltimore, MD

It’s called Charm City for a reason. Baltimore is bursting with personality, as proven by all the quirky attractions and events that call it home, including the annual  Kinetic Sculpture Race , during which huge human-powered structures lumber around the city. The  Visionary Art Museum houses an impressive collection of outsider art and the Tattoo Museum pays homage to all things ink. Savor brunch at Woodberry Kitchen and then proceed to W.C. Harlan, a moody speakeasy, for a proper cocktail.

If you do just one thing…  Explore Hampden, a uniquely Baltimore part of town that has starred in a number of John Waters' counter-culture films.

Want to stay overnight?  Splurge and book a room at Sagamore Pendry Baltimore .

9.  Shenandoah National Park, VA

Road tripping on  Skyline Drive is like cruising through a postcard. The picturesque byway leads you to  Shenandoah National Park , where you can hop on the Appalachian Trail and peep where Herbert Hoover vacationed at  Rapidan Camp .

If you do just one thing…  Stargaze in the Big Meadows area, near Rapidan Fire Road. On nights when the sky is clear enough, you can even see the Milky Way.

Want to stay overnight? Book a room at Lewis Mountain Cabins .

10.  Ocean City, MD

When you’ve had your fill of cotton candy, explore other Ocean City boardwalk novelties like a carousel from 1912 and a miniature golf course. Of course, there’s also the beach. (You brought SPF along for the ride, right?) In terms of food, make sure to stop by  Fractured Prune , an outpost that only sells fried doughnuts that you can customize to your liking.

If you do just one thing… Indulge in a lovely picnic at  Northside Park , a 58-mile public recreation area.

Want to stay overnight? Book a room at Northwood Inn Bed and Breakfast .

11.  Assateague State Park, MD

This is an animal lover’s paradise. Let’s start with the wild ponies that reside in this popular island park. You can look at them but make sure not to touch or feed them, they’re known to be vicious and attack visitors for their food. To see dolphins, which are usually spotted, camp out on the beach. There are also deers and over 200 species of birds on the island—what else could you ever dream of?

If you do just one thing…  See all the animals, obviously.

Want to stay overnight?   Book a room at   Hotel Atlantic .

12.  Charlottesville, VA

Home to the historic  University of Virginia , Charlottesville is at once rooted in tradition and infused with a youthful energy. Situated in the heart of Virginia wine country, the city offers a number of wineries that are worth a visit. Not into drinking? Head to the  Downtown Mall , which is chock-full of restaurants, shopping and entertainment. Stop by the  Virginia Discovery Museum  as well, especially if you’re traveling with kids.

If you do just one thing…  Visit  Monticello , Thomas Jefferson’s impressive grounds, where he tinkered with famous inventions.

Want to stay overnight? Book a room at Dinsmore Boutique Inn .

13.  Annapolis, MD

You don’t need a set of sea legs to fully enjoy Annapolis. Though there are plenty of water-related activities—including chartered sailing trips, canoeing and lighthouse, tours—landlubbers can appreciate the grounds of the United States Naval Academy , which offers tours of the esteemed school. A robust restaurant scene includes Vida Taco Bar  and  Preserve , an esteemed Annapolis newcomer focused on sustainability and fresh ingredients.

If you do just one thing…  Pick up some reading material at  Back Creek Books and enjoy your new purchases over a cup of joe at Ceremony Coffee Roasters . Oh, and relax.

Want to stay overnight? Book a room at The Annapolis Inn .

14.  Winchester, VA

Bonnie Blue Bakery alone is worth the trip to this rural slice of Virginia. The rustic, from-scratch shop is known for its Texas-style BBQ and biscuits, which usually sell out before lunchtime. The charming Museum of the Shenandoah Valley will give you a deeper appreciation of the region, while Village Square Restaurant offers a number of sleek dishes and craft cocktails. Looking to mix it up? Hopscotch Coffee & Records is a funky venue for exploring vinyl while sipping your favorite beverage. 

If you do just one thing…  Eat. A lot.

Want to stay overnight? Book a room at L'Auberge Provencale .

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13 Out Of This World Summer Day Trips To Take In Maryland

Jamie Alvarenga

Jamie Alvarenga is a writer and editor who loves all things Maryland.

