Best of List: Top Places to See When Driving From Baltimore, Maryland to City of Ithaca, New York

Traveling is one of the best ways to experience life and create long-lasting memories. One of the most exciting and interesting travel destinations in the United States is the city of Ithaca, New York. This vibrant and eclectic city is a gem of the state of New York, located about 4 hours from Baltimore, Maryland. If you’re planning a road trip from Baltimore to Ithaca, we’ve got you covered. Here’s a list of the top places to see and things to do when driving from Baltimore, Maryland to the City of Ithaca, New York.

The Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine

Before you kick off your road trip, we recommend visiting the Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine in Baltimore, Maryland. The Fort McHenry is famous for its historical significance during the famous Battle of Baltimore in 1814, which inspired Francis Scott Key to write the United States’ National Anthem, the Star-Spangled Banner. A visit to Fort McHenry is a quintessential American experience that you should not miss.

Hershey’s Chocolate World

Once you leave Baltimore, your next stop should be Hershey’s Chocolate World in Hershey, Pennsylvania. It’s about 90 minutes from Baltimore, the perfect amount of time for a mini pit stop. There’s nothing better than a stop at one of the world’s sweetest attractions. At Hershey’s Chocolate World, you’ll see how chocolate is made, have the chance to create your own candy bar, shop for chocolate treats, and taste different varieties of chocolate. It’s definitely a sweet addition to your Baltimore to Ithaca itinerary.

Watkins Glen State Park

When you arrived in Ithaca, New York, one of the first destinations you should head to is Watkins Glen State Park. The park is about 25 minutes from Ithaca and is perfect for hiking, photography, and enjoying the great outdoors. Watkins Glen State Park is famous for its many natural gorges, waterfalls, and creeks. Hike to the top of the park and enjoy the stunning view of the surrounding area. The park is open throughout the year, but the best times to visit are spring and summer.

The Cornell Botanic Gardens

The next location on our list is the Cornell Botanic Gardens in Ithaca, New York. The gardens consist of over 4,000 species of plants on 150 acres of land that has been cultivated since 1875. The Cornell Botanic Gardens are ideal for a leisurely stroll, and you can enjoy many aspects of the different gardens, including the arboretum, wildflower garden, herb garden, and the award-winning botanical garden. You can also experience the beauty of nature up close.

Taughannock Falls State Park

Next up is the Taughannock Falls State Park which is located about 20 minutes northwest of Ithaca, New York. The park is famous for its picturesque gorges and the incredible Taughannock waterfall. The waterfall is one of the highest in the eastern United States, with a drop of over 215 feet. Taughannock Falls State Park also has many hiking trails, picnic areas and BBQs. This park gives an excellent opportunity to relax with your family and friends and enjoy nature.

The Corning Museum of Glass

If you have a keen interest in the art of glass, then The Corning Museum of Glass is the perfect place to visit. It’s about 45 minutes southwest of Ithaca, New York, so it's relatively close in comparison to other places on the list. The Corning Museum of Glass is one of the oldest museums in the country and is home to more than 50,000 glass objects. Here you will get to know about the history of glass, how it's made and the different techniques used in glass making. You'll also enjoy live glass-making demonstrations by expert glassblowers and custom-make your own glass masterpiece.

Conclusion

Baltimore to Ithaca is quite a long distance and we hope this list of must-visit places helps you plan your road trip. Do not forget to check the weather before starting your journey and always keep your safety in mind. There are endless attractions to see and places to visit on the way, but these are the top destinations that you must include in your itinerary. We guarantee that if you add these places to your to-visit list your road trip will be unforgettable.