The Best Parks in Baltimore
Photo Credit: Maryland Governor’s Office/Nps.gov

BALTIMORE — Baltimore may be an urban city, but it has plenty of parks to explore throughout it. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful stroll through nature or a place to walk your dog among peers, there are dozens of parks to visit throughout Baltimore and the surrounding towns. The BayNet has handpicked a few of the best parks in Baltimore, so prepare for adventure as we discuss the most interesting outdoor havens in Maryland’s big city.

Patterson Park

Patterson Park baltimore md
Photo Credit: NPS.gov

Patterson Park is possibly the most noteworthy park in Baltimore because of its size and huge range of amenities for guests. Throughout its more than 100 acres of land, you’ll find tennis courts, playgrounds, pavilions and even a swimming pool.

A variety of sports courts are available within Patterson Park, so you can enjoy a game of basketball or tennis with your friends. Patterson Park has plenty of walking paths, too, making it one of the best locations for hiking or jogging in Baltimore.

Address: 2601 E. Baltimore St., Baltimore, MD 21224

Federal Hill Park

Federal Hill Park baltimore md
Photo Credit: Toohool/Commons.wikimedia.org

Nestled on the southern shore of Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, Federal Hill Park is the perfect option if you’re looking for a place to explore in the heart of the city. Alongside the iconic hill itself, Federal Hill Park also features a basketball court, a playground for children and a variety of seating.

Federal Hill Park is just a short walk away from the Inner Harbor and the shops that line the nearby streets, so there’s always something exciting to see close by. Most importantly, Federal Hill Park is perfect for hikers and joggers seeking a spectacular view of Baltimore.

Address: 300 Warren Ave., Baltimore, MD 21230

Druid Hill Park

Druid Hill Park baltimore md
Photo Credit: Baltimorecity.gov

Druid Hill Park is famous for its age, as it was one of the earliest public parks in the United States to be landscaped. Built in the 1800s, this location spans hundreds of acres and is one of the most popular parks in Baltimore in the modern day, offering a plethora of amenities for visitors.

There’s no shortage of things to see between the playgrounds, sports courts, gardens and lakeside trails. Many festivals and events are held at Druid Hill Park, too, further solidifying its spot as a top Baltimore park.

Address: 900 Druid Park Lake Dr., Baltimore, MD 21217

Cylburn Arboretum

Cylburn Arboretum baltimore md
Photo Credit: Baltimorecity.gov

The Cylburn Arboretum may be for you if you enjoy vast gardens full of wondrous plants and flowers. The trails, gardens and education center all offer unique activities for your visit, while the Cylburn Mansion is truly a sight to see thanks to its distinct architecture.

There aren’t too many garden parks in Baltimore City, making Cylburn Arboretum one of the most notable options if you’re looking to stroll around a campus of beautiful plants. Plus, you can enter Cylburn Arboretum for free.

Address: 4915 Greenspring Ave., Baltimore, MD 21209

Fort McHenry

Fort McHenry baltimore md
Photo Credit: Nps.gov

Fort McHenry is one of the most historic locations in Baltimore by far due to its involvement in the War of 1812. In contemporary times, the American fort acts as a hub for visitors to learn about United States history, and it even offers a park that visitors can enter at no charge.

Alongside views of the Baltimore harbor, you’ll also see cannons and monuments set up throughout Fort McHenry to represent the location’s importance in historical events. Fort McHenry is the perfect park to visit if you want to learn about Baltimore’s history or if you live in the southern section of the city.

Address: 2400 East Fort Ave., Baltimore, MD 21230

Honorable Mentions

parks around baltimore md
Photo Credit: USDA.gov

Though the five locations listed above all offer unique amenities or sights to see, there are plenty of other parks in or around Baltimore that deserve your attention. Below is a long list of alternative nature parks around Baltimore that are worth visiting if you want to explore some new trails.

  • Sherwood Gardens — 4310 Underwood Rd., Baltimore, MD 21218
  • Clifton Park — 2801 Harford Rd., Baltimore, MD 21218
  • Leakin Park — 4921 Windsor Mill Rd., Baltimore, MD 21207
  • Carroll Park — 1500 Washington Blvd., Baltimore, MD 21230
  • St. Mary’s Park — 601 N. Paca St., Baltimore, MD 21201
  • Wyman Park Dell — 2929 N. Charles St., Baltimore, MD 21218
  • Rash Field Park — 201 Key Hwy., Baltimore, MD 21230
  • Middle Branch Park — 3301 Waterview Ave., Baltimore, MD 21230
  • Canton Waterfront Park — 3001 Boston St., Baltimore, MD 21224

Beyond Baltimore

  • Oregon Ridge Nature Center — 13555 Beaver Dam Road, Cockeysville, MD 21030
  • Loch Raven Reservoir Park — 12801 Stone Hill Rd., Phoenix, MD 21131
  • Marshy Point Nature Center — 7130 Marshy Point Rd., Middle River, MD 21220

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Michael Caruso is a passionate journalist with a focus on environmental issues and new technologies. A lifelong resident of the Southern/Central Maryland area, he currently lives in Silver Spring. Michael...

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