The district has lots of attractions within the
city's boundaries, but if you have the time you
may want to do a bit of day-tripping in this
beautiful area. The following venues are ideal
for a day out of the city and most can be reached
within an hours drive of the city center during
normal traffic periods.
Day Trips in Maryland
Annapolis -
An historic town situated along side the Chesapeake
Bay, Annapolis is worth a full day-trip all on
its own. Home of the U.S. Naval Academy, it is
also the capital city of Maryland. Founded in
1649, there are18th and 19th century historic
buildings throughout the city. There are also
all types of Bay Cruises available that are moored
on the Annapolis waterfront. / Annapolis and
Anne Arundel County / Visitors Bureau / 401-280-0445
Antietam National Battlefield
- The site of the bloodiest battle of the Civil
War, over 23,000 soldiers lost their lives during
the day-long battle. Even though the Union troops
lost more soldiers, it was considered a strategic
victory for McClellan as Robert E. Lee was forced
to withdraw. The 960-acre battlefield site has
been preserved, a national cemetery and Visitor
Center are located on the grounds. /SR 34 and
65 / Sharpsburg MD / 310-432-5124 / Modest
Fee
Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine
- Built between 1798 and 1803, the fort was designed
to defend Baltimore’s inner harbor. It was
here that Georgetown lawyer, Francis Scott Key
witnessed the 1814 bombardment of the fort by
British in an attempt to take the port of Baltimore.
After a night of shelling, the forts flag remained
standing and inspired Key to write the poem that
later became our National Anthem. /E. Fort Street
/ south of Baltimore MD / 401-962-4290 / Modest
Fee / Additional fee for shuttle boat
National Aquarium in Baltimore
- One of the country's largest oceanariums which
includes an Atlantic Coral Reef and Open Ocean
Aquariums, there are also a South American Rain
Forest exhibit, a Marine Mammal Pavilion, educational
arcade and a Primitive Fish Exhibit. There is
often a long wait to get in. Strollers are not
permitted. / 501 Pratt St. / Baltimore - MD /
401-567-3800 / Fee
Six Flags America
- The local home for Bugs Bunny and Tweety, Six
Flags is a 115-acre amusement park with more
than 100 rides designed for all ages. An awesome
list of five roller coasters along with Looney
Tunes Movie Town makes this a great place for
families. In the summer months Paradise Island
draws the crowds with a gigantic wave pool, flumes,
slides and lazy river tube ride, all inclusive
with one per person admission price. / Main Park
Open May through October, Paradise Island open
late-May through Labor Day Weekend. / Central
Avenue off the Capital Beltway (I-95) / Largo
MD / 301-249-1500
Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania
County National Military Park - Due
to it's strategic location between Richmond and
Washington, Fredericksburg was in the crossfire
from both sides. Within a 17 mile radius of the
city lie the sites of four legendary Civil War
battles including Battle of Chancellorsville,
Battle of Fredericksburg, Battle of the Wilderness
and the Battle of Spotsylvania Courthouse. From
the union headquarters at Chatham to the Stonewall
Jackson Shrine, these places explore the poignant
stories as told from both sides of the conflict.
/ several locations around Fredericksburg / 540-373-6122
/ Modest Fee
Paramount's Kings Dominion
- Only 20 miles north of town, this 400 acre
fun theme park has the most roller coasters in
one location on the east coast! The newest addition
is the Volcano, The Blast Coastertm, also billed
as the World’s fastest suspended coaster!
Be a part of the action with James Bond 007tm;
A License to Thrill adventure film or the kids
can check out Tommy Pickles and the Rugrats at
Nickelodeon® Central –but don’t
get slimed! Lots of fun for the whole family!
Open early spring to mid fall. Part of the summertime
show at Kings Dominion is the Paramount’s
Water Works! / I-95 South at Doswell / 804-876-5000
/ Fee
Shenandoah National Park - Located
in Shenandoah National Park, the northern end
of Skyland Drive is a hour west of Washington
via I-66. The panoramic drive alone is worth
a day trip. Skyline Drive runs from Front Royal
south for a hundred miles to Afton mountain which
is a few miles west of Charlottesville, there
are several exits off the parkway between these
two points. Hiking, picnicking and breathtaking
views are what makes this one of Virginia’s
most popular natural attractions. / Skyline Drive
- Front Royal VA / 540-999-3500 / Fee per
car
Stratford Hall Plantation - Birthplace
of General Robert E. Lee, Stratford Hall sits
on the grounds of a restored working Colonial
plantation. This stunning colonial house and
the accompanying plantation grounds was owned
by the Lee family from 1730s to 1810 and has
been preserved to reflect that era. / SR 3 off
SR 214 / Stratford VA / 804-493-8038 / Modest
Fee
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