Great Historic Day Trips Near Baltimore

Whether you take a date or load the kids into the car, a day trip in the Baltimore area will lead you on a historic adventure that you won’t soon forget. You don’t need a lot of cash for these trips, just grab a picnic basket and some hiking shoes and be ready to explore some of Maryland’s most interesting historic places. The best part? You can get to all these destinations on one tank of gas (or less).

Concord Point Lighthouse

Corner of Concord & Lafayette St. 

Havre de Grace

(410) 939-3213

Why Go? With breathtaking views of the Chesapeake Bay and set amidst a waterfront public park, it's Maryland’s second oldest lighthouse. 

Insider Tip: Concord Point Lighthouse is located in historic downtown Havre de Grace, making it a great day trip for the family or for a romantic weekend.

Must Do: Walk the length of the nearby promenade, which spans from Tydings Park to the City Marina, and stop for an outdoor lunch at the Promenade Grille. 

The Fine Print: Visitors only can climb the lantern room on weekends from April to October between the hours of 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Stop in and check out the Keeper’s Dwelling just 20 feet from the tower. 

Liriodendron Mansion

502 West Gordon St.

Bel Air, Maryland 21014

(410) 838-3942

Why Go? The mansion was once the summer home of the founder of Johns Hopkins Hospital.

Insider Tip: The mansion is located in the town of Bel Air, where there are many dining options. “The grounds are beautiful and right next to the MA & PA Trail if you want to stretch your legs a little more,” one TripAdvisor user posted.

Must Do: While visiting the mansion, be sure to stop into the resident art gallery, featuring local artists throughout the year.  

The Fine Print: Open house is Sundays 1-4 p.m. 

Historic Grist Mill Museum at Eden Mill Nature Center 

1617 Eden Mill Rd.

Pylesville, MD 

(410) 836-3050  

Why Go? Located in scenic northern Harford County, this is the site of a historic gristmill and steam-powered sawmill from the 1800’s. The property is also home to a Nature Center and hundreds of acres of trails. 

Insider Tip: Pack a lunch since there are no dining options on-site, and wear layers and hiking shoes so your family can take advantage of the trails and nature center in addition to the on-site museum. 

Must Do: “They have a museum onsite with frogs, snakes and other indigenous friends the kids can feed at special times,” Trekaroo user Nikki Sumwalt posted online.

The Fine Print: Open Monday-Friday 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. and Sundays 1-5 p.m. Free admission.