30 Fantastic Day Trips from Baltimore to explore in 2024

Need ideas for some fun day trips from Baltimore? You have stopped at the right place! Although, we all know that Baltimore is the life of the party and there is so much to do for both adults and children.

I have lived here for several years so I should know. However, maybe you have been there, done that, got the T-shirt and looking for day trips around Baltimore instead. I got you covered!!!

These Baltimore day trips will give you a chance to explore Maryland some more and learn more about this state that I love so much. Most of them are within three to four hours or less from Baltimore.

26 Day Trips You Can Take From Baltimore

1. Rising Sun

Distance: 57 miles

Driving time: 1 hour 6 minutes

Rising Sun, a small town in Cecil County is home to the famous roadside attraction, The Antique Emporium. This three-story building is crammed full of antiques, collectibles, and oddities.

Your kids will love exploring this treasure trove, and you’ll love the prices. So stop at the attached ice cream parlor for a sweet treat!

And if your kids are into trains, they’ll be sure to love the Maryland and Pennsylvania Railroad Museum. The museum is dedicated to preserving the railway’s history through collecting and displaying artifacts.

The Plumpton Park Zoo is the highlight of Maryland day trips for kids. This small zoo is home to over 100 animals, including lions, tigers, bears, and reptiles. Your kids will have a blast learning about the animal kingdom at this family-friendly zoo.

2. Antietam National Battlefield

Distance: 68 miles

Driving time: 1 hour 35 minutes

For history lovers, take a trip down to Antietam national battlefield. Heads up for your little kids, this historical monument in Maryland is the site of one of the bloodiest battles during the Civil War. It’s also home to fantastic scenery, so bring your camera!

There is plenty to see and do at Antietam national battlefield, which makes it one of the best things. First, be sure to walk the 1.5-mile tour route, which takes you past the most important landmarks.

You can also visit the visitor center, the museum, and the theater. Kids will love the interactive exhibits!

There are also several hiking miles of trails and picnic areas, making it the perfect place to spend a day in nature.

Your kids can also become junior rangers at Antietam National battlefield.

3. Chesapeake Beach

Distance: 54 miles

Driving time: 1 hour 22 minutes

Take a day trip from Baltimore to Chesapeake Beach and enjoy the water park and scenic Boardwalk on the Bay. You can also explore the Chesapeake Beach Railway Museum, eat at some amazing restaurants, enjoy the marinas, charter fishing (check out these Maryland fishing trips), boat ramps, and more.

4. St Michaels

Distance: 80 miles

Driving time: 1 hour 47 minutes

Taking a trip with your family to St. Michael is a worthwhile day trip from Baltimore. There are lots of great outdoor adventures to explore when you visit St. Michaels, plus you can check out some of the little shops and restaurants around.

Check out some of the best places to stay in St Michaels, MD.

Make a stop at the Inn at Perry Cabin, where the famous Wedding Crashers movie was held. While here, you can grab a meal, sail on their sailboats, and enjoy the beauty of Eastern Maryland.

You can also check out the Chesapeake Bay maritime museum because a day trip in Maryland would not be complete without making this stop. Our favorite is the Play on the Bay, which has interactive exhibits to entertain your kids. At St Michael, you can rent paddle boats or kayaks for older kids.

5. Ocean city 

Distance: 147 miles

Driving time: 3 hours

Is your dream vacation centered around the beach? Sandy toes, beachy hair, sun-kissed skin? Then a trip to Ocean city is a must when planning your day trip from Baltimore!

This historic beach town has been a family’s favorite summertime destination for generations. Ocean City has a ton of fun things to do over the summer and even during the wintertime.

Ocean City has something for everyone: ten miles of sandy beaches, miles of Boardwalk, and countless shops and restaurants. In addition, it is one of the best Maryland day trips from Baltimore.

Your picky teen will love the enthralling and soul-nourishing water sports, while your toddler will be thrilled to ride the Carousel or enjoy some fun rides at Jolly Roger amusement park.

And don’t forget about all the delicious seafood – Maryland is known for its crabs and crab cakes, after all!

