Day Trips from Baltimore

Given its central location in the heart of what was one of the original 13 colonies, Baltimore is within driving distance to a huge list of things to see and do. We've listed some of the highlights within 250 miles or five hours driving distance in every directions from the city. If you have never taken the opportunity to witness the places where the fight for true freedom began, we urge you to do it now. From the bright lights of the big apple to the battlefields where our nation's history was forged, Baltimore is the perfect starting point for endless entertainment and enrichment.

North

Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
58 miles, 1.5 hours
Only 60 miles and about two hours away by car or bus, this city marks the site of a historic battle which helped determine the course of the U.S. Civil War. A guided tour of the battle field is one of those things that everyone should do. The city itself is quaint and has in its center preserved much of its civil war flavor. Gettysburg was also home to President Dwight D. Eisenhower in his later years. A visit to his home there is quite rewarding.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
100 miles, 2 hours
About 100 miles and just shy of a two hour drive, Philadelphia is famous as the birthplace of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, the cradle of liberty offers much more than cobblestone streets and historical landmarks. Cultural, culinary, artistic and ethnic treasures abound in this city and its surrounding countryside.

The greatest concentration of American history can be found just blocks away at Independence National Historical Park, including the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall - where the Founding Fathers met and hammered out the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution. While you're there, make sure to try one of their famous Philly cheese steaks and renowned soft pretzels from one of the many street vendors.

A tour of the hall is a great thrill. Seeing the Liberty Bell which is located near Independence Hall and visiting Benjamin Franklin's home are but a few of the events that pulls thousands of visitors to this great city every year.

Pennsylvania Dutch Country
80 miles, 1 hour 45 minutes
About 80 miles away, it can be reached in just over an hour. Home to Harrisburg - the state capital of Pennsylvania, Hershey - the chocolate capital of the world and Lancaster County - the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch Country, offers a host of diverse attractions no traveler should miss. From railroads to coal mine tours, America's oldest brewery to amusement parks, and battlegrounds to incredible live theater, this region has more than enough sights and activities to enchant. Explore the simple yet stunning beauty of Amish Country. Don't forget to pack your fly rod to experience the best trout fishing in the United States.

Atlantic City, New Jersey
150 miles, 2.5 hours
About 150 miles away, Atlantic City is only two and a bit hours away. This city was where many New Yorkers spent some the summer vacation and is still one of the top tourist destinations on the east coast. The City's famous boardwalk is also the site of the Miss America Pageant. Some 30 years ago, casino gambling was brought in to help restore the luster to this city whose glamour had faded as air travel made Las Vegas more accessible. The city offers sun and surf and fun and for those who want it, gambling within one convenient location.

New York, NY
180 miles, 3 hours
New York is less than 200 miles away and is easily accessible by bus, train, or car in around four hours. No place else is quite like New York. The charms of New York are too many and too obvious to need description here. There is nothing like the Big Apple. Whatever you want, whatever you need can be found in the City that Never Sleeps. Simply stated, NYC has more of the best to delight and entertain than anywhere in the world: 150 world-class museums, 18,000 restaurants of all types and price ranges, scores of Broadway theaters, and an unbelievable array of shopping. New York City bursts with blockbuster exhibits, world-class music and Broadway shows not to mention great sightseeing, shopping, and special events. It truly is the city where the only limit is your imagination.

East

Exploring the Chesapeake Bay
70 miles, 1 hour 15 minutes
The Bay is only about 70 miles away and can be reached in about an hour and a half by car. Obviously, Baltimore is located on the water. Travel to the east means exploring the Chesapeake Bay of the Atlantic Ocean. Day cruises are available from the Habon Place docks and should not be missed. The weather in mid-October should be perfect for a sail. Make sure you take time to visit the Chesapeake

Bay Maritime Museum in St. Michaels, MD. From learning the oyster trade to the art of ship building, this museum makes the bay accessible through real people, real work, and original exhibits. By the time you're done, you'll feel like a native.

West

Frederick, Maryland
50 miles, 1 hour
Chartered in 1748, Frederick County is a treasure trove of historic sites and museums. Highlights include The City of Frederick's renowned 50 block downtown Historic District, the Historical Society of Frederick County, our many historic bridges, the National Shrine of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, the Brunswick Railroad Museum C&O Canal Visitor Center, and such Civil War attractions as
Monocracy National Battlefield, South Mountain Battlefield State Park, and the National Museum of Civil War Medicine.

