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The Most Affordable Maryland Road Trip Takes You To 4 Stunning Sites For Under $100

Discover an affordable and scenic day trip in Maryland featuring a shrine, orchard, winery, and overlook.

Updated Feb 9, 2023

Written by 

Jamie Alvarenga

Ready for a beautiful day trip? The best part is that along with scenery, you'll also spend very little along your journey. This affordable Maryland day trip takes you to a shrine, orchard, winery, and an overlook. Read on, and prepare for one fantastic adventure!

You can follow along with the map if you'd like!

Hop in the car -- this affordable Maryland road trip awaits! Drive time is 45 minutes but keep in mind that you'll want to plan time to stop at each location as well. Let's get started below!

Map highlighting an affordable road trip route in Maryland, featuring High Rock and the National Shrine Grotto.
Google Maps

1. National Shrine Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes

A stone grotto with a statue of Mary, surrounded by greenery and flowers, with a figure in a blue dress nearby.
National Shrine Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes / Facebook
A scenic view of rolling hills and a sunset, featuring a stone monument with an inscription by Elizabeth Ann Seton.
National Shrine Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes / Facebook

National Shrine Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes is devoted to the Blessed Mother, Mary, but you don't have to be religious to admire its beauty. Head here for stunning statues, flowing fountains, enchanting plant life, and one of the best views around.

Cost: FREE

2. Catoctin Mountain Orchard

A vibrant field of flowers in the foreground with a green hill and blue sky in the background.
Ron Cogswell / Flickr
A pyramid of pumpkins stacked on pallets, with colorful signs and a scenic mountain backdrop under a clear blue sky.
Catoctin Mountain Orchard / Facebook

This Maryland orchard has stunning mountain views, as well as plenty to pick from late spring to fall. We especially love the pick-your-own colorful flowers during summertime and the apple orchard in autumn. The farm market at Catoctin Mountain Orchard is also full of fresh produce, jams, and more.

Cost: FREE to visit but be sure to bring cash for market goods and/or picking fruit.

3. Red Heifer Winery

A rustic outdoor dining area with red umbrellas, flower planters, and a stone building under a colorful sky at sunset.
Red Heifer Winery / Facebook
A wooden flight board with glasses of white and red wine, set against a scenic outdoor landscape with blue skies.
Red Heifer Winery / Facebook

Red Heifer Winery is the perfect spot to bring a picnic and enjoy the scenery while sipping on wine. They also offer light food offerings, such as charcuterie boards, salads, and paninis.

Check out the wine list!

Cost: FREE to visit. Bring money for wine/food.

4. High Rock

A scenic view from a rocky ledge overlooking lush green valleys and distant mountains at sunset.
John Brighenti / Flickr
Aerial view of lush green fields, orchards, and farm buildings in a rural landscape.
John Brighenti / Flickr

End your day with sprawling views at High Rock Overlook. Visit during golden hour (just before sunset) for a glowing aura shining over the rural land below. What a gorgeous way to finish the day!

Cost: FREE

Are there any other stops you would add along this affordable Maryland road trip? What are your favorite Maryland trips that don't break the bank? Let us know in the comments!

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