More by this Author

Summer is the time to finally explore fun adventures in Maryland that we’ve been meaning to do. For those of us who don’t have the time for a long vacation, a day trip is the perfect solution. If you’re looking for inspiration for your next day trip, consider heading out on one or more of the 13 best day trips in Maryland . There are so many fun and awe-inspiring places on this list.

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Do you agree that these are the best day trips in Maryland? What are your favorite summer day trips in Maryland? Let us know in the comments! If you’re looking for somewhere to stay overnight, check into this tiny house on a Maryland pier . Happy exploring!

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

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More to Explore

Best day trips in maryland.

What are the best outdoor activities in Maryland?

Some of the best outdoor activities in Maryland include the following:

• Gather the whole family for a day at The Adventure Park in Sandy Springs . The aerial park is, in fact, the largest aerial park in North America, so you know it’s a good summer destination. It boasts 13 trails that feature all of the best in aerial fun – zip lines, rope courses, and bridges.
• Robinson Nature Center , one of the best places to visit in Maryland, is also an ideal summer destination. You’ll have a ton to do both indoors and outdoors – from a planetarium to an outdoor playground.

What are the best day trips in Maryland?

Some of the best day trips in Maryland include:

• A day trip that will take you to some of Maryland’s best wine and waterfalls ? The 189-mile day trip will take you just over 4.5 hours and kicks off at Cunningham Falls. Visit such spots as Linganore Winecellars, Cascade Falls, and Boordy Vineyards.
• For a fun day among animals, plan a day at Poplar Spring Animal Sanctuary in Poolesville . The animal sanctuary is home to cows, pigs, goats, and even a peacock.

Where can I go on one tank of gas in Maryland?

There are many places to go on one tank of gas In Maryland including the following:

• Villa de Alpacas Farm in Aquasco is an alpaca farm that is a fun way to spend a few hours or an entire day and you’ll get to meet a whole bunch of friendly, frizzy alpacas.
• On the other hand, if you’re looking for a way to cool down on a hot summer day, you can’t go wrong with a trip to Gunpowder Falls , where you can meander down the river all day.

What are the best family-friendly activities in Maryland?

Aside from the best day trips listed above, here are some family-friendly activities in Maryland that we recommend: 

• National Aquarium , Baltimore
• Six Flags America, Woodmore
• Port Discovery Children’s Museum.
• The Maryland Zoo, Baltimore
• Jolly Roger Splash Mountain, Ocean City
• Wheaton Regional Park , Silver Springs
• Pirate Adventures on the Chesapeake, Annapolis
• Oriole Park at Camden Yards, Baltimore
• Swallow Falls State Park , Oakland
• Susquehanna National Wildlife Refuge, Cambridge
• Chesapeake Beach Water Park, Chesapeake Beach
• Davis Planetarium, Baltimore

Be sure to check out our previous article with some more family-friendly activities in Maryland .

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Explore Maryland

THE 5 BEST Day Trips from Maryland

Day trips from maryland.

• Maryland to Germantown
• Maryland to Ohiopyle
• Maryland to Gettysburg
• Maryland to Washington DC
• Maryland to Damnoen Saduak
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Likely to Sell Out
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Private Customized Tour of Washington DC with US Veteran

2. FALLINGWATER - America's UNESCO World Heritage Masterpiece!

3. Self-guided Private Shopping Tour to The Outlet at Gettysburg

4. Private tour at Damnoen Saduak Floating Market

5. Private Shopping Tour from Baltimore to Clarksburg Premium Outlet

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Watch CBS News

5 Maryland teens shot, 1 critically injured, during water gun fight for senior skip day

By Cara Tabachnick , Nick Kurtz

Updated on: April 19, 2024 / 7:31 PM EDT / CBS News

Authorities are searching for at least one suspect who shot five teenagers, one of whom was critically wounded, during a water gun fight Friday celebrating "senior skip day" at a park in Greenbelt, Maryland, authorities said. 

"These were kids on senior skip day who were looking to have a good time at a local park," Greenbelt Police Chief Richard Bowers said at a news conference later on Friday evening. "And to have something like this occur, is just — it's maddening, honestly." 

