A guide to Baltimore’s day trips
Baltimore, Maryland, is a vibrant city with a rich history and culture. It’s also an excellent base for exploring the surrounding area, with many popular day trip destinations within easy reach. Here are a few of the best day trips from Baltimore:
Annapolis
Annapolis, the capital of Maryland, is just a short drive from Baltimore. It’s a charming city with a historic downtown area, waterfront views, and plenty of things to see and do.
Start your day with a visit to the Maryland State House, the oldest state capitol building in continuous use in the United States. Then, walk around the historic district and admire the colonial architecture.
For lunch, grab a bite at one of the many restaurants in downtown Annapolis. There are options for all budgets and tastes, from seafood shacks to fine dining establishments.
After lunch, head to the waterfront for a stroll along the City Dock. You can also take a boat tour of the Chesapeake Bay, visit the U.S. Naval Academy, or explore the Banneker-Douglass Museum, which tells the story of African Americans in Maryland.
Gunpowder Falls State Park
Gunpowder Falls State Park is beautiful, with over 18,000 acres of land to explore. It’s a great place to go hiking, biking, fishing, camping, and picnicking.
The park has several hiking trails, ranging from easy to challenging. Some of the most popular routes include the Torrey C. Brown Rail Trail, which follows an abandoned railroad line, and the Gunpowder River Trail, which winds along the Gunpowder River.
Gunpowder Falls State Park is a great place to catch trout, bass, and other fish if you’re interested in fishing. The park has several fishing areas, and you can also fish from the Gunpowder River.
Gunpowder Falls State Park has several campgrounds if you’re looking for a place to camp. The campgrounds have a variety of amenities, including campsites with electricity and water hookups, restrooms, and showers.
Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C., the nation’s capital, is just a 45-minute drive from Baltimore. It’s a must-visit for any visitor to the area.
There are many things to see and do in Washington, D.C., including:
- Visiting the White House, the Capitol Building, and the Supreme Court
- Exploring the Smithsonian museums, which are all accessible to the public
- Taking a walk around the National Mall and seeing the Washington Monument, the Lincoln Memorial, and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial
- Visiting the Arlington National Cemetery, the final resting place of many American soldiers
Ocean City
It takes roughly two hours to go to the popular beach resort of Ocean City from Baltimore. You may go swimming, sunbathing, and doing all the other things you love at the beach here.
There are many different things to do in Ocean City, including:
- Relaxing on the beach
- Swimming in the ocean
- Playing mini-golf
- Riding go-karts
- Visiting the Ocean City Boardwalk
- Shopping at the Tanger Outlets
- Eating seafood at one of the many restaurants along the boardwalk
Philadelphia
Philadelphia, the birthplace of American democracy, is about two hours from Baltimore. It’s a great place to learn about American history and visit some of the country’s most iconic landmarks.
Some of the most popular tourist attractions in Philadelphia include:
- Location of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution: Independence Hall
- The Liberty Bell
- The Betsy Ross House
- The Philadelphia Museum of Art
- Reading Terminal Market
Other day trip destinations from Baltimore
In addition to the destinations listed above, there are many other great day trip options from Baltimore. Here are a few more ideas:
- Frederick, Maryland: This charming city has various shops, restaurants, and art galleries. It’s also a great place to learn about the Civil War, as it was the site of the Battle of Monocacy.
- Assateague Island National Seashore: This barrier island is located just south of Ocean City and is home to wild horses, beaches, and hiking trails.
- Shenandoah National Park: This mountain park is about two hours from Baltimore and offers stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. There are also many opportunities for hiking, camping, and fishing.
No matter your interests, there’s sure to be a day trip destination from Baltimore that’s perfect for you. So get out there and explore!