Day Trips from Baltimore

Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge is a 25,000-acre huge wildlife refuge consisting of wetlands, marshes, forests, etc. One can enjoy bird watching as migratory and local birds can be found all over the nature reserve. Rare animal species such as Delmarva Peninsula Fox Squirrel can be spotted here.

The reserve also has bird exhibits, wildlife safaris, and seasonal displays. The Wildlife Drive is recommended as it covers most of the wonders of the beautiful Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge. It is an excellent choice for a day trip away from Baltimore.

Activities: wildlife, bird watching, safaris, forests, wetlands

Address: 3185 Key Wallace Dr, Cambridge, MD 21613, United States

Hours: Mon-Sun, 9 am to 5 pm

Contact: +1 410-228-2677

Entry fee: 12 USD- 25 USD

Distance from Baltimore: 97.9 miles

Driving time from Baltimore: About 1 hour and 50 minutes

Ocean City is a gorgeous seaside town located a few hours from Baltimore. With over 10 long miles of beaches filled with soft sand, it is perfect for a relaxing break from the city life of Baltimore. Here, one can lounge around all day, while sunbathing, boating, swimming, or surfing.

Water sports such as paddleboard, jetski, and snorkeling can also be enjoyed. Ocean City also has 3 miles of boardwalk dotted with food stalls, arcades, live events, and restaurants. In the summer, this seaside town also offers free concerts and live shows. Ocean City is the ideal place to spend a few days away from Baltimore.

Activities: beaches, swimming, water sports, boating, boardwalk, arcades, food, restaurants, live shows, surfing, jet-skiing, paddle boarding, arcades

Address: Ocean City, Maryland, USA

Area: 94.2 km²

Elevation: 2.13 m

Weather: 7 °C, Wind S at 13 km/h, 86% Humidity

Population: 6,972

Area code: 410

Distance from Baltimore: 141.2 miles

Driving time from Baltimore: About 2 hours and 40 minutes

Antietam National Battlefield is the perfect getaway from Baltimore. It was once the site of a clash during the American Civil War. The eight-mile self-guided trail at the Antietam National Battlefield will take you through a journey of American history with spots such as the Dunker Church, Sunken Road, and the Burnside Bridge.

It is situated along Antietam Creek and commemorates the American Civil War Battle of Antietam that took place on September 17, 1862. The Appalachian foothills and the Potomac River are visible from the battlefield. The site features a visitor center, battlefield center, national military cemetery, stone arch, and field hospital museum.

It is the perfect place for a country getaway from the city of Baltimore.

Activities: sightseeing, historical tours, rivers, monuments, countryside

Address: 302 E Main St, Sharpsburg, Maryland 21782, United States

Entry fee: 15 USD-20 USD

Hours: Mon-Sun, 9 am to 5 pm

Contact: +1 301-432-5124

Area: 13.15 km²

Distance from Baltimore: 72.1 miles

Driving time from Baltimore: Approx. 1 hr 23 minutes

Initially home to George Washington, Mount Vernon is now one of the most visited historical sites in the United States. Here one can take a guided tour of George Washington’s grand mansion. Other activities that can be enjoyed in Mount Vernon include a 4D Revolutionary War film at the Reynolds Museum and Education Center, a tour of the Pioneer Farm, and a cruise on the Potomac River.

Activities: museums, tours, history, cruise

Address: 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy, Mt Vernon, VA 22121, United States

Hours: Mon-Sun 9 am to 4 pm

Contact: 703-780-2000

Entry fee:
Ages 12 and up- 20 USD per person
Ages 6 to 11- 12 USD per person
Children under 5 years- Free

Area: 202 ha

Distance from Baltimore: 51.3 miles

Driving time from Baltimore: About 1 hour

Located on the Chesapeake Bay, Sandy Point State Park offers an extensive coastline where one can enjoy activities such as swimming, fishing, and beach exploration. It is a public recreational area west of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge in Anne Arundel County, well-known for its swimming beaches. Apart from recreational activities, Sandy Point State Park also offers sightseeing opportunities.