Hundreds of teens who had skipped school in Prince George's County for the tradition had initially gathered in Bowie, Maryland, said Greenbelt police spokesperson Ricardo Dennis. 

When both Bowie and Prince George's County police scattered the crowd, about 500 students eventually reconvened at Schrom Hills Recreation Center in Greenbelt, Dennis said. The meet-up had been informally organized on social media authorities said.  

Students will leave school and head to the park with super soakers and squirt guns and "have a good time playing water gun battles," Bowers said, adding teens had a similar water gun fight last year with no incidents.  

The Schrom park is not large and there were a lot of teens crowded into a small space, said Bowers, so officers requested backup. 

Officers were monitoring the water gun fight when live shots from "someone who brought a real gun" were heard, Bowers said. There were about eight to 10 shots fired, Bowers disclosed, and the area was immediately secured while officers searched for a suspect. 

Most of the teenagers left the park as police responded, Dennis said, and a critically injured victim was airlifted to an area hospital. Four other victims were hospitalized with serious but non-life-threatening injuries, he said. 

Authorities had earlier reported that two of the victims were in critical condition, but downgraded that to one in the evening news conference. 

Two of the shooting victims were under the age of 18, and the other three were over 18, police said. 

Investigators believe the suspect fled the park with the other teens. Police are still investigating whether the gun was fired by someone who was participating in the water gun fight.   

"This is a horrible, tragic, senseless act that happened today. There is absolutely no reason that this occurred. It is senseless, it is chronic in our society, and we have to do something to stop it," Bowers said. 

—  Allie Weintraub contributed to this report.

Cara Tabachnick is a news editor and journalist at CBSNews.com. Cara began her career on the crime beat at Newsday. She has written for Marie Claire, The Washington Post and The Wall Street Journal. She reports on justice and human rights issues. Contact her at [email protected]

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The 5 best things to do with kids in the D.C. area this weekend

In the D.C. area and looking for something fun to do with the kids this weekend? Here are our top picks.

Georgetown French Market

If a trip to Paris isn’t in the cards this spring, the Georgetown French Market should be on any Francophile’s calendar. This annual sidewalk sale happens on Wisconsin Avenue NW between O Street and Reservoir Road, and up and down the surrounding streets, with more than 40 local businesses participating in the fun. Browse pop-up outdoor book sales, take 10 percent off French wine at Bacchus Wine Cellar, get a grilled merguez sausage from Patisserie Poupon, and listen to live music or watch street performers, including a mime and a unicyclist. Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. Free .

Carousel Day at Glen Echo Park

Saturday is an exciting day for children of all ages: Glen Echo Park’s 103-year-old Dentzel Carousel opens for yet another season. Riders can claim their favorite animal — a galloping ostrich, bounding hare, majestic lion — while the gorgeously restored carousel spins to the waltzing tunes of a 1926 Wurlitzer band organ. Each trip is $2, making a $5 unlimited day pass a great deal. But there’s more to do than go up and down, around and around: The day’s activities include free music and dance performances, hands-on crafts, dance classes, and open art studios. (Some events in the park that day, such as performances of “Alice in Wonderland” at the Puppet Co., charge a fee.) Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free admission; carousel rides $2 each or $5 for an all-day pass.

Maryland Day at the University of Maryland

Throughout the Free State, March 25 is celebrated as Maryland Day, which commemorates the arrival of English colonists in 1634. But in College Park, Maryland Day is something else: a celebration of the state’s flagship university, when the campus opens its doors to the surrounding community, alumni or not. There are more than 400 activities taking place, from the football team’s spring game to an insect petting zoo. (“Imagine tarantulas, exotic insects, scorpions, bees and millipedes longer than your hand for you to look at and touch.”) Try making 3D art, conduct surgery with robots, listen to musical performances, explore rare books or sample ice cream from the Maryland Dairy. Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free .

‘The Lord of the Rings’ at the National Building Museum

The National Building Museum’s “Great Movies in the Great Hall” is like bringing your favorite summer movie series indoors. Bring a blanket or lawn chairs, complete with a picnic, to spread out on the carpet in one of the city’s most impressive indoor spaces, among the soaring Corinthian columns. Before “The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring” screens, J.R.R. Tolkien researcher Joey Wilson-Brooke presents a virtual program about the role of architecture and design in the books and on-screen. Costumes are encouraged. Popcorn and beverages are available for purchase. (No outside alcohol is allowed.) Saturday, doors at 6:30 p.m. $5-$15; free for children younger than 12.

