21 Aug The Best Family Vacation Destinations Near Baltimore
The Mid-Atlantic region is among the most exciting in the USA due to its historical adventures, relaxing beaches and thrilling amusement parks. Where can you take family weekend trips from Baltimore? You have plenty of options, including destinations in Virginia, Delaware and beyond. Here are the seven best East Coast weekend getaways near Charm City.
The Best Family Vacation Destinations Near Baltimore
Ocean City, New Jersey
Ocean City distinguishes itself from crowded beach towns by offering a relaxed atmosphere. The eight miles of pristine shores welcome people of all ages, whether you enjoy sunbathing or ocean exploration. It’s a budget-friendly destination you should prioritize.
Besides the beach, you can enjoy exciting activities like miniature golf courses, amusement parks and kid-themed programs. From karaoke to face painting, there’s plenty for your children to do. Make time for the iconic Ocean City boardwalk, which features restaurants, roller coasters and shops.
Highlights for Families:
- Two-mile boardwalk
- Amusement parks
- Camps and kid-themed programs
- Eight miles of beaches
Bethany Beach, Delaware
Bethany Beach is among the best spots on Delaware’s Atlantic Coast due to its family-friendly atmosphere and peaceful shores. This beach town is popular for its clean and well-maintained shorelines. From May to September, the area has fun events like concerts, kids’ nights and farmers markets.
Bethany Beach has a boardwalk with excellent restaurants, shops and a bandstand for live entertainment. Shopping in Delaware also means taking advantage of no state or local taxes. If you want outdoor experiences, check out the Bethany Beach Nature Center for fun exhibits and trails.
Highlights for Families:
- No sales tax
- Kids’ nights
- Clean beaches
- Concerts in spring and summer
Pocono Mountains, Pennsylvania
The Pocono Mountains offer family weekend trips from Baltimore for those looking for seclusion. This quiet area is excellent year-round because you can swim in the summer and ski in the winter. Regardless of the season, the Poconos provide unforgettable views as you hike, bike and drive.
The Poconos are wide-ranging, so your family has numerous outdoor options. You could visit Bushkill Falls for cascading waterfalls, or the Lehigh River for whitewater rafting. Northern Pennsylvania winters can be daunting, so warm up at the Kalahari Indoor Waterpark in Pocono Manor.
Highlights for Families:
- Year-round outdoor activities
- Relaxing train rides
- Scenic drives around the mountains
- Historic small towns
Annapolis, Maryland
Annapolis is terrific for a weekend trip if you want to stay in Maryland. The state capital is in the heart of the Chesapeake Bay and just a short drive from Baltimore. History lovers enjoy the city for its unique colonial architecture, the U.S. Naval Academy and maritime heritage.
Family-friendly activities in Annapolis include visiting historical buildings to learn more about American history, for example, the William Paca House & Garden is an 18th-century mansion built for one of the Founding Fathers, and for some relaxing outdoor activities, check out Quiet Waters Park or the Annapolis Waterfront Boardwalk.
Highlights for Families:
- Extensive maritime heritage
- Waterfront activities
- Walkable downtown area
- Proximity to Baltimore
Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C. is another easy family weekend trip from Baltimore. You can get to the nation’s capital by car, bus or train, so you don’t need extensive planning. The District of Columbia is family-friendly and offers fantastic educational experiences, such as the Smithsonian museums and the U.S. Capitol.
Most Washington, D.C. sites are free, so start your family’s adventure at the Smithsonian Zoo. This animal campus is famous for giant pandas, orangutans and its conservation focus. The District has events year-round, though spring might be the best time due to the Cherry Blossom Festival.
Highlights for Families:
- Free museums
- Accessible by car, bus and train
- Outdoor activities on the Potomac River
- Year-round theater, concerts and festivals
Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
Shenandoah National Park is ideal if you want a break from Washington’s hustle and bustle. This outdoor area is a short drive from the nation’s capital, and is perfect for quiet vacations. The park includes the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Appalachian Trail, featuring varied terrain and wildlife.
Outdoor lovers unite at Shenandoah National Park for hiking, scenic drives and wildlife viewing. Your adventure could include majestic animals like white-tailed deer and black bears. The best time to take this family weekend trip from Baltimore might be in the fall when the leaves change color.
Highlights for Families:
- Scenic drives
- Campgrounds for nature immersion
- Easy and advanced hiking opportunities
- Short drive from D.C. and Baltimore
Harpers Ferry, West Virginia
Harpers Ferry is an underrated vacation destination in the Mid-Atlantic. This West Virginia city rests on the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers and is across the Maryland border. While it’s a small town, the area packs fun into your weekend with aquatic activities and charm.
Your trip to the Maryland-West Virginia border should include Harpers Ferry National Historical Park. This recreational area features whitewater rafting, canoeing, tubing and other fun water activities. You’re at the midpoint of the Appalachian Trail, so take advantage of hiking and nature opportunities.
Highlights for Families:
- American Civil War historic sites
- Proximity to Gettysburg and Antietam
- Outdoor activities on land and water
- Small-town shops and restaurants
How to Pick Family Weekend Trips from Baltimore
Baltimore is close to many states, providing numerous opportunities to travel and see memorable sights. How can you choose the best one for your family? Here are five considerations:
- Budget: Determine how much you can spend on the trip, and base your decision on the cost of local attractions.
- Family interests: What are your family’s interests? Find destinations appealing to your love for history, amusement parks, nature or beaches.
- Transportation: How accessible is the city? Most nearby trips are accessible by car, bus or train.
- Packing: Consider the climate and wisely pack for your activities. You should include comfortable shoes, sunscreen and bug repellent.
- Crowds: Seasonal destinations may be crowded during specific times of year. Instead, consider the shoulder season for less hectic trips.
Taking Your Family on Fun Getaways
The sandy shores and historical landmarks of the Mid-Atlantic offer endless vacation opportunities (and Chanel and Stevo cannot wait to take Elodie there one day). If you want family weekend trips from Baltimore, consider the surrounding states or stay in Maryland. From Delaware to D.C., there’s fun at every turn. Hike, bike and enjoy the scenery as you make memories with your family. To compare and choose from a wide range of accommodations, check out the deals on cozycozy.com. It aggregates offers from all major providers, so you can see everything in one place.
Author bio: Cora Gold is a travel writer and editor of women’s lifestyle magazine, Revivalist, where she covers destination ideas, packing tips and travel advice for women. Connect with Cora on LinkedIn, Pinterest and X.
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