Annapolis, Maryland

Top Spots in and near Annapolis

Annapolis, Maryland
Kayak into downtown Annapolis via Spa Creek

There is no better way to travel into Annapolis then by under your own power on water. Put in your kayak, canoe, or stand up paddle board at the Truxton Park Boat Launch (run by the City Parks Department) and paddle into downtown Annapolis on Spa Creek. Pass other boaters, beautiful waterfront ...
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Annapolis, Maryland
Photograph the Frozen Bay at Sandy Point

The winter is the perfect time to explore this park as it does not draw in many visitors like it does in the summer months. You can walk along the sandy shores to photograph both the Chesapeake Bay Bridge as well as the bay itself. This is a very easy walk and could take you under 10 minutes and ...
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Stevensville, Maryland
Bike or Run the Kent Island South Trail

12 mi / 20 ft gain

Run, bike, walk or use any other means to travel this paved route from the Romacoke Pier Park up to the Metapeake Public Beach. 6 miles one way, this path is paved the entire way and stays off the main road. Public parking at either end and beautiful views of the bay. The path winds through fo...
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Wildlife Trail Parking Area, Maryland
Explore Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge

1 mi

Although the trails at Eastern Neck may be small in size (the longest is just over a mile) they're big on sights. It's practically impossible to visit the refuge and not see wildlife, particularly the dizzying number of avian species here. Visit during the winter to see the majestic Tundra Swan, ...
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Laurel, Maryland
Hike the South Tract Trails at Patuxent Research Refuge

5 mi

From the visitors center, start on the Fire Road trail. From there, it's a choose-your-own adventure (choose-your-own ecosystem, actually). Pick the Laurel and Valley Trails to stay in the quiet (and maybe enchanted? It felt enchanted) forest. Goose Pond trail is a short jut to a--yup--pond, wher...
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Edgemere, Maryland
Hike the Black Marsh Trail at North Point State Park

2.5 mi

First, a few disclaimers: The parking lot may be "at capacity" if you choose to visit the park in the summer. Do not despair; there is an auxiliary lot of sorts just near the gate.The park may be "full" but chances are you'll have the trails to yourself. Most people are here to hang in the design...
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Baltimore, Maryland
Hike the Fort McHenry Trail

3.5

0.9 mi / 16 ft gain

Park in the lot and head out either direction on this short loop trail. Trail can get crowded, so be prepared to share the space.
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Wye Mills, Maryland
Kayak around Wye Island NRMA

With over 2,400 acres of managed land, Wye Island Natural Resource Management Area is the perfect spot to explore via the water. There is a public boat launch in Wye Landing near the island, put in your boat there and head south a little to connect with the island's coast. To fully circle the i...
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Elkridge, Maryland
Hike the Cascade Falls and Rootball Loop Trail

4.7

2.4 mi / 285 ft gain

Park on the shoulder of Landing Drive (see map) to access the trailhead. This trail is open April-September. Dogs allowed on leash.
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Elkridge, Maryland
Cascade Falls Loop

3.0

2.31 mi / 381 ft gain

This hike is a great place to escape the city feel of Baltimore and disappear into the wilderness. Enter through the Avalon Area entrance. There is a cash fee to enter the park. Once you pass the front gate continue past the initial picnic area. Continue through the park to the Orange Grove Area...
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Washington, District of Columbia
Visit Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens

4.5

1.5 mi

The Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens are a unique spot in Washington, D.C. The grounds are full of ponds, boardwalks, and a trail that connects you to the Anacostia River Trail. The main draw of this park are the ponds full of lotus flowers. During the summer months, they grow tall with colors ranging ...
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Huntingtown, Maryland
Paddle the Patuxent River through Maryland

While there are many parks along its length, one of the best places to explore along the 115 mile long Patuxent River is by putting in at Kings Landing Park. There is ample parking near the launch, and while vehicles are not allowed to park near the water, vehicles are encouraged to open the gat...
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Baltimore, Maryland
Paddle Dundee Creek

1.5 mi

Follow the main entrance road down and to the right of the nature center to a turn around loop, where a car can be temporarily parked to unload/load boats onto the pier. You can launch canoes and kayaks on the end of the pier which goes directly out to Dundee Creek. From the launch site, paddlers...
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Baltimore, Maryland
Hike Marshy Point Nature Center

5 mi

Marshy Point Nature Center is 25 minutes northeast of Baltimore in Middle River, Maryland. Convenient from I-95 with lots of parking and miles of interconnected trails, it's a perfect spot for a quick hike or an all-day excursion. The trails are mostly within the 1-2 mile range, but you can comb...
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Washington, District of Columbia
Visit the National Mall in Washington D.C.

4.6

7 mi

Everyone has so many things on their plates these days that take all their time up. It is hard to get away for adventures or to experience new things. The National Mall in Washington D.C. is within an hour from millions of people on the East Coast. This centralized location makes the National Mal...
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Washington, District of Columbia
Photograph Sunrise at the Lincoln Memorial

4.8

Located on the far-west portion of the National Mall in Washington, D.C. stands the Lincoln Memorial. At almost 100 feet tall, this majestic structure overlooks the reflecting pool and offers an iconic view of the Washington Monument. Parking is almost always an issue near the Lincoln Memorial, ...
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