STAR Fest at Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library

The STAR Fest — that stands for “ Sing, Talk and Read ” — is an in-person offshoot of D.C.’s Books From Birth program. Bring little ones for a day of story times, soft play activities, musical performances by children’s entertainers and an area that lets children imagine their own stories. This event is designed for children younger than 5. Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Free .

Maryland Film Festival celebrates 25 years in Baltimore, launching Greta Gerwig, Berry Jenkins

Jason Fraley | [email protected]

April 26, 2024, 3:11 PM

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Happy 25th birthday to the Maryland Film Festival celebrating a quarter century of cinema in Baltimore.

The festival returns to the recently restored SNF Parkway Theatre on West North Avenue from May 2 through May 5.

“It’s such a Baltimore institution and has really grown and become one of the biggest up-and-coming festivals in the country and certainly the preeminent festival here in the Mid-Atlantic,” Director of Programming KJ Mohr told WTOP. “It’s a festival of discovery of emerging filmmakers where a lot of filmmakers come in the beginning of their careers. … Greta Gerwig has been a big part of the festival in the past, Barry Jenkins, there are so many.”

Opening night kicks off Thursday, May 2 with the Luther Vandross documentary “Luther: Never Too Much.”

“One of my very favorite things at Sundance this year, but this will be our regional premiere,” Mohr said. “Luther Vandross’ family was looking for the right person to direct this film, they looked for years and finally decided to hand it over to Dawn Porter … to create this beautiful portrait. It’s such a lovely story. … It will be an all-out Luther Vandross party with The Jonathan Gilmore Project performing tributes to Luther Vandross afterwards.”

Friday, May 3 brings the local music documentary “More Than Hype” directed by Larry “Whaddup” Caudle.

“It’s a documentary about Baltimore club music,” Mohr said. “It focuses around The Paradox, which was the biggest club in Baltimore until 2017 when it closed. The energy in this film is pumping throughout. It’s such a great history of Baltimore club music and the Baltimore music scene in general, talking to all of the great figures. Wayne Davis, who ran The Paradox, is creating a one-night-only ‘One Night at the Docks,’ a big afterparty after the screening.”

Saturday, May 4 brings the LGBTQ+ short-film series “Trans Shorts Under the Stars” presented by Lilly Wachowski (“The Matrix”) and Mickey R. Mahoney (“Disclosure”).

“It’s just a program of shorts, most of them world premieres, that Lilly and Mickey have found from all over the country,” Mohr said. “They will be with us for the duration of the festival and they’re doing a screening outside under the stars at the Current Space Gallery in Mount Vernon. They will be introducing the films and most of the directors will be there, so that’s going to be a really exciting one.”

It all culminates Sunday, May 5 with the documentary “Divine Trash” directed by Steve Yaeger.

“It’s a film that showed in our very first festival in 1999,” Mohr said. “Skizz Cyzyk, who is the former program director of the festival and is still involved in our screening committee, will be presenting ‘Divine Trash,’ which is a film about Divine and John Waters’ crew. It’s just such an important part of the festival history and part of Baltimore history and Steve Yeager is just a filmmaker who we really want to give him his flowers.”

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© 2024 WTOP. All Rights Reserved. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area.

Hailed by The Washington Post for “his savantlike ability to name every Best Picture winner in history," Jason Fraley began at WTOP as Morning Drive Writer in 2008, film critic in 2011 and Entertainment Editor in 2014, providing daily arts coverage on-air and online.

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USA TODAY 10Best

From farmers markets to food halls, where to go for the best epicurean excursions

April 24, 2024 // By 10Best Editors

By 10Best Editors April 24, 2024

Whether we're in our own cities or exploring a new region of the country, we often explore with our taste buds. So, we set out to find the best food outlets the United States has to offer across four categories: farmers markets, food halls, public markets, and food tours.

A panel of experts made their nominee selections, then our readers voted for their favorite places to get food — whether it's meant to be enjoyed right then and there or used to prepare an incredible meal at home.

