If you’re looking to mix up your weekends, then check out these 15 best day trips from Baltimore. All of these spots are under an hour’s drive from Charm City and they vary from quaint little towns to exciting outdoor adventures. Clear an upcoming weekend and get started! There’s so much to see and do around Baltimore.

1. Historic Ellicott City
Ellicott City, MD, USA
Flickr / Forsaken Fotos
Take a step back in time with a stroll down Main Street in Ellicott City. This little town is filled with character and along the way you can shop, eat, and take in all the little details of the old buildings. Ellicott City should definitely be on your list on day trips from Baltimore.
2. Washington DC
Washington, DC, USA
Flickr / Pedro Szekely
The U.S Capital is full of things to do, especially when it comes to sightseeing and museums. In fact, you could spend several days in Washington DC and still have more to see.
3. Main Street, Sykesville
Sykesville, MD 21784, USA
Jamie Alvarenga/Only In Your State
Sykesville is a quaint and cozy little town, offering boutiques and unique eateries. There's also a mini-railroad that's perfect for children. This is one of the best day trips in Maryland.

Take a look at this video by @sykesvilledroneservices8782:
4. Patapsco Valley State Park
Patapsco Valley State Park
Flickr / Matthew Beziat
Patapsco Valley State Park is a sprawling park covering parts of Baltimore County and Howard County. As one of the best day trips from Baltimore, it offers hiking trails, bridges, tunnels, water views, and ruins. This is also a great spot for camping.
5. Hart-Miller Island
Hart Miller Island, Maryland, USA
Flickr / Chesapeake Bay Program
If you're looking for unique things to do around Baltimore, a visit to Hart-Miller Island will be a welcome addition to your weekend itinerary. You or someone you know needs to have a boat to get to this beautiful island that's just outside of Baltimore. But once you arrive, it's nothing but sun, sand, and water!
6. Rocks State Park
Rocks State Park - Kilgore Falls/ Falling Branch Area, 1026 Falling Branch Rd, Pylesville, MD 21132, USA
Flickr / Jeffrey Kontur
As one of the best day trips in Maryland, Rocks State Park is also another one of those unique things to do around Baltimore. Its home to Kilgore Falls and the scenic King and Queen Seat overlook (pictured). Bring a hiking buddy and explore all of the rustic sights.
7. Annapolis
Flickr / Mr.TinDC
Annapolis, Maryland's capital city, is perfect for a day trip. Whether you're a lover of history, shopping, or boating, Annapolis has a little bit of everything.
8. Frederick
Frederick, MD, USA
Flickr / Ron Cogswell
Frederick is an underrated town that is great for walking. It especially comes to life during the holiday season, when the stores display beautiful holiday windows and lights that line the streets.
9. North Point State Park
North Point State Park, 8400 North Point Rd, Edgemere, MD 21219, USA
Wikimedia Commons / boothy443
North Point State Park, located in the town of Edgemere, is popular during summer for its beach. However, it's great for exploring year-round because it has amazing hiking trails paired with water views.

Take a look at this video by @WorldTravelaholic:
10. National Harbor
National Harbor, MD 20745, USA
Flickr / Forsaken Fotos
The National Harbor is definitely one of the best day trips from Baltimore. There's a bunch of great stuff to do here, whether you visit during summer and watch a movie on the beach, or visit during winter for the ice sculptures at Gaylord National Resort. Don't forget a ride on the giant Ferris wheel, known as the Capital Wheel. It has the best view of the harbor (pictured).
11. Havre de Grace
Havre de Grace, Havre De Grace, MD 21078, USA
Flickr / Aberdeen Proving Ground
Havre de Grace is a little waterside town full of charm. Wander the local shops and eateries, then take a stroll along the promenade or visit Concord Point Lighthouse. Bring a camera as this is one of the prettiest Baltimore day trips you can take!
12. Rock Creek Regional Park
Rock Creek Regional Park, 6700 Needwood Rd, Derwood, MD 20855, USA
Flickr / NatureServe
This park stretches from Maryland to Washington DC, starting in the Derwood area. It's the perfect place for cycling, as the long trail is paved (but a bit hilly at parts).

Take a look at this video by @SkysTheLimitDronographydrone:
13. C & O Canal
Flickr / dmitri_66
The historic C & O Canal sprawls 184.5 miles from DC to Cumberland. One of the unique things to do around Baltimore, you can hop on at any point of the towpath, which is perfect for walking, jogging, or cycling.
14. Six Flags America
Six Flags America, 13710 Central Ave, Bowie, MD 20721, USA
Flickr / Jeremy Thompson
A family-friendly day trip from Baltimore is in store at Six Flags America. Partake in the rides that are full of fun, or visit during summer and splash around at the water park.
15. Ladew Topiary Gardens
Ladew Topiary Gardens, 3535 Jarrettsville Pike, Monkton, MD 21111, USA
Flickr / Amaury Laporte
The quirky Ladew Topiary Gardens are located in the town of Monkton. See the hedges that are trimmed into shapes and animals, and be sure to bring a camera to capture the moments during one of the best day trips from Baltimore!

What do you think of this list of the best day trips from Baltimore? Have you done any of these day trips? Do you have any others to add? Let us know by sharing your photos and telling us about your experiences.

Did you know that there are a handful of castles near Charm City? Each one offers its own unique architecture and history.

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More to Explore

Best Day Trips From Baltimore

Lysa Allman-Baldwin | July 24, 2022

I’m looking for some unique things to do around Baltimore with children.

One of the best things to do around Baltimore with children is visit to Battle Creek Cypress Swamp. It offers a wide array of unique things to do for children (and their adult chaperones). Located in the town of Prince Frederick, about an hour and 15 minutes south of Baltimore, the swamp has been designated a National Natural Landmark. It has a great nature center, a picturesque boardwalk trail, and lots of wildlife in the surrounding wetlands. And a visit here is free!

What are the best day trips in Baltimore for beer drinkers?

One of the best day trips in Baltimore for beer drinkers AND one of the most unique things to do around Baltimore is a visit to the Ministry of Brewing. The name stems from the fact that the brewery used to be a church, so you can say your prayers and imbibe at the same time! Where the pews once were are now rows and rows of communal tables for tasting. The setting is amazing because the proprietors have maintained all of the original architectural details, including the stained-glass windows and the massive pipe organ up front.

Can you suggest a museum in Baltimore?

Among the best museums in Baltimore is the Baltimore Streetcar Museum. Here you can learn all about the vintage trolleys that were the main form of transportation in the city back in the day.

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