Best Things to Do on a Road Trip from Capitol Heights, MD to Parkville, MD

Capitol Heights and Parkville are located at the opposite ends of Maryland, but with a little over an hour of driving time, they offer a perfect two-day escape for anyone looking for a scenic drive and some exciting activities along the way. With plenty of unique attractions, beautiful landmarks, and delicious food spots, this trip promises to be unforgettable. One of the best things about this road trip is that it takes you through Elkridge, Maryland, which is considered the halfway point between the two locations.

Top 5 Things to Do:

1. National Aquarium in Baltimore - Baltimore, MD

Located in the heart of Baltimore, the National Aquarium is one of the most visited attractions in Maryland. With an impressive collection of more than 20,000 aquatic animals, from sharks to sea turtles and dolphins, this aquarium offers an immersive experience for all ages. Visitors can explore different habitats, such as the Amazon River Forest, the Australian wild, and the Pacific Coral Reef. Additionally, the aquarium offers several interactive experiences, including a dolphin encounter, a behind-the-scenes tour, and a 4D immersion film.

Interesting Fact: The National Aquarium is home to one of the largest living coral reef exhibits in the Western Hemisphere, spanning over 700 square feet.

2. Great Falls Park - McLean, VA

Located just outside of Washington, D.C., Great Falls Park is a beautiful natural oasis that shouldn't be missed. The park offers stunning views of the Potomac River, with its cascading waterfalls and rugged terrain. Visitors can hike, take a scenic drive, go kayaking or canoeing, or simply picnic in one of the many scenic viewpoints. The park is open year-round, and it's especially beautiful in the fall, when the foliage turns into vibrant colors.

Interesting Fact: The Great Falls Park is part of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park, a 184.5-mile-long recreational park that follows the path of the former canal that connected Georgetown to Cumberland, MD.

3. Antietam National Battlefield - Sharpsburg, MD

For history buffs, the Antietam National Battlefield offers a unique opportunity to explore one of the most important battles of the Civil War, which took place on September 17, 1862. Visitors can follow a self-guided tour or join a ranger-led tour, to learn more about the battle and its impact on the war. The park features several monuments, including the Maryland State Monument, and it's surrounded by beautiful countryside, with rolling hills and pastoral landscapes.

Interesting Fact: The Battle of Antietam was the bloodiest single day in American history, with over 22,700 casualties in just 12 hours of fighting.

4. Annapolis - Annapolis, MD

As the capital of Maryland, Annapolis is a charming historic town that's worth a stopover. The city boasts an impressive collection of colonial architecture, including the Maryland State House, the oldest state capitol still in use. Visitors can explore the narrow streets of the historic district, lined with boutiques, restaurants, and art galleries, or take a stroll along the City Dock, where sailboats and yachts dock. Annapolis is also home to the United States Naval Academy, which offers guided tours of its campus.

Interesting Fact: Annapolis was the temporary capital of the United States in 1783, when the Treaty of Paris was signed, ending the American Revolutionary War.

5. Ladew Topiary Gardens - Monkton, MD

Located in the rolling hills of Baltimore County, the Ladew Topiary Gardens is a whimsical, one-of-a-kind attraction that features over 15 acres of gardens, topiaries, and fountains. Visitors can wander through the rose garden, meet the resident butterfly population in the Butterfly House, or explore the sculpture garden, filled with unique and quirky works of art. The centerpiece of the gardens is the Great Bowl, a natural amphitheater that's often used for outdoor concerts and performances.

Interesting Fact: The Ladew Topiary Gardens were owned by Harvey S. Ladew, a successful businessman and foxhunting enthusiast who created the gardens from scratch in the 1930s.

Conclusion

This road trip from Capitol Heights to Parkville offers a perfect mix of nature, history, and culture. From the stunning views of the Potomac River at Great Falls Park to the quirky sculptures at Ladew Topiary Gardens, each location offers something unique and memorable. With Elkridge serving as a natural stopping point halfway through the trip, tourists can break up the long journey and explore something new. Overall, this road trip can be completed in two days, taking into consideration and spending sufficient time at each of the five locations mentioned above.