Click on each category below to see the full winners list:

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Best Farmers Market: Worthington Farmers Market in Worthington, Ohio

Nearly 100 vendors from the Columbus area converge for the year-round Worthington Farmers Market that adapts to the seasons. In summer, May through October, farmers and producers of high-quality food and plants, sell al fresco in the Old Worthington Historic District. The rest of the year, the market goes indoors at The Shops at Worthington Place.

Full list of winners: Best Farmers Market »

Best Food Hall: Mother Road Market in Tulsa, Oklahoma

Get your kicks at Oklahoma's first food hall, located right on historic Route 66. In addition to more than 15 vendors serving up everything from sushi to Cajun cuisine to Brazilian fare, the Kitchen 66 Takeover Cafe offers a rotating opportunity for budding food entrepreneurs to strut their stuff.

Full list of winners: Best Food Hall »

Best Food Tour: Columbus Food Adventures in Columbus, Ohio

From neighborhood walking tours to by-van excursions and private tours, Columbus Food Adventures offers a full menu of ways to meet the area's rich culinary scene. Whether you're a meat-lover, brew-hound, taco fiend, or gastronomic globe-trotter, there's a tour to fit your appetite.

Full list of winners: Best Food Tour »

Best Public Market: Milwaukee Public Market in Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Billed as "a gathering place where great taste is always in season," Milwaukee Public Market offers local baked goods, cheeses, meats, produce, and prepared eats. Choose goodies from nearly 20 vendors and enjoy your selection in the Palm Garden seating area on the second level. Or learn how to make your own fare at Madam Kuony's demonstration kitchen, where cooking classes are offered multiple times weekly.

Full list of winners: Best Public Market »

Congratulations to all these winners! Remember to visit 10best.usatoday.com daily to vote in more of our Readers' Choice Awards.

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The Maya Train Will Get You to All of Yucatán’s Best Spots. But Not Yet.

In December, the train began running on its first route through Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula. On a five-day journey a few months later, the author encountered enthusiasm, and scheduling hiccups.

By Elisabeth Malkin

Elisabeth Malkin has been visiting the Yucatán Peninsula for three decades.

I stepped off the platform at the gleaming new Maxcanú train station, eager to see the magnificent Maya archaeological site of Uxmal. All I needed was a taxi to take me there, a trip of about 30 miles away.

There are no taxis, said the stationmaster, as we stood on the polished limestone floors of the high-ceilinged station, which was cool and breezy despite the brilliant late-morning sun outside. And I was the third person in two weeks to get off at Maxcanú expecting to reach Uxmal, he said.

I was midway through a five-day trip to explore the brand-new Maya Train and several of its destinations in the Yucatán Peninsula of Mexico . Designed to run 965 miles (1,554 kilometers) around a loop of 34 stations when completed, the train will whisk passengers in cool comfort through colonial cities, archaeological sites, splashy resorts and tropical forests.

Now I was stunned. Wrangling a taxi has never been a problem in Mexico. But the drivers gathered in the main square of Maxcanú offered only beat-up vans that hopscotch through small towns, where I might or might not find a taxi to Uxmal. The next van was leaving in 45 minutes.

Yucatán’s layers of history have long held me spellbound. During earlier car trips, I have clambered up deserted Maya temples and palaces, stepped into the cool naves of massive 16th-century churches and visited restored haciendas, testaments of the ostentation — and hardship — of the peninsula’s 19th-century plantation economy. Traveling by train, I thought, would allow me to steep myself in more of that history.

But as I found in Maxcanú, a train won’t necessarily get you to where you want to go.

During my February trip, I traveled on the only route then available, an east-west leg that opened in December and runs from Cancún to Mérida, and then south through the port city of Campeche to the Maya site of Palenque (a short route between Cancún and Playa del Carmen opened last month, with three trains a day). I encountered scheduling confusion, unfinished stations and a dearth of trains — just two operating daily each way between Cancún and Campeche, and only one to Palenque. Overnight sleepers and special dining trains seem years away.

President Andrés Manuel López Obrador considers the Maya Train his showcase development project, and wants to inaugurate the rest of the train before he leaves office on October 1. Based on my experience, that goal seems elusive.

