Best day trips in Maryland

Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and take a quick day trip. You’ll find plenty of interesting places to go and things to see right outside Baltimore and Washington, DC. Check out some of our favorite day trips in Maryland.

Go Ape!

If you are looking for a little adventure, release your inner Tarzan and zip from treetop to treetop with Go Ape’s zip-line course. Located near the spectacular 75-acre Lake Needlewood in Rock Creek Regional Park, this course features five individual sections, each taking you higher into the forest with ladders, walkways, bridges and more. The treetop adventure will take about two to three hours to complete, including the 30-minute safety training. The area also features picnic facilities and hiking trails.

Location: 6129 Needwood Lake Drive, Rockville, MD 20855

Phone: 888-520-7322

Rates: $55 for adults and $35 for kids (ages 10-17)

Website: goape.com

Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp Resort

Get out of the city this summer and take a trip to Jellystone. Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park is an RV and camping resort where families can do a lot more than just camp. This resort features Yogi Bear’s Water Zone, a heated swimming pool, a koi pond, laser tag, mini golf, an outdoor theater, pedal karts, playgrounds, themed entertainment and much more. The resort features 174 RV sites, six tent sites and 42 cabins and cottages.

Location: 16519 Lappans Road, Williamsport, MD 21795

Phone: 301-223-7117

Rates: Vary depending on lodging choice and dates

Website: jellystonemaryland.com

Ocean City

With 10 miles of white sand beaches, Ocean City is a hot choice for a day trip. You can stroll along the boardwalk, go fishing, play arcade games, race go-karts, take a swim or just relax on the beach. Ocean City is also home to a number of concerts, festivals and family events. Maryland’s only coastal community, Ocean City is the perfect place for a weekend getaway or day trip.

Location: 4001 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, MD 21842

Phone: 800-626-2326

Rates: Admission to the beach is free

Website: ococean.com

Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park

Get back to nature with a day trip to Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park. This spectacular park allows opportunities to check out Mather Gorge and Great Falls, take a scenic bike ride, tour historical buildings, go on a boat tour and much more. Whether you are into bird watching or fishing, nature walks or horseback riding, there’s so much to see and do at Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park. This park stretches from Georgetown in Washington, DC, to Cumberland, Maryland. Our choice is to begin exploring from the Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center.

Location: 11710 MacArthur Blvd., Potomac, MD 20854

Phone: 301-767-3714

Rates: $3 per vehicle for a three-day pass

Website: nps.gov/choh/index.htm

Deep Creek Lake Area

If you are looking for fun on the water, head to Deep Creek Lake in Garrett County. This freshwater lake features over 60 miles of shoreline and is the perfect spot for boating, camping, fishing and swimming. It’s also a great day trip getaway in the wintertime if you are looking for a place to ski or snowboard. Located about three hours from Baltimore, Deep Creek Lake area features mountains, rivers and, of course, the lake. The area boasts a wide array of things to do other than hang out at the lake, including golfing, horseback riding, hiking, biking and more.

Location: 15 Visitors Center Drive, McHenry, MD 21541

Phone: 301-387-4386

Rates: Admission to the lake is free. Rates for activities and lodging vary.

Website: visitdeepcreek.com