When you’ve had too much sun and wish to enjoy fresh air, check out the Ripley’s Believe It or Not Museum.

You can check out some of the best seafood restaurants in Oceancity Maryland. Check out where to stay in Ocean City when you visit.

I highly recommend the 75 Minute Parasailing Adventure in Ocean City, Maryland!

6. Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum

Distance: 80 miles

Driving time: 1 hour 48 minutes

Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum in St. Michaels, Maryland, is dedicated to preserving the maritime heritage of the Chesapeake Bay region and offers visitors a wealth of exhibits and activities to enjoy.

The museum has several galleries that cover a wide range of topics. Kids will love the interactive exhibits in the Touch Tank gallery, where they can learn about the animals that live in the Bay.

The boatbuilding workshop is a popular attraction, allowing visitors to see how boats are made.

Families can also enjoy riding on the museum’s steamboat, the Choptank. This boat offers cruises around the harbor and gives passengers a chance to learn more about the history and ecology of Chesapeake Bay.

The Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum is a great day trip from Baltimore for kids of all ages and will provide a fun and educational experience.

7. Appalachian Trail 

Distance: 91 miles

Driving time:1 hour 35 minutes

The Appalachian National Scenic Trail is a great place to take your kids for a hike. The trail goes through the forests and mountains of Maryland, and there are plenty of places to stop and explore.

The scenery is beautiful, and there are many things to see and do along the way. Kids will love getting out in nature and exploring the trails. Be sure to pack a lunch because there are plenty of great spots to eat outdoors. The Appalachian National Scenic Trail is an excellent place for a family outing.

If you are passionate about nature, you could consider joining the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, which was created to protect, manage, and advocate for the Appalachian National Scenic Trail.

8. Wisp Resort 

Distance: 180 miles

Driving time: 3 hours 18 minutes

The Wisp Resort, located in McHenry Town in Garrett County, is a must-go place when visiting Maryland. It is a four-season downhill resort that offers a wide variety of fun activities you can enjoy with your kids.

As it is located near Deep Creek Lake, Wisp Resort offers many water-related activities, including whitewater rafting and Pontoon boat tours. However, the most-loved activity at the resort is the mountain coaster, which has a 1,300-foot uphill track, 3,500-feet downhill track, and over 350 vertical feet on the eastern side of Wisp Mountain.

In Deep Creek Lake, there are lots of opportunities to hike outdoors and also tons of things to do in Deep Creek Lake during winter.

So, for one of the most adventurous Baltimore day trips, plan a visit to the Wisp Resort, and enjoy a mix of thrilling, fun, and relaxing activities simultaneously.

9. Catoctin Wildlife Preserve and Zoo

Distance: 61 miles

Driving time: 1 hour 21 minutes

Kids love nothing more than animals! And if you have kids who would like to spend a day getting up close and personal with some friendly exotic animals, a trip to the Catoctin Wildlife Preserve and Zoo is mandatory!

The Catoctin preserve is a 50-acre park with natural ponds, lush green fields, and the native wildlife scurrying about the place. The preserve’s animals include one-humped camels, zebras, antelopes, ostriches, Mouflon sheep, jaguars, the unique Fossa, lemurs, and a dozen American alligators.

But that’s not all! You’ll also find several vibrant Amazon parrots, pythons, Boa constrictors, tortoise, and Eurasian lynx species.

Don’t forget to feed the friendly pygmy goats, alpacas, Jacobs sheep, emus, and young donkeys while you’re there!

10. Sideling Hill

Distance: 99 miles

Driving time: 1 hour 55 minutes

Sideling Hill is a great place to take the kids for a hike while in Maryland. Your kids will be thrilled to explore this natural wonder with its winding trails and spectacular views. If you’re searching for somewhere to cool off, the Crystal Grottoes Caverns are a must-see. This man-made cave is full of stalactites and stalagmites and is a great place to beat the heat.

Visit the Sideling Hill Exhibit Center to wrap your day. The region’s history is represented in this museum, which includes several active exhibits that your little ones will enjoy. No visit to Sideling Hill is complete without stopping at the roadside attraction, The Giant’s Stairs.