A $29-billion route through the jungle

I started my journey in Cancún, where in the pre-dawn gloom the station hovered like a glowing spaceship. An attendant scanned the ticket I had bought online and a half-dozen more pointed me toward my tourist-class car, which was about a quarter full. I planned to go to Campeche, about 300 miles away, stopping once each day. At 120 kilometers (about 75 miles) an hour, the train covers the route in about six hours, the same as a car. (When construction is complete, the train’s speed should increase to 160 kilometers an hour.)

The car’s wide windows looked out at a wall of low jungle. The blue-green seats were comfortable and there was ample space between the rows. I bought a very good cappuccino at the snack bar, but declined the plastic-wrapped sandwiches. The rest of the merchandise was fruit cups, milk boxes and junk food.

The train will ultimately cost much more than the $29 billion budgeted so far, and it’s not the first time ambitious planners have alighted on the region. Cancún was once a tiny fishing village, selected half a century ago as a tourist hub. Last year 10 million international tourists flew into its airport, more than the airports of Mexico City, Los Cabos and Puerto Vallarta combined.

But uncontrolled growth has stressed the Caribbean coast’s fragile environment. The Maya Train, scientists warn , will push those problems south, threatening the area’s water supply, its unique system of underground limestone caves and its vast nature reserves.

Mr. López Obrador has charged ahead, handing the train over to the military , and arguing that it will spread Cancún’s wealth and attract new visitors. Mexico received more than 42 million overseas tourists last year and they spent almost $31 billion .

Local governments see an opportunity. “The train will allow people to disperse throughout the peninsula,” said Michelle Fridman, the tourism secretary for Yucatán state, which promotes dozens of attractions far beyond highlights like Mérida and Chichén Itzá .

Now that the train is operating, transport companies will begin to connect stations with lesser-known sites nearby, she said.

It’s fair to ask whether the train is the most effective way to develop the peninsula’s tourism. Tour companies already run trips to many sites from major cities, which are well served by buses. Driving a rental car through most of the area is considered safe , according to U.S. State Department travel guidance .

Route of Mexico’s Maya Train

Canceled trip.

It took two hours (and one time-zone change) to reach Valladolid, a colonial city of handsome streets and ancient churches, where I bought the rest of my tickets at the station. A tourist-class ticket from Cancún to Valladolid costs 472 pesos (around $28) for foreigners and 355 pesos (around $21) for Mexicans. First class, with wider seats, costs 755.50 pesos and 566.50 pesos, and discounts are available for older travelers and residents of the five states along the train’s route. (A first-class bus from downtown Cancún to Valladolid costs between 222 and 344 pesos, depending on the time of day, and takes half an hour longer.)

It was impossible to run the new Maya Train tracks into dense city centers and the Valladolid station, like the rest, was outside the urban core. A waiting bus took disembarking passengers downtown, a 15-minute ride for 35 pesos.

That day I toured Ek Balam , the site of a ninth-century Maya kingdom that is dominated by a 100-foot palace distinguished by a facade of carvings depicting winged warriors, stylized animal features and geometric patterns bordered by giant fangs. Admission to the site includes entry to the X-Canché cenote, one of thousands of limestone sinkholes that were sacred to the Maya.

Later that afternoon, I was wandering through the Museum of Ethnic Clothing, a private collection of traditional dress, embroidery and hats, when a WhatsApp message from the ticket office blinked on my phone. My train scheduled for the following day was canceled.

I decided to deal with the problem in the morning and enjoy the city. As I wandered past the antique shops and boutique hotels of the elegant Calzada de los Frailes, it was clear that Valladolid’s tourism, and the infrastructure to handle it, was well established. The Maya Train is simply an alternative way to reach a city that tourists discovered years ago.

‘We’re on the Tren Maya!’

In the morning, I found that my train had not been canceled, but the station for which I had a ticket, Tixkokob, was closed. I got off instead one stop earlier at Izamal, known for its ocher streets and the giant Franciscan convent of San Antonio de Padua, built atop the ruins of a pyramid.

During the 90-minute ride, I heard widespread enthusiasm among fellow travelers who expressed a willingness to give the train time to work out the kinks. “We’re an experiment,” said Oliva Escobedo Ochoa, 64, who was vacationing from her home in central Mexico.

