Baltimore Maryland, USA Travel Guide
Approximately 1 hour by MARC train/Amtrak or car. The U.S. Capital, Washington D.C., holds numerous free museums (many part of the Smithsonian Institution), iconic monuments (Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument), and government buildings (U.S. Capitol, White House).
Transportation from Baltimore Penn Station or Camden Yards directly to Washington D.C.'s Union Station is available via MARC train (Penn Line or Camden Line) or Amtrak. Driving via I-95 South is an option, though traffic and parking in D.C. Present challenges. Plan for a full day, at least 8 hours, to visit sites. Many visitors select multiple days in D.C.
Continue your day trip adventure with these compelling choices from Baltimore.
Approximately 45 minutes by car. Annapolis, Maryland's state capital, is a charming historic seaport city. It hosts the U.S. Naval Academy, historic colonial architecture, and a lively waterfront. Driving via US-50 East is the most direct route. Public transportation choices are limited. A half to full day (4-7 hours) enables exploration of the historic downtown, Naval Academy grounds, and waterfront enjoyment.
Approximately 1.5 hours by car. This historic town holds the site of the pivotal Battle of Gettysburg during the American Civil War. The Gettysburg National Military Park features extensive battlefield tours, monuments, and a museum. Driving is the optimal way to visit and explore Gettysburg, as the battlefield stretches out. A full day (6-8 hours) suits touring the battlefield, museum visits, and town exploration.
Explore Maryland’s natural beauty with these day trip choices from Baltimore.
A short drive from Baltimore, this expansive park offers numerous opportunities for hiking, biking, fishing, and scenic overlooks along the Patapsco River.
North of Baltimore, this park holds extensive trails for hiking and biking, and chances for fishing and kayaking on the Gunpowder River. A good choice for a peaceful nature escape.
Exploring towns like Annapolis or St. Michaels (on the Eastern Shore) gives different perspectives of the Bay's beauty. Enjoy waterfront views, sailing, and seafood.
For ocean beaches, drive to Ocean City, Maryland (approximately 2.5-3 hours drive), or the Delaware beaches (Rehoboth Beach, Dewey Beach – approximately 2 hours drive). These are popular summer destinations. Western Maryland has mountainous landscapes, hiking, and skiing in winter. The Deep Creek Lake area is a popular mountain resort region (approximately 3-4 hours drive).
Cross the impressive Chesapeake Bay Bridge to explore the flat, rural landscapes, charming small towns, and coastal access of the Eastern Shore. Explore Maryland's countryside, notably in the north (e.g., Harford County) or west (e.g., Frederick County). These areas feature charming small towns, vineyards, breweries, and farms, giving a pastoral contrast to city life. Drive west into the Appalachian foothills or north into Pennsylvania in October for stunning fall foliage. Visit Sherwood Gardens in late April/early May for its spectacular tulip display.
Expand your cultural exploration beyond Baltimore’s city limits with visits to historical sites and rural villages.
Antietam National Battlefield (Sharpsburg, Maryland): Approximately 1.5 hours drive west of Baltimore. This site was the location of the bloodiest single-day battle of the American Civil War. The battlefield and visitor center supply a sobering and informative experience. Frederick, Maryland: Approximately 1 hour drive west. Frederick boasts a charming historic downtown, Civil War history, and a growing craft brewery scene. It is a pleasant town for a stroll and a meal.
Discover the small towns and wineries of the Maryland countryside. Areas like Carroll County or Frederick County feature charming Main Streets, local farms, and vineyard tours. This allows for an experience of Maryland’s agricultural heritage. While not a traditional pilgrimage site, the National Shrine of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton in Emmitsburg, MD (approximately 1.5 hours north of Baltimore), holds significance as the resting place of the first American-born saint.
The scenic Baltimore-Washington Parkway itself (MD-295) represents a historic roadway, designed as a commemorative route. It features historical markers and connects the two major cities. A drive along this route offers a glimpse into regional connections and history. Exploring this route further expands your cultural and historical understanding of the area between Baltimore and Washington D.C.
For most of these cultural excursions, traveling by car offers the greatest flexibility. Public transportation options may be limited or require multiple transfers, making a personal vehicle a more direct way to reach and explore these dispersed sites. Always check opening hours for historical sites and museums, as these can vary by season or day of the week, specifically for smaller, volunteer-run locations.
Consider combining a historical battlefield visit with a drive through Maryland's picturesque countryside. This offers a balanced perspective of the region's past and present.
Explore pivotal moments of American history.
Enjoy scenic routes and quiet rural landscapes.
Sample regional produce and crafts.
Consider adding a few extra days to your trip to explore more of the Mid-Atlantic region, building on your Baltimore visit.
Spend an additional 2-3 days exploring D.C.'s extensive museums (Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, National Museum of Natural History), monuments, and nearby historic sites like George Washington's Mount Vernon estate in Virginia.
Dedicate 2-3 days to Annapolis, St. Michaels (a picturesque sailing town), and perhaps a night in a coastal town like Ocean City or Cambridge for a beach or fishing experience.
Approximately 1.5 hours north of Baltimore (Lancaster, Pennsylvania). Spend 1-2 days exploring Amish culture, farmlands, markets, and traditional crafts. This offers an unique cultural contrast.
Longer stays allow for more in-depth discovery of each destination, beyond just the main attractions.
Enjoy a more relaxed pace, avoiding rushed schedules and allowing for spontaneous detours.
Opportunities for experiencing local culture and community events on a more personal level.