These massive rock formations will amaze your kids with their size and beauty.

11. Concord Point Lighthouse

Distance: 37 mile

Driving time: 50 minutes 

There is just something special about visiting a lighthouse every now and then. This lighthouse is located in the Chesapeake Bay and was built in 1827. Concord Point Lighthouse is the oldest surviving lighthouse in Maryland and is only 50 minutes from Baltimore!

It is open from April to October on the weekends. You can learn some history about this older lighthouse and see some incredible views of the Chesapeake Bay.

12. Chesapeake and Ohio Canal (C/O canal)

Distance: 45 miles

Driving time: 1 hour 7 minutes

Visiting the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal with kids can be a fun and educational experience. The canal stretches 184.5 miles from Georgetown in Washington, D.C., to Cumberland, Maryland.

Along the way, there are plenty of opportunities for kids to learn about the canal’s history and its importance to the region. Of course, there are also plenty of opportunities for fun, including Billy goat trail hiking, biking, and fishing.

Great Parks to check out on your Day Trips Heading From Baltimore

13. Sandy Point State Park

Distance: 33 miles

Driving time: 52 minutes

If you’re looking for outdoor fun activities, head to Sandy Point State Park. It is a 786-acre Maryland State Park situated along the shore of the Chesapeake Bay. There are a ton of activities to do at this park.

It is well known for its beaches and picnic sites for families to enjoy a relaxing time and view the Chesapeake Bay. This state park features seven miles of shoreline, perfect for swimming and family fishing adventures, and it also has some nice picnic areas. In addition, for nature lovers, there’s a nature center where you can learn about the local wildlife.

Maybe your vacation means you want to relax and let the kids play. Sandy Point State Park is perfect for relaxing while the kids build sandcastles and play in the water.

If parks are a fun outdoor adventure, check out some more great state parks in Maryland to visit your family. 

14. Gunpowder Falls State Park

Distance: 22 miles

Driving time: 36 minutes

Visiting Gunpowder Falls State Park is a full-day adventure. Established in 1959, 1800 acres of land and over 100 miles of trails. In the fall, you can take in the fall foliage by hiking trails, riding bikes, or horseback riding.

If water is your love, check out the changing leaves from the water while spending time along the 1,500-foot-long beach.

Gunpowder Falls state park holds many of Maryland’s water trails, about 5 miles each. It also has a lot of rough spots or wild river waters, which makes it an excellent place for kayakers that want some more water adventures. It may, therefore, not be the best for beginner or less experienced kayakers.

15. Calvert Cliffs State Park

Distance: 77 miles

Driving time: 1 hour 51 minutes

Salamanders, turtles, butterflies, birds, and deer find homes in Calvert Cliff State Park. The park’s cliffs are among the tallest on the East Coast and provide visitors with stunning views of the Chesapeake Bay.

Of all the State Parks in Maryland, the Annapolis sailboat show, one of the largest in-water boat shows in the world, is held here every October. And if you’re feeling adventurous, you can go rock climbing or rappel on the park’s cliffs.

The park is also home to various fossils, including those of prehistoric sharks, turtles, and crocodiles.

16. Assateague Island National Seashore

Distance: 141 miles

Driving time: 2 hours 53 minutes

Assateague Island national seashore is a beautiful place to visit in Maryland with kids and is one of the best day trips around Baltimore. The seashore has miles of sandy beaches, and the ocean is excellent for swimming, fishing, and kayaking.

There are also plenty of opportunities for hiking and biking, and the island is home to some interesting wildlife, including wild horses and ponies. The horses are one of the major highlights of this place; you can find them all over Assateague Island, plus other wildlife. Your kids can also join a ranger-guided program here.

The Best Day Trips From Baltimore To DC

Going to DC makes for some of the best road trips from Baltimore for everyone.

17. White house 

Distance: 42 miles

Driving time: 1 hour 15 minutes

This is a bit complicated to visit because the Public tour requests are scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis and must be submitted through a Member of Congress and their Congressional Tour Coordinator.

However, you can always catch a peek at the White House while exploring the National Mall.

