1. Overview
Explore day trips from Baltimore, featuring state parks, historic sites, and idyllic towns perfect for escaping the city.
2. Top Day Trip Destinations
Here are some of the best options for enjoyable day trips within a short drive from Baltimore.
Gunpowder Falls State Park
Distance from Baltimore by car: 16 miles
Gunpowder Falls State Park is one of Maryland’s largest state parks, featuring over 100 miles of trails for hiking, running, walking, and biking. Visitors can also enjoy bird watching, canoeing, kayaking, cross-country skiing, horseback riding, fly fishing, and much more.
Sandy Point State Park
Distance from Baltimore by car: 28 miles
Located near Annapolis, Maryland, Sandy Point State Park is a favored summertime spot for families interested in swimming, fishing, crabbing, and hiking. Situated beneath the Chesapeake Bay Bridge, the park’s beaches are staffed with lifeguards from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Annapolis
Distance from Baltimore by car: 42 miles
Just half an hour drive from Baltimore city limits, Annapolis boasts a charming historic district, serving as the Maryland state capital. It’s an excellent hub for renting boats, indulging in fresh seafood, or enjoying some picturesque window shopping.
Six Flags America
Distance from Baltimore by car: 41 miles
For thrilling experiences, visit Six Flags America, home to adrenaline-pumping rides such as the 200-foot Superman: Ride of Steel. The adjacent Hurricane Harbor water park offers plenty of slides, a lazy river, and a wave pool, perfect for a refreshing day out.
Washington, DC
Distance from Baltimore by car: 45 miles
Our neighbor to the south, Washington, DC, is brimming with ever-changing attractions. Visitors can explore new exhibitions along the National Mall, dine in top-rated establishments, enjoy performances at the Kennedy Center, or visit the National Zoo. With so much to see and do, it’s easy to plan an entire weekend getaway.
Great Falls Park
Distance from Baltimore by car: 50 miles
Great Falls Park, an 800-acre state park in Virginia, is ideal for hiking, kayaking, or rock climbing. It offers spectacular views of the Potomac River, and there is a $5 entrance fee per car for those driving into the park.
Mount Vernon
Distance from Baltimore by car: 52 miles
Discover the historic 500-acre estate of George Washington in Mount Vernon, featuring a 14-room mansion, stables, museum, and education center. This significant landmark provides insights into American history and is not to be confused with the neighborhood of the same name in Baltimore.
Chesapeake Beach
Distance from Baltimore by car: 53 miles
For a close alternative to Ocean City, Chesapeake Beach is a picturesque resort town with a boardwalk, antique shops, restaurants, a water park, and more. Its natural beauty and attractions recently earned it a spot as one of the Top 10 Walks in the USA.
Gettysburg
Distance from Baltimore by car: 57 miles
History enthusiasts will appreciate a visit to Gettysburg, the site of the Civil War’s costliest battle. In addition to a museum and visitor center sharing war stories, Gettysburg National Military Park features over 40 miles of scenic roads and 1,400 monuments, markers, and memorials honoring this pivotal moment in history.
St. Michaels
Distance from Baltimore by car: 70 miles
Head to the Eastern Shore for a delightful sailing tour, antiquing, or a wine tasting in St. Michaels. This idyllic town is known for high-quality hotels, seafood restaurants, and charming gift shops, along with the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, which explores the area’s rich maritime history.
Antietam National Battlefield
Distance from Baltimore by car: 70 miles
Each year, around 330,000 visitors travel to Antietam National Battlefield, the site of General Robert E. Lee’s first offensive into the North. Guests can learn about the iconic battle at the Visitor Center, pay respects at Antietam National Cemetery, or enjoy various outdoor activities such as boating, tubing, or biking along area trails.
Hersheypark
Distance from Baltimore by car: 90 miles
Initially a recreation center for Milton Hershey’s factory workers, today Hersheypark boasts a vast array of rides and attractions for visitors of all ages. Beyond typical theme park experiences, it also features ZOOAMERICA, showcasing animals native to North America, along with Hershey’s Chocolate World where visitors can witness chocolate-making processes and enjoy free samples.