Leticia Iliassich, 57, who is Mexican, was traveling with her Croatian husband along with relatives from Mexico and Croatia. They had initially been scheduled on an earlier train to Mérida that had been canceled. “We knew that it was a new project,” she said. “We don’t mind.”

The group had already sent a video to friends declaring, “We’re on the Tren Maya!”

At the Izamal station I hitched a 15-minute ride into the town center with a man who had asked me to take his photo alongside the train and his father. From there I negotiated a taxi to Hacienda San Lorenzo Aké, a working hacienda that still turns the fiber from an agave plant called henequén into coarse rope. Global demand for henequén, known as Yucatán’s “green gold,” brought fantastic wealth to the region in the mid-19th century, speckling the peninsula with more than 1,000 haciendas. ( Many are now sumptuous hotels.)

Where geometry, nature and the divine merge

It was during my third day that I found myself stuck in Maxcanú, after a 90-minute train ride from Izamal. The stationmaster, an army captain, offered me a ride to Uxmal, just as he had to the stranded tourists before me.

Eying Uxmal’s 4 p.m. final ticket sale, I accepted.

My situation made it clear just how distant the Maya Train’s promises are for tourists seeking to explore more of Yucatán. In time, that will change, said Ms. Fridman, the tourism secretary. “The idea is to have more hotels along the train line,” she said. “That will happen little by little.”

But Uxmal , among the most stunning of the Maya sites, made up for the inconvenience. Uxmal’s grand buildings are faced with intricate decorative masks as well as friezes in which geometry, nature and the divine merge. New plaques at each structure offer detailed information in English and Spanish, part of the government’s investment in improving displays at Maya sites for the train project.

Most tourists either take day trips by car or bus to Uxmal from Mérida or stay at one of three nearby hotels. As I finished dinner at my hotel, the dining room began to fill up: 47 Polish tourists had arrived.

Panama hats and a cramped van

My plan for the day was to go by taxi to Bécal, a town where Panama hats are woven in limestone caves to keep the fibers soft, and then pick up the afternoon train in nearby Calkiní for the port city of Campeche.

But I spent so much time watching the hat-making demonstration and then fitting my new hat and buying gifts that we set off with little time to reach the station. To my chagrin, I missed the train, the last one of the day.

On Calkiní’s central square, I found a van that was leaving for Campeche. Cost: 65 pesos. Time: about 1 hour and 20 minutes, similar to what I would have spent on the train. Of course, I was trapped in a cramped seat and had to listen to the driver’s choice of sentimental ballads, but I was dropped off in downtown Campeche, close to my hotel.

The next day, I toured the Museum of Maya Archaeology , an expertly curated collection that included haunting jade funeral masks, glyphs and delicate ceramic figures.

José Madrigal, 45, an engineer from Fremont, Calif., was trying to make Maya pottery interesting for his twin sons. The boys had just turned 5 and their birthday present had been a ride on the Maya Train. “They love trains,” Mr. Madrigal said. Then the family moved on, keeping up a brisk clip through the museum. They had another train to catch.

Should you take the train?

Yes, if you are traveling between larger stations. The train also offers a way to get to Palenque, which is harder to reach and has roads with security concerns. Travelers can stow bicycles on board.

To see train times, check the destinations on the website . You cannot buy tickets online more than a week in advance. But when you finally board, the ride is smooth — and the coffee is excellent.

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2024 .

Open Up Your World

Considering a trip, or just some armchair traveling here are some ideas..

52 Places:  Why do we travel? For food, culture, adventure, natural beauty? Our 2024 list has all those elements, and more .

Mumbai:  Spend 36 hours in this fast-changing Indian city  by exploring ancient caves, catching a concert in a former textile mill and feasting on mangoes.

Kyoto:  The Japanese city’s dry gardens offer spots for quiet contemplation  in an increasingly overtouristed destination.

Iceland:  The country markets itself as a destination to see the northern lights. But they can be elusive, as one writer recently found .

Texas:  Canoeing the Rio Grande near Big Bend National Park can be magical. But as the river dries, it’s getting harder to find where a boat will actually float .