Posted in Maryland Day Trips November 14, 2020 by

The 11 Very Best Day Trips You Can Possibly Take In Maryland

We’ve featured dozens of day trips in the Old Line State and today we’re combining the best of the best into one impressive list. Take a look at the following spots and click the links to read more about 11 of the best day trips in Maryland.

1. Assateague Island
Flickr / Mrs. Gemstone
This barrier island located in Berlin is known for having wild horses that roam free, but not many know that it also has some of the most pristine sand in the state. You can head here for the day or even camp overnight right on the beach. Click here for more information

Here's the official website of Assateague Island.
2. Baltimore Aquarium
Flickr / Lev Yakupov
See exotic undersea creatures without having the leave the state! Sharks, sting rays, jellyfish, and more are awaiting your visit. The National Aquarium is an ideal day destination. Click here for more information

Check out the website of National Aquarium.
3. Western Maryland Scenic Railroad
Facebook / Western Maryland Scenic Railroad
This train will take you on a scenic 2 1/2 hour ride from Cumberland through western Maryland. See rolling mountains, rural farms, or visit during autumn at peak foliage time.
Click here for more information

Here's the official website of Western Maryland Scenic Railroad.
4. Take a scenic drive on Hoopers Island Road
Flickr / Y Nakanishi
This just may be the prettiest drive in all of Maryland. Head on this stretch of road through all three sections of Hoopers Island to witness wetland views, historic churches, and stop by Old Salty's to treat yourself to delicious seafood with a view. Click here for more information

Here's the official website of Hoopers Island.
5. National Capital Trolley Museum
Flickr / Ryan Crierie
Gone are the days when trolleys were the main source of transportation. However, you can still experience a ride by visiting this cool Colesville spot, with a multitude of old-fashioned trolleys. So fun! Click here for more information

For hours and more, visit the official website of The National Capital Trolley Museum.
6. WISP Mountain Coaster
Flickr / dcJohn
This isn't your average roller coaster. The mountain Coaster at WISP Resort twists, bends, and turns along the mountain, offering gorgeous views of Deep Creek Lake and beyond. Click here for more information

Plan your visit on the official website of WISP Resort.
7. Swallow Falls State Park
Jamie Alvarenga / Only In Your State
Maryland's most impressive waterfalls are located at this majestic state park in Oakland. Check out Muddy Creek Falls and Swallow Falls on a day trip to remember in western Maryland. Click here for more information

Here's more from the official website of Swallow Falls State Park.
8. Crab Cruise
Facebook / CrabPlace.com
A crab cruise?! Yes, you heard that right. This fun southern Maryland excursion includes an all-you-can-eat crab feast followed by taking off on the water towards Tangier Island. The sunset views are fantastic. Click here for more information

Stop by the official website of The Crab Place.
9. National Hard Crab Derby
Facebook / The National Hard Crab Derby
The crabbiest festival in Maryland is located in Maryland's crab capital, Crisfield. The hard crab races are unlike anything you've ever seen. Click here for more information
10. Maryland's Covered Bridge Road Trip
Flickr / RonEskins
We've covered several road trips, but this one is rewarding for both the history and the scenery. Check out all of Maryland's remaining covered bridges in one day!
Click here for more information
11. The Adventure Park at Sandy Spring
Facebook / The Adventure Park at Sandy Spring Friends School
If you're feeling extra adventurous, head to North America's largest aerial adventure park right here in the state. You can zipline or even visiting during glow nights to see the course lit up in neon colors. Click here for more information

Plan your trip to The Adventure Park at Sandy Spring.

Where do you think are the best day trips in Maryland? Feel free to share in the comments! Up for more adventure? Here are 10 places you can go in Maryland on just one tank of gas.

Address: Assateague Island National Seashore, 7206 National Seashore Ln, Berlin, MD 21811, USA
Address: Unnamed Road, Baltimore, MD 21202, USA
Address: Western Maryland Scenic Railroad, 13 Canal St, Cumberland, MD 21502, USA
Address: Hoopers Island Rd, Maryland, USA
Address: 1313 Bonifant Rd, Silver Spring, MD 20905, USA
Address: 296 Marsh Hill Rd, McHenry, MD 21541, USA
Address: Swallow Falls State Park, 2470 Maple Glade Rd, Oakland, MD 21550, USA
Address: 1001 W Main St, Crisfield, MD 21817, USA
Address: Crisfield, MD 21817, USA
Address: 1001 Falls Rd, Bentley Springs, MD 21120, USA
Address: 16701 Norwood Rd, Sandy Spring, MD 20860, USA

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.

The OIYS Visitor Center

Best Day Trips In Maryland

November 19, 2020
Beth Price-Williams

Which hidden gems in Maryland should I visit?

Some of the very best Maryland attractions are actually hidden gems. When we discover a hidden gem, we usually don’t want to share it, keeping it a secret for ourselves and select others. If you’re up for uncovering some of Maryland’s hidden gems, you’ll find a ton. Terrapin Nature Park provides a picture-perfect backdrop for a day among nature. Explore Battle Creek Cyprus Swamp on one of its beautiful trails. Don’t forget to add Backbone Mountain, Chapman State Park, and Mallows Bay to your hidden gem bucket list.

Where can I go on one tank of gas in Maryland?

We have no shortage of getaway spots in Maryland. One of the best ways to see Maryland is to hit the road on a road trip. Even if we’re on a tight budget, we can find plenty of destinations that will only require one tank of gas. The small and charming down of Oakland, for example, is the perfect spot to spend a few hours exploring by foot and visiting the small shops. After that, head over to Swallow Falls State Park, where you’ll find the gorgeous Muddy Creek Falls. Deep Creek Lake, Dan’s Rock Scenic Overlook, and Rocky Gap State Park are all picture-perfect destinations that only require a single tank of gas.

What underrated places in Maryland should I visit?

If you’re looking for fun things to do in Maryland, you may inadvertently pass over some of the state’s most underrated places. Point Lookout State Park, for example, is a gorgeous destination for nature lovers and for fans of the paranormal. Most of us have undoubtedly been to Sideling Hill, but it’s one of those natural wonders that can still blow us away no matter how many times we visit. Slip on your hiking shoes for a breathtaking trek at Elk Neck State Park in North East. Other underrated places in Maryland that deserve a visit include Battle Creek Cypress Swamp, Salisbury Zoo, and Brookside Gardens.

Address: Assateague Island National Seashore, 7206 National Seashore Ln, Berlin, MD 21811, USA
Address: Unnamed Road, Baltimore, MD 21202, USA
Address: Western Maryland Scenic Railroad, 13 Canal St, Cumberland, MD 21502, USA
Address: Hoopers Island Rd, Maryland, USA
Address: 1313 Bonifant Rd, Silver Spring, MD 20905, USA
Address: 296 Marsh Hill Rd, McHenry, MD 21541, USA
Address: Swallow Falls State Park, 2470 Maple Glade Rd, Oakland, MD 21550, USA
Address: 1001 W Main St, Crisfield, MD 21817, USA
Address: Crisfield, MD 21817, USA
Address: 1001 Falls Rd, Bentley Springs, MD 21120, USA
Address: 16701 Norwood Rd, Sandy Spring, MD 20860, USA

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.