18. National Mall

Distance: 42 miles

Driving time: 1 hour 15 minutes

The National Mall is one of America’s must-visit national parks. It is home to the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument. It’s a great place to visit with many monuments and museums based on the History of America.

You can go from the Washington Monument to the Lincoln Memorial to the U.S. Capitol and stop at the White House. The architecture and design of the Capitol are entirely breathtaking hence one of the best ways for me to visit the National Mall.

Everyone must visit and explore the great memorials like Lincoln Memorial, MLK Jr Memorial, Thomas Jefferson Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Korean War Veterans Memorial, Washington Monument, World War 2 Memorial, etc.

It’s easy to spend an entire day just strolling around the lake and checking out all the memorials. Plan accordingly, though, as there is a lot of walking involved.

19. Smithsonian museums

Distance: 42 miles

Driving time: 1 hour 15 minutes

The Smithsonian museums in Washington, DC, are a great way to enjoy a day trip from Baltimore. Enjoy exploring these museums’ American history, science, art, and culture. There is a lot to explore from the National Museum of African American culture, Smithsonian Zoo, National Museum of African Art, and National Air and Space Museum. 

Plan accordingly, though, as there is a lot of walking involved, and it could take more than a day to visit. 

Admission is free at every Smithsonian Museum, making it a cheap outing for the family.

Day Trips From Baltimore To Pennsylvania

20. Hershey Park

Distance: 91 miles

Driving time: 1 hour 38 minutes

For a great day trip from Baltimore to Pennsylvania, check out Hershey Park. It is a great place to go and spend a day enjoying the roller coasters! I appreciate that they have rides for all thrill levels.

However, especially for groups, you would typically have some people who love intense rides and some who enjoy the smaller, simpler rides, especially little kids. 

Weekends tend to be very busy with long wait times, so if you can make a weekday road trip, that will work better.

They have a variety of amusement park food options to pick from. 

21. Philadelphia Museum of art

Distance:107 miles

Driving time: 1 hour 57 minutes

The Philadelphia Museum of Art makes for a great 2 hour or more day trip, although it’s quite hard to see everything in one day. The museum has lots of art pieces like portraits and statues to see. You need tickets to visit, and they cost about $25 a person for anyone older than 18. There is a cafe and a souvenir gift shop inside. 

Enjoy virtual programs, great performances, and arts for kids to get more creative.

If you are short on time and can’t see everything, you can go on a tour of the collection with folks in the know. These guided tours are offered daily and are free with your admission ticket.

Next, head to the Great Stair Hall and get a selfie with our gilded beauty, Diana. You can also check out some great works by Renoir, Monet, Cézanne and more in the New European Galleries.

22. Michaux state forest

Distance: 74 miles

Driving time: 1 hour 44 minutes

This is a Pennsylvania state forest where you can hike or bike and enjoy the beautiful, scenic, and quiet forest.

23. Philadelphia 

Distance: 106 miles

Driving time: 1 hour 54 minutes 

Philadelphia makes for an amazing day trip from Baltimore. So, there is much to do, and the city bustles with so much life. For your kids, you can visit the Philadelphia Zoo; Please touch museum, Legoland discovery center, and so much more.

It’s the perfect place to connect with friends and families while discovering museums and many attractions in the city. Philadelphia also has a wide variety of restaurants and places to eat for every taste bud. 

Some extra Baltimore spots that make a great day trip!

24. The Capital’s Wheel

Distance: 54 miles

Driving time: 59 minutes

It would be quite unfair if you visit Maryland but don’t go to the Capital Wheel at National Harbor!

There is plenty to do at Capital Wheel, from various water, aerial, and ground activities. Start by riding the weather-controlled gondolas that take you 180 feet above ground level for a breathtakingly stunning view of the Potomac River, Washington Monument, the Masonic Temple of Alexandria, and National Harbor’s skyline.

If your kids are accompanying you, take them to the Carousel, a 36-foot Americana-themed carousel. There’s also a playground and shaded picnic area to sit, relax, and grab a bite.

Once you’re done with everything, head to the Flight Deck, where you can enjoy your favorite cocktails, mocktails, and other beverages while enjoying the view.

