Baltimore-Washington National Parkway

Baltimore-Washington National Parkway
Image credit: picture by Ken Lund licenced under Attribution-ShareAlike License.

The Baltimore-Washington National Parkway is a scenic highway located in Maryland, connecting Baltimore and Washington, D.C. Spanning approximately 41 miles, this parkway offers a picturesque route for commuters and tourists alike.

This parkway holds significant historical value as it was the first road in the United States to be designated as a National Scenic Byway. It was originally developed in the 1940s as a part of the "Parks, Parkways, and Memorials Program" initiated by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. The parkway aimed to preserve the natural beauty of the area and provide a convenient transportation link between two major cities.

Driving along the Baltimore-Washington National Parkway, visitors can experience the stunning beauty of the region's natural landscapes. The road is flanked by dense forests, offering a refreshing break from the cityscape. Numerous recreational areas like picnic spots, hiking trails, and biking paths are scattered throughout the parkway, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in nature.

One of the highlights of this parkway is the George Washington Memorial Parkway, a section dedicated to honoring the first President of the United States. The parkway encompasses several attractions, including the historic site of Mount Vernon, George Washington's plantation home. Visitors can explore the elegant mansion, stroll through the lush gardens, and learn about the life and legacy of George Washington.

On the north side of the parkway lies the historic city of Baltimore, renowned for its vibrant culture and rich history. Visitors can explore attractions such as the Inner Harbor, a bustling waterfront area featuring shopping, dining, and entertainment options. The Baltimore Museum of Art, the National Aquarium, and the Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine, which inspired the writing of the "Star-Spangled Banner," are other notable attractions nearby.

On the south side of the parkway lies the capital city of Washington, D.C., brimming with iconic landmarks and national treasures. Visitors can explore the National Mall, where they can find renowned sites such as the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument, and the United States Capitol. The Smithsonian museums, including the National Air and Space Museum and the National Museum of American History, offer incredible exhibits for history and culture enthusiasts.

Overall, the Baltimore-Washington National Parkway in Maryland provides a scenic and historically significant route for travelers, offering opportunities to connect with nature and explore nearby attractions in Baltimore and Washington, D.C.

Location

The Baltimore-Washington National Parkway is a scenic roadway located in the state of Maryland, USA. Spanning across the two major metropolitan areas of Baltimore and Washington, DC, the parkway stretches approximately 40 miles in length. It winds its way through lush landscapes, connecting the bustling cities while providing a harmonious escape to nature. Traversing the picturesque region, the parkway meanders along the banks of the Patapsco and Anacostia rivers, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding hills, forests, and waterfronts. With its strategic placement, the Baltimore-Washington National Parkway not only allows for convenient travel between the two urban centers but also provides a connection to nearby historical sites, national parks, and natural wonders.

Address & Contact

Baltimore Washington Parkway
Greenbelt, MD 20770
Driving Directions
Phone: 771-208-1453
Web: Link

Weather & Seasonality

The best time to visit the Baltimore–Washington National Parkway would be during the months of May, June, and September. During these months, the average maximum temperatures range from 76°F to 87°F, providing pleasant weather for outdoor activities. Additionally, the average precipitation during these months ranges from 3.8 to 4.7 inches, which is relatively moderate. It is advisable to avoid the winter months, particularly January and February, due to lower temperatures and higher chances of precipitation.

Things to do and learn in Baltimore-Washington National Parkway

Activities

Some of the activities you can do in Baltimore-Washington National Parkway are: Auto and ATV Scenic Driving

Topics

Learn about these topics at Baltimore-Washington National Parkway: Transportation Roads, Routes and Highways

Amenities

Visitor Centers

Fairbanks Alaska Public Lands Information Center

Explore world-class exhibits, watch a free informative movie, and receive assistance on your trip planning needs while at the Alaska Public Lands Information Center, located inside of the Morris Thompson Cultural & Visitors Center in Fairbanks, Alaska.

Passport Stamp locations

The following locations have passport stamps for your "Passport to Your National Parks" booklet: Fairbanks Alaska Public Lands Information Center.

