Living in Queen Anne’s County puts you in a good spot to explore the Mid-Atlantic region. You can reach cities, coastal towns, and countryside escapes without spending too much time on the road. The surrounding area is filled with places that work well for short getaways where you can change your routine, enjoy different scenery, and try something new.
Each destination is close enough for a weekend but offers enough to keep you engaged without rushing. The focus here is on experiences that can be easily reached by car and give you something different than what you find at home. These weekend trips from Queen Anne’s County are practical, rewarding, and worth revisiting.
Annapolis and the Chesapeake Bay Area (30 miles)
Annapolis is less than an hour away and offers historic streets, waterfront dining, and easy access to the Chesapeake Bay. You can walk along the harbor, take a boat tour, or visit the United States Naval Academy grounds. The downtown area includes shops, galleries, and restaurants serving seafood and regional dishes.
Nearby spots like Eastport and Quiet Waters Park add to the weekend options. These areas are quieter but still close to the main downtown stretch. Annapolis works well for a relaxed weekend with time on the water, and it’s close enough that the travel time doesn’t interfere with the overall experience.
Nearby spots like Eastport and Quiet Waters Park add to the weekend options. These areas are quieter but still close to the main downtown stretch. Annapolis works well for a relaxed weekend with time on the water, and it’s close enough that the travel time doesn’t interfere with the overall experience.
St. Michaels, Oxford, and Cambridge (40 miles)
St. Michaels, Oxford, and Cambridge are small towns across the Chesapeake Bay. Each offers marinas, bed and breakfasts, and quiet main streets with local restaurants and shops. St. Michaels is the most visited, with highlights like the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum and access to waterfront dining.
Oxford is smaller and more residential but has a few good places to eat and walk. Cambridge has a growing downtown area with newer restaurants and art spaces. These towns are less than two hours from Queen Anne’s County, making them suitable for low-key weekends focused on rest, walking, and scenic views.
Oxford is smaller and more residential but has a few good places to eat and walk. Cambridge has a growing downtown area with newer restaurants and art spaces. These towns are less than two hours from Queen Anne’s County, making them suitable for low-key weekends focused on rest, walking, and scenic views.
Baltimore and the Inner Harbor (50 miles)
Baltimore is another easy trip that offers a mix of waterfront attractions, historic areas, and unique neighborhoods. The Inner Harbor has the National Aquarium, the Maryland Science Center, and harbor cruises. You can also walk or bike along the waterfront path that connects several nearby neighborhoods.
Other areas worth visiting include Fells Point, Hampden, and Mount Vernon. Each has its own identity and list of local businesses. Baltimore's food scene includes crab houses, small cafes, and newer restaurants with regional ingredients. It’s a convenient weekend option if you’re looking for food, history, and city access.
Other areas worth visiting include Fells Point, Hampden, and Mount Vernon. Each has its own identity and list of local businesses. Baltimore's food scene includes crab houses, small cafes, and newer restaurants with regional ingredients. It’s a convenient weekend option if you’re looking for food, history, and city access.
Washington, D.C. (55 miles)
Washington, D.C., is about 75 minutes away and offers museums, monuments, and public spaces that are easy to explore on foot or by bike. The National Mall includes access to the Smithsonian museums, the Capitol, and well-known memorials. You can also visit neighborhoods like Georgetown, Dupont Circle, and The Wharf for dining and shopping.
Outside the main tourist areas, D.C. has restaurants with food from around the world and a growing arts scene. You can spend a weekend focusing on cultural experiences, public exhibits, or live performances. The city’s layout and public transit make it easy to plan a visit that fits your pace.
Outside the main tourist areas, D.C. has restaurants with food from around the world and a growing arts scene. You can spend a weekend focusing on cultural experiences, public exhibits, or live performances. The city’s layout and public transit make it easy to plan a visit that fits your pace.
Rehoboth Beach and Lewes (70 miles)
Rehoboth Beach and Lewes are coastal towns in Delaware that are just under two hours away. Rehoboth offers a boardwalk, public beach access, and a compact downtown with restaurants, coffee shops, and small stores. The beach is clean and accessible, and nearby state parks add hiking and biking options.
Lewes is smaller but has historic buildings, a slower pace, and ferry access to Cape May. Depending on your plans, you can visit both towns on the same weekend or focus on one. During the off-season, the area stays quiet while offering most services and open trails.
Lewes is smaller but has historic buildings, a slower pace, and ferry access to Cape May. Depending on your plans, you can visit both towns on the same weekend or focus on one. During the off-season, the area stays quiet while offering most services and open trails.
Assateague Island and Ocean City (90 miles)
Assateague Island and Ocean City can be reached in about two and a half hours. Assateague is known for its natural beaches, dunes, and wild horses. It’s managed by the National Park Service and includes hiking trails, camping areas, and places to kayak or paddleboard.
Ocean City is nearby and offers a different experience with a boardwalk, restaurants, and nightlife. Many people combine the two locations over a weekend. Assateague provides quiet nature access, while Ocean City adds options for shopping, food, and activities on the water.
Ocean City is nearby and offers a different experience with a boardwalk, restaurants, and nightlife. Many people combine the two locations over a weekend. Assateague provides quiet nature access, while Ocean City adds options for shopping, food, and activities on the water.
Philadelphia (100 miles)
Philadelphia is about two hours away by car and includes museums, historic landmarks, and well-known food stops. You can visit Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, and the Museum of Art on one trip. The city also has walkable districts like Old City and Rittenhouse Square.
Public transportation and parking options make it simple to get around once you arrive. The Reading Terminal Market, South Street, and Penn’s Landing offer different takes on the local culture. Philadelphia is one of the best weekend trips from Queen Anne’s County if you want history and modern city life in one destination.
Public transportation and parking options make it simple to get around once you arrive. The Reading Terminal Market, South Street, and Penn’s Landing offer different takes on the local culture. Philadelphia is one of the best weekend trips from Queen Anne’s County if you want history and modern city life in one destination.
Harpers Ferry and Shepherdstown (115 miles)
Harpers Ferry sits at the intersection of Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia and includes a historic town, national park areas, and access to the Appalachian Trail. It’s about two hours from Queen Anne’s County and offers walking trails, river access, and guided history tours.
Shepherdstown is nearby and includes a small downtown with restaurants, shops, and a campus atmosphere due to Shepherd University. Both towns provide an easy way to spend time outdoors while visiting walkable areas with food and local businesses. They work well for weekends focused on nature and quiet scenery.
Shepherdstown is nearby and includes a small downtown with restaurants, shops, and a campus atmosphere due to Shepherd University. Both towns provide an easy way to spend time outdoors while visiting walkable areas with food and local businesses. They work well for weekends focused on nature and quiet scenery.
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