25. Six Flags America

Distance: 36 miles

Driving time: 1 hour 5 minutes 

Let’s wrap up your Maryland day trip with a visit to Six Flags America, a 523-acre theme park in Bowie.

It has several rides, including family, kids, thrill rides, and water rides. There are around 20 family rides, including the Carousel, crazy cars, cyclone, flying Carousel, Tinseltown train, antique car rides, shipwreck falls, etc.

Try the rollercoasters if you’re up for some hair-raising, adrenaline-rushing rides. There are nine roller coasters, each promising the thrill of a lifetime.

If you visit the park in summer, don’t miss the water rides! With the 800,000-gallon pool and 25 water slides, the water park at Six Flags is enough to keep you cool in the heat.

It also has many kiddie rides, including a soft play area named Looney Tunes Prop Warehouse and the Whistlestop Park Playground.

So, if you have kids of varying ages, Six Flags America is the best day trips from Baltimore for kids

26. Annapolis

Annapolis is another city that is rich in culture and has a balance of historic sites and fun places to explore. This place is often overlooked since it is so close to Baltimore, making it the perfect place for a nice simple retreat!

If you want to see the entire city, try out a trolley tour! One of the best Maryland wineries, the Great Frogs Winery, is also located right in Annapolis. Be sure to spend a few hours sipping on some delicious local wine when you visit this city.

Because it is only 40 minutes away from Baltimore, this is definitely a city you will want to explore! You can also explore some fun things to do in Annapolis if visiting with your kids.

27. Shallow Falls

Shallow Falls is a beautiful waterfall located in Oakland, Maryland. This waterfall is a popular destination and is well worth the visit. It is a short-mile hike, making it easy to explore.

This waterfall is a great way to experience Maryland’s natural beauty. Plus, after exploring the waterfall, there are plenty of other great things to enjoy at Shallow Falls Park!

You can swim, camp out, hike, and fish, along with plenty of other great activities. It is another one of the best places to visit within 4 hours of Baltimore!

Day Trips from Baltimore to Virginia and Delaware

28. Williamsburg, Virginia

Located three hours from Baltimore, Williamsburg is a charming town located in Virginia. This historic town is filled with numerous historical sites, including Jamestown and Yorktown. However, there are other fun activities to enjoy as well.

Busch Gardens is an action-packed amusement park the entire family would love to visit. There are some awesome parks for nature lovers too!

29. Rehoboth Beach, Delaware

Rehoboth Beach is a lively waterfront town, home to numerous shops, restaurants, and bars, making it an excellent place to go on a day trip. It is only two and a half hours from Baltimore too!

This beach right on the Atlantic Ocean is also one of the most popular cities in Delaware, and it is well worth a visit. Enjoy a nice day on the beach, relaxing and soaking up the sun during the summer. If you stay late into the evening, you will also see a stunning sunset along the horizon!

Day Trips from Baltimore to New Jersey

30. Atlantic City

Atlantic City is about two and a half hours from Baltimore and is another fun place to visit close to Baltimore. This resort city has plenty of fun things to do! Take a relaxing stroll on the boardwalk, have fun at the Steel Pier Amusement Park with kids, or enjoy a day on the sand at Atlantic City Beach.

You will also find Ripley’s Believe It or Not located in this city, which is fun to explore and see all the fascinating things. Atlantic City in New Jersey is one of the must-go-to places in the United States. Make a weekend trip out of it and have a blast!

How to get around Baltimore and surrounding areas

The best way to move around is by Car. That can be your own car or a rental car or Uber. Discover Cars is awesome for car rentals if you need one.

If you prefer not to drive, you can also use a bus, MARC train, Light Rail, and Metro subway.

Conclusion: 30 Delightful Day Trips You Need to Make From Baltimore

While many people believe that Maryland is all about coasts and shorelines, they don’t know that it has many places to visit where people can enjoy themselves with their families. And most of these places are not necessarily water-related. In fact, you’ll find some of the best museums, zoos, and discovery centers in Maryland.

We hope our picks for amazing family day trips in Maryland will help you have a memorable time in the coastal state of Maryland!

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