Top Road Trip Destinations Near Baltimore

Baltimore is an exciting city, but some of the best places to visit in the area lie further away from the city. Whether you’ll be in Maryland for a short while or for an extended vacation, these are the must-visit places that are only a few hours drive from the Baltimore-Washington airport.

So grab your rental car and get on the highway, because these travel destinations are sure to create memories for years to come.

Chesapeake and Ohio Canal State Park

205 W Potomac St, Williamsport, MD 21795

This park is one of the top tourist attractions in the state of Maryland for a reason. The lush national park covers approximately 184 miles of canal and beautiful scenery along the Potomac River. The old canal was once used for shipping goods to other cities and was a lifeline of supplies to railroad builders, but now it’s a beautiful park with lush greenery and peaceful water.

The path along the river was  the first designated section of U.S. Bicycle Route 50, so if you enjoy biking, this is the park for you. If you’d like to bring a bike and a lot of friends, consider renting a larger vehicle like a 12-passenger van.  You can also ride a ferry down the river, and hiking trails and camping grounds abound in the park. Visit the historic visitor’s center to learn more about the park's history and to learn about seasonal educational activities that may be available.  

Smith Island

20846 Caleb Jones Rd, Ewell, MD 21824

Since this destination is a little further off the beaten path, a fuel plan may be helpful if you have a rental car. Once you reach the coast you will enjoy a ferry ride to the island. About 12 miles off the Maryland coast into the Chesapeake Bay, this beautiful island holds a lot of history that was vital to the creation of the state of Maryland.

Once you get to the island, be sure to get some food. The island is famous for its seafood, especially their crab cakes. Several museums highlight the history of the island, and each building has a huge porch for visitors to relax on. Other buildings on the island include the visitor’s center, a classic bed and breakfast inn, and rentable cottages. You can also rent kayaks and explore nearby uninhabited islands, and if you’d like to catch your own seafood, there are several great fishing spots.

Glen Echo Park

7300 MacArthur Blvd, Glen Echo, MD 20812

Only an hour and a half drive from Baltimore, this historic amusement park is a must for every Maryland road trip. The original carousel is still in operation, and the visitor’s center tells much of this area’s fascinating history.

Since it became a national park, Glen Echo Park has become a major cultural center in the area. Several festivals are held there every year, including puppet theaters, folk dance celebrations, and more. Social dances are also held in the historic Spanish ballroom and the old bumper car pavilion. Visual art is also celebrated, and you can find art galleries, sculpting lessons, and workshops all year long.

Baltimore Car Rental

With so many amazing destinations within driving distance, picking up a BWI car rental at the airport is the best way to enjoy the wonders that the Maryland area has to offer. Get the best rates on your rental car with our Best Rate Guarantee. We know you’ll fall in love with the historic sites, fun destinations, and beautiful greenery in Maryland.