The 19th century Sandy Point Farmhouse, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is located inside the park. Sandy Point Shoal Light is a three-storeyed brick lighthouse erected in 1883, which is still standing strong inside the state park and welcomes visitors. One can make a trip to Sandy Point State Park from Baltimore to enjoy a day filled with the ocean, sand, sightseeing, and fun activities.

Activities: sightseeing, beaches, swimming, hiking, biking, picnic, fishing

Address: 1100 E College Pkwy, Annapolis, MD 21409, United States

Hours: 7 am - sunset

Entry fee: 6 USD per person

Contact: +1 410-974-2149

Pet Friendly: Yes

Distance from Baltimore: 38.4 miles

Driving Time from Baltimore: About 42 minutes

Visit the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center for an out-of-the-world experience. Located just 27 miles away from Baltimore, the NASA Goddard Center has interactive displays and exhibits about various space-related concepts and NASA’s missions. They have many permanent as well as some special exhibits.

The “Decade of Light: A Space Communications and Navigation Exhibit”, a permanent exhibit, is about the “different kinds of energy that connect astronauts with Earth”.One can also choose messages to send to NASA spacecraft, and play engaging, state-of-the-art play games. Goddard Rocket Garden and Astrobiology Walk is a collection of rockets from Goddard Center’s history. Visiting the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center is a fun and unique idea for a short day trip from Baltimore.

Activities: interactive displays, games, bookstore, gift shop, exhibits, rocket showcases, museum, games

Address: 8800 Greenbelt Rd, Greenbelt, MD 20771, United States

Hours: Tue- Fri, 10 am - 3 pm, Sat-sun 12-4 pm

Entry fee: free

Contact:+1 301-286-2000

Accessible: Yes

Distance from Baltimore: 27.6 miles

Driving Time from Baltimore: About 35 minutes

Saint Michales is the perfect relaxing and serene retreat from the chaos of Baltimore. The small town is a hotspot for fun activities and sightseeing opportunities. The walk to the Hooper Strait lighthouse and Tilghman Island is a beautiful, one-in-a-lifetime memory.

Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum is an 18-acre huge museum that displays artifacts, exhibitions, and vessels. It also has the world’s largest collection of Chesapeake Bay boats and offers interactive exhibits and workshops. This quaint town is famed for its wineries and breweries.

St. Michael’s Winery is a well-renowned local winemaker where one can go wine tasting. There are also many seafood restaurants and inns and hotels for a few nights stay.

Activities: wine tasting, breweries, seafood, fishing, ferries, museums, art galleries, sightseeing, nature

Address: St Michaels, Talbot County, Maryland 21663, USA

Population: 1,108

Weather: 18 °C, Wind SW at 16 km/h, 27% Humidity

Zipcode: 21663

Distance from Baltimore: 80 miles

Driving time from Baltimore: About 1 hour and 27 minutes

Six Flags is one of the most popular amusement parks not only in the United States but perhaps the world. Sitting at 510 acres huge, Six Flags Great Adventure has more than 50 thrilling rides and roller coasters, making it a great spot for a day trip from Baltimore. Apart from breathtaking rides such as Batman-The Ride and Bizzaro, Six Flags Great Adventure also offers wildlife safaris with over 1200 animals from all around the world.

Kid and family-friendly rides like Air Safari and Big Wheel are also abundant, hence there will be something for all. There will be live shows, music, and food stalls serving everything from fast food to gourmet delicacies. One can also shop for souvenirs and merchandise from the many vendors at Six Flags Great Adventure.

