Despite the recent weather in Maryland, summer is almost here! If you're anything like me you want to spend most of it out of the house doing something... anything! If you're also like me, you're broke as a joke and can't afford overpriced adventure. So what are our options fellow adventure seekers? Cheap day-trip destinations in Maryland! Here is an incredibly brief list of some possible day trip locations all in the good ol' line state. From hiking, to beaches to some of my favorite places in Baltimore, many of these destinations will only set you back the price of gas!
1. Sugarloaf Mountain
Located just 10 miles south from the city of Frederick, Sugarloaf Mountain and the surrounding park is a great place to hike, run, walk and take in the view. The trails are beautiful but not terribly difficult to hike on. Leashed dogs are allowed! The park is privately owned but admission is free to the park. More information can be found here.
2. Ladew Topiary Gardens
First things first, a topiary garden is on where gardeners cut the bushes and plants into shapes or train the plants to grow certain ways. This stylized garden in Monkton (Northern Baltimore County) offers tours of the 88 acre garden, Nature walks and tours of the house on the property. The garden is also host to multiple outdoor concerts in the summer. My family and I went when I was a kid and the gardens look and feel like something out of a fairy tale. A calendar of events and more information can be found here.
3. The Baltimore Museum of Art
Perfect for a rainy day or if hiking isn’t your speed. The BMA houses an impressive collection of over 10,000 pieces of art including minimalist and abstract pieces, 15th-19th century portraits, works from a huge and important African art collection, modern art and an outdoor sculpture garden. Oh, and the BMA is free. Check it out.
4. Rocks State Park
Located in Harford County, Rocks State Park is almost 900 acres of wooded areas that surround Deer Creek. Rocks State park is also home to tons of boulders that are fun to climb and explore. The King and Queen’s seat is an almost 200 foot cliff that juts out over Deer Creek and was used by the Susquehannock Indians for rituals and ceremonies. The view of Harford County are gorgeous from the cliff and the trails to the King and Queen’s seat are beautiful. More information can be found here.
5. Assateague Island
If you want to go to the beach but can't stand the crowds of Ocean City, fear not! For just 18 miles south there is the beautiful, less crowded and quiet Assateague Island State Park! Home to wild ponies, tons of wildlife, places to kayak, swim, hike, fish, crab, boat, camp or just hang out. The park service also has an awesome nature center to learn more about the island and the animals that inhabit it. Learn more here.
6. Sandy Point State Park
Continuing with the beach theme, if you don't want to drive all the way across the bridge to visit the beaches on the eastern shore, you can stop at the base of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge and visit Sandy Point State Park! It is on the Northwest bank of the Chesapeake Bay. The beach plays host to the Polar Bear Plunge in the winter but the water is a lot nicer in the summer. The park offers opportunities to swim, play on the beach, see wildlife, picnic, fish and hike. The Corcoran Tract is right next to the park which offers four miles to hike and there is also a nature center in the park. More info here!
7. Great Falls Park
Great Falls Park is about 15 miles upstream of Washington, D.C. and is 800 acres of wooded areas around the Potomac River. The Maryland side of the park includes the Great Falls Tavern which serves as the visitors center. Near the visitors center there are two places to view the falls. There are also several trails in the park, including the Billy Goat Trail which takes you the closest to the falls. More information about the park can be found here.
8. The Salisbury Zoo
This little Zoo is one of the gems of the eastern shore. The focus of the zoo is on conservation efforts and plays host to events for community including races and community yard sales. The zoo does not charge an admission fee, but does accept donations. More information here.
Locations and addresses are on this map!