Campsites within or near Baltimore-Washington National Parkway

This park doesn't have any campsites within its boundaries (or we haven't found them yet)).

Hotels within or near Baltimore-Washington National Parkway

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Holiday Inn Express Baltimore At The Stadiums, an IHG Hotel

With a stay at Holiday Inn Express Baltimore At The Stadiums, an IHG Hotel in Baltimore (Downtown Baltimore), you'll be steps from Horseshoe Casino Baltimore and 9 minutes by foot from M&T Bank Stadium. Featured amenities include a 24-hour business center, express check-in, and express check-out. Planning an event in Baltimore? This hotel has facilities measuring 800 square feet (74 square meters), including conference space. Self parking (subject to charges) is available onsite.
Address: 1701 Russell St, Baltimore, Maryland 21230
Web: Link

Upscale Home W/rooftopdeck&parking Near Stadiums

A stay at this vacation home places you in the heart of Baltimore, within a 10-minute walk of M&T Bank Stadium and University of Maryland, Baltimore. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 820 Washington Boulevard, Baltimore, Maryland 21230
Web: Link

Walk to Harbor&conv Center From Stunning Loft Apt

A stay at Walk to Harbor&conv Center From Stunning Loft Apt places you in the heart of Baltimore, within a 15-minute walk of Maryland Science Center and M&T Bank Stadium. Self parking (subject to charges) is available onsite.
Address: 1137 South Charles Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21230
Web: Link

Luxury Home Steps From Convcenter&stadiums&harbor

A stay at this vacation home places you in the heart of Baltimore, within a 15-minute walk of Maryland Science Center and M&T Bank Stadium. Featured amenities include laundry facilities, microwave in a common area, and refrigerator in a common area. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 1144 South Hanover St., Baltimore, Maryland 21230
Web: Link

Double Loft Apartment in Prestigious Federal Hill

A stay at this vacation home places you in the heart of Baltimore, within a 15-minute walk of Maryland Science Center and M&T Bank Stadium. Self parking (subject to charges) is available onsite.
Address: 1137 South Charles Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21230
Web: Link

Lovely Home Next to Stadiums With Roofdeck&parking

A stay at this vacation home places you in the heart of Baltimore, within a 10-minute walk of M&T Bank Stadium and University of Maryland, Baltimore. Featured amenities include microwave in a common area and refrigerator in a common area. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 776 West Hamburg Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21230
Web: Link

Charming Home Near Harbor&stadiums W/2carparking

Located in Baltimore, this vacation home is within a 15-minute walk of Baltimore Museum of Industry and Maryland Science Center.
Address: 18 E. Randall St., Baltimore, Maryland 21230
Web: Link

Stunning 3bd/2.5ba Loft Near Conv Center&harbor

A stay at Stunning 3bd/2.5ba Loft Near Conv Center&harbor places you in the heart of Baltimore, within a 5-minute drive of Baltimore Museum of Industry and Maryland Science Center.
Address: 1500 S. Hanover St., Baltimore, Maryland 21230
Web: Link

Charming Home Steps to Convcenter&harbr W/parking

Located in Baltimore (Federal Hill), this vacation home is within a 15-minute walk of Maryland Science Center and M&T Bank Stadium. Self parking (subject to charges) is available onsite.
Address: 1113 South Hanover Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21230
Web: Link

Historic Home Near Convention Center, Stadiums, & Harbor

A stay at this vacation home places you in the heart of Baltimore, within a 10-minute walk of M&T Bank Stadium and University of Maryland, Baltimore. Self parking (subject to charges) is available onsite.
Address: 10 Poultney Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21230
Web: Link

News and Alerts

Date issued Details
2024-01-25$5.6 million invested from Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to repair bridges and roads at national parks in eastern D.C. and Maryland
The National Park Service (NPS) will invest more than $5.6 million from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for deferred and preventative maintenance on 20 bridges along the Baltimore-Washington and Suitland parkways, and more than 25 other places to improve roads and parking lots at national parks in eastern Washington, D.C., and Maryland. These include repairs in Anacostia Park, Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens, Oxon Hill Farm and Piscataway Park. More