10 Easy Road Trips Near Baltimore, Maryland (All Outside Baltimore County)
If you live in or around
Baltimore, Maryland and you’re itching to get out of town for a few hours, you don’t have to drive far to find something new. In fact, some of the best
day trips from Baltimore are just 30–90 minutes away in nearby counties and even across the state line in Pennsylvania.
Below are 10 short road trips from Baltimore that all stay
outside of Baltimore County. We’ll swing through:
- Anne Arundel County, MD
- Carroll County, MD
- Harford County, MD
- Howard County, MD
- Kent County, MD
- Baltimore City, MD
- York County, PA
Gas up the car, grab some snacks, and let’s go.
1. Annapolis, MD – A Waterfront Capital Full of History (Anne Arundel County)
Maryland’s capital,
Annapolis, is about an hour or less from most parts of Baltimore, and it feels like a different world. Cobbled streets, boats bobbing in the harbor, and historic brick buildings give it that classic East Coast charm.
Top things to do in Annapolis:
- Stroll the City Dock: Watch sailboats glide by and grab ice cream or crab cakes from a nearby spot.
- Tour the U.S. Naval Academy: Take a guided tour and see where midshipmen live and train. The chapel and museum are especially impressive.
- Walk historic Main Street: Shop small boutiques, duck into bookstores, and enjoy a long lunch at a local pub.
If you like walkable towns, water views, and American history all in one place, Annapolis is one of the best
short road trips from Baltimore you can do in a day.
2. BWI Trail & Plane Spotting Adventure (Anne Arundel County)
You don’t have to board a plane to enjoy the airport area. The
BWI Trail loops around Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport for about 10.5 miles, and it makes a surprisingly fun outing.
Why it’s worth the drive:
- Biking and walking: The paved trail is great for families, joggers, and casual cyclists.
- Plane spotting: There are a few spots where planes roar overhead so low you feel like you could almost touch them.
- Playgrounds and picnic areas: Stop at one of the small parks along the trail for a break.
If you’re looking for things to do close to Baltimore that don’t involve crowds or big city traffic, this low-key loop is a solid pick.
3. Historic Ellicott City – Old Town Charm (Howard County)
Just southwest of Baltimore,
Historic Ellicott City sits along the Patapsco River with classic stone buildings, narrow streets, and a cozy main street feel.
Don’t miss:
- Main Street shops: Antique stores, quirky gift shops, and locally owned restaurants line the hill.
- Patapsco views: Short walks near the river give you a quick nature break between shops.
- Ghost tours (seasonal): If you like spooky stories, sign up for an evening tour and hear about the town’s haunted history.
Ellicott City is one of those places where you arrive thinking you’ll just pop in for an hour, and suddenly it’s sunset and you’re still exploring.
4. Columbia Lakefront – Easy Escape With Food & Views (Howard County)
If you want something simple and stress-free, head to the
Columbia Town Center and its scenic lakefront. It’s less than a 30–40 minute drive from many Baltimore neighborhoods.
What to do around the Columbia lakefront:
- Walk the lake path: A paved trail circles the lake, perfect for strollers and casual walkers.
- Grab a lakeside meal: Several restaurants have outdoor seating with water views.
- Free concerts & festivals: In warmer months, check for live music and community events on the lawn.
This is one of the easiest
weekend getaways from Baltimore if you don’t feel like doing anything intense but still want a change of scenery.
5. Havre de Grace – Lighthouse Vibes on the Chesapeake (Harford County)
Up at the mouth of the Susquehanna River,
Havre de Grace is a small waterfront town with big character. It’s an easy drive up I‑95, usually under an hour from Baltimore.
Highlights in Havre de Grace:
- Concord Point Lighthouse: One of the oldest lighthouses on the East Coast, with beautiful bay views.
- Promenade boardwalk: A wooden path along the water, great for sunset walks.
- Decoy Museum: Learn about duck hunting culture and hand-carved decoys—more interesting than it sounds!
If you love small towns, water views, and quiet streets, this is a perfect quick trip from Baltimore for couples, families, or even a solo day out.
