12 Amazing Day Trips From Baltimore

One of the benefits of living in Baltimore is how close we are to several charming Chesapeake towns, historic battlefields, and national parks. Keep these suggestions for day trips from Baltimore in mind the next time you need a break from city life.

Note: Trips are arranged in order of distance by car from downtown Baltimore.

Gunpowder Falls State Park

Distance from Baltimore by car: 16 miles
One of Maryland’s largest State Parks, Gunpowder Falls State Park includes more than 100 miles of trails for hiking, running, walking, and biking. There' are also opportunities to bird watch, canoe, kayak, cross-country ski, horseback ride, fly fish, and more.

Sandy Point State Park

Distance from Baltimore by car: 28 miles
This state park near Annapolis, Maryland, is a popular summertime destination for families interested in swimming, fishing, crabbing, and hiking. Located in the shadow of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge, beaches at the park are staffed by lifeguards from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

Annapolis

Distance from Baltimore by car: 42 miles
Within a half hour drive of Baltimore city limits is the charming historic district of Annapolis. Not only is the city Maryland capital, but also an excellent destination for those looking to rent a boat for the day, get some fresh seafood, or do some window shopping.

Six Flags America

Distance from Baltimore by car: 41 miles
Experience adrenaline-pumping rides at Six Flags America such as the 200-foot Superman: Ride of Steel, or cool off at Hurricane Harbor. Hurricane Harbor is a water park with plenty of slides, a lazy river, and a wave pool.

Washington, DC

Distance from Baltimore by car: 45 miles
Our neighbor to the south is full of ever-changing attractions. Check out some new exhibitions along the National Mall, get lunch or dinner at a top-rated restaurant, see a show or concert at the Kennedy Center, or make a day out of visiting our National Zoo. No matter what time of the year, there are so many things to see and do in Washington, DC that you might want to plan to stay the weekend.

Great Falls Park

Distance from Baltimore by car: 50 miles
Another excellent day trip from Baltimore is a hiking, kayaking, or rock climbing excursion at Great Falls Park, an 800-acre state park in Virginia offering spectacular views of the Potomac River. There is a $5 entrance fee per car for visitors who drive into the park.

Mount Vernon

Distance from Baltimore by car: 52 miles
Explore the 500-acre former Mount Vernon Estate of George Washington, including a 14-room mansion, stables, museum, and education center. Not to be confused with the neighborhood by the same name in Baltimore.

Chesapeake Beach

Distance from Baltimore by car: 53 miles
If you don't have time to make it to Ocean City, Chesapeake Beach is a close alternative. The resort town has a boardwalk, antique stores, restaurants, a water park, and more. It's so lovely the town was voted one of the Top 10 Walks in the USA.

Gettysburg

Distance from Baltimore by car: 57 miles
History lovers will enjoy making the trek to Gettysburg, the historic location of the costliest battle of the American Civil War. Besides a museum and visitor center that relays tales of the war, Gettysburg National Military Park includes more than 40 miles of scenic roads and 1,400 monuments, marks, and memorials that commemorate the battle.

St. Michaels

Distance from Baltimore by car: 70 miles
Head to the Eastern Shore for a sailing tour, some antiquing, or a wine tasting in St. Michaels, a small town known for quality hotels, seafood restaurants, and gift shops. St. Michaels is also home to the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, where you can learn about the history of the Chesapeake, as well as Hooper Strait Lighthouse, which is open to the public year round.

Antietam National Battlefield

Distance from Baltimore by car: 70 miles
Each year, around 330,000 people make a trip to Antietam National Battlefield, the site of General Robert E. Lee's first invasion of the North. Learn about the battle at the Visitor Center, pay your respects at Antietam National Cemetery, or spend the day boating, tubing, or biking on an area trail.

Hersheypark

Distance from Baltimore by car: 90 miles
Once a recreation center for workers in Milton Hershey's factory, today Hersheypark has a huge assortment of rides and attractions for any age. Beyond the traditional offerings of a theme park, Hersheypark also has ZOOAMERICA, which features animals native to North America. Hershey's Chocolate World is where you can see how the chocolate is made and get a free sample.