Make the most of your summer vacation with a great day trip exploring all that our area has to offer. Whether you're looking for adventure, natural beauty or something else, you'll find it close to home. Here are 10 summer day trips around Maryland.
If you're a history buff....
Gettysburg National Battlefield
Get some background at the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum, then head outside to explore the battlefields. If you're feeling brave, end the day with a Gettysburg Ghost Tour.
Antietam National Battlefield
Another place rich with Civil War History, Antietam also has a museum and battlefields to explore by self-guided walking or driving tours.
Downtown Annapolis
Our state's capital has plenty of historic sites to explore, including the State House, the U.S. Naval Academy, Brice House, William Paca House and more.
If you're an adrenaline junkie....
Go Ape Adventure Park
Rockville, MD
This tree-top adventure in Rock Creek Park is a 2-3 hour journey that takes you through 6 sections of tree-top obstacles, taking you higher into the forest canopy, with six zip lines, two Tarzan swings and more.
Six Flags America
Upper Marlboro, MD
With 13 thrill rides, 13 family rides, 17 kids rides, and a full water park with 15 rides, there is no shortage of thrills here.
If you like small town charm....
St. Michaels
Just across the bay bridge is the charming Eastern Shore town St. Michaels. Stop by the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, go on a bike tours, hit the water by kayak or boat tour, and try from the eclectic mix of restaurants including, of course, seafood caught locally right from the bay.
Havre de Grace
Havre de Grace is located where the Susquehanna River meets the Chesapeake Bay. Highlights include Concord Point Lighthouse, the oldest lighthouse in continual operation in Maryland with gorgeous views of the bay, the Havre de Grace Marina, and Rochambeau Square.
If you like natural beauty....
Great Falls Park
This park on the Potomac River in Northern Virginia offers five miles of biking trails, bird watching, 15 miles of hiking trails, fishing, and three overlooks to view the Great Falls of the Potomac.
Gunpowder Falls State Park
Gunpowder Falls covers 18,000 acres in Harford and Baltimore Counties and offers more than 120 miles of trails, fishing and canoeing streams, a swimming beach, a marina, and tubing.
Shenandoah Valley
There are endless opportunities to take in Shenandoah Valley's natural beauty, including canoeing and fishing on the Shenandoah River, exploring the undergrounds at Luray Caverns, Shenandoah Caverns, and Grand Caverns, and taking in the valley and Blue Ridge Mountains from one of the country's favorite scenic roads, Skyline Drive.