Activities: amusement park, rides, roller coasters, kid-friendly rides, thrill rides, shopping, snacks, entertainment, live shows, food

Address: 1 Six Flags Blvd, Jackson Township, NJ 08527, United States

Hours: 10 am - 7 pm

Contact:+1 732-928-2000

Ticket Pricing:
General Admission- 72.99 USD
Children Under 48"- 52.99 USD
Children 2 & Under- FREE

Distance from Baltimore: 149 miles

Driving time from Baltimore: About 2 hours and 21 minutes

Divided into six sections, this 1800 acres huge state park is home to over 120 miles of trails for hiking, jogging, biking, and running. East of the Pretty Dam is the Hereford Area which is perfect for fishing, boating, and swimming. Torrey C. Brown Rail Trail (or TCB Rail Trail) is a 19.7-mile-long trail in Gunpowder Falls State Park extending from Ashland, MD to the Pennsylvania line.

Encompassing both the Little and Gunpowder Falls is the oldest section of the park, called the Central Area. It is a great choice for hiking, climbing, biking, and horse riding. The Jerusalem Mill Historic Village falls under the Central Area. If one wishes to have a quaint picnic, the Hammerman Area has pavilions, playgrounds, picnic areas, and a swimming beach.

Dundee Creek Marina is located in the Middle River and has the Dundee Creek fishing area and an archery range. Gunpowder Falls State Park is a great destination for those who wish to enjoy a simple day full of nature from Baltimore.

Activities: archery, camping, swimming, parks, playgrounds, picnic, sightseeing, jogging, biking, hiking, mountain climbing, beach, horse riding, fishing

Address: 7200 Graces Quarters Rd, Middle River, MD 21220, United States

Hours: Mon-Sun 10 am - 4:30 pm

Contact: 410-592-2897

Entry fee: 3 USD - 5 USD

Distance from Baltimore: 16.6 miles

Driving time from Baltimore: Approx. 30 minutes

Brookeville Beer Farm grows its red raspberries, Shitake mushrooms, blue and blackberries in the fields behind its brewery. They also have fresh, homemade pizzas. Sip on beer as you take a stroll through the fields. One can also watch the brewing process from the brewery located adjacent to the tasting room in the main building.

It consists of a ten-barrel system with bright tanks and conical fermenters. The brewery also hosts live shows and music to add to one’s experience. Visiting Brookeville Beer Farm is a great idea to kick back relax with friends after a happening and exciting time in Baltimore.

Activities: brewery, beer tasting, fields, pizzas, live music, entertainment

Address: 20315 Georgia Ave, Brookeville, MD 20833, United States

Hours: Sun- Thu 12 to 7 pm, Sat-Fri 12- 8 pm

Contact:+1 301-260-1000

Distance from Baltimore: 30.3 miles

Driving time from Baltimore: About 40 minutes

Loch Raven Reservoir is the perfect getaway just half an hour away from Baltimore. One can head to this reservoir for a calming picnic away from the bustling atmosphere of the city. It is also a great place for camping, fishing, boating, and swimming. Fishes such as Northern pike, Largemouth bass, Smallmouth bass, Walleye, and Yellow perch are commonly found here.

There are hiking trails such as the 8 kilometers long Loch Raven Reservoir Loop, ideal for trekking, biking, running, and hiking. Loch Raven Reservoir is the perfect day trip from Baltimore for those who wish to enjoy a rejuvenating natural experience.

Activities: Camping, hiking, biking, trekking, fishing, boating, kayaking, picnic, nature

Address: Baltimore County, Maryland

Hours: 7 am to 5 pm

Pet friendly: yes

Distance from Baltimore: 18.8 miles

Driving time from Baltimore: About 28 minutes

Fields of Screams is a seasonal action-packed horror fest with attractions such as haunted houses and tours of ‘haunted forests’. It has been rated the “number one haunted attraction” by the Washington Post. The Haunted Trail is a campground of 13 stations in the forest of Field of Screams in Maryland, where one can experience a once-in-a-lifetime ‘survival’ game.

The Trail of Terror is a half an hour-long walk through the ‘haunted’ woods. Field of Screams is just a 40-minute drive away from Baltimore and is a great idea for a day trip from Baltimore.