Those who prefer the great outdoors will want to explore our 90 national, state, county and municipal parks, as well as recreational facilities which include whitewater rafting, the Catoctin Wildlife Preserve & Zoo, and Frederick Keys minor league baseball. Frederick County is also home to several fine wineries and breweries.

Harpers Ferry, West Virginia
65 miles, 1 hour 15 minutes
The small and picturesque Harpers Ferry area has served in a pivotal role in several events that impacted the nation's history. This city, on the border of Maryland and West Virginia, was made famous by John Brown's raid on the U.S. Arsenal here. Brown believed if he captured enough guns and armed to slaves, they would unite into an army a throw off the yoke of what he called "Southern Oppression." Brown was caught and most of his band of men was killed. Since the 1950s, the National Park Service has tried to rehabilitate and restore the town while at the same time interpret its historical importance to the nearly 2 million people who visit it each year.

South

Annapolis, Maryland
30 minutes, 40 minutes
Just drive a short forty minutes south on U.S. 97 and you will find yourself at the capital of the great state of Maryland. Home to the U.S. Naval Academy, this quaint village is alive with activity all year round, offering shopping opportunities, fine dining on the water, and rustic homes and buildings dating back to the early 1800's. For
a time, it was the Capitol of the United States. For many, Annapolis is synonymous with sail boats. There is more water per capita in Anne Arundel County than in any county in the United States. Exploring Annapolis is a pure pleasure and one that should thrill all those who take a tour of its picturesque streets, harbor and buildings.

Washington, D.C.
45 miles, 1 hour
The nation's Capitol is only 45 minutes away and is accessible by train, bus, rental car or taxi. It has much to see, most of it free. Among its major attractions include:

• The U.S. Capitol. Home to the U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives. Everybody should come and see how our laws are made.
  
• The U.S. Mint. Everyone should see how American money is made. It is printed on giant machines under tight security. Souvenirs can be purchased however.
  
• The Holocaust Museum. This museum details the Nazi atrocities against Jews in World War II. It is not for the faint of heart but amazingly moving.
  
• The Library of Congress. This is the largest library in the world. It purports to have at least one copy of almost every book ever printed. The main reading room is something to see.
  
• The National Gallery of Art. Every nation is proud of their art collection. The U.S. has one of the finest in the world in Washington within four blocks of the U.S. Capitol. The collection includes everything from the classics to impressionism and modern art.
  
• The Lincoln, Vietnam World War II Memorials and the Washington Monument. All of these national treasures are located on The Mall, the grassy part that connects the Capitol Building on the East with the Lincoln Memorial on the West.
  
• The Smithsonian Museum. Someone wrote that you could spend your life touring the museum and its collectables and still not see it all. Only a tiny fraction of what has been preserved is on display at any one time. One of the most popular collections is dresses worn by every first lady back to Martha Washington.
  
• Arlington Cemetery. This beautiful and serene are just across the river is the cite of the graves of President John F. and Robert F. Kennedy as well as the tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
• The White House. This is the nation's executive mansion, today home to President George W. Bush and his wife.
  
• Embassy Row. Many nations' have their embassy located on Massachusetts Avenue from 21st Street, NW and extending almost to the District of Columbia border with Maryland. Each of these embassies represents another country's home in America. They have each tried to present something of their local character. It is fascinating to drive by and see the nations who are represented here.
  
• The U.S. Supreme Court. Public tours are available to see the U.S. Supreme Court in session. Whether the Justices are at work or not, it is a thrilling thing to see this third branch of the U.S. Government which continues to play an important part in American life.

Mount Vernon, Virginia
57 miles, 1 hour 15 minutes
Just outside of DC and only 60 miles away, this historic mansion of our first president is remarkable, due to its colorfulness and original heirlooms. The view of the Potomac from this site will align your thoughts with George Washington's and confirm his rationale for choosing this prime spot as his estate. Your visit should include the Greenhouse, Slave Quarters, the George Washington Museum, Archaeology and Restoration Museum, Slave Memorial and Washington's Tomb. Out of doors, you can experience a tour of the gardens, hike the Forest Trail and visit the Pioneer Farmer site. The newest additions include a working 18th century mill at George Washington's Gristmill, the New Food Court Pavilion and the expanded Shops at Mount Vernon. Visit the website at www.mountvernon.org for more information.