Looking for a day trip in the Old Line State other than the city or beach? Here is a list of 15 unique day trips in Maryland that are an absolute must-do. While there are hundreds more options to choose from when it comes to unique destinations in Maryland, these 15 are a great place to start. Check each one off your Old Line State bucket list!
- C & O Canal
Flickr / TrailVoice Jog, bike, or stroll along the historic C & O Canal. At 184 miles in length, wherever you choose to explore is bound to be scenic.
Visit the website for more information.
- Antietam Battlefield
Flickr / Jerry and Pat Donaho The site of the bloodiest one day battle in American history, Antietam Battlefield offers plenty to explore. Walk through Bloody Lane, across Burnside Bridge, and check out the dozens of memorials.
Address: 302 E Main St, Sharpsburg, MD, 21782
Click here for the website.
- American Visionary Art Museum
Flickr / Jon You can head to the Baltimore area for a multitude of things to do including the National Aquarium and Maryland Science Center, but none of these compare to the quirkiness of the American Visionary Art Museum. Let your mind wander and set your imagination free at this unique spot.
Address: 800 Key Hwy, Baltimore, MD, 21230
Click here for the website.
- Calvert Marine Museum
Flickr / alliecat1881 Speaking of museums, this marine-themed place will help you learn about the bay and you’ll have fun doin’ it.
Address: 14200 Solomons Island Rd, Solomons, MD, 20688
Click here for the website.
- Maryland Renaissance Festival
Flickr / Blake Patterson Running September through October, this annual festival is a fun tradition among Marylanders. Step back in time as you feast on creative fair foods and watch jousting competitions.
Address: 1821 Crownsville Road, Annapolis, MD, 21401
Click here for the website.
- Harriet Tubman Byway
Flickr / Maryland GovPics Take a guided tour through significant landmarks during the underground railroad.
Address: 2 Rose Hill Place Cambridge, MD, 21613
Click here for the website.
- Swallow Falls State Park
Flickr / Paul Waldo The great thing about Swallow Falls State Park is that you don’t need to hike miles and miles to find the falls. The sights are easily accessible and this natural wonder is sure to blow you away.
Address: 2470 Maple Glade Rd, Oakland, MD, 21550
Click here for the website.
- Point Lookout State Park
Flickr / Chesapeake Bay Program Not only is this coastal park picturesque, but you can also tour the former prison camp here, which is said to be haunted.
Address: 11175 Point Lookout Rd, Scotland, MD, 20687
Click here for the website.
- National Harbor
Flickr / Ron Cogswell Shop at the boutiques, eat at the restaurants, and ride the Capital Wheel. A day at the National Harbor is always a good time.
Click here for the website.
- Catoctin Wildlife Preserve & Zoo
Facebook / Catoctin Wildlife Preserve & Zoo While the Baltimore Zoo is well-known, this zoo in Thurmont is another remarkable place to go when you want to view animals up close. They also offer a safari ride which you won’t soon forget.
Address: 13019 Catoctin Furnace Rd, MD, 21788
Click here for the website.
- Visit A Maryland Vinyard
Flickr / Chesapeake Bay Program With dozens of vineyards in the state, including several that are open year-round, you’re sure to find one that is pleasing to the eyes and tastebuds.
Click here for our previous list of a few worthwhile Maryland vineyards.
- Wisp Resort
Flickr / Erin Eve While most think about going here in the winter for the ski slopes, you can also venture to Wisp during warmer weather to enjoy their Mountain Coaster and other fun amenities.
Address: 296 Marsh Hill Rd, McHenry, MD, 21541
Click here for the website.
- St. Michaels
Flickr / Lee Cannon This charming Maryland town is full of shops and seafood restaurants. You can also stay the night here at one of the homey bed and breakfasts.
Click here for the website.
- Maryland International Raceway
Facebook / Maryland International Raceway If you feel a need for speed, head to the Maryland International Raceway to view cars zoom by. Watching these speedy events is sure to get your blood pumping.
Address: 27861 Budds Creek Rd, Mechanicsville, MD, 20659
Click here for the website.
- Visit A Maryland State Park
Flickr / Nicolas Raymond Any Maryland State Park is sure to fuel your day with scenic adventure. As long as your get outdoors, your day is already off to a great start.
Click here for a few great options.
How many of these places have you been to? For more fun destinations, check out these 12 awesome vacations to take in Maryland.
Flickr / TrailVoice
Jog, bike, or stroll along the historic C & O Canal. At 184 miles in length, wherever you choose to explore is bound to be scenic.