Activities: haunted house, haunted trails

Address: 4501 Olney Laytonsville Rd, Olney, MD 20832, United States

Hours: Every Thu- Sun from 3rd Oct- 7th Nov

Ages: Recommended for ages 13 and above

Contact: PHONE- 888 720 1112, EMAIL- [email protected]

Distance from Baltimore: 37.7 miles

Driving time from Baltimore: About 42 minutes

The capital of the United States is situated just an hour away from Baltimore. There is a lot to do in Washington D.C. From historical museums to modern malls, the list is endless. One can visit the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Museum, the Museum of Natural History, and the Air & Space Museum amongst many others. Washington D.C. also has shopping, restaurants, and sightseeing opportunities.

There are art galleries, parks, zoos, and malls to be explored and enjoyed. Washington D.C.’s nightlife is also something to experience at least once.

Activities: sightseeing, historical museums, parks, shopping, restaurants, nightlife, art galleries, zoo

Distance from Baltimore: 40 Miles

Driving Time from Baltimore: About 50 minutes

The average cost of spending one day: 150 USD

Frederick is a historic city situated just an hour away from Baltimore. It was the site of many historical clashes. Frederick is now home to many memorials and museums such as the National Museum of Civil War Medicine, which hosts interactive exhibits on battlefield medical care.

Rose Hill Manor & Museums is another great museum that displays the history of the city. It has a log cabin, a manor house, and a children’s museum. There are many naturistic parks such as the Gambrill State Park, Carroll Creek Park, and Baker Park that have mountain trails and creeks.

There are also excellent wineries such as the Mazzaroth Vineyard and New Market Plains Vineyards from where one can taste exquisite wines and champagnes.

Activities: parks, wineries, museums, city life, history, parks, monuments, mills, art galleries

Address: Frederick, Maryland, USA

Area: 57.5 km²

Elevation: 92 m

Population: 70,887 (2019)

Weather: 12 °C, Wind NE at 10 km/h, 46% Humidity

Zip Code: 21701-21709

Distance from Baltimore: 50 miles

Driving time from Baltimore: About 55 minutes

Alexandria is a small, historic city located on the outskirts of Washington D.C., to the south of Baltimore. This quaint city is situated on the Potomac River and is known for its 18th-century style of architecture. The streets are lined with well-preserved buildings from the past and the sidewalk is made out of bricks. It is like stepping into the past.

There are many places to see in Alexandria as well. Carlyle House Historic Park is a Georgian mansion with a grand garden that has now been restored. The Gadsby’s Tavern museum that is filled with “period objects and photographs” is another beautiful place to visit in Alexandria.

Alexandria has tons of reasonably priced hotels, hence one can also choose to stay here overnight.

Address: Commonwealth of Virginia, United States

Weather: -3 °C, Wind SE at 2 km/h, 68% Humidity

Population: 1.58 lakhs

Distance from Baltimore: 46 miles

Driving time from Baltimore: About 55 minutes

Just an hour and a half away from Baltimore is Hershey Park. It is a fun and quirky day trip from Baltimore with attractions such as roller coasters, chocolate stands, costumed performances, etc. Each ticket to Hershey Park includes access to the Boardwalk, ZooAmerica, Hershey’s Chocolatetown, and of course Hershey park.

The Boardwalk has water-themed rides such as the ‘Coal Cracker’, ‘Bayside Pier’, ‘Sandcastle Cove’, ‘Tidal Fore’, and many more. One can meet over 900 animals that a native to North America at ZooAmerica. Hershey’s Chocolatetown is home to adrenaline-fueling coasters and rides like the Candymonium. They also have innovative ice cream parlors, restaurants, and bars.

There is a lot to enjoy at Hershey Park making it a fun-filled day trip from Baltimore.