6. Rocks State Park & Kilgore Falls – A Mini Adventure (Harford County)
Need a dose of nature? Head to
Rocks State Park, about an hour north of Baltimore, for hiking, rock scrambling, and waterfall views.
Things to check out:
- King and Queen Seat: A dramatic rock outcrop with sweeping views. The hike isn’t long, but the rocks are high, so watch your footing.
- Kilgore Falls: A short hike leads to a pretty waterfall where you can cool your feet on hot days.
- Picnic spots: Pack sandwiches and make a day of it under the trees.
This is one of the best outdoor
day trips near Baltimore if you don’t want to drive all the way to Western Maryland for mountains.
7. Westminster & Carroll County Farm Country (Carroll County)
Drive northwest from Baltimore and you’ll hit rolling hills, barns, and wide-open farmland in
Carroll County. The town of
Westminster makes a nice base for an easy, relaxing day.
Ideas for your farm-country road trip:
- Local farms and markets: Depending on the season, pick your own apples, pumpkins, or berries, or browse fresh produce stands.
- Charming downtown: Walk Westminster’s main streets, check out local diners, coffee shops, and small stores.
- Country drives: Sometimes the drive itself—past fields, horses, and old barns—is the highlight.
If city life has you feeling boxed in, Carroll County offers space to breathe without needing an overnight stay.
8. Kent Island & Chesapeake Bay Bridge Views (Kent & Anne Arundel Counties)
Crossing the
Chesapeake Bay Bridge is an experience all by itself. Head east from Baltimore to reach
Kent Island, just under the bridge in
Kent County.
What to do on and around Kent Island:
- Waterfront dining: Enjoy fresh seafood with a view of the bay and the bridge.
- Matapeake or Terrapin Park: Short trails and small beaches where you can walk, relax, and watch the boats.
- Fishing and crabbing: For those who like to cast a line, there are several spots along the shore.
If you’ve ever looked at the Bay Bridge and thought, “I should really drive over that one day,” this is your sign to go.
9. Baltimore City – Inner Harbor, Museums & More (Independent City)
Even if you live close by, treating
Baltimore City like a “road trip destination” for the day can make familiar places feel fresh. Drive into the city, park once, and explore on foot.
Classic Baltimore City stops:
- Inner Harbor: Walk the waterfront, ride a harbor cruise, or visit the National Aquarium.
- Federal Hill: Climb the hill for a postcard-perfect view of the skyline and harbor.
- Museums & neighborhoods: Check out places like Fells Point, Mount Vernon, or a museum you’ve always meant to visit.
Sometimes the best “short trip” is finally visiting the spots tourists always ask you about.
10. York, PA – Small City, Big History (York County, Pennsylvania)
Cross the state line into
York, Pennsylvania, about an hour or so from Baltimore, and you’ll find a historic downtown with a slightly different vibe than Maryland towns.
What to explore in York:
- Downtown historic district: Brick buildings, murals, and old factories turned into modern spaces.
- Central Market House: A classic indoor market with local food, baked goods, and crafts (check days and hours before you go).
- Factory and heritage tours: Depending on the season, you may find tours that highlight York’s industrial past.
York makes a fun cross-state
road trip from Baltimore when you’re curious to see something new but don’t want to spend half the day in the car.
Tips for Planning Your Short Road Trip from Baltimore
A few quick tips to make these day trips go smoothly:
- Check hours and parking: Especially for museums, markets, and parks with limited lots.
- Pack a small bag: Water, snacks, sunscreen, a light jacket, and a phone charger go a long way.
- Go off-peak when you can: Weekdays or early mornings usually mean lighter traffic and fewer crowds.
- Mix and match: Many of these stops are close enough that you can combine two in one day.
Where Will You Go First?
From waterfront towns and rolling farmland to waterfalls and small cities, there are plenty of
things to do near Baltimore without ever stepping foot in Baltimore County.
Which of these 10 short road trips would you try first? Do you have a favorite hidden gem in Anne Arundel, Carroll, Harford, Howard, Kent, Baltimore City, or York County?
Share your ideas in the comments and let other travelers know your best tips. And if you found this list helpful, please
share it with a friend or on social media—it might just inspire their next weekend escape.
Comments
Post a Comment