Points of Interest between Baltimore, Maryland to Durham, North Carolina

picture of Baltimore, Maryland

The Best Road Trip: Baltimore, MD to Durham, NC

Baltimore and Durham are two very different American cities, but with plenty to see and do, the drive between them can be just as exciting as the destinations themselves. Whether you're taking a scenic drive down the coast or cutting through the mountains, there are plenty of stops to make along the way. Here are the top places to see when driving from Baltimore, Maryland to Durham, North Carolina.

Beaches and Lighthouses

The drive from Baltimore to Durham, NC takes you right along the coast, so why not make a few stops and see some of the best beaches and lighthouses the area has to offer?

  1. Cape May Lighthouse (Cape May Point, NJ) – The Cape May Lighthouse is one of the country's oldest operating lighthouses, and it's definitely worth a stop on your road trip. Climb to the top for some amazing views of the New Jersey coast.
  2. Assateague Island National Seashore (Berlin, MD) – If you're looking for a quiet, secluded beach, Assateague Island National Seashore is the place to go. With wild ponies roaming the dunes, it's a unique and beautiful spot.
  3. Outer Banks Lighthouses (Nags Head, NC) – The Outer Banks are home to some of the country's most iconic lighthouses, including the Bodie Island Lighthouse, Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, and Ocracoke Island Lighthouse. Take a tour or just snap some photos from the beach.

Historic Cities

Both Baltimore and Durham are filled with history and culture, but there are some other great historic cities to stop in along the way.

  1. Philadelphia, PA – Philadelphia is full of historic landmarks, from the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall to the Betsy Ross House. Take a walk through the city and explore the streets where America's founding fathers once walked.
  2. Williamsburg, VA – This colonial-style city is a living history museum, with restored buildings, actors in period costumes, and plenty of opportunities to learn about life in the 18th century.

Mountains and Nature

While the coast is beautiful, don't forget about the stunning mountainous regions of Virginia and North Carolina.

  1. Skyline Drive (Shenandoah National Park, VA) – Skyline Drive is a beautiful road that winds through Shenandoah National Park, offering breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Stop at a few overlooks and take in the beauty of the surrounding forests.
  2. Linville Gorge (Linville, NC) – This rugged, remote wilderness area is perfect for hikers and outdoors enthusiasts. The Linville Gorge Wilderness is the third largest wilderness area in NC.

Conclusion

From beaches and lighthouses to historic cities and natural wonders, there's plenty to see on a road trip from Baltimore to Durham. Whether you're looking for adventure or relaxation, this drive has something for everyone. Take your time, enjoy the scenery, and make some memories along the way.