10 Best Road Trips Near Baltimore

St. Michaels is commonly known as “The Jewel of Maryland’s Eastern Shore.” This small town has a strong maritime history and boating enthusiasts still flock here year-round. It’s a beautiful waterfront town just 80 miles from Baltimore and you’ll take in some fantastic views crossing the Memorial Bay Bridge on the way.

One of the town’s highlights is the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum which is spread over 18 acres. You can visit the different exhibitions here or relax on a river cruise on the museum’s 1920 Winnie Estelle boat. If you’re feeling energetic, you can even climb to the top of the lighthouse for scenic views across the town and river.

Spruce Forest Artisan Village is tucked away in the woods, close to the border with Pennsylvania, about 160 miles west of Baltimore. This fascinating arts and heritage center consists of rustic log cabins nestled between the greenery and walking trails. You can watch resident and visiting artists at work here, crafting their leather goods, stained glass art, and natural soaps. Treat yourself to a unique gift of hand-thrown pottery or a blacksmith-forged ornament.

This is a great choice for families as the village has an amazing summer schedule of activities for kids. You can check the children’s programming online and register for fun classes including face painting, beading, and kite making.

Ellicott City is a charming, historic city. It is home to the oldest surviving passenger train station in the USA, now a fascinating museum with tours and exhibits on railroad history. If you love stunning architecture, be sure to visit The Shrine of Saint Anthony. Regular retreats are held here, but if you’re just looking for a tranquil walk through pretty, landscaped gardens, there are numerous trails too.

If you love the outdoors, you may want to visit Centennial Park where you can run or walk the 2-mile circuit around the lake or have a more leisurely afternoon with a picnic in the grounds. Just 30 minutes from Baltimore, Ellicott City offers an idyllic mix of greenery and history.

Susquehanna State Park is your escape to nature just 50 minutes north-east of Baltimore. It’s known for its great fishing, especially pike, perch, and bass, against an exceptional backdrop of lush forests, glistening streams, and grassy, open spaces.

There are over 15 miles of trails, and locals and tourists come here to enjoy hiking, horse riding, and photography. If you love mountain biking, the rocky terrain through the park is also ideal for a rugged workout. Picnic areas are scattered throughout the park for you to relax and recharge your batteries after your exercise.

The Gunpowder Wine Trail takes you from northern Baltimore through the winding countryside to the beautiful city of Havre de Grace. On this trail, you’ll discover 4 unique wineries where you can take a tour and sample the delicious wine. Each winery also runs regular events so you can take part in a picnic, listen to live music whilst sipping on local wine, or even visit a fairy market.

If you love discovering hidden gems along your travels, this trail is for you. As you move through the region, you’ll come across Kilgore Falls, a spectacular waterfall, as well as different farms and creameries where you can pick up delightful cheeses to enjoy with your wine.

Assateague Island National Seashore is a protected area on the northern part of a barrier island. The outstanding beauty merits the 150-mile drive from Baltimore. Here you can take a refreshing dip in the Atlantic Ocean, relax on the white, sandy beaches, hike on the short trails, or go crabbing.

The most popular attraction on this island is without a doubt the wild horses. On this northern part of the island, around 90 Assateague horses roam freely and the sight of these majestic animals galloping along the sands is breathtaking. If you’re planning to camp on the island, reservations are compulsory and the sites often book up quickly, so you’ll need to book well in advance.

Harrisburg is the state capital of Pennsylvania and is less than 80 miles from Baltimore. It’s a lively city with majestic buildings, such as the State Capitol building, the National Civil War Museum, and the Susquehanna Art Museum dominating the downtown landscape. You’ll also find great restaurants lining the banks of the Susquehanna River here, giving you amazing views of the city whilst you dine.

For family-friendly fun, Hersheypark is located just to the east of the city. Here, the roller coasters and water park will thrill kids and adults alike. If you don’t mind heights, the Kissing Tower here is a magnificent observation tower that gives exceptional panoramic views over the area.

Ladew Topiary Gardens is a spectacular setting to explore nature. Established in the 1930s, these not-for-profit gardens provide an immaculate arrangement of over 100 topiaries and thousands of flowers, shrubs, and plants. Everything is neatly organized by section. You can choose from over 15 different areas, including the rose garden and the Victorian garden, which will delight your senses with their beautiful colors and heady fragrances.

These award-winning gardens are just a 30-minute drive from Baltimore and a great place to relax and escape the hustle and bustle of the city. There’s also a Nature Walk trail here which is ideal for all the family, and special family-friendly events are held throughout the year, such as Maple Magic.

The glorious Shenandoah Valley is nestled between the Blue Ridge Mountains to the east and the Alleghany Mountains to the west and is less than 3 hours by car from Baltimore. The lush green landscapes here alternate with glistening streams and waterfalls. You can hike along the hundreds of miles of trails, climb to the summit of rocky peaks, go horse riding through forests, and explore hidden caves.

After an energetic day in the fresh valley air, you can visit one of the many farms and markets to stock up on cool refreshments and great local produce. Orchards are widely scattered throughout the valley and delicious Shenandoah apples are sold everywhere.

Leesburg is a town steeped in history with more than 20 entries on the National Register of Historic Places. Tourists come here to visit George C. Marshall’s Dodona Manor and Morven Park, a magnificent mansion and museum set within breathtaking grounds. The guided tours of Morven Park are popular with tourists and you’ll love admiring the eclectic furnishings inside this stately home.

This area is also known for its wineries. Stone Tower Winery is a great choice if you like French wine as several varieties are produced here. You can take a tour of the vineyards and cellar, then try a wine-tasting session, before relaxing in the outdoor dining area and enjoying a luxurious view of the grounds and vineyards.