Posted in Maryland Day Trips May 21, 2023 by

Here Are 15 Unique Day Trips In Maryland That Are An Absolute Must-Do

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!

1. C & O Canal
Bonnachoven/Wikipedia
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 C & O Canal website for more information.

Williamsport C&O Canal, 205 W Potomac St, Williamsport, MD 21795, USA
2. Antietam Battlefield
Mitchell Bishop/Google
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
Visit the website for the Antietam Battlefield to learn more.
Antietam National Cemetery, 302 E Main St, Sharpsburg, MD 21782, USA
3. 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
Visit the American Visionary Art Museum to learn more.
American Visionary Art Museum, 800 Key Hwy, Baltimore, MD 21230, USA
4. 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
Visit the website for the Calvert Marine Museum for more information.
Solomons Island Road South, Solomons Island Rd S, Solomons, MD 20688, USA
5. 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
Visit the Maryland Renaissance Festival website to learn more.
1821 Crownsville Rd, Annapolis, MD 21401, USA
6. 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
Visit the website for the Harriet Tubman Byway to learn more.
2 Rose Hill Dr, Cambridge, MD 21613, USA
7. 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
Visit the Swallow Falls State Park website to learn more.

2470 Maple Glade Rd, Oakland, MD 21550, USA
8. 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
Check out the website for Point Lookout State Park to learn more.
11175 Point Lookout Rd, Scotland, MD 20687, USA
9. 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.
Visit the National Harbor website to learn more.
National Harbor, Fort Washington, MD 20745, USA
10. Catoctin Wildlife Preserve & Zoo
Zak Staszkiewicz/Google
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
Check out Catoctin Wildlife Preserve & Zoo's website to learn more.
13019 Catoctin Furnace Rd, Thurmont, MD 21788, USA
11. 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.
Check out our full list of the best vineyards in Maryland for some fun ideas.
12. Wisp Resort
Wisp Resort/Facebook
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
Visit Wisp Resort's website to learn more.
296 Marsh Hill Rd, McHenry, MD 21541, USA
13. 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.
Learn more about St. Michaels here.
Saint Michaels, St Michaels, MD 21663, USA
14. 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
Visit the website for the Maryland International Raceway to learn more.
27861 Budds Creek Rd, Mechanicsville, MD 20659, USA
15. 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.
Check out our full list of the best state parks in Maryland.

What do you think of our list of the best day trips in Maryland? How many of these places have you been to? For more fun destinations, check out these 12 awesome vacations to take in Maryland.

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, USA
Address: Antietam, MD 21782, USA
Address: American Visionary Art Museum, Baltimore, MD 21230, USA
Address: Calvert Marine Museum, 14200 Solomons Island Rd S, Solomons, MD 20688, USA
Address: Swallow Falls State Park, 2470 Maple Glade Rd, Oakland, MD 21550, USA
Address: Point Lookout State Park, 11175 Point Lookout Rd, Scotland, MD 20687, USA
Address: National Harbor, Fort Washington, MD 20745, USA
Address: Catoctin Wildlife Preserve, 13019 Catoctin Furnace Rd, Thurmont, MD 21788, USA
Address: Wisp Resort, 296 Marsh Hill Rd, McHenry, MD 21541, USA
Address: Saint Michaels, St Michaels, MD 21663, USA
Address: 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?

These are the best day trips for nature lovers in Maryland:

  • Assateague Island
  • Swallow Falls State Park
  • Sandy Spring Adventure Park

 

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.

What are the best scenic drives in Maryland?

The best scenic drives in Maryland are:

  • Hoopers Island Road
  • Interstate 68 through Sideling Hill
  • Interstate 70 through Western Maryland
  • Falls Road

 

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?

The best attractions in Maryland are:

  • National Aquarium
  • Fort McHenry
  • Baltimore Museum of Art
  • Antietam Battlefield
  • Swallow Falls State Park

 

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.