10 Best Road Trips in Maryland, USA
The beauty of Maryland is like none other. There are scenic beaches, beautiful mountain ranges for the outdoor enthusiasts, glistening water spots and rivers, and picturesque forests. With the sheer scale of the scenic places in Maryland on offer, it makes it almost impossible to rival against compared to any other road trip destination. From its breathtaking byways to historic roads, you’re sure to have the best day trips in Maryland. To help you plan for the best road trips in Maryland, here is a list we have put together of our top 10 favorite road trips in to keep those travel dreams alive!
1 – Upper Chesapeake Bay Lighthouse to Lighthouse Loop
This is one of the most scenic drives in Maryland, as you’ll pass by lovely water views in Susquehanna State Park and Conowingo Dam. You’ll also have an opportunity to take fantastic pictures at the Concord Point and Turkey Point Lighthouses. This will sure to be one of the best road trips in Maryland as you can enjoy some fresh, great seafood along Downtown Havre de Grace.
Duration: 1-day road trip
Highlights: Concord Point Lighthouse, Downtown Havre de Grace, Susquehanna State Park, Conowingo Dam, Turkey Point Lighthouse
Best Season: Throughout the year, really, as there’s always something to see!
2 – Old Ellicott City
A road trip to Old Ellicott City will be one of the best Maryland road trips for history buffs! Filled with museums, historic institutes, and cafes, it’s a great road trip for anyone who loves to understand Maryland’s history. The restaurants along this road trip route makes the trip all the more worth it.
Duration: 1 day road trip
Highlights: B&O Railroad Ellicott City Station Museum, Patapsco Female Institute, Gott Efni, Georgia Grace Cafés, Main Street Oriental Rugs
Best Season: Spring and Summer
3 – Middletown Valley
Following through from the historic sites in Old Ellicott City, Middletown Valley is one the best road trips from Baltimore history lovers looking to learn more about the state of Maryland. With its iconic highlight of the national road, there’s so much to do and learn about the history of the country and how things came to be. Stop by the lovely Orchid Cellar Meadery and Winery to enjoy some fine wine and breath-taking views of the mountains and valleys.
Duration: 2 Days
Highlights: National Road, Orchid Cellar Meadery and Winery, Dempsey’s Grille, Register Historic Districts, Middletown Walking Trails
Best Season: Fall and Winter
4 – Muddy Creek Falls & Swallow Falls
Time to go for one of the best scenic road trips in Maryland! This one’s for the hikers who love the sun and adventurous walks. You’ll get to see not one but two waterfalls out in the nature. This is surely to be one of your best Maryland road trips!
Duration: 1 day
Highlights: Muddy Creek Falls, Swallow Falls, Swallow Falls State Park
Best Season: Summer
5 – Potomac
This is one of the best road trips from Washington! If you’re ever in the area for a day or two and want to head on a road trip that has a little bit of everything, this one’s your go-to. From great cafes to visiting a brewery to nature, you’re sure to enjoy this as one of the best road trips in Maryland.
If looking for an exclusive tour of the Wineries around Potomac (and more!), a local DC Limo Service can add that elegant touch to your experience.
Duration: 1 day
Highlights: Beans in the Belfry, Smoketown Brewing Station, Windridge Vineyard, Old Angler’s Inn, Great Falls
Best Season: Summer and Fall
6 – Mountain Maryland byway
Earning itself a title of one of the best scenic road trips in Maryland, Mountain Maryland byway will be one that you’ll sure to enjoy! From its peaceful, serene mountain ranges to nice little mountain towns, it’s a great getaway for locals and tourists alike. Mountain Maryland byway is a great place to visit for any outdoor activities including fishing, camping, and hiking, and it’s the reason why Maryland is known for being one of the best states for fishing. This is certainly one of the best road trips in Maryland.
Duration: 2-day road trip
Highlights: Western mountains of Maryland, Oakland, Lonaconing
Best Season: Throughout the year
7 – Howard County
This is another great road trip from the list of road trips from Baltimore. This Maryland road trip itinerary consists of visits to the Merriweather District and Historic Savage Mill & Trail. Scotts Cove, a lovely final stop on this road trip, has earned a spot as one of the most scenic places in Maryland you’ll come across. This will definitely be one of the best road trips in Maryland that you would come across!
Duration: 2 days
Highlights: Baltimore & Ohio Ellicott City Station Museum, Clark’s Elioak Farm, Merriweather District, Historic Savage Mill & Trail and Scotts Cove
Best Season: All seasons, there’s just so much to do!
8 – Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad
Another one for the history buffs! This road trip is not only informative, but it’s one of the best scenic drives in Maryland across Eastern bay. If you’re looking for road trips from Washington, this is definitely a good one. This Maryland road trip itinerary consists of visits to various historical sites, including Dorchester County Courthouse and the Harriet Tubman Museum and lovely dining spots, including Market Street Public House and the High Spot Gastropub.
Duration: 1 day
Highlights: Dorchester County Courthouse, Harriet Tubman Museum, Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, Denton Steamboat Wharf, Market Street Public House and The High Spot Gastropub
Best Season: Spring and Summer
9 – Eastern Shore: Chesapeake Country
Another great trip along Maryland’s east would be along the shores of the Eastern Bay in Chesapeake Country. This road trip is one of the best day trips in Maryland, as it’s about an hour to two away from the city center of Washington, and the drive is absolutely breath-taking! This is surely to be one of your best road trips in Maryland!
Duration: 1 day
Highlights: Old Trinity Church, Woolford General Store, Becky Phipps Cannon, Grace Episcopal Church Complex, and Old Salty’s Restaurant
Best Season: Spring and Summer
10 – Thurmont
We’ve saved the best for last! This popular road trip ranks as the one of the best road trips in Maryland. Perfect for families, sporty people, and thrill seekers, this road trip to Thurmont includes a family-filled fun day at the Catoctin Wildlife Reserve, a beautiful day out at Cunningham Falls State Park and a nice walk at Thurmont trolly trail.
Duration: 2 days
Highlights: Catoctin Wildlife Reserve, Cunningham Falls State Park, Thurmont trolly trail, Catoctin Breeze Vineyard, 3 Covered Bridges
Best Season: Spring and Summer
There you have it – a solid list of the best road trips in Maryland to explore! Time to pack your bags and clear your schedule for some sun, laughter, and fun in Little America!
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