Visit the website for more information.
Flickr / Jerry and Pat Donaho
The site of the bloodiest one day battle in American history, Antietam Battlefield offers plenty to explore. Walk through Bloody Lane, across Burnside Bridge, and check out the dozens of memorials.
Address: 302 E Main St, Sharpsburg, MD, 21782
Click here for the website.
Flickr / Jon
You can head to the Baltimore area for a multitude of things to do including the National Aquarium and Maryland Science Center, but none of these compare to the quirkiness of the American Visionary Art Museum. Let your mind wander and set your imagination free at this unique spot.
Address: 800 Key Hwy, Baltimore, MD, 21230
Click here for the website.
Flickr / alliecat1881
Speaking of museums, this marine-themed place will help you learn about the bay and you’ll have fun doin’ it.
Address: 14200 Solomons Island Rd, Solomons, MD, 20688
Click here for the website.
Flickr / Blake Patterson
Running September through October, this annual festival is a fun tradition among Marylanders. Step back in time as you feast on creative fair foods and watch jousting competitions.
Address: 1821 Crownsville Road, Annapolis, MD, 21401
Click here for the website.
Flickr / Maryland GovPics
Take a guided tour through significant landmarks during the underground railroad.
Address: 2 Rose Hill Place Cambridge, MD, 21613
Click here for the website.
Flickr / Paul Waldo
The great thing about Swallow Falls State Park is that you don’t need to hike miles and miles to find the falls. The sights are easily accessible and this natural wonder is sure to blow you away.
Address: 2470 Maple Glade Rd, Oakland, MD, 21550
Click here for the website.
Flickr / Chesapeake Bay Program
Not only is this coastal park picturesque, but you can also tour the former prison camp here, which is said to be haunted.
Address: 11175 Point Lookout Rd, Scotland, MD, 20687
Click here for the website.
Flickr / Ron Cogswell
Shop at the boutiques, eat at the restaurants, and ride the Capital Wheel. A day at the National Harbor is always a good time.
Click here for the website.
Facebook / Catoctin Wildlife Preserve & Zoo
While the Baltimore Zoo is well-known, this zoo in Thurmont is another remarkable place to go when you want to view animals up close. They also offer a safari ride which you won’t soon forget.
Address: 13019 Catoctin Furnace Rd, MD, 21788
Click here for the website.
With dozens of vineyards in the state, including several that are open year-round, you’re sure to find one that is pleasing to the eyes and tastebuds.
Click here for our previous list of a few worthwhile Maryland vineyards.
Flickr / Erin Eve
While most think about going here in the winter for the ski slopes, you can also venture to Wisp during warmer weather to enjoy their Mountain Coaster and other fun amenities.
Address: 296 Marsh Hill Rd, McHenry, MD, 21541
Click here for the website.
Flickr / Lee Cannon
This charming Maryland town is full of shops and seafood restaurants. You can also stay the night here at one of the homey bed and breakfasts.
Click here for the website.
Facebook / Maryland International Raceway
If you feel a need for speed, head to the Maryland International Raceway to view cars zoom by. Watching these speedy events is sure to get your blood pumping.
Address: 27861 Budds Creek Rd, Mechanicsville, MD, 20659
Click here for the website.
Flickr / Nicolas Raymond
Any Maryland State Park is sure to fuel your day with scenic adventure. As long as your get outdoors, your day is already off to a great start.
Click here for a few great options.
If you think we’ve missed an amazing must-see attraction in Maryland, nominate it here, and we’ll be sure to check it out!
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
Address: Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historic Park, Maryland, USAAddress: Antietam, MD 21782, USAAddress: American Visionary Art Museum, Baltimore, MD 21230, USAAddress: Calvert Marine Museum, 14200 Solomons Island Rd S, Solomons, MD 20688, USAAddress: Swallow Falls State Park, 2470 Maple Glade Rd, Oakland, MD 21550, USAAddress: Point Lookout State Park, 11175 Point Lookout Rd, Scotland, MD 20687, USAAddress: National Harbor, Fort Washington, MD 20745, USAAddress: Catoctin Wildlife Preserve, 13019 Catoctin Furnace Rd, Thurmont, MD 21788, USAAddress: Wisp Resort, 296 Marsh Hill Rd, McHenry, MD 21541, USAAddress: Saint Michaels, St Michaels, MD 21663, USAAddress: Maryland International Raceway, 27861 Budds Creek Rd, Mechanicsville, MD 20659, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
day trips near me in Maryland August 13, 2021 Kim Magaraci Where can nature lovers go for the best day trips in Maryland? If you love hiking, it’s hard to top the stretch of the Appalachian Trail that runs through Maryland! Almost 40 miles of this National Scenic Trail cross through the Old Line State. Other amazing places for hiking in Maryland include Calvert Cliffs State Park and Patapsco Valley State Park. If you’re looking for a way to enjoy nature with young children, the Baltimore Aquarium is one spot you’ve got to visit. Are there any Maryland road trips that showcase beautiful scenery? Maryland’s back roads showcase all sorts of natural beauty, whether you drive them in the spring and welcome the wildflowers back, or in the fall when the colors of the season begin to burst onto the mountainsides. Here are a few of our favorite scenic drives in Maryland that you’ve got to check off your bucket list. What are the top must-visit attractions in Maryland? There are a handful of must-visit attractions in Baltimore, like the National Aquarium, Fort McHenry, and the Baltimore Museum of Art - oh, and the Old Bay Store, because let’s be real, that’s more important to us than art. Swallow Falls State Park is a spot that deserves a place on your bucket list thanks to its beautiful waterfall - but don’t worry, it’s hardly ever packed with crowds. If you’re looking for coastal attractions, visit Smith Island for a slice of famous cake, or head to Ocean City, Maryland to enjoy restaurants, entertainment, a boardwalk, and beaches. Finally, be sure to visit Antietam Battlefield for a glimpse at history and perhaps an encounter with the paranormal.
The OIYS Visitor Center
day trips near me in Maryland
August 13, 2021
Kim Magaraci
Where can nature lovers go for the best day trips in Maryland? If you love hiking, it’s hard to top the stretch of the Appalachian Trail that runs through Maryland! Almost 40 miles of this National Scenic Trail cross through the Old Line State. Other amazing places for hiking in Maryland include Calvert Cliffs State Park and Patapsco Valley State Park. If you’re looking for a way to enjoy nature with young children, the Baltimore Aquarium is one spot you’ve got to visit. Are there any Maryland road trips that showcase beautiful scenery? Maryland’s back roads showcase all sorts of natural beauty, whether you drive them in the spring and welcome the wildflowers back, or in the fall when the colors of the season begin to burst onto the mountainsides. Here are a few of our favorite scenic drives in Maryland that you’ve got to check off your bucket list. What are the top must-visit attractions in Maryland? There are a handful of must-visit attractions in Baltimore, like the National Aquarium, Fort McHenry, and the Baltimore Museum of Art - oh, and the Old Bay Store, because let’s be real, that’s more important to us than art. Swallow Falls State Park is a spot that deserves a place on your bucket list thanks to its beautiful waterfall - but don’t worry, it’s hardly ever packed with crowds. If you’re looking for coastal attractions, visit Smith Island for a slice of famous cake, or head to Ocean City, Maryland to enjoy restaurants, entertainment, a boardwalk, and beaches. Finally, be sure to visit Antietam Battlefield for a glimpse at history and perhaps an encounter with the paranormal.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
If you love hiking, it’s hard to top the stretch of the Appalachian Trail that runs through Maryland! Almost 40 miles of this National Scenic Trail cross through the Old Line State. Other amazing places for hiking in Maryland include Calvert Cliffs State Park and Patapsco Valley State Park. If you’re looking for a way to enjoy nature with young children, the Baltimore Aquarium is one spot you’ve got to visit.
Are there any Maryland road trips that showcase beautiful scenery?
Maryland’s back roads showcase all sorts of natural beauty, whether you drive them in the spring and welcome the wildflowers back, or in the fall when the colors of the season begin to burst onto the mountainsides. Here are a few of our favorite scenic drives in Maryland that you’ve got to check off your bucket list.
What are the top must-visit attractions in Maryland?
There are a handful of must-visit attractions in Baltimore, like the National Aquarium, Fort McHenry, and the Baltimore Museum of Art - oh, and the Old Bay Store, because let’s be real, that’s more important to us than art. Swallow Falls State Park is a spot that deserves a place on your bucket list thanks to its beautiful waterfall - but don’t worry, it’s hardly ever packed with crowds. If you’re looking for coastal attractions, visit Smith Island for a slice of famous cake, or head to Ocean City, Maryland to enjoy restaurants, entertainment, a boardwalk, and beaches. Finally, be sure to visit Antietam Battlefield for a glimpse at history and perhaps an encounter with the paranormal.