Activities: amusement park, chocolate, food, boardwalk, rides, roller coasters, zoo, animals, themed-park

Address: 100 Hersheypark Dr, Hershey, PA 17033, United States

Hours: 9 am - 4 pm

Contact: +1 800-437-7439

Entry fee:
1 Day Pass- 44.95 USD
2 Day Pass- 40 USD per day
For Groups of 20 or more- 31.95 USD per day
Free for children under the age of 3 years

Distance from Baltimore: 90.1 miles

Driving time from Baltimore: About 1 hour and 30 minutes

Calvert Cliffs State Park is the ideal location for outdoor excursions near Baltimore. One can camp in cabins and tents at this wilderness-filled park. There are over 13 miles of hiking trails that differ in their terrain and difficulty level. One can also go biking, swimming, and fishing.

The Chesapeake Bay and Chesapeake Beach are accessible from the park grounds. Calvert Cliffs State Park is well-known for the presence of ancient fossils, especially the Middle Miocene sub-epoch fossils, that can be found on the shoreline.

Activities: beach, camping, fossils, fossil-hunting, swimming, fishing, hiking, biking, nature, trekking

Address: 10540 HG Trueman Rd, Lusby, MD 20657, United States

Hours: Sunrise to sunset, Daily, All year-round.

Contact: 1-888-432-2267

Entry fee: 7 USD - 15 USD

Accessible: yes

Area: 1,311 acres (5.31 km2)

Elevation: 112 ft (34 m)

Distance from Baltimore: 76.6 miles

Driving time from Baltimore: About 1 hour and 35 mins

One can reach the majestic Kilgore Falls by hiking the 1.3 miles long Falling Branch Trail. The hike in itself is a memorable experience with the beautiful sight of Kilgore Waterfall. The waterfall is 17 feet high, making it the second-highest vertical drop fall in all of Maryland.

Kilgore Falls is a great place to spread out a blanket or tent and have a picnic. One can also go swimming or fishing at the waterfall.

Address: 1026 Falling Branch Rd, Pylesville, MD 21132, United States

Contact: +1 410-557-7994

Hours: Sunrise to sunset

Accessible: No

Pet Friendly: Yes

Distance from Baltimore: 38.4 miles

Driving Time from Baltimore: About 52 minutes

Atlantic City is thought of like a giant boardwalk as restaurants, cafes, entertainment facilities, and hotels line up the city. Also known as the Monopoly City, it is one of the few places in New Jersey where gambling is legal. Hence, the casino and nightlife scene is bustling here.

A huge boardwalk is built along the beachfront and has many live events taking place at any point in the year. The city is a resort town due to the presence of a large number of high-end hotels, shopping complexes, arcades, spas, and beaches. Atlantic City is like a mini Las Vegas, making it a great idea for a trip from Baltimore.

Activities: boardwalk, beach, casino, gambling, arcades, entertainment, cafes, nightlife, sightseeing

Address: Atlantic CityNew Jersey, USA

Weather: 7 °C, Wind E at 16 km/h, 63% Humidity

Area: 44.59 km²

Population: 37,999

Area code: 609

Distance from Baltimore: 156.8 miles

Driving time from Baltimore: Approx. 2 hours and 28 minutes

Just half an hour away, Ladew Topiary Garden is a unique idea for a day trip from Baltimore. It is considered to be one of the top ten topiary gardens in the world. The Butterfly House at Ladew Topiary Garden is where butterflies are bred. It is filled with pretty flowers and butterflies, making it look like straight out of a fairy tale.

One can also take a tour of the Manor House, which was built in the early 1800s. The Nature Walk at Ladew is a pathway through the cultivated, formal gardens. Ladew Topiary garden is a must if you wish to enjoy things near Baltimore.

Activities: gardens, tours, sightseeing, nature

Address: 3535 Jarrettsville Pike, Monkton, MD 21111, United States

Hours: Thursday - Tuesday 9 am - 3 pm (Wednesdays closed)

Contact: +1 410-557-9570

Entry fee:
Adults: $15
Seniors (62+) & Students: $10
Children (2-12): $4
Children under 2: Free

Area: 30 ha

Distance from Baltimore: 27.4 miles

Driving time from Baltimore